The Basics of Scrapbooking Adhesives
Scrapbookers have so many choices in scrapbooking adhesives. Manufacturers are offering more and more options to meet the needs of this hobby. Scrapbooking techniques have continued to change over time, and now scrapbookers need adhesives that can handle the newest techniques and trends.
The primary concern when choosing scrapbooking adhesives is to make sure it is archival safe. All adhesives used on scrapbooking pages must be safe for your photos. You have a variety of options available to use on the back of your photos or scrapbooking embellishments.
Photo Corners: These are the first adhesives used in modern scrapbooking. They are still very popular. Photo corners were a great choice because they allow you to remove the item from the page, giving you a temporary adhesive. They would very for heritage photos, and any other page elements you don’t want to permanently glue to your layout. Check your local scrapbooking store for the variety of photo corners available. They come in different colors, including metallic colors.
Glue: Whether in pens, bottles or tubes, glue is the most versatile adhesive option for scrapbookers. Glue pens allow you to put a tiny dot of glue where ever you need it. They come in permanent and repositionable varieties, as well as specialized glues made for fabric or metal.
Tape Runners: These are a basic supply for most scrapbookers. Tape runners are double-sided adhesives and come in dispensers or on a roll. Like glue, they are available in permanent and repositionable tape. Tape runners are convenient and fast for quick page layouts. As you run the tape along a surface, it leaves behind a continuous line of adhesive. You use only as much as you need for each item.
Glue Dots: Available in rolls or sheets, glue dots provide a strong bond for heavy embellishments. They work well with fabric, ribbons and textured materials as well. Glue dots are available in a variety of sizes.
Glue Sticks: Still a favorite among scrapbookers, glue sticks are less messy than most glue. They allow you to cover a wide area quickly. Yet, they still can be used on small items. Before you purchase glue sticks, make sure they are photo-safe. You don’t want the ones made for school projects.
Adhesive Spray: Scrapbookers love adhesive spray because it provides even coverage and transparency. A perfect choice for vellum, it doesn’t show through like some other glue alternatives do. Always cover your work space before you apply adhesive glue. It can easily leave over spray.
Tape: Most scrapbookers prefer double-sided tape for adhering scrapbooking page elements. However, one-sided tape is useful on the back of brads or eyelets to keep paper from catching on the prongs.
Foam Tape: Dots and squares are common shapes for foam tape. Double-sided, this adhesive gives your page elements a dimensional effect. Try using them with letters and scrapbooking titles and add some interest to your pages.
With so many scrapbooking adhesives to choose from, you’ll want to stock up on your favorites. Watch your favorite craft stores for sales. Make sure you pack a variety of adhesive options for your next workshop or crop. You’ll be sure to have the right adhesive for your next scrapbooking project.
Christine Perry is an avid scrapbooker and has over 10 years of scrapbooking experience. Her favorite scrapbooking subjects are her reluctant teenagers. She invites you to her website, http://www.intoscrapbooking.com for more scrapbooking techniques and creative memories scrapbooking.
