The Best Glue for Paper Crafting

I get asked pretty often which type of glue I recommend so here is my long-winded answer!

I started with Elmer's School Glue. 🙈 I had no idea!!! So I had been a graphic designer for 11 years and you'd think that would make me an expert crafter, but it does not! I only knew about spray glue and x-acto knives that I used to make my portfolio. So I had just bought some craft supplies for my daughter when I grabbed the Elmer's. It ripples the paper so terribly and is so messy!

Soon after that my Mother-in-Law sent us a handmade card and a little piece had fallen off revealing a little strip of glue. I asked about it and she told me about crafter's tape. So that's what I used for a good bit after that, but just like her card, my projects kept falling apart after a short amount of time.

I think I tried Alene's Tacky Glue next since that seemed like the #1 craft glue. Plus, I already had some on hand. Look at it in the photo above – I clearly got a lot of use out of it the way the bottle is worn. I cannot remember what I used it for though! Getting old stinks! But I didn't like this option for paper because it's so thick. It left a gap between the two pieces of paper.

So I went to the craft store and found Tombow Mono Liquid Glue and that is my current go-to! The only time I deviate is when I need a super fine point tip. That is when I switch to Bearly Art Precision Glue. The glue is really similar to the Tombow, I just like the fine point tip it has. Well, I love it BESIDES the fact that cleaning it is such a big ordeal. I only use it if I have a super small area. I think it's a little pricier than Tombow too. I wouldn't be surprised if they were actually the same exact glue formula!

Honorable mention is the glue stick. It works, but is like the crafter's tape – it will eventually fall apart.

If you're using heavy paper, especially one that has a smooth coating, hot glue is a must! It was the only type of glue that worked on my paper stars. I'm not sure if the Tombow wasn't drying or if it just wasn't strong enough. Maybe a little of both, but the hot glue worked like a charm!

I hope this article saves you time and money from testing all of the glues. If you use something different and love it, share with the class!

Watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/EBMTj6Cc2jY?si=qOhQ5Xr8vvucqRtl