We get asked a lot what we use when it comes to adhesives. I know that all artists differ re: their favorite tools, so certainly don’t take our word alone re: what to use! Nonetheless, after literally thousands of collages, cards, frames, boxes and earring holders made, there ARE clear preferences we have developed.
The standards in our arsenal, the “BIG GUNS” of our glue world, are based upon the following criteria:
1) Toxicity – or lack thereof! We try whenever we can to use low-scent, low-chemical products.
2) Archival and effective - people expect our products to last a long, long time. Sometimes they frame our cards…so the last thing they want to see is a piece of this “mini-collage” they’ve just purchased falling off!
And, frankly? It’s pretty much an even combination of 1 & 2 before we really feel good about buying it in bulk! The key is to find something that is good for the environment and not harmful to you, the artist!; while still proving as effective as possible. And with our top four (two for dry applications, two for wet applications), we think we’ve done that.
With this in mind, here’s what we’d recommend:
“Dry” Adhesives:
Let’s say you’re gluing down a piece of paper to a card. For my money, the best option available is Tombow permanent adhesive. We buy refills for these dispensers by the gross! But even if you’re buying one, don’t get too turned off by the price – it’s worth it.
This stuff lays down a perfect line of archival-quality adhesive – very much like a line of double-stick tape that practically fuses with the papers you place on top and bottom. You purchase the dispenser – and then can use it pretty much forever and just buy refills, which are considerably less expensive than the dispenser version.
When adding embellishments, on the other hand, I choose pretty much any brand of the adhesive our paper seller lovingly called “snot dots”! Their real name is glue dots, and they come in different sizes, and heights – from flat to pop-up if you want a 3-dimensional look.
The advantage of this product is that it does a great job of holding unusually-shaped embellishments in place – particularly on cards. So if you’re looking to affix a button to a card, or a flower to a collage - reach for a “snot dot”!
Next week’s tutorial will talk a little bit about our favorite WET adhesives – never heard of a non-toxic super-glue?!? Then you’ll want to tune in next Thursday!
You never thought glue could be so fascinating, did you?!? 
Thank you so much for this! I’ve been hesitant to try branching out with adhesives (I’m primarily using Elmers Glue and gel medium) because of the price and not knowing what works.
What great suggestions! On my next craft trip, I’ll plan on picking up one of these dispensers (I used a similar one at Archiver’s recently and loved it.)
Thanks!