Monday, March 28, 2011

Tip of the Week: Making Your Own Glue Dots

... not to be confused with my earlier tutorial on Making Your Own POP Dots, this tutorial will show you how to make adhesive clear glue dots to use on your cards or scrapbooks.

I've seen a few tutorials on this, using different glue products. Also, all of the tutorials I have seen will tell you to use coated paper that has carried an adhesive on it. For example, re-use the paper from a pop-dot roll, or paper from a Xyron.

Instead, I am going to try to use a clear acetate sheet as my base. It is more readily available, I think. For my tutorial, I am usings some leftover overhead transparency sheets I used in an earlier tutorial. (See: Making Your Own Rub-On Sentiments)  Use the shiny, not textured side of these overhead projector sheets!

The glue I am testing are two of the most highly recommended for this purpose:  Aleene's Tack-It Over and Over, and ScraPerfect's Best Glue Ever.  

I've never used either of these glues before, so you're learning with me.  I bought both of them through Amazon.Com.  I'm sure there's a cheaper resource for these, but this was the quickest for me.

As shown above, I simply laid out dots and lines, drawing them with the glue directly onto the transparency's shiny side. The ScraPerfect's bottle and opening are smaller so the dots are finer/smaller.  I will say that I thought the Aleene's Tack-It flowed easier and made a naturally round dot quickly.  I've marked the sheet in the photo above so you can see which glue I used for which dots ....
 
Now I'm going to let these dry overnight ....

20 comments:

Unknown said...

I use the Alene's tack it over and it works like a charm. I use my backing from my transfer paper. I fold a sheet in half 6x6, glue dot one side, let dry and then cover with the second half. Easy to store and easy to use

bcriminger said...

I've heard wax paper works too, never tried it, let us know how they work. You know that means you have an excuse to craft tomorrow!

Ellen Jarvis said...

Hmmm. I heard waxed paper DOES NOT work, so off to the PaperJungle I go. I will post the pics/results a bit later. Please check back!

Michelle said...

OMG.... I think this is fantastic.... I can't wait to see how this works I'm going to have to try this out.... Thanks for the thrifty tip!!!!

Jacqueline said...

Hi Ellen -
I am so glad your joining me for the April Bunny Blog Hop this weekend (April 1-5)(I don't see the button u can grab it from my blog if you want) –
as my thanku I have a gift for you on my blog ;click here to claim.
Can’t wait to see your BUNNY project – see u Friday for the hop.
Hugs. ~ Jacqueline

Zoey and the furballs said...

What a great idea. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

ScrappyScavenger said...

Smarts! I have an award waiting for you at ScrappyScavenger.blogspot.com come on by and pick it up!

Anonymous said...

I heard about this two years ago at the Madison Mingle but didn't hear the part about wax paper. So I tried with wax paper. Doesn't work, just sticks really good to the paper. It makes so much more sense to use a paper that is made for sticky things. Thanks for the tip. I will once again try it.

Scrappy Scarlett said...

Has anyone tried parchment paper??

Candi said...

I wonder if freezer paper would work. I'm excited to try this.

Crafts by CJ said...

Thank you for this idea. I made some with the Aleene's tack it over and over glue and it worked great. I'm never doing store bought again! You can see my post here.
http://craftsbycj.blogspot.com/2012/05/homemade-glue-dots.html

CJ

Heather said...

you never said which one worked. :(

Nanc said...

Thanks I use so many glue dots myself, my children's church and my GA's. This will help so much with expenses.

Trisha said...

I'm curious to know which one worked best. But, I'm a little confused, too. With Aleene's Tack It Over & Over, tells me it wouldn't be a permanent hold glue dot, just a temporary so you can move whatever you are gluing "over and over". I dont' have much use for those types of adhesives. I need permanent hold adhesives, so I guess my other question is whether or not they are working as a permanent hold glue dot?
Thanks for the wonderful ideas! :o)

Debbie Jones said...

I'm using the Aleene's to make the dots In a project for 900 gift bags. Thought I would come unglued, no pun intended, when I couldn't buy this at Michaels, Joann's, Hobby or Walmart. Then I was able to order online with delivery to the closest Walmart. Got 3 bottles just in case the company was phasing it out. They had better not. It is saving me a few hundred dollars!

Colorado Crafter said...

I've heard of this before but have never tried it. Would have been nice if you actually came back after letting them dry and then using some on projects to let your readers know if they work well and which glue works best for actual adhesion on the projects. This was a waste of time since there's no conclusion!

Unknown said...

Check April 3rd for update on diy glue dots...and geez be nice please!!
Our bloggers work tirelessly on informing us, inspiring us and opening their lives to us! A little gratitude goes along way ;-)
Thanks CardMonkey for your Awesomeness! !

Anonymous said...
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Connie Barnum said...

I have used Aleen's tack it Over and Over for glue dots and find them really hard to remove from the "removable" sheets that I use--previously used for purchased glue dots. Is there something I am doing wrong?

Lois said...

I tried something similar only they suggest a clear CD case...Had a sticky mess. will try yours next!!!!!!!!!!!!!!