Essential Products #4: Adhesives

Let’s dive in today with a huge essential product: Adhesives.  I’ve come to find that everyone has their favorites and particular uses for different products.  I am no different.  The pictures below show my collections of various adhesives.  And I have to say that I use every single one.

Product Description: Adhesives comes in my shapes and sizes.  For the beginner crafter, I always recommend buying a few to find what you like best.  Once chosen, I always try to stock up when they’re on sale.  There’s no worse while crafting than running out of adhesive.

Choices:

• Scotch tape — A basic role of scotch tape is perfect for taping down ribbon ends (behind card layers obviously).  
• Liquid glue — I have a few different liquid glue choices.  I love using Stampin’ Up’s two way glue for small embellishments like wood veneers.  I also have a tube of Elmer’s clear glue for back up.
• Snail (snail-looking tape runner)— This is my go-to adhesive for general card making and scrapbooking.  I use this for just about everything.  I definitely stock up on the refills when they go on sale.  I also usually have a cartridge of removable adhesive on hand for non-sticking clear stamps.
• Glue stick — While this isn’t my favorite tool to use.  I find that it does come in handy for random projects.  Also, it’s a good in-a-pinch substitute for when I don’t plan ahead and run out of snail.
• Glue dots — Small double sided sticky pieces perfect for securing sequins, ribbon, or buttons.  They are a go to tool!
• Dimensionals — For when you want to pop up your piece, dimensionals are key.  They are double sided circles or hexagons (depending on brand).  I go through packages and packages of these.
• Sticky strip — Finally I keep a role of sticky strip (two sided tape) on hand for 3D projects.  It seems to be the only thing to secure cardstock for boxes or candy holders.

My Choice Brand(s):

• Stampin’ Up — For a majority of my adhesives, I turn to Stampin’ Up for know good quality.  Usually I buy glue dots, two way glue, glue sticks, sticky strip, and dimensionals from SU.
• Tombow — For snail, I always use Tombow.  I’ve explored the other brands, but they just don’t have the same quality to me.  Tombow is a bit pricier than some of the other brands, but quality is the determining factor for me.

Where to Buy:

• Stampin’ Up
• Joann’s and Michael’s — They carry Tombow and any of the store brand adhesives options.  I always try to get my Tombow refills when they are 50% off or at least if I have a 40% coupon.