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I have amassed a ton of buttons in all sizes, shapes and colors. However, I never use them because I can't figure out the best adhesive for adhering them to cards so that they don't fall off in the mail. The buttons I want to adhere are just plain, flat ones without a shank or bulky design. I've used glue dots but they seem to shift on the card with a little bit of pressure.
I'm wondering what other crafters use that work for them. I'm determine to start using some of these embellishments that have been piling up in my stash for years.
Thanks.
Karen
It's always been glue dots for me. Perhaps you could place a "protector" over the spot where you have the button or even the entire card. I've used a piece of cardstock or thin bubble wrap or similar to do that.
I've used glue dots but also had the "shifting" thing happen. A hot glue gun would work if you wanted to be that aggressive. I've stitched buttons to cards before, also, since they have those handy holes. Otherwise, I agree with Shaz if glue dots aren't working...
This is not so much about the adhesive.
Additional things to consider...if the buttons are not very flat, the US postal service may put a surcharge on the postage. You may need to make a trip to a post office to have the card checked for thickness and the possible need for non-machine cancelling.
It's always been glue dots for me. Perhaps you could place a "protector" over the spot where you have the button or even the entire card. I've used a piece of cardstock or thin bubble wrap or similar to do that.
Use up those buttons!
I do put protection over my card when I mail it, if it has anything dimensional at all on the card. I use either thin foam, or a piece of card stock to fit. The buttons seem to shift even before I put them in an envelope..while it's being stored in my card stash. I've been using die cut buttons instead of the real ones but that doesn't help me use the real ones up. I'm going to try my Scor-tape and really smoosh it down to see if that helps.
This is not so much about the adhesive.
Additional things to consider...if the buttons are not very flat, the US postal service may put a surcharge on the postage. You may need to make a trip to a post office to have the card checked for thickness and the possible need for non-machine cancelling.
Yes, if an envelope has more than a 1/4 thickness, or differences in thickness over the surface of it, then there's a surcharge. It might even be charged the small package rate. I would only use flat buttons for mailng because my post office is really strict about this.
Thanks for the reminder though.
Karen
Sorry, just did some Googling, and there doesn't seem to be a US equivalent of a crafting silicone glue. The main one we have over here is called Pinflair Glue Gel.
I use Art Glitter Glue for nearly everything. It holds embellishments well and I feel like it is the best glue out there for gluing paper.
Here's a link to a video comparing a lot of the different types of glue used in paper crafting. It is two parts and a little long, but I think it is thorough and well done.
Thanks for all the recommendations. Looks like I need to do some glue research! I do have Tacky Glue, Glossy Accents, and even some heavy duty stuff like E6000, but hadn't really experimented much with the liquid glues yet.
Karen
Thanks for all the recommendations. Looks like I need to do some glue research! I do have Tacky Glue, Glossy Accents, and even some heavy duty stuff like E6000, but hadn't really experimented much with the liquid glues yet.
Karen
I hadn't thought about E6000. It should do the trick. Since you already have it, I would give it a try.
Good luck! Sometimes half of the fun is finding the answer!
This is the best (or worst?) timing for this thread. After a recent purge/reorg I have challenged myself to use my cute little bottles of glitter but didn't know what glue would be best. So these videos were super helpful. Of course, I stopped by the store on the way home from work and already bought a few bottles of glue. But since I have a very specific purpose for them, I'm going to see if they will work for what I want. May still invest in a few of the other ones too.
Always go back to using my favorite Fabri-Tac by Beacon. Purchased it at Hobby Lobby and at Walmart. Sometimes I make buttons out of paper using a framelit die. I glue them together to make a "thick" paper button. If I need a smaller button, use a circle punch and a very small hole punch, again, gluing several together to make the button thicker. Best of all, I use paper scraps to match the card.
Have you considered actually stitching them on? That's my number one, followed by a hot glue gun.
haha...I couldn't sleep last night so (after about 3 hours ) my mind went to such world-shaking problems as adhering buttons to cards. I began to consider stitching them to cards (before I even saw this post). I used to do that every so often but had trouble stitching through heavy card stock. I finally figured out to make the hole BEFORE I start stitching..duh.. For a card that has only one or two buttons, this would still be an option but I'm also trying to figure out how to use multiple buttons on card designs, to get my button stash down to a manageable level.
My sister used to have her kids hot glue buttons to clear plastic photo frames and give them as gifts to family members. I still have one of those and they were adorable. Maybe I'll have my two granddaughters do a similar project. They would probably love it, and that's another way to reduce the button stash.
I started using Fabri-Tac and Fabri-Fix for my junk journals. It's great for embelishments as well as paper. And since it has an acetone base, it doesn't warp the paper. Although if you are sensitive to smells, you may not want to use it.
I've used almost all of these adhesive ideas. I would also suggest when mailing something with embellishments, be sure the front of the card is facing the back of the envelope so the cancelling machine doesn't snag on it. Also put a thin piece of cardstock (saved from the backs of paper packs, etc.) between the card and envelope so the jewels or buttons don't poke through. The post office has a small template they often put envelopes through to see if they require extra postage. Ask your post office how thick the slot is and make your own from a piece of cardboard to avoid surprises when mailing.
Maybe your glue dot is too small. I use at least 3 on a medium to large button. Or buy some larger ones. I have some that are squarish and over 1/2”. They are very thin so if the corners stick out I just tuck them underneath. Mine are by Glue Arts.
I've used almost all of these adhesive ideas. I would also suggest when mailing something with embellishments, be sure the front of the card is facing the back of the envelope so the cancelling machine doesn't snag on it. Also put a thin piece of cardstock (saved from the backs of paper packs, etc.) between the card and envelope so the jewels or buttons don't poke through. The post office has a small template they often put envelopes through to see if they require extra postage. Ask your post office how thick the slot is and make your own from a piece of cardboard to avoid surprises when mailing.
I add clear packing tape to both sides of the envelope so the envelope cannot rip.
I don't understand the movement with glue dots; I use them to attach sequins, decorative dots, and items that I don't want to fall off. I've never had a problem. good luck in finding what works for you.
Which adhesive to adhere buttons to cards?
