New uses for your favorite adhesives.
Do you ever contemplate how many ways you can use a product before you buy it? I want to know if the product or stamp is really worth the money. I justify my many stamping purchases by saying to myself "I can use this product at least 25 different ways!"
My article on adhesives was pretty boring until I had a crazy thought: "How many different ways can you use common adhesives?" Don’t worry. I’ll still talk about the standard uses, but for the more daring souls I’ve included fun alternatives.
The discovery that started this adventure was embossing foam mounting squares. Sticky on both sides, foam mounting squares are great to use as a quick adhesive. But they are also easy to use as an embossed tile. Just dip them in embossing powder and heat. The best part about this discovery is that the finished tiles are soft and flexible. You don’t have to worry about the embossing powder cracking or chipping.
I have been using Art Institute glue for many years with glitter and acetate. The clear drying glue allows the glitter to sparkle. I wondered if the glue were allowed to dry without any additives like glitter would it make the color beneath sparkle too? Yes! And the glue gives the element a 3-D effect. Apply the glue to panels for a glossy shine. Best of all, any clear drying glue would work the same way.
Another great common adhesive is rubber cement. Many stampers use this product to mount their unmounted stamps. Rubber cement can also be used as a mask. Drizzle, smear or splat it on cardstock for an unusual mask. Apply inks directly to the cardstock over the rubber cement. Once the ink is dry, remove the rubber cement to reveal the results.
One of my favorite everyday adhesives is Perfect Paper Adhesive commonly called PPA. PPA is a permanent, archival adhesive that will not buckle or wrinkle papers. This product is often used in collages and decoupage. And it is a favorite of altered book artists.
Since PPA dries clear and has a smooth consistency it is perfect for paste paper! Add dried pigments like Pearl-Ex and Perfect Pearls to the adhesive and mix until you achieve the desired color. Use a trowel to create different patterns. The options are endless.
I’m thrilled to have added these new uses to my technique handbook. But in my studio I have more adhesives than I can count. Now I’m looking for ways to use the other adhesives. I've heard that Yasutomo Nori adhesive will keep my dried lavender from disintergrating. I guess I have one more project to try. I’ll keep you posted on the results.
