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Gluebooks - Just the basics

Are you interested in gluebooks? They're easy and fun. Here's all that you really need to know.

Definition

Gluebook, n. 1. Any combination of a book (of any kind) and stuff (of any kind, but usually paper and related ephemera) glued into it, with any kind of adhesive.

Supplies

To create a gluebook, you need three things: A book, glue, and stuff to glue into the book. That's all!

Important note: I did not mention anything like "artistic skill" or "art training." Neither are required. In fact, they can get in the way, sometimes.

Tip: When you're getting started, it's often best to work with whatever you have around the house. Don't try to get fancy about this.

Here's what to gather, to create your own gluebook:


A book. Any kind of book is fine, and it can be any size or style. Here are a few of many possibilities:

a published book a blank book a sketchbook a notebook

a composition book a coupon book (junk mail) a ticket book a handmade book

(Most people start with some kind of book, but others work with individual pages and then bind them into a book.)


Glue. Almost any glue is fine, as long as it works on paper. A gluestick is great, but try to use one that's intended for crafts. (In dry, hot climates, the glue some gluesticks can dry out and the stuff falls off the pages.) Here are some other suggestions:

white glue dry mounting photo adhesive

acrylic gel medium (used by fine art painters) rubber cement (may not be archival)

In many cases, you'll want some kind of a brush--such as a cheap sponge brush or budget bristle brush--to use with the glue.


Stuff to glue onto the pages. There's no real limit to this. Paper items are the easiest to apply to pages. Tear or cut stuff out and stick it onto pages in your gluebooks. But, don't stop there! Anything that can glue to a page will work! Here are just a few resources:

magazines recycling bins or trash published books

junk mail coloring books comics

Don't forget to include everyday ephemera such as receipts, ticket stubs, business cards, shopping lists, coupons, labels, etc.

Embellishments

In addition to the basics--such as everyday paper items and ephemera--you can embellish your gluebooks.

You can add glitter, gold leaf, pencil, ink, paint, ribbon, fabric, wire, found bits... anything that you like. Remember: There are no rules!

Learn more

Now, explore the other sections of this website. Check out my examples, read my articles, visit the links, and snag some goodies that I've created for gluebooks & other art... and the people who create them.

(Also... I've been exploring gluebooks since the late 1990s. See my Gluebooks history.)

Copyright © 2007 Aisling D'Art · Design by Andreas Viklund