While The Glue Is Drying - Literally! Ask The Design Team...

What's your favourite adhesive to use and why?

Here are the answers from some of our talented Design Team...

Gardenia

I LOVE Dimensionals! They add so much to a creation, bringing something out as a focal point, adding depth and fun to a project! They can take a "good" card and make it "great"! They also add that little bit more to techniques like spotlighting! They are great for adding embellishments like Scrunchy Flowers, Buttons and Bows and Punch art! I barely ever create without a Dimensional, if you havent tried them ~ you should, but a warning ~ they are Addictive!

Mae

This depends on what I am making. For basic cards I can't go past my SNAIL Adhesive, even though it sounds slow, it is actually quick and easy to use. Being acid free it is also safe to use for my scrapbooking (when I get back to that)! When I am making 3D projects like boxes for my cards, bag-a-lopes, a box in a bag etc, I can't go past SU!'s Sticky Strip. As the name suggests it is very sticky and once applied to your project it is set, to try and remove it would be a disaster to your project so care must be taken when applying it.

The other SU! item I couldn't be without and some may argue it is not an adhesive but a clear lacquer and that is their Crystal Effects. I use it on my projects to not only give a glossy finish to areas but also to stick buttons and flowers (heavier type embelishments) on to my items and I have been known to use it on occasions to stick my stamps back together when the rubber has come away from the wooden block. It is versatile in that you can make it coloured by adding a few drops of re-inker colour or sparkly by adding Dazzling Diamonds. So I can't say which is my favourite as I like these three for different purposes!

Jodene
This question should read 'what are your favourite adhesives' (plural) because I can't pick just one! It really depends on what project I am working on at the time. But here are my top three favourites:

* Stampin' Dimensionals - almost every card of mine will have something popped up for effect, and I love the SU! dimensionals for that. And I always use them when adding flowers to a card (no matter what type of flowers).
* Snail Adhesive - I love this because it is so quick and easy, and no peeling required! I usually use snail for basic layering or attaching DSP to a card.
* Sticky Strip - for all those 3D projects or anything else that you don't want to move - ever!! It really lives up to its name!

Kim
My favourite adhesive?? Well two spring to mind.

Tombow Multi: I have it standing on the top of my stamping cupboard so I can grab it whenever I want. I love that when you use it you have a few seconds of wiggle time to get what you want in the right place but then it sets real quick and what you want stuck won't budge! I just about always use it when I'm adding buttons to cards, and its fabulous for sticking cardstock, chipboard or DSP together.

Dimensionals: I'm not sure if I have ever made a card without using at least one dimensional!! They are brilliant for layering different elements and giving your work some depth. They come in very handy for sticking buttons and bows to your cards too.

Sarah

I have different favourites depending on what I'm using it for and Snail is a permanent part of my stamping kit for no -fuss adhesiveness(??), but by far and away my number one fave would have to be Stampin' Dimensionals. I use those little babies on just about everything I make and always have a new unopened pack in my drawer so that I never run out :)

Another favourite is Mini Glue Dots. These are awesome for adding buttons quickly and simply and are also perfectly sized for small embellishments like the half pearls from the Pretties Kit. And they stick like nobody's business!

Amanda
I absolutely love mini glue dots, tombow and dimensionals (not in that particular order either)!
The mini glue dots are a perfect fix for when you need to keep that bow perfectly flat (as possible) against your card, or add a little butterfly on your layout! They are clear, tiny and STRONG! Like sticky strip, but in handy dot form.

Tombow is just incredible for stepping up the glue factor a bit, I wouldn't recommend it for ribbon adhesive as it's a "wet" adhesive and can seep through material (not paper of course) and leave it looking hard. It's great for chipboard and paper and has a super strong hold after it's left to dry. Great for buttons too. I think they need to make the packaging bigger because I go through it like you wouldn't believe.

Dimensionals - do I really need to explain? They are fantastic for adding 3D to your projects - if you project looks a little boring it probably just needs a few of these babies to pop something up and make it stand out. A must have item in any crafters stash.

 

Jan
Dimensionals all the way - and I love that you can cut the sticky leftover border up into small bits to use for attaching smaller embelishments or letters.

Paula
I don't have just one favourite, because different projects require different adhesives. Too hard to choose just one!

For 3D items I use Sticky Strip every time. Once that is on your project it will never full apart! Which means you can actually make bags or boxes that will take a good amount of weight - like CHOCOLATE!

For adding embellishments I use Mini Glue Dots or Tombow Multi - again, they just won't fall off!

For cards I use Snail adhesive. It is quick with no mess.

Delys

I eat dimensionals for breakfast it seems ..lol well for my card making but I love my snail adhesive too and my tombow multi for my scrapbooking Layouts. I want elements on my Layouts (LOs) to stick ..I learnt my lesson with stickability early on when I was published for about the second time and one of my embellishments moved to some bizarre place ..and the editor didnt notice. I was really upset so I have used tombow multi from then on for most elements on my LOs.

I love the two tips for fine work and the brush tip for larger coverage and its a bargain too and goes a longggg way!

Jo

Well, I can't pick just one - my most used adhesives would be SNAIL and Dimensionals. I'm all about quick and easy, with as little mess as possible and that is exactly what you get with these two adhesives. SNAIL just glides on, there's no need to cut and no annoying backings to peel off.

As the dimensionals are precut, all I have to do is peel of the backing and stick them on to give that little extra bit of oomph. A quick thumbnail impression into the back of the dimensional will ensure that little backing comes off easy peasy. Now, people will tell you that you can cut up the edges to make sure that you use every last inch, but that is too much work for me, lol!

Another favourite is Crystal Effects. I use this when I want to add some shine and dimension. I really like covering chipboard and die cut letters with it. Once it's dry, I love running my fingers over that smooth, shiny surface! And, as added bonus, it can also be used around the house. So far, I have used it to fix a couple of photo frames and a few of my son's toys. Gotta love that!

Do you have a question for the Design Team? 

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While The Glue Is Drying - Ask The Design Team

A little while ago, we had a great question from Amanda Ross for our Design Team.

Amanda asked: "I would love to know when the Design Team ladies find the time to scrapbook and also where they get their inspiration from?"

Thanks for asking, Amanda! Here are the answers from some of our talented Design Team...

Kirsty
I scrapbook and make cards when I should be doing other things! Usually in the evening after the kids are in bed - cup of tea and chocolate at the ready...Time is the most difficult but inspiration, oh geez it's everywhere. I am often overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of ideas I would like to give life! Mostly though, I work at what needs doing - DT deadlines, workshops, swaps and classes mean I'm often expending my creative energy to meet others requests *sigh* not that I'm complaining...When I'm totally in my own creative head space, I'm borrowing colour schemes from nature, advertising, fabrics, anything that crosses my path. I love story telling (writer wannabe lol) so I'm recording events in pictures in my head all the time. I also really enjoy the challenge of giving random and unexpected objects new life. I saw a guy at the markets last week who had made a bunch of jewellery out of old typewriter keys. Right up my alley...but I digress;) Hardware stores, op-shops, trash and treasure, mixing the old with the new (SU of course!) There's a bunch of stuff out there just waiting for someone to craft it up...

Delys
I make time to scrapbook and create every day. Id much rather create than do housework that's for sure! I don't like to create at night as that is my family time/computer/Tv watching time ..not that I watch a lot of TV! ..and as I'm a dairy farmer too I am often too tired to create at night time. I create during the day while my kids are at school and any farm work is out of the way (eg milking the cows). I LOVE milking the cows and plan my day/ Layouts or projects I'm going to create that day. I have the radio on in the shed and often a song lyric or title will pop into my head and I'm sketching my LO on the whiteboard in between cupping!! My hubby thinks I'm nuts!

I am also inspired by fabrics, advertising and especially colour combos I haven't tried yet. My blog surfing at night also gives me inspiration especially if its a technique I haven't tried before. I love being on Just Add Inks Design Team because I also get inspiration from my fellow DT members and the lovely creations you all provide each week in your submissions.

Tania
I love to spend time at night with the tele on, kicking back relaxing while researching for ideas and new techniques through places like Splitcoast and or random blogs etc on the laptop. I now only create in the day time but I used to be only able to create in the evenings - weird!

I tend to get an idea pop into my head and I cannot shake it until I make it!!! Sometimes it works - sometimes it doesnt. Generally I take inspiration from others work - I pick bits I love from here and there and put it all together! I dont have a set time to create, if I feel creative usually wild horses wont keep me from my supplies, but if the mojo isnt there, it just doesnt happen but I am always super encouraged when I make something I really love, then I can't help but make something else and the ball keeps rolling!

 

Chantell
I'm in my Craft Room all the time....so much so that my sister calls it "The Black Hole" and my daughter calls it "Mummy's Bedroom". I am always in there pottering around on the next project - especially if there is something I am bursting to make or finish. Although most of my serious crafting time is at night - after my daughter is in bed. Occasionally I will squeeze in a morning while she is at school - although I try to ban myself from "The Black Hole" until I have completed the housework.

My Inspiration comes from just about everywhere. There are so many things that trigger an idea - it could be something on TV or in Magazines, in Gardens and Shops, Ads, marketing material and occasionally even something I've dreamt about! (Sad when you dream about Crafting)! I get alot of inspiration from other Scrapbookers and Card makers too. I often take several ideas from others and put them together....a layout from there, a colour combo from here, an embellishment idea from somewhere else etc.

I find entering Challenges is a great way to extend your Scrapbooking / Card Making ideas and can take you outside of your comfort zone - it provides opportunities to try new things.

  
Bronwyn
I've taken over the entire Rumpus Room as a craft area and spend most of my Mondays in there and the occasional hour or two on the weekends. I work 4 days a week so don't get a lot of time to create. I try to get a group of friends together one night of the month so I don't always craft alone between workshops. At the moment most of my time is taken up with JAI commitments and SWAPS for Convention. There's about 4 different designs on the go at the moment, all in various stages. A friend of mine has offered to come around and help me glue, snip away etc. so I can get my SWAPS done as well as all my school reports etc!! I try to keep nights free to spend with the family but sometimes deadlines keep me tapping away on my netbook in front of the hours of recorded programs I don't have time to watch live and am nowhere near caught up on. Blogging and surfing the net is more fun than watching TV.

That's where a lot of my inspiration comes from. I have my favourite blogs on my side bar that I try to visit weekly. I usually either follow or subscribe to them so I know straight away when they update. The Ning Network for the JAI team is full of inspiration (talented bunch of women) and you get to see the results of all their hard work on Fridays!! I also spend hours on Splitcoast mostly looking for new techniques. Of course I'm also inspired on a daily basis as I visit the blogs of all the challenge entries. I have taken heaps of notes about favourite colour combos, techniques, sketch designs etc. and store them away for a 'rainy' day. Now that ESAD is in Ning it's heaps better to view all the lovely work in the gallery. There's so much talent there and I'd love to see some more of those Aussie/NZ demonstrators joining in the challenges at JAI as well. I buy the Aussie Card Making and Papercraft Magazines too, get ideas from SWAPS I've collected, challenges I enter, the Impressions' Magazine and the SU demo site. Lastly, I must admit that I see the world through Stampin' Up! colours and practically everywhere is 'inspiration'. My mind is constantly ticking over with ideas for layouts, colours etc. and I have to sketch or write it down before I forget.

 
Amanda
I find the only time I can give 100% to csf (crafting stress free!) is when the kids are asleep, or busy crafting themselves, but even then I find I'm supervising and helping more than getting anything done myself. So night time, with a bit of background music is the perfect environment for me to work!

I get my inspiration from so many places - I love how the internet is full of so many talented ladies sharing their ideas and inspiration, and I admire them all too! And as biased as this sounds, I love Just Add Ink for our little group of talented players - the group is getting bigger as the weeks go on but every single person that plays has their own unique ideas, style and talent - and most of the stamp sets they use are accessible for Aussies for a change!

I used to buy magazines, but have found that most of them are getting so expensive and you can find even more daily inspiration on the net!
 

Nicole
It is difficult to find the time to stamp and scrapbook with a toddler and a newborn but I make sure I find the time, at least a few times a week. Like Kirsty, once the kids go to bed around 7 I make myself a cup of tea and head to my craft room. I try to keep my craft room full of inspiration, with my magazines, laptop (for blog surfing) and cards close by and on display. A lot of my projects are for my children. I am inspired by colour schemes in their toys, bedding and books. As for card and scrap page layouts and colour schemes, I love to browse through my magazines, the Stampin' Up Idea Book & Catalogue and blogs for ideas. I'll often take part of a layout that I like and change it to suit what I am doing.

I feel the most creative and inspired when I am up to date with the housework and other jobs and I can think clearly.

 
Danielle
I'm a notoriously slow scrapbooker, and I'm discovering that I really need to be alone to get a page finished.  I love having craft time with friends, but I rarely get anything accomplished!  I also usually have lots of projects happening at once, so it will seem like I'm not getting anything done for a little while, then all of a sudden I have lots finished! 

I'm lucky enough to have a craft space that also accommodates my daughters play area, so I often craft while she's playing, or she sometimes crafts with me.  She's 3 and already she loves using the Big Shot!  I also craft after she's gone to bed... there aren't many days that I'm not doing something!  My inspiration wavers a lot, but mostly I'm inspired by other crafters.  Not necessarily one project, but usually their entire style. 

 
   

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