I am an adhesive junkie….my addiction runs deep. I personally have complete drawers dedicated to various decorative tape and adhesives. One of my favorite sites This to That gives me the lo down on what type of adhesive I will need to stick whatever it is to whatever I want. I know, it hasn’t been updated in forever but, there is still a lot of wonderful information for the DIY crafter types, like myself, and is worth the visit.
Scrapbooking has evolved over the years and the things we are sticking to our pages are not only dimensional but, aren’t always the easiest materials to work with. Clear Acrylic, PVC plastic, metal whozits and fuzzy foam whatzits are not your standard gluestick type fare; you will need something a bit more, shall we say, aggressive to get them stuck to your project.
Much of my personal artwork involves more collage oriented elements so, I tend to stick this to that using gel mediums like the ones from Golden. However, when I am working on cards or simple lay-outs, I tend to reach for my ATG 714 gun or something similar to streamline my projects and get them done quicker (I HATE HATE HATE waiting for glue to dry). For some time now I have been on the prowl for a non-toxic alternative to the glass, metal, and ceramic adhesives I use that could be used by the kids I teach. This is important so listen up…. just because something is designed for crafting and crafting seems harmless enough, we have to pay attention to the little writing there on the packaging folks- they put it there for a reason. There are some glues out there that work like a champ but, are totally toxic and should not be used by children.
At any rate, I got an interesting box in the mail today and well, I think I am smitten. Streuter Technologies has come up with a film that is heat activated, repositionable, works on all sorts of untraditional surfaces and comes in clear, black and silver (still giddy about all the cool things that silver can be used on….) I played around with it today in my studio and well, I think it is oh so very promising. The one thing that stuck out to me (pun totally intended) was that it can be used for things I would have used a hot glue gun for yet, no funky strings everywhere and no burned fingers. I am anxious to hear what others think.
I’m with you. I don’t call it impatient; I call it passionately anxious. My laminator automatically applies the instant-dry adhesive, and that takes the edge off a little.
Cali