Glue Made from Styrofoam

If you're curious like me, than you probably have a few questions about Glu6.  For example, how did someone come up with the idea to transform Styrofoam into glue?   How is it made?  And, does it work?  To answer the first question, the company Nine Lives Products came up with the idea by trying to solve a very important problem, "recycling Styrofoam waste".  As to how it's made, I don't really know.  There is a little blurb on the Nine Lives site that says the Styrofoam is dissolved with natural ingredients.  When it dissolves, it turns into a goop.  From that point, I couldn't tell you what they do with it.  But what I can answer is, "does it work?".

Nine Lives sent me two of their products, the non toxic craft paste and Glu6 original.  I tested out both products to see how they held up.  Here's what I discovered:

The first product I tested out was the non-toxic craft paste.  The craft paste is designed for porous and semi-porous products.  I used it to glue everything on the card above except the pom pom.  

Pluses:

The texture of the glue

Did not saturate the paper like some liquid glues do

Paper stayed in place when drying, did not slide around

Paper dried flat - some times you get puckering with liquid glues

Good for the environment

Minuses:

Strong orange scent - I'm very sensitive to smells

Even though it's recommended for children I think it would be too messy for younger kids in the classroom.   It's not water soluble so it's harder to clean off than other glues.  If there was a glue stick version of this, I would recommend the product for younger children.

The second glue I tested out was the Glu6 original.  This glue is designed for non porous products.  I decided to test out gluing various items to a plastic cup.  The objects used for the glue test were: a metal letter, a button with a rough surface, and a plastic clothespin with a flat surface.  

Pluses:

All products bonded to the plastic cup after ten minutes.  It is recommend that the glue sets up for 24-48 hours. 

Dries clear

Good alternative to using an extra-strength glue.  The Glu6 is a medium bonding glue.

Good for the environment

Minuses:

Strong orange scent

For the first couple minutes the objects need to dry flat or they move around.

Overall, I had a good experience working with the Glu6 products.  I'm sure I'll be using and experimenting with them in future craft projects. Plus, I like that the company is local (located in the Bay Area, CA).  

If you would like to learn more about Glu6, visit their official site here.  

Last but not least, I have a sale code for you. You can get 25% off  your Glu6 purchase by using the code:  Fall2013 

Souffle Pens

Last week I was online searching for micron pens when I stumbled upon something very interesting, souffle pens. Have you heard of them before? They claim to have 3-D ink that leaves a raised line when dry. With that claim, I had to test them out. It was practically a craft call of duty.

I tracked down a set at Paper Source because apparently waiting for two day shipping is like eternity for me. As soon as I got home, I had those markers out and was doodling on everything, paper, pennies, plastic caps.

Left: ink in process of drying, Right: ink is fully dry

So I'm sure you're wondering if they really work? They do create a raised surface. It looks kind of like acrylic paint. It's not as raised as using embossing powder. To get the raised effect, the pens must be used on a non-porous surface. They also show up great on dark paper. The one drawback is the ink gets used up quickly. I've already gone through one third of the white ink. That said, I see these pens good for accents to artwork such as cards.

I'm still testing the souffle pens out and trying find unique uses for them. If you have any ideas for me, I would love to hear.