What is a glue gun?
The glue gun is a versatile tool for bonding together a variety of materials. The metal heating element in the glue gun's body melts the glue, and melted adhesive flows out the of glue gun's tip. This is probably considered as the ultimate tool in crafting and in minor repairs. Could anyone imagine the arts and crafts world without these dependable hot glue guns?
Different types:
Glue guns come in different power and sizes. The glue gun you choose would depend on how you want to use it. If you are working with delicate materials, opt for a low-temperature gun, this would melt the stick at around 250 degrees. The high-temperature gun is more suited for bonding substantial materials like metal and wood and it works at about 380 degrees. Also available are dual-temperature guns which offer both temp options and cost slightly more. With trigger feed, you simply insert the glue stick and each push of the trigger pushes the stick forward into the heater and melts through the nozzle. Push-fed model is usually for home and school projects, you need to manually push the glue stick in as you go along.
Glue guns come in different sizes, from mini-gun that is just a few inches in size to a large industrial pistol-grip type models. The most common is the one that has a diameter of 11mm. Sticks also come in different lengths, from 10cm onwards. Some manufacturers sell battery-powered hot glue guns, but most models operate off on standard power outlets or are gas powered.
How to use it properly:
The glue is strong and has a staying power. The adhesive bonds immediately and becomes cool to the touch quickly. For people tired with the clear glue, glue sticks come in variety of colors and some even come with glitter. Glue sticks can stick to a variety of materials. You can use it with beads, glass, wood, ceramics, brick, stone, metal, silk, dried flowers, pine cones, cloth and seashells. The possibilities are endless.
For safety though, one must be careful when using a glue gun. The melted glue, even from low-temperature glue guns will stay hot for at least 1minute. It can cause discomfort and burns if the glue comes in direct contact with your skin. Do not touch the hot glue, especially the hot glue gun's nozzle tip. Because of the metal nozzle's heat, the glue may continuously ooze out even when you are not squeezing the trigger, make sure to set the gun down on a cardboard or a sheet of paper to protect surfaces from drips.
End talks:
Part of the hot glue gun's appeal is the price. It is inexpensive and easy to use. It can be bought at any local craft and hardware store and the more specialized industrial glue guns can be purchased from specialist glue gun suppliers, including online retailers. A glue gun has infinite uses; not only for arts and crafts but also for minor home repair jobs and industrial applications.
Hugh Frend is author of this article on Glue Gun. Find more information about Hot Melt Glue. Article Source: Free Articles ArticleSnatch Article Directory
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Here is another project of mine. A cute mini-handbag embroidered and such.
It is embroidered in gold thread. Materials used were yellow ribbon, 2 cardstock, Madiera gold thread, and Distress ink.
Enjoy!
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This is the new Lea'bilities Dies now available at Kamya. It is called 'Frame Square Ribbons.'
Other Lea'bilities Dies:
Frame Circle Ribbons, Celebration, and the Tea Set.
We also have the new Lea'bilities Idea Book 3 and the Multi-Flower Die 3.You can use it on any cutting and embossing machine.
See more
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This mini-bag is cool for kids. I added some decorations to make it more cuter:)
Products used:
Spellbinders S5-065
Marianne D LR0162
Mini and colorful brads
Organza ribbon
Reversible cardstock
Nice for gift-giving at children's party.
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Items Used:
Meadow Bear Die-cuts
Cheery Lynns DL112 Butterflies
Reversible cardstock
Flower, Butterfly, & edge punches
Organza off-white ribbon & labels
Tim Holtz Distress Ink pad
Here's another card using the above items.What you will need is a cardstock 12" x 8". Make a light score at 2" 4" 8" 10" and 6". Mark the tall end 5 1/2" and the short end 2 1/2". Line it up and cut. You have now 2 diagonal pieces. Mark the larger end 2 3/4" and the shorter end 1 1/4". Then you will cut from the bottom edge to the mark at the 2" 6" and 10". When you cut both pieces one will be from the straight edge and the other will be from the crooked edge. Fold it and will look like an accordion. Put the 2 pieces together and you are done. Good luck!
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Items used:
- Marianne Design LR0202
- Heartfelt Creation HCD727
- Red, Yellow, & Olive Green cardstock
- Tim Holtz Distress Ink pad
- Sentiment label
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