Guest Alexa Lett demonstrated several homemade glue recipes.
To make a thin paste good for scrapbooking, papier-mache or collages:
Materials:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup nonself-rising wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon powdered alum
1-3/4 cups water
1/4 teaspoon oil of cinnamon
Steps:
1. In medium saucepan, mix together sugar, flour and alum.
2. Gradually add one cup water, stirring vigorously to get rid of the lumps.
3. Over medium heat, bring to a boil and cook until clear and smooth, stirring constantly.
4. Remove from hear and add remaining water and oil of cinnamon.
5. Stir until mixed thoroughly.
Spread paste with a brush or craft stick. It can be stored in a covered jar for several months.
To make seal and envelope gum for paper-to-paper or cardboard:
Materials:
6 tablespoons pure white vinegar
four 1-ounce packets unflavored gelatin
1 tablespoon lemon extract
Steps:
1. In a small pan, bring the vinegar to a boil.
2. Add the gelatin and stir until completely dissolved.
3. Add the lemon extract and stir until well blended.
4. Spread the gum thinly on the back of a label or an envelope flap and let dry .
5. Moisten to apply.
Store in a covered jar. If the gum hardens, soften in a pan of warm water.
To make glass/wood glue to adhere glass to glass or wood to wood:
Materials:
two 1/2-ounce packets unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons cold water
3 tablespoons skim milk
several drops oil of cloves (optional)
Steps:
1. Pour the gelatin into the cold water on a small heat-resistant bowl and set aside.
2. Heat the milk to a boiling point in the microwave and pour it into the gelatin until dissolved.
3. Add the oil of cloves as a preservative, if you want to save the glue for more than one day.
4. While the glue is still warm, brush a thin layer on the item to be glued.
Over time, the glue will gel, which makes gluing odd-shaped objects easier to handle . Keep remaining glue in a covered jar. To return it to a liquid state, immerse in a pan of warm water.
To make child- and paper-friendly Gooey Glue:
Materials:
2 cups water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons cold water
Steps:
1. Microwave the water in a glass bowl on high for three minutes or until it comes to a boil.
2. While microwaving, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl.
3. Remove the boiling water from the oven and pour the paste into the water, stirring constantly.
4. Return mixture to microwave on low power for one to two minutes to thicken.
5. When liquid is clear and thick, remove from oven and let cool.
6. Put into a plastic squeeze container and label.
Resources Home Made: 200 Creative Concoctions and Practical Potions for Crafts
by Alexa Lett (ISBN: 0399526978)
Perigee, 2001
Click
here to order this title.
The full title is
Home Made: 200 Creative Concoctions and Practical Potions for Crafts, Beauty Aids, Household Products, and Gifts from Your Kitchen.
Guests Alexa Lett
Craft Expert, Harmony, Inc.
PO Box 28267
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Phone: 423-894-4720
E-mail:
Alexalett@aol.com
Website:
www.alexalett.com
Also in this Episode
