If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years of making handmade cards, it’s that not all adhesives are created equal!
You can have the prettiest patterned paper, the perfect die cuts, and a beautifully stamped image, but if your adhesive doesn’t do its job, all that hard work can literally fall apart!
Over the years, I’ve tried my fair share of glues, tapes, and adhesive pens. Some have been winners, and others…well, let’s just say they didn’t make the cut!
Today, I’m sharing my four favorite adhesives that I reach for over and over again in my craft room. Each has its own job, and I wouldn’t want to craft without them!
- Zip Dry Paper Glue-My Heavy-Duty Favorite – When I’m putting together boxes, dimensional projects, or cards made with thicker cardstock, Zip Dry Paper Glue is my go to! I love making projects that go beyond a traditional greeting card, and sometimes those projects need a little extra holding power. I use this glue specifically to put my treat boxes together.
Zip Dry is great for:
* Assembling handmade gift boxes
* Putting together thick or layered cards
* Constructing dimensional paper projects
* Projects that need a strong, reliable bond
One of my favorite things about Zip Dry is that it gives me a little time to adjust my paper before everything sets. Because we all know that no matter how carefully we line something up, sometimes it still ends up crooked! - Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue – For All Those Teeny Tiny Pieces – If you love intricate die cuts as much as I do, you know the struggle of trying to glue down those ridiculously tiny pieces!
That’s where Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue comes in.
The precision tip makes it so much easier to apply glue exactly where I need it without making a giant mess.
I use it for:
* Tiny die-cut pieces
* Intricate floral designs
* Small embellishments
* Delicate paper details
I love adding dimension and detail to my handmade cards, and this glue makes those little finishing touches so much easier.
Because let’s face it, sometimes the tiniest pieces take the most patience!
One little piece of advice: Whatever you do, don’t lose that tiny pin that keeps the glue from drying out! You would think something so important would be easier to keep track of, but apparently, mine likes to play hide-and-seek. I’m constantly searching my craft table for it! You’d think by now I’d have learned to put it in the same place every time, but where’s the fun in that? - Tombow MONO Permanent Adhesive – My Everyday Tape Runner – Sometimes you just need something quick, easy, and mess-free!
My Tombow Mono Permanent Adhesive Tape Runner is one of those supplies that is almost always sitting right next to me when I’m crafting.
It’s perfect for:
* Attaching cardstock layers
* Adhering patterned paper
* Adding card fronts to card bases
* Everyday cardmaking
I love that I don’t have to wait for glue to dry. Just roll, stick, and move on to the next step! However, I’ve noticed that over time, the adhesive doesn’t always hold as well as I’d like. Sometimes the edges of my cardstock start to lift.
That’s why I like to add a thin line of Beacon Zip Dry glue around the edges of my card layers for a little extra staying power. The Tombow holds everything in place immediately, while the Zip Dry gives me that extra security for the long haul.
After all, I want my handmade cards to stay together long after they’ve left my craft room! - Zig 2-Way Glue Pens- Small but Mighty! – Last, but definitely not least.
These little pens are so handy especially when I need more control over where my adhesive goes. I use this adhesive specifically when I put eyes on my Jack-O-Lantern treat boxes.
What makes them unique is that they can be used two different ways.
* Permanent bond: Attach your pieces while the glue is still blue and wet.
* Temporary bond: Allow the glue to dry clear before attaching for a repositionable bond.
I especially love them for small paper pieces and projects where I want precise adhesive placement. They’re one of those little tools that don’t take up much space but can make a big difference!
Do You Really Need Four Different Adhesives?
Well, need might be a strong word. But if you’re a crafter, you already know how that conversation goes!
Each of these adhesives serves a different purpose in my craft room. Could I get by with just one? Probably. Would I want to? Absolutely not!
My Final Thoughts
When it comes to cardmaking, having the right adhesive really does make a difference. There’s nothing worse than spending time creating a beautiful handmade card only to discover that something is lifting, peeling, or falling off.
These four adhesives have earned their place in my craft room because they each make my projects a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.
Whether you’re just getting started with cardmaking or you’ve been crafting for years, I hope this helps you find the right adhesive for the next project.
Now I’m Curious! What’s your favorite adhesive? Are you a liquid glue person, a tape runner lover, or do you have a whole collection like me?
Leave me a comment! I always love hearing what other crafters are using.
Happy Crafting!
Jessica
Jessie D’s Creative Studio
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