Scrapbooking adhesives come in more choices than ever. As this hobby grows, the manufacturers are responding to the needs of scrapbookers. Since page layouts have moved from just photos, paper and a few stickers to more complex designs like 3-D elements, metals, fabric and ribbon, scrapbookers now need adhesives that can handle the latest in scrapbooking trends and techniques.



Photo safe is the most important quality when choosing a scrapbooking adhesive. Make sure any adhesive you choose is archival sage, especially when using them on the back of your photographs. Scrapbookers have so many choices when it comes to adhesives.

Photo Corners: These are the pioneer adhesives of scrapbooking, and they still remain a popular choice for many scrapbookers. When scrapbooking first began, photo corners were used because they would allow you to attach photographs to a page and still remove them. Because photo corners are not permanent adhesives, they are ideal for heritage photographs and anything you don't want to permanently mount to a page. They now come in a variety of colors and materials.

Glue: Whether in pens, bottles or tubes, glue is the most versatile adhesive option for scrapbookers. Glue pens allow you to put a tiny dot of glue where ever you need it. They come in permanent and repositionable varieties, as well as specialized glues made for fabric or metal.

Tape Runners: These are double-sided adhesives that are sold in rolls or in dispensers. They are a must-have supply for any scrapbooker. Similar to glue, they come in permanent and repositionable varieties. They are convenient and less messy than regular glue. You run the tape along your photos, paper or any other surface that needs adhesives. It leaves behind a continuous line of adhesive.

Glue Dots: Available in rolls or sheets, glue dots provide a strong bond for heavy embellishments. They work well with fabric, ribbons and textured materials as well. Glue dots are available in a variety of sizes.

Glue Sticks: Glue sticks provide a convenient, easy-to-use alternative to glue, without the sticky mess. You can cover a large area quickly, making them a great choice for creating fast layouts. Before you buy a glue stick, make sure it states that it is photo-safe. Some varieties, like those use for school projects, are not.

Adhesive Spray: Adhesive sprays provide transparency and even coverage. They don't show through paper like many adhesives, making them perfect for vellum. Be careful with over spray. You always want to cover your work surface before using adhesive spray.

Tape: Double-sided tape is a basic scrapbooking adhesive. Standard one-sided tape is also a must-have for scrapbookers. Apply one-sided tape to the back of eyelets or brads to keep the prongs from catching on the paper.

Foam Tape: Foam tape comes in a variety of sizes and shapes, such as dots and squares. The adhesive is double-sided, and the foam allows page elements to have a dimensional effect. This adds interest to small items and works very well with letters in titles.

With so many scrapbooking adhesives to choose from, you'll want to stock up on your favorites. Watch your favorite craft stores for sales. Make sure you pack a variety of adhesive options for your next workshop or crop. You'll be sure to have the right adhesive for your next scrapbooking project.