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For All the Ways You Love to Create

Welcome to ILoveToCreate!

Glossary

Plain-language definitions for the dyeing, painting, and adhesive terms you'll see 
across Tulip and Aleene's.

Weatherproof Glue
Weatherproof glue is glue with the ability to withstand weather conditions such as rain or cold temperatures. Weatherproof glues like Aleene's Spray Acrylic Sealer -- are durable, versatile and protect glued surfaces, making them perfect for outdoor projects.
Cornstarch Dough
You can make sculpting dough with cornstarch and Aleene's Original Tacky Glue. Measure 2 parts cornstarch to 1 part Tacky Glue in a plastic bag. Knead the mixture in the plastic bag until it is smooth and pliable (this will take 5 to 10 minutes). If the dough is too sticky, add more cornstarch. If the cornstarch dough is too stiff, add more Tacky Glue. The cornstarch will make the dough a white color. If you want different colors, mix in a few drops of an acrylic paint.
No Sew Glue
No-Sew Glue is the perfect little helper for holding quilt pieces or embellishments in place until you can permanently stitch or sew them in place. Its formula provides a temporary hold and won't gunk up your needles or sewing machine. For a more permanent solution to affix fabrics together or add embellishments to fabric like sequins, lace and ribbon, see Aleene's Fabric Fusion Adhesives for a choice of no sew tape or no sew glue.
Wood Glue
Wood glue is an adhesive that permanently bonds wood pieces together. Aleene's Wood Glue is sandable, stainable and paintable. It can also be lacquered and varnished for both your hardwood and softwood projects, so it's a strong wood glue you can depend on.
Maximum Strength
Maximum strength refers to the strongest formula created or available for whatever category that product is in. From glues to pain relievers, maximum strength means you can rely on getting the best results. For Aleene's, the phrase defines an incredibly strong, powerful formula you can trust.
Clear Glue
Clear glue, AKA clear school glue, is a safe, nontoxic, washable crafting glue, making it ideal for DIY and kids' projects. Clear glues -- such as Aleene's Always Ready Clear Gel Tacky Glue -- are transparent adhesives that dry permanently and clear, and don't yellow over time. Clear glue works best on:
Rhinestones
Glitter
Beans and baubles
Paper
Popsicle sticks
Glitter Glue
Glitter glue is a safe, nontoxic glue for attaching gems and glitter to fabric. Glitter glues -- such as Aleene's Clear Gel Tacky Glue -- dry permanently but remain flexible so embellishments like glitter and gems stay in place even after many machine washes, making them great for clothing, fabric accessories and more.
Industrial Strength glue
Industrial Strength glue means the formula is incredibly strong and powerful. Industrial strength glues will provide exceptional adhesion for both indoor and outdoor projects. They adhere to more surfaces than other formulas. To ensure the bond is strong after application, allow 24 hours for the glue to completely cure.
Polyvinyl Acetate Glue
Polyvinyl acetate glue (aka PVA glue) is commonly referred to as school glue or craft glue. The formula refers to its aliphatic rubbery synthetic polymer composition. It is in classrooms across the country because it is your basic white glue. It's odorless, nontoxic and safe for kids. It doesn't break down or yellow over time, so it's dependable for a variety of projects. PVA Glue remains flexible when dry, so it doesn't harden and crack. It does not alter the pH balance of papers or photographs and other paper-based items. Aleene's Original Tacky Glue is a PVA Glue.
Decoupage
Decoupage is a paper glue crafts technique done by gluing and layering paper cutouts on a canvas, frame, box or other object until the desired look and design effect is achieved. The eventual design depends on the types of printed papers or shapes you're using. Once the layering effect is finished, you can apply a protective decoupage sealer glue such as Aleene's decoupage glue or varnish over the top to protect and seal the paper layers.
Magnetic slime
Magnetic slime is slime made with water, craft glue, liquid starch, and black iron oxide powder. To play with magnetic slime, you'll need a neodymium magnet, as regular magnets are not strong enough.
Glue Remover
Glue remover is any substance that can remove adhesives (stickers, glue residue, etc.). Glue residue can happen when using a spray adhesive and overspray sticks to the surface of the surrounding area, or if some glue presses out of the sections being glued together. Dried glue can be removed with acetone (an active ingredient in nail polish remover) or a product such as GooGone.
Tacky Glue
A PVA Glue (polyvinyl acetate white glue) with a thick, fast-grabbing formula that sticks to items on contact. Aleene's is the Original Tacky Glue also known as Tacky Glue. The thickness creates a strong bond to grab on contact, so it dries permanently.
Acetone
Acetone is a colorless, volatile, flammable and water-soluble liquid. It is typically used for cleaning purposes, and as a solvent for other materials such as plastics, synthetic fibers, paints and varnishes. Common uses for acetone also include thinning paint. You probably heard of acetone as the main active ingredient in nail polish remover. It also works great as adhesive remover. Finally you can also use it as a heavy-duty degreaser.
Borax slime
Borax slime, AKA classic slime, is slime made with water, craft glue, and borax (a laundry detergent agent). The amount of borax in slime is small, but children should be supervised when using it for slime, as it can irritate the eyes and nose. Remind your kids to wash their hands after playing with borax slime.Learn how to make classic tacky slime!
Double-Sided Tape
Double-sided tape is the go-to solution when you want instant, strong hold for your projects. The tape is almost invisible between the layers of paper, plastic, wood or metal. Our Aleene's Fabric Fusion Permanent Fabric Tape is also double-sided and iron-on, so you can customize and refresh your looks when using it.
Resin
A sticky substance from the sap of trees (typically fir and pine) and some plants. Resin does not break down in water, making it useful as a base for different types of glues and varnishes.
Temporary Glue
Temporary glue forms a temporary bond -- a bond that can also be adjusted and repositioned. Temporary glues -- like Aleene's Repositionable Tacky Spray -- allow for lightweight glued surfaces to be moved around as needed, making them useful for paper and posters, as well as when working with stencils.
Solvent-Based Adhesives
A solvent is generally a liquid substance that can dissolve other substances. Solvent-based adhesives are then a mixture of ingredients dissolved in a solvent. While they typically have a longer drying time, they harden to a stronger bond when dry.
Fabric Glue
Fabric glue (also called fabric adhesive) is a glue that, depending on the formula, permanently or temporarily adheres fabric to other fabrics. It can also be used to fasten trims, beads, lace and other embellishments to fabrics. It's a super fast way to add accents and pieces without having to sew. Fabric glues can be made either with a nontoxic water-soluble formula or a more industrial-strength formula for heavier fabrics and maximum hold. Aleene's Fabric Fusion is a water-soluble fabric glue, and Aleene's Super Fabric Adhesive is an industrial-strength fabric glue.They're the best fabric glue, depending on what you're fabric you're using.
School Glue
Also known as PVA glue (Polyvinyl Acetate) or craft glue, school glue is a white, nontoxic glue that is safe for kids. School glue is ideal for classroom projects with a wide variety of surfaces, like paper, lightweight woods, foam and decorative fabric that won't be washed. Aleene's Tacky Glue is kid friendly and ready for classroom use.
Leather Glue
Leather glue is a nontoxic adhesive for permanently bonding leather and suedes, as well as beadwork to leather. Leather glues -- like Aleene's Leather- Suede Glue -- creates clear, flexible bonds that don't soak through or stain leathers and suedes, making them perfect for repairing leather items such as shoes, belts and purses.
Spray Sealers
Spray Sealers are applied as a protective coating over finished items to preserve the surface of the item from wear and tear, and damage that can happen from outdoor elements. Spray sealers are offered in an aerosol, spray-on formula. Most sealers dry clear and work on a variety of surfaces, including
glass
wood
metal
paper

Aleene's Spray Sealers are offered in glossy and matte formulas.
Craft Glue
Craft glue is a white, nontoxic PVA glue that is safe for all ages to use. What is PVA glue? PVA stands for polyvinyl acetate. That means the glue is both colorless and odorless. Craft glues like Aleene's Original Tacky Glue are best used for craft and hobby projects. If you need super strong adhesion on heavy surfaces, you'll want to use an industrial-strength formula like Aleene's The Ultimate or Aleene's Super Gel. Most craft glues are ideal for paper surfaces, lightweight woods, foam and non-washable fabrics.
Papier Mache
A mixture of paper pieces and glue that is molded and formed around a form while damp. The mixture then dries hard, maintaining the shape of the form. Once dry, papier mache can be painted and decorated with paints and embellishments. Birthday pinatas are a good example of this process. Aleene's Original Tacky Glue is one of the best glues for paper projects.
Acid Free Glue
Acid Free Glue means the glue formula is alkaline or neutral. It does not contain acid, which can damage the papers, painting or other materials you're using for your project or piece of art. Choose acid-free glue for paper projects.
Collage
Collage is an art technique that is created by attaching or gluing different materials such as papers, photographs, magazine cutouts, etc. to a surface. The finished effect is created by adding many overlapping layers and images to your project. You can then add paints, glitters, trims and more on top of the papers and photographs. Our Aleene's Premium Decoupage glue is available in both glossy and matte finishes.
Outdoor Glue
Outdoor glue is an all-purpose glue that is water and UV-resistant, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, such as home repairs and DIY projects. Outdoor glues -- like Aleene's industrial-strength DIY Craft Adhesives -- apply and dry clear, and are non-foaming.

Outdoor glue works best on:
Wood
Metal
Paper
Ceramics
Stone
Most plastics
Glass
Non-oily surfaces
Flubber
Flubber is a type of slime made with water, craft glue, liquid starch, and food coloring. It is thicker and tougher than classic tacky slime. The term "flubber" was popularized by the 1961 film "The Absent-Minded Professor starring Fred MacMurray as a scientist who invents flying rubber, or flubber. Robin Williams starred in a similar film called "Flubber" in 1997. Glue Finder!
Floam
Floam, AKA fluffy slime, is a type of slime made with water, craft glue, liquid starch, and food coloring with polystyrene foam beads added. The term floam, like the concoction, is a combination of foam and slime.
Quick-Drying Glue
Quick-drying glue is a nontoxic adhesive that tacks and dries faster than other kinds of glues, drying permanently and strongly in as little as 35 minutes. Quick-drying glues -- like Aleene's Quick Dry Tacky Glue -- work on most surfaces and dry flexible, permanent and clear.

Quick-drying glue works best on:
Paper products
Wood
Foam
Plastic
Metal
Non-washable fabrics
UV Resistant Glue
UV-resistant glue is glue with the ability to resist ultra violet (UV) light, including sunlight. UV light or sunlight will cause non-resistant materials and surfaces to fade or discolor. UV-resistant glues -- like Aleene's Industrial Strength Adhesives -- are great for both indoor and outdoor use.
Glitter Slime
Glitter slime is slime made with water, craft glue, liquid starch, glitter, and food coloring.
Rubber Cement
Rubber cement is an adhesive that forms a strong, flexible bond. Rubber cements can be removed easily without causing damage. Rubber glue, like Aleene's Tack-It Over & Over, is good for making glue dots for crafting.
Jewelry Glue
Jewelry glue is strong, permanent adhesive for holding jewelry and metal pieces together. Jewelry glues and glues for metal -- like Aleene's Jewelry Metal Glue and Aleene's Jewel-It Embellishing Glue -- dry clear and work on porous and semi-porous stones, gems, metals and other materials. They are also impact-resistant and waterproof, making them perfect for creating and repairing jewelry.

Jewelry glue works best on:
Beads
Metals
Stones
Gems
Mirrors
Ceramics
Plastics
Eco-friendly
Eco-friendly means the product is earth friendly, safe and not threatening to the environment. For example, our Aleene's Original Tacky Glue Adhesives are comprised of a nontoxic formula and are packaged in recyclable bottles. You can feel confident using these adhesives and all of our nontoxic products for your craft and home projects with your family.
Batik
Batik is a traditional fabric dyeing resist technique. The design work is created with wax, and then fabric dye is applied over the wax to color the surrounding areas. To create fun designs with kids, you can use Aleene's Clear Gel Tacky Glue as the resist and spray over the design with Tulip ColorShot Instant Fabric Color. Use the glue to trace a design and let dry. Then spray or paint over the glue with two to three colors. Let dry and then you can wash the fabric to remove the glue
Super Glue
Super glue, AKA superglue, refers to a class of strong adhesives. (Super Glue is a trade name.) Super glues -- like Liquid Fusion -- work on both porous and semi-porous surfaces, making it perfect for a variety of heavy duty projects and repairs.
Gunk
Gunk, AKA goo gunk and gooey gunk, is a type of slime made with water, craft glue, food coloring, and a small amount of borax (a cleaning agent).
Slime
What is slime? It's a gooey, squishy, pliable substance usually made from a mixture of nontoxic craft glue like Clear Gel Tacky Glue, water and borax (a common ingredient in household laundry and cleaning products) or contact lens solution. Slime can be colored with food coloring, nontoxic paint and glitter. Use this slime recipe on how to make slime with Original Tacky Glue. Slime should always be made while under the supervision of an adult and it is recommended that children should be of at least school age before making. Store slime in a plastic container or re-sealable plastic bag to keep it fresh longer. Always wash hands before and after playing with slime, and immediately discard if it starts to change color or odor.
Universal Glue
Universal glue, AKA all-purpose glue, is a strong, versatile glue that can be used indoors or outdoors thanks to its UV and waterproof qualities. Universal glues -- like Aleene's The Ultimate Multi-Surface Adhesive -- are typically industrial-strength so can be used on tough surfaces, but are also safe enough to use on paper and mixed media projects.
Glow in the Dark Slime
Glow-in-the-dark slime is slime made with clear glue, baking soda, contact solution and glow paint.
Paper Plate Craft
Art projects that involve hands-on creation of various crafts using paper plates.
Paint Pouring
An inventive way to use acrylic paints instead of using tools like brushes or knives to create a piece of art. Paint is poured directly onto the surface of a canvas or board and tilted to move the paint into a design.
Laundry Markers
Permanent ink markers that are compatible with a range of fabric surfaces. Designed for drawing and painting on T-shirts and other fabric items. Great for labeling clothing as well as adding personalized designs.
Tie-Dye Kit
Tie dye is a hand method of producing colored patterns in fabric by tying portions of the fabric so it will not absorb the dye. A tie-dye kit is an all-inclusive group of items that are needed to complete the tie-dyeing process. Items include, but are not limited to, fabric dye, rubber bands, zip ties, instructional guides and other accessories that may be used.
Fabric Dyes
Dyes with pigments designed to change the color fastness of fibers, yarns and fabrics.
Fabric Spray Paint
Paint that is specially formulated to apply to textiles like clothing, bedding and almost anything constructed from fabric and is applied with either a pump spray or aerosol application method.
Resist Painting
A painting technique that uses a medium that doesn’t allow paint to be absorbed into fabrics, thus creating a negative space. Most common resist forms are wax, pastes and glues.
Popsicle Stick Craft
Craft sticks are usually made from Baltic birch wood and are considered perfect for crafting because of their flexibility and versatility. These popular wood sticks are durable and easy to paint, making them ideal for kids’ crafting.
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