Kamya Craft Store

How to use a Glue Gun

by Hugh Frend

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

Cute Mini-Handbag

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!

New Lea'bilities Dies

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.

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Mini-bag for Kids

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.

Cascading card

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!

Any Occasion card

Items used:

Marianne Design LR0202
Heartfelt Creation HCD727
Red, Yellow, & Olive Green cardstock
Tim Holtz Distress Ink pad
Sentiment label

Quilling Kits

If you are a self-starter, these kits will be good for you. All Quilling Kits come with instructions, AF/LF, and strips of quilling paper.

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Yantra Stencils

New embroidery templates created by Ilse Scheffer.

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Heartfelt Creations Stamps & Dies

Heartfelt Creations provides a unique line of artistic stamps and detailed dies. The stamps paired with matching dies offer a whole new dimension of possibilities and quickly adds eye-popping 3D depth to any project.

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How To Make Paper Looked Crimped

by Leanne Gorsuch

Texture is a very important element for any scrapbook page, greeting card or 3-D craft project. You can easily add texture with paper that is crimped... that is, it has pleats like a hand-held paper fan. Here are 3 different ways to create Crimped Paper... use them on your next craft project!

Using a Paper Crimping Tool

To describe how these tools work... think of a Pasta Machine. Dough is placed into the throat of the machine; you use a crank to feed the dough past two rollers; the dough comes out of the machine just the way you want it. This is the exact process for crimping paper with a special tool. The difference is that the tool's two rollers have ridges that create pleats in the paper. Crimpers can be purchased with rollers that have parallel lines, or wavy lines, each one giving you a unique look. You can find either style in many craft supply stores, or order a parallel-line crimper from your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Crimping Paper with a Paper Cutter

If you have a Paper Cutter with a Scoring Blade, you can add a 'crimp' to any paper. Cut your piece to the length and width you need, keeping in mind that after you "crimp" the paper will be slightly smaller because of the folds. You will make two set of score marks - one set on each side of the paper. This will give you "hills" and "valleys" which you will then pleat like a hand-held paper fan.

Here's how to create 'crimps" that are 1/4" inch deep: Start by making a score mark 1/2" from the right edge of your paper, and then score every 1/2" for the entire length of your paper (these are the "hills"). Flip your paper over and place the first score mark on the grove of your paper cutter. Now move your paper 1/4" to the right and make a score. Now score every 1/2" for the entire length of your piece (these are the "valleys"). Now pleat your paper as if you were making a fan. Make sure each fold is well creased, preferably with a Bone Folder or similar tool.

Crimping Paper by Hand

Now that you understand the concept of crimped paper - make pleats and then fold like a fan - you can create unique crimps by hand. Make the hills and valleys by creating your first fold, then flip it over and fold again, repeating this process for the entire length of your piece. This is a very time-consuming approach but it gives you the flexibility to create pleats of different widths on one piece of paper. This will create a very dramatic look and add lots of texture.

In Summary

These three styles of making crimped paper - with a special tool, with your paper cutter, or by hand - will create a piece of paper that will definitely add an unexpected and dramatic look to your next project. I hope you make some Crimped Paper very soon!

About the Author: As a Professional Paper Craft Instructor and Creative Coach, I teach people to create scrapbooks, greeting cards and other gift projects. I offer lots of ideas and share project tutorials on my blog. You can find all my project ideas and the materials to create them on my Lazy Day Stamper blog. Stop by and sign up for my FREE newsletter too! Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Betsy Lurvink Templates

Betsy Lurvink designed these templates that can be worked on in different ways. The templates are for cutting, embossing, embroidery, or pricking. Each circle or square has different cutting and embossing possibilities.

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Handmade Card Ideas Using Craft Punches

by Chloe Abing

Handmade card ideas can start from pretty paper prints, beautiful stickers or even a favorite tool like a craft punch. Making greeting cards can be fun but sometimes frustrating when you are just staring at a blank card.

There are so many tools and embellishments available these days that coming up with card making ideas seem endless. You can create beautiful, handmade birthday, thank you, Valentines, Christmas and get well cards using a plethora of materials.

One popular tool is craft punches. I love using craft punches because my cutting skills aren't so refined. Since the cut is pretty precise, using craft punches give your card a professional, polished appearance.

One of my favorites is the 1/2" corner punch. You can round off one, two or all four corners of your card. Rounded corners help soften the look of a card.

TIP #1: Cut two or three different sizes of rectangles or squares in different colors that coordinate with your card, each 1/8" smaller than the other, and round off the corners. Then layer them about 1/8" apart to give a dimensional effect.
TIP #2: To give depth to a card, cut out a rectangle or square shape, round off all four corners using a corner punch and then adhere foam tape on the back. Put your sentiment, sticker or other embellishment onto the rectangle or square shape.
TIP #3: You can also use a corner craft punch on your photos. Cut a shape from cardstock, 1/8" larger than your photo and round off the corners with a corner punch. Round off corners of your photo as well and then place your photo over the larger shape which will create a frame for your photo.

A ¼" corner punch is great for making tags as well as rounding off corners from square or rectangle shapes. Apply chalk paint to soften and highlight the edges.

Decorative corner punches are pretty and delicate. I like to use it on solid color paper or paper that isn't so busy because you lose the fine detail of the punch design.

My other favorite craft punch is border punches. As of this article, I only have one design but it has been so versatile, I've utilized it on many cards. You can include a punched border on the sides, middle and bottom of your card.

TIP #4: Cut strips of paper using different colors that coordinate with your card. Punch out one side of the edge of each strip and layer by overlapping the strips. Circle punches are great for adding a sentiment or featuring an embellishment.
TIP #5: Using a graphic software program, create a dotted circle large enough that it fits just inside the circle, close to the edge of the punch. You can also include a sentiment or personalized message. Print it out on light cardstock paper. Center and punch out the dotted circle or sentiment with your circle punch. Punch a tiny hole just close to the top and use it as a tag.

If you can find two circle punches, one about 1/8" smaller circumference than the other, the larger circle creates a nice frame and is just another idea to include in your card making techniques.

I think craft punches are a great addition to your card making supplies because they are so versatile and you can reuse it over and over again.

My name is Chloe, a card making enthusiast, and I love to share my ideas with those of you that have the same passion for card making. Find these tips, examples and instructions of how punches are used at http://card-making-corner.com/handmade-card-ideas.html. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chloe_Abing.