Since releasing my first Frame Clutch Pattern I've had so many emails about the glue I recommended, Guttermann's HT2 Creativ. It's hard to find. Virtually impossible to purchase from within the United States. And costs an arm and a leg (I pay almost $10 per 30g tube). It works perfectly for frame bags, but waiting a week or more for it to be shipped in from an international seller puts a cramp on the creative juices.
So I've been researching and testing and finally have found some results that I'm really excited to share. I had so many gluey, stinky, almost teary-eyed messes to come to this conclusion that I when I say this is "IT" I mean it.
And the winner is...
DRUM ROLL PLEASE!
Aleene's 7800 Platinum Bond!!!
My first clue that this might be "the one" was the instructions. They read very similar to the HT2 instructions, the key part being that it should dry for about 5 minutes before putting the two surfaces together.
There are both pros and cons to Aleene's 7800, but if you ask me this is as good as it gets to a domestic version of HT2. Here is what I found through my testing and usage of Aleene's 7800.
PROS : That's right... the good stuff!!
:: BIGGER TUBE Aleene's 7800 comes in a 2 US Fluid Oz container. About double the size of HT2!
:: COSTS LESS I paid about $2.50 for mine... that's vs. $10.00 for HT2
:: INSTANT GRATIFICATION For all those who want to start right away this stuff isn't hard to find. I found some in my local craft shop, but it's also available online and in discount prices if you buy lots!
CONS : Ok... some parts aren't so hot.
:: SMELLY Well nothing new here. It's very comparable to HT2 in smell. I wish they could find a way to make this stuff less toxic smelling. Just please remember to NOT do this in a closet or a dingy dark basement.... open the window and save some brain cells.
:: LARGE ADAPTER The tube comes with an adapter that screws on the end so you can have a more refined bead of glue... only problem is that it's a little too big for my liking. HT2 has a really small point that helps guide the glue into just the right spot. At first it was a little messy, but by the second one I was getting the hang of it. Just be sure to only cut off the very tip of the adapter and you'll be golden after a line of practice. In my opinion this is the worst drawback, but it's in no way a deal breaker... just a new way of doing things.
::NO CLOSURE CAP I'm not sure what they were thinking by not including a closure cap to save the adapter from drying and being ruined between use. My easy and cheap-o solution to this minor annoyance was to take some cling wrap (like you use in the kitchen) and wrap it around the top. Then I just placed a rubber band around to hold it in place. No-Biggy.
For me the pros totally outweigh the cons here. The price difference alone had me, but the results of using Aleene's 7800 was identical to Guttermann's HT2. A nice firm hold and easy to work with.
Lastly I just have to say that this post was NOT sponsored by anyone. These results were found after testing lots of different types of glues and different brands as well. If you'd like to share this information with other crafters feel free to do so, but please provide a link back to this original post. And if anyone finds another comparable glue I'd love to hear about it so I can check it out too.
Happy Crafting!!