Crafts/What kind of glue

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Expert: - 4/22/2010


Question
Hi
I'm making my own center piecs for my wedding and i was wondering what kind of glue should i use?
The kind of branches i'm using is in the picture. then i want to glue little yellow and blue flower with some leaves on the branches. glue little crystals on as well and have white beads falling off of the center pieces. I dont want to be able to see the glue so i would like to advoid using hot glue sticks.
What do you suggest

Answer
Hello!
I have used a hot glue gun many times for what you are looking to make.  In fact, my daughter got married in the winter & I made candle holder centrepieces for each table using various sizes of pine cones dried in the oven!  They looked lovely, and the glue didn't show!
So, here is my suggestion for you:  Use a hot glue gun with clear glue sticks.  Simply touch your flowers to the hot glue as it comes out of the gun, then place them where you want them to be.  You shouldn't need to push them onto the surface.  Just place them on it lightly with the glue down.  There should be no visible glue on your flowers if you are not using globs coming from the gun.
You see, it doesn't matter what type of glue you use.  If you use too much, it will show.  Just be stingy with it!
Oops!  I missed the crystals, didn't I:)  Just put a Very Thin layer of clear glue & drop your crystals on it.  It would probably be better to put your crystals on first, and then your flowers & leaves.  That way you wouldn't get the crystals stuck on the them.  It's kind of like what you do with paper glue--which won't work here, I don't believe:(--when you were in kindergarten/primary/preschool:)  So, just a very little glue & it won't show!  You will need to be patient; and, perhaps practice on a sticking pieces of paper together to get the hang of it, but it WILL WORK!!!
Happy Crafting...Dodie
PS.  Let me know if you are having trouble.

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Dodie Casey

Expertise

I am able to answer questions regarding: ceramics, beeswax candles, cleaning things from other things, working with wood/pinecones/etc. in the making of centre pieces & wall hangings. I also have a Christmas Village that is approximately 60 square feet in area & takes, at this time, 3 days to assemble for the Christmas Season, but only one day to take down. I also am a great baker & cake/cookie/cupcake decorator (I made my own wedding cake, my sister's for her 25th wedding anniversary, & for two of my friends weddings) & chocolate user for fancy stuff. I have done some small quilting projects & am starting something known as a "Farm Quilt". It requires taking pictures of people, animals & farm buildings on the farm you are using for a model. These pics are then transfered onto the quilt & "quilted" into it. Great fun! Great Family Heirlooms! I know a little about bisque, but more about ceramics. I also do sewing pictures. No, I do not do needle point. The pics are drawn & then various stitches are used to create a three-dimentional appearance.

Experience

I have made many presents for others--Christmas, Birthdays, etc. Also, I sold crafts for several years. I have also worked with 4-h-ers for several years as a craft leader, goat leader, woodsman coach, & photography. Now, a friend & I have a business (more hers than mine:) making several varieties of pure beeswax candles. Not the cheepy ones you buy in the dollar store. We go through several hundred pounds of high-grade beeswax every year. It is more a natural, life-styles choice than just candles for burning. They are all natural in style although they take on various shapes as we learn more about versatility.

Organizations
I am still a 4-H leader in crafts & gardening. "The Garden Bee" is the name of my friend's company. You can view it at www.thegardenbee.com on her website, should you so desire. Also, I have recently retired after 16 years of directing our Church Choir.

Education/Credentials
I have a BSc in Psychology/Computer Sciences. As well, I have taken a couple of courses in ceramics & basic painting which have come in very handy over the years when doing various things with students & friends.

Awards and Honors
Absolutely none, unless you count the numberous children & adults who have shown their gratitude for the teaching/coaching/helping/providing that I have done over the years.

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