Scrapbooking Adhesives 101
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.
Photo safe is the most important quality when choosing a scrapbooking adhesive. Make sure any adhesive you choose is archival sage, especially when using them on the back of your photographs. Scrapbookers have so many choices when it comes to adhesives.
Photo Corners: These are the pioneer adhesives of scrapbooking, and they still remain a popular choice for many scrapbookers. When scrapbooking first began, photo corners were used because they would allow you to attach photographs to a page and still remove them. Because photo corners are not permanent adhesives, they are ideal for heritage photographs and anything you don’t want to permanently mount to a page. They now come in a variety of colors and materials.
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: If you don’t want the mess of glue, glue sticks are a convenient alternative. They glide on easily and allow you to cover a large area quickly. You can still use them on small embellishments too. Use only glue sticks that specifically state they are photo-safe. Stay away from the ones that are for school use.
Adhesive Spray: Adhesive sprays provide transparency and even coverage. They don’t show through paper like many adhesives, making them perfect for vellum. Be careful with over spray. You always want to cover your work surface before using adhesive spray.
Tape: Double-sided tape is a basic scrapbooking adhesive. Standard one-sided tape is also a must-have for scrapbookers. Apply one-sided tape to the back of eyelets or brads to keep the prongs from catching on the paper.
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 beginner scrapbooking and creative memories scrapbooking.
