SCRAP ADHESIVE

The scrap adhesive you use for your layouts very much depends on the type of embellisment or paper stock you're using. Needless to say, all scrap adhesive should be acid and lignin-free. Here is a list of adhesives that are worth buying, (not necessarily all at once!), and some tips on what materials they work best on:


GLUE STICKS

These are safe for your photos, and when you apply them they leave the paper surfaces sticky - so you can slide your photos into their exact position if you don't place them accurately to begin with.


GLUE PENS

These should not be used on photos, but are fine for paper and cardstock. They are particularly useful for sticking small paper or card embellishments on to your layout, as the pen's nib is much easier to use than the fat 'business end' of a gluestick.


GLUE DOTS

These aren't what you see when you close your eyes after too much glueing. They are a large number of sticky 'blobs' on a roll that adhere instantly and are great for any 3D embellishments such as buttons, wire, cord etc.


3D FOAM GLUE PADS

These are excellent if you want to create 3D or 'relief' effects with your embellishments. Like the glue dots, these are often available on a roll.



TAPE RUNNERS

I struggled with these to begin with - if the tape snaps it's 'game over'! But now I'm a little more careful, these are great time savers, perfect for your photos and all but the 'chunkiest' or embellishments.


PVA GLUE

A safe, wet glue which I'd suggest is more for paper than cardstock. It might be worth diluting if that makes it easier to apply.


'XYRON' MACHINE

If you're really serious, then the Xyron (small portable version - the '150') puts a uniform adhesive coating on to your embellishments. It includes 6 metres of permanent adhesive and comes with an ideas booklet.


MORE STICKABILITY

You could have a look at double-sided tape, photo tabs and dimensional glaze as well. I've not used these items myself yet so I haven't commented, but whatever creative embellishment idea you can dream up, there will be a scrap adhesive that will do the trick!

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