The glue gun is an essential tool for many creative, craft projects.
Any craft enthusiast should add a hot glue gun to their arsenal, because the crafting possibilities using this tool are virtually endless. Everything from creating unique craft projects to repurposing buttons becomes a bit simpler with the aid of the hot glue gun. In addition, hot glue is a useful adhesive to have around the house for minor repairs, such as securing loosened handles and other items throughout the house.
Glitter Jelly Bean Eggs
For a fun spring-time craft use glitter, glue, fabric adornments and hot glue to create Glitter Jelly Bean eggs. The Glue Gun Crafts website features this fun craft for the spring and recommends using plastic jelly beans instead of plastic Easter eggs. Roll the jelly beans in regular white glue and cover them in glitter for a fun, sparkly centerpiece item. Once the plastic beans are fully dry, use a hot glue gun to attach ribbons, fabric flowers or small gems to the decorated jelly beans. Arrange them in a basket to form a pretty, springtime centerpiece.
Scrap Ribbon Lamp Shade
The Cutout and Keep crafting website recommends using a hot glue gun, clear glue sticks and scraps of colored ribbon to redecorate a plain lampshade. This is an especially good idea for avid crafters who have a large amount of leftover ribbon in the craft bin. Spread a thin strip of hot glue onto the top rim of the lampshade and attach a strip of ribbon. Stretch the ribbon down to the bottom of the lampshade and secure with another small strip of hot glue on the bottom rim. Continue all around the lampshade until the entire lampshade is covered.
Button Flower Ring
According to the Cutout and Keep website, the hot glue gun is an essential tool for transforming loose buttons into creative jewelry items. Purchase resizable ring bases from the local craft store or a jewelry making shop. Gather old buttons in a variety of colors and practice arranging them in patterns that resemble flowers. Once you are happy with the design, secure the buttons to the ring base using a hot glue gun and clear glue.
Button Thumbtacks
For another way to recycle old buttons, consider the button thumbtack project featured on the Cutout and Keep website. Keep your things organized in style by dressing up basic, flat-topped thumbtacks with colorful buttons. Select a button or stack of buttons for each thumbtack and hot glue the buttons to the top of a thumbtack for a fun alternative look. This project is also a wonderful idea for a teacher's gift.
Simple Home Repairs
While the hot glue gun is known most commonly as an excellent crafting tool, it's also useful for simple household repairs. Use hot glue to secure the pegs in a workshop pegboard, or to secure cabinet handles, drawer pulls and other loose items.
Tags: Cutout Keep, jelly beans, clear glue, craft projects, Cutout Keep website, essential tool, Glitter Jelly