Monday, October 18, 2010

Joy's Top 6 Adhesives for Scrapbooking and Cardmaking!

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is about adhesive.

It's so upsetting when projects start to fall apart and that can happen if you don't use the right adhesive.  Been there, done that!

After a lot of experimentation, I have come up with a list of my top SIX favorite adhesives for cardmaking and scrapbooking, along with links to purchase. This way, you know where to find everything!

1) Scotch ATG Adhesive Gun - Model 714
  This cute pink adhesive gun is an absolute MUST HAVE tool!  Yes, it's large but you won't lose it on your craft room table.  Each roll of double sided tape holds 36 yards (versus the typical 36 feet you normally get in adhesive).  This adhesive really sticks so be careful lining up your projects.  You can buy tape that is repositionable, acid free, regular (non-acid free), etc.  I like this size of adhesive (1/4") as it can also go on the back of ribbon to stick it down because it's not too wide.  Very quickly, you will recoup the money you spent for the adhesive gun itself.  I can't recommend this enough for all your general papercrafting projects.



Wondering where to get refills for this fabulous tool?  Look no further.
  These refills are on sale at Scrapbook.com for $6.19 for TWO rolls - great pricing!!  Click HERE to get these!


2) Scotch Quick Dry Tacky Glue
  I absolutely LOVE this glue.  I use it all the time to piece my Cricut layers together.  It works well with all kinds of papers - including glitter paper!  I have 3 bottles of it on my desk right now (God forbid I run out!).  It is much more cost effective than running things through the Xyron - though that has it's place (see below).



3) Xyron "X" Sticker Maker
  This little guy is great for those teeny tiny pieces that the Cricut sometimes cuts out for you to layer. Little eyeballs, the dot of the "i", skinny letters, etc. all are much more manageable once you run them through this little machine.  It actually creates a sticker out of those items (i.e. puts sticky on one side of the piece).  A fairly inexpensive tool that packs a punch.




4) Glue Dots
  Need to stick a button on a bow?  How about a glue dot?  Need to layer flowers and don't want to use a brad - glue dots are your answer.  What about sticking buttons to the fronts of cards? Glue Dots. Want to make a ribbon ruffle?  Glue dots are key to doing that.  So many uses for glue dots - you've got to have a roll handy!  They come in different sizes and different thicknesses.  Frankly, they solve so many gluing problems it's hard to live without them!



5) Pop Dots
How about some adhesive to make your projects pop up?  Adding some dimension to your focal point of your card or layout gives you project pizazz (when was the last time you heard that word???)!  But seriously, folks, it really takes a project from plain to "WOW!".  I show some 3-D pop dots below for example and a link to buy them but you can also find them at the regular big box stores like Michaels, Joanns, etc.

Click HERE to buy the pop dots - on sale now for less than $2!

6) Scor-Tape
  Need to make some cute party boxes or bags?  Scor-Tape is the answer!  Those bags and boxes require a little more hardiness than the Scotch ATG can deliver.  Scor-Tape is super strong and super sticky. Not only that, it can be torn, thereby making it lots easier to use. I highly recommend this for those 3-D projects!



What are your favorite adhesives?  Let me know in the comments below.  I would love to hear!

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56 comments:

  1. my glue glider pro used to be number 1 till I fianlly got the Scotch ATG,it is now #1, the refills are cheaper and goes alot longer I just love it.I have the pink one. the score tape is my second favorite.

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  2. thanks joy I already use most of those. I just tried the scotch glue last night becuase I have seen somepeople use it, and I must say it worked great !!
    scrappinwithmybug

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  3. I have 5 out of the 6 adhesives you mentioned. I guess great minds think alike! Thanks!

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  4. I basically use all of the ones you listed except I have not used Scor-Tape yet. And, as a note, my Michaels is now carrying ATG refills. I think it's about $6 for two which is great and you can use your weekly coupon. If I am just running past there, I will stop just to get it with my coupon. :)

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  5. I started using the Scotch glue a few months ago when I saw you using it in a video. I absolutely love it!!!!

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  6. I use four of the ones you recommend but have not used the Scotch Qk Dry nor the Scor Tape. My new favorite is Zip Dry. I was going to use that for my folded ornaments but might look for the Scor Tape instead.
    Diana Ballard
    Jonesboro, Ga

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  7. Thank you, that was very helpful!

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  8. If I were to publish my list of adhesives on my blog, I would have the EXACT same list! I would however buy my refill ATG tape from The Tape Depot. They are cheaper, especially if you "stock-up"
    Thanks for sharing
    Susan

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  9. Thanks for the tips! You actually answered a question I've had trouble finding in my web browsing. Have always been intrigued by the ATG gun but couldn't confirm that there was acid-free/lignin-free tape refills for it. Since I'm more of a scrapbooker than card maker, it's important to keep my photos safe with acid/lignin-free products. Now that I know they are available, that will be my next purchase. Thanks again!

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  10. Thanks for the info. I'm going to try these. I've been extremely disappointed in some that I've used. For example, I've seen several people suggest glue sticks. But I've had things fall off and been very disappointed. Before I got the X machine, I've used spray adhesive for some tiny parts and it worked well

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  11. Thanks for the info, will try some of your suggestions! Have a great day!

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  12. I have used all of the adhesives except for the Scotch QD. I'll have to try that one, too. I love the Scor-tape -- couldn't do without that one. Thanks for the info.
    Kathryn

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  13. I too love my ATG gun. Was totally intimidated by the size when I got it. It didn't take long to get used to at all.
    I also tried the Scotch Quick Dry Adhesive on your recommendation and love it.
    I also can't live without my Zig 2way Glue pens. The give you a little more time to adjust things when placing small items.
    TFS,
    Cindy

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  14. THe only adhesive I have not used is the Scotch Quick Dry cause I haven't found it locally.
    What are your tips for the Xyron X when you get that bit of extra adhesive? I rub the tape before removing but still sometimes have some residue.

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  15. That is so funny that you said you have 3 bottles of Scotch quick dry glue on your desk, I do also :) Love, love, love that glue along with my ATG gun.

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  16. Teresa - do you mean those "glue boogers"? That's what I call them..hee hee! EK Success makes a little tool that helps get rid of them. I will see if I can find it and link it here. Hang on...

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  17. I use the Xyron sticker maker alot, and have never tried the scotch quick dry glue, now I am going to go out and buy it, good to know it works on glitter paper. I just got my ATG yesterday at Michael's and excited to use it. I use the Zig 2 way glue alot also.

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  18. I read somewhere to make your own glue dots to use Aleene's Tack it Over and Over glue. So I tried it. I will never have to buy another box of glue dots. I take sticker paper or the left over paper from my old glue dots and drop Aleene's on it in whatever size I need. I let it dry overnight and voila I have glue dots. The bottle can be bought at Michaels (of course with a coupon) and is so much cheaper than buying box after box of glue dots.

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  19. I have 5 out of the 6 you mentioned I have not tried the skor-tape I also like the Zig 2 way glue pen for small areas

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  20. I love my ATG Gun. It took me forever to get on. I don't know what I was waiting for. I got the new Pink one and love it.

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  21. I recently bought a pink ATG gun and I love it!!! I use my Xyron X all of the time.

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  22. Thanks Joy for all the good information! I really appreciate all the good suggestions! I so need a pink ATG gun!

    PS Thanks for taking the time to comment on my blog. It was so appreciated!

    Linda
    PaperBoutique

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  23. I have used and like all of those mentioned except for the ATG gun and th Scotch quick dry tacky Glue. I just think the ATG gun would be hard to use but I will definitely try the Scotch qucik dry tacky Glue.

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  24. I use all the adhesives you listed Joy(my absolute favorite is the Scor-tape which comes in different widths...love it!!!) and I'd add Zip Dry Paper Glue to the list...which I use it for my mini books. TFS
    ~Terry~

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  25. I use all those same glues however with the atg, is there really a difference between the acid free, etc. and the general purpose tape besides the price. Michael's has the general purpose tape for 5.99 and the acid free for 9.99. Just kind of wondering if I should only use the acid free in the scrapbook.

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  26. I have all the above best ever my favorite is score tape.

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  27. Thanks for your list. I feel good cause those are the ones that I use the most. I really love all of them. Like using the different size glue dots also.

    thanks
    bobbi

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  28. Thanks so much! Great information! I really appreciate you sharing.

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  29. Thanks for sharing we are almost in total agreement! Love it!!

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  30. Same as yours! I also couldn't live without my Zig pen.

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  31. Joy,
    Great to know info. I use a few of these also. But I prefer zip dry over the scotch brand. For small intricate things thou I like the zig glue pens. They are less messy and can be used on small narrow pieces. I would not be without my ATG gun, glue dots, score tape or dimensionals.
    Marcie

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  32. I use 4 of the 6 I have never tried that Scotch quick dry but I do have the Scotch Scrapbookers 2 way glue, and I have never tried the Scor either, but will def. try! I also use Zig 2 way and I too have the glue glide pro but bought the Pink ATG and LOVE IT!

    ~Dawn

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  33. Atg, Dry Bond Sheets, Xyron 2.5, Zig 2way Squeeze & Roll and Pop Dots.

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  34. I'm hoping to get an ATG for Christmas. I also love my Book Binding glue from Club Scrap. TFS!

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  35. Thank you for the information. I am new to crafting and I needed some suggestions ..

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  36. I love Stampin' Up Sticky tape for 3d projects (boxes etc).

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  37. WOW, Joy....thanks for all of your adhesive ideas. :) I have most of them, but now I need to make a list for some of YOUR must-haves! :)

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  38. I am happy to report that I agree with you on all of your adhesives. I would just add one and that is bottle of quilling glue. It has a fine tip. It is so fine that you use a small pin as a closure. It is great for tiny little things and dries very quickly and clear. There is a small quilling store in Nixa, MO that sells it and luckily for me my sister lives in Springfield, MO so it is just a hop skip and jump away and I save shipping. Great glue!

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  39. I have just one of these. The Xyron sticker maker. I just recently priced the ATG gun. When I first saw it I thought "how obnoxiously big" but after seeing it in use. I see the advanctage. Thanks for the recommendations.

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  40. My favorites have been the Xyron 500 and 900, but for some reason I don't care for the X. I like the Glide Pro and just bought the pink ATG. I use GlueDots for all the reasons you mentioned. I also like the Zig glue pens. I like the Terrifically Tacky tape to close envelope flaps.

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  41. Glad to hear from a pro as when you go to Michaels or JoAnn's you are pretty much on our own so the investment might be there but in the long run we will all probably be much happier. At least at Michaels you can use the coupon for the original "gun." TFS all this important info.
    MSTGANE
    Ann

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  42. I like all your choices, Two that I feel needed to be added to the list are
    Tombow Mono Dots Adhesive Dispenser - Permanent, 49 ft
    I have found Scrapbook Pal to have the best price.

    2nd Martha Stewart Glues Pen Ballpoint Tip 7gm
    works great for small die cuts and die cut alphabets

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  43. Thanks for sharing. I have the ATG on my christmas list.

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  44. The only adhesive you mentioned that I haven't used is the score tape since I haven't seen it in stores yet. And I have both the red AND pink ATGs, one for regular tape and the other for acid-free tape (that's my excuse for having both and I'm sticking with it).
    Gloria

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  45. i have the pink atg, love it, i've been wanting to try the scotch one. i also like the red tape (terrifically tacky) i think it is really called.
    thnx for sharing

    lynda in calif

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  46. Thanks for the information. I am constantly on a quest to find the perfect adhesive for various projects!

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  47. I just got the pink ATG a couple of weeks ago...Love it. I would like to add another Scotch product to the list.
    Scotch Clear Glue with 2 way applicator. Awesome liquid glue.

    Kemberley
    phonetecgirl@msn.com

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  48. So, is the Scotch quick dry glue comparable to the Zig pen? I use that, but am always looking to try alternatives.

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  49. I love them all and have all except for scor tape. must get some.

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  50. I have been waiting to by the ATG and I think with my next Michael's discount card I may be able to do just that. Previously, they hadn't stocked them in my local store. The rest of the adhesives you listed, I have used with the exception of the PopDots. I have used a different brand. Has anybody found a huge difference in their dimensional stickers hold-ability?

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  51. I use most of the glue on your list, too. I have never tried the Scotch QD Adhesive, though. Will definately try it after reading the other comments. Thanks for the info!

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  52. Thanks for your list... I see great minds think alike LOL!! I go nowhere without my ATG and pop dots:o)

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  53. Thank you for this post. I commented yesterday on another post asking for this info and then today I see this... I should check here daily!!! Anyway, thanks so much for such valuable info.

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  54. Ii simply love the Beacon's 3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue. It is acid free, waterproof, and won't seep through the paper, and it has holds really well.

    I just purchased the Pink Scotch ATG gun at Joann's. It was on sale for only $17.99. It's regular price is $29.99. I am having a little problem with it. The adhesive doesn't always come out smoothly. Does anyone know why that might be happening. I do like that it holds well.

    Thanks for such a wonderful website!

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  55. Definitely all these adhesives are mostly used for all kind of craft works. In these adhesive which one is suitable for fabric.

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