Scrapbooks | Scrapbooking Supplies | Tips

Scrapbooking adhesives come in more choices than ever.  As this hobby grows, the manufacturers are responding to the needs of scrapbookers.  Since page layouts have moved from just photos, paper and a few stickers to more complex designs like 3-D elements, metals, fabric and ribbon, scrapbookers now need adhesives that can handle the latest in scrapbooking 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 double-sided adhesives that are sold in rolls or in dispensers.  They are a must-have supply for any scrapbooker.  Similar to glue, they come in permanent and repositionable varieties.  They are convenient and less messy than regular glue.  You run the tape along your photos, paper or any other surface that needs adhesives.  It leaves behind a continuous line of adhesive.

Glue Dots:  What would we do without glue dots for our heavy embellishments?  Glue dots are ideal for ribbon, fabric and textured items as well.  They create a strong bond, and are available in many sizes on either rolls or sheets.

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:  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: 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: Foam tape comes in a variety of sizes and shapes, such as dots and squares.  The adhesive is double-sided, and the foam allows page elements to have a dimensional effect. This adds interest to small items and works very well with letters in scrapbooking titles.

Scrapbookers can never have enough adhesive. Always stock up on your favorites and bring plenty with you when you go to a crop or workshop.  It helps to have a variety of adhesives available as you work on a project.  Consider your choices and choose the ones that best fit your scrapbooking style.

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 ideas and creative memories scrapbooking.