Altered book collage question

[raggedycats]

What type of glue do you use for collages and altered books. I have some really old valentines that I would like to do some collages with. I found a couple of small books and would like to give one a try. Thanks Ellen/raggedycats

[artistjillian]

I always used an acrylic 'sealer' as my glue and sealer for altered/memory books when I taught making them. But that was years ago. I'm sure other artists here who are specialists in this and will help out with some good info for you. So much fun to do. ~Jillian

[hand-made-n]

Hi Ellen... I just found my way over to this group and found this post... Although I am not yet a expert in my field I have done some experimenting and found 3 different "glues" that I use on a regular basis for my work... I use "Yes" glue for anything I want to glue flat without any wrinkles and spread it on with an old credit card... I also use Golden gel medium if I want to marry several different loose pieces together and give it a nice finish coat and last but not least I use "tacky" glue sparingly if I really want to adhere something... Not sure which one of these would fit your needs best but I would recommend maybe going down to the local art/craft store and buying small bottles/jars of each and try them out on something that you might not care if it doesn't work out or not... Hope this helps and I would love to see a picture when you have finished :0) Amber

[raggedycats]

Thanks so much, everyone here is so helpful. Ellen/cat

[sunshinesketches]

I use plain ole glue sticks, but if it's something non-paper (charms or plastic thingies or found objects), I use Goop glue. I know someone who swears by Diamond Glaze (both as glue and as a varnish), but I haven't had a chance to try it yet. /Karen

[october*moon]

I have heard that about Diamond Glaze, too, Karen~ I also read that Gloss gel medium, as opposed to matte, is the better adhesive. I haven't tried it myself, but plan to. Anne >^..^<

[chelisesurfing_1]

I often use watered down sobee or white glue. I paint it on to the surface where the image is going to be applied, and when I press the image down, I am careful to press out any bubbles. However, I also like good old rubber cement for a lot of stuff. For small three dimensional embellishments on collage, I have found that glue dots are a lifesaver. Finally, I too will use glue sticks, but only if I am planning on sealing the item well afterwards - as the glue stick glue itself will often become brittle and less effective after a matter of months. Hope that helps!

[raggedycats]

Thanks everyone. I am going to give it a try.

[darklingemily]

i use acid free paper mod podge (it comes in matte and shiny, so i can get different effects with just the glue) it's awesome, you can water it down, add color, everything stays flat...it dries fairly quickly (which is good for me, being so impatient when it comes to frying) so make sure you have everything ready that you want to glue down...

[darklingemily]

frying=drying...but frying makes me impatient too! LOL

[raggedycats]

Frying, drying. I do burning quite well Ellen >^..^<

[txredlady]

I've taken some "flack" because I've recommended Mod Podge in the past. Some people think it's too sticky to use, but I like using it. I spray my dried altered book spreads with a Krylon sealer varnish spray to avoid the tackiness. I use Mod Podge on my collaged ACEO's too! BTW....glue sticks stickiness doesn't last very long. Sharon aka txredlady

[sunshinesketches]

Chelise, you're absolutely right about glue sticks... I was making the assumption that the item would be sealed upon its completion, because I almost always do that. Sorry, I should have mentioned that! One thing I have noticed about sealers is that they can change the colour of certain shades of pencil, so I take that into account when doing pencil drawings. It's all a matter of experimentation to see what works. As a friend of mine says, you can't ever do enough samples! /Karen PS - by samples I'm not talking about the display of snack samples set up in the grocery store. 😉

[chelisesurfing_1]

Karen - Glue stick are however, the world's most convenient sealer, and they are wonderful if you are traveling (and a collage-aholic, as am I.) I do buy them by the bulk! So you were right there. Re: sealers - yeah, I'd just be careful there - practice a little. The kinds you paint on can make your work bubble. That isn't the end of the world, it can give your work "character" but it can also be disappointing. The kind you spray on can indeed change colors. Worse yet, both have the capacity to "bleed" certain inks and paints. Oh, and watercolors... How DO you seal watercolors? I've been so saddened by the smearing of watercolor tinting once an item is sealed.... xo - Chel

[bethypam]

Do any of you have books/resources you recommend to beginners?