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 

Green Craft: Upcycled Bows

Happy Earth day everyone!  In honor of the holiday, I thought I would republish one of my green crafts from the archives.  Enjoy.

Supplies:
Food packaging lined with foil - For this craft the package should be constructed with two sheets sealed on all four sides.
Double stick tape - I used tape that's pre-cut for scrapbooking.
Scissors

*Click on pictures to get a larger view.

Starting with a food package, cut strips horizontally. Next, turn all the strips inside out.

The strips naturally coiled into a figure 8 shape. The left "8" I taped the center together to make two loops. The right "8" has not been taped, it's just to show you how the strips naturally form. Next, take one loop and push it down in the center to make a bow shape and tape (refer to right picture).

Now push down the other loop just like you did in the last step and tape. Make three of these and one basic loop (refer to right picture).

Take two of the bows you made and tape them together in an "x" shape. Next tape another bow vertically down the center of the bows.

Last, tape your basic loop in the center.

Craft Project: Sea Glass Christmas Ornament

Perhaps for the want of warmer weather, I got out the jar of sea glass. With no particular idea in mind, I began to piece the glass together like a puzzle. And before I knew it, an ornament unfolded before my eyes.

Supplies:
Small pieces of Sea Glass - the ones in the picture above are amount 1/4 - 1/2 inches in diameter. May be purchased at craft stores.
Glue - I used Ecoglue for this project. The most important thing is you want an extra strength glue that dries clear.
Jewelry Bail
Wax paper

Mix and match pieces to get the best fit for your wreath, much like a puzzle. You want the flat sides to touch so you can glue it together.

Once you have your pieces laid out it's time to glue. Take one piece out of the composition and add glue to the side.

Glue to the next piece. Continue to do this until all the sea glass is glued together. Make sure all the bonds are as tight as possible. Carefully wipe away any glue that is showing on the top of the glass.

Glue the bail onto the back of the ornament. Let dry for a full day.

Craft Project: Eco Christmas Gift Wrap

A while back, a family member was complaining about the waste of Christmas wrapping paper. It got me thinking of alternatives to the paper wrapped gift boxes we often use for the holidays. So I decided I would make something sustainable that could be used again and again. After a little brainstorming, I thought up these fabric gift pouches. They can be used over and over again. You can make them in any size and they don't take up much space. Hope you'll make a few to use year after year. Enjoy.

Supplies:
Fabric - two 8 1/2" squares for outside print, two 8 1/2" squares for lining
Two 8 1/2" squares of batting
Ribbon
Sewing Needle
Thread
Velcro strip - about 4 -5 inches in length

Pin ribbon to the fabric square like the picture above. Machine sew down the sides of the ribbon to adhere it to the fabric. This will be the top of your gift pouch.

Place the print fabric up. Place the lining fabric on top so right sides are together. Last, place a batting square on top. Pin together and sew all three pieces together on one side of the square with a 1/4" seam. Make two of these.

After sewing the fabric, open it up so the print is on one side and the lining and batting is on the other side (refer to picture). Press open seams. Do this to the other one as well.

Place both sewn pieces right sides together. Sew a 1/2" seam around the edge (refer to red line). Make sure to leave an opening to turn right side out.

Turn right side out. It should now look like the picture above. Sew the small gap closed (refer to red line).

Tuck the lining into the printed fabric to form a lined bag. Your pouch should now look like this.

Pin velcro strips to the inside of the pouch. Refer to picture. Sew velcro onto the pouch.

Tie a bow with ribbon and sew it to the top of your gift pouch. Done.

* You can place gifts directly into the pouch or use a box first for fragile items such as jewelry.