What is the Best Glue Stick for Paper, Collage, Photos?

I have an arts and crafts business online, and recently I have been putting in a lot of effort to turn my miniature paintings, into matted painting greeting cards.

Each card is two gifts in one, with the original painting and mat, attached to the quality blank greeting card.  In order to attach all these papers, I use a glue stick.

In a hurry?  Which glue stick is the best?  Click Here

I ran out of my usual brand, and purchased another popular name brand that stated it was a permanent bond, which I wanted.  I spent an entire day carefully gluing my mat to the watercolor paper, and then the painting and mat to the blank greeting card, only to find out the next day, it didn't bond.

I was faced with doing this all over again.  I checked my supply of cards I had already made and they were totally bonded.  So, I knew it was the choice of glue stick I made.

So hands down, by far, the best glue stick for paper, collage, and photos?

UHU GLUE STICK!!!

It is acid free so it won't harm your photos, making it perfect for scrap booking and album creation, but it is also wonderful for collages and any other paper craft.

I had to totally redo 50 cards with the UHU glue stick and today as I check them all again, they are totally bonded.

I like using a glue stick for paper crafts, I find you don't get oozing issues, or leaks onto the paper. You can glue thin bits of paper without fears of the glue showing thru years later.

I highly recommend, that if you are doing any paper crafts, that you invest in a box or packages of this wonderful glue stick.

It is non toxic, goes on clear and washable off your hands and any surfaces.

It is basically a roll on glue, that rolls back down with a good lid, and I find I have way more control over where it goes compared to liquid glues.  Perfect if you have a lot of paper to glue on.  

My cards are still holding together nicely and I have them for sale in my store:

home made cards by Diane 

In this All occasion section of my store, the idea is that this is 2 gifts in one.  An original matted watercolor painting (5 x 7 inches) attached to a quality blank 5 x 7 inch greeting card.  So that you can send your greeting and they can then frame the painting as a gift from you or display it like a card as it stands up!

The Perfect Glue for Paper - UHU Glue Stick

I use this glue for my cards to glue the painting to the back of the mat and then the mat to the card.  I lost a lot of time using a different brand that promised the same results.  For about 5 minutes it looked like it would hold, but the next day they were coming apart. 

My UHU stuck Cards Never Came Apart

I have happy customers, who have received the card/painting in good condition, have mailed it to a loved one, and they have since framed it still intact.  

I speak highly of this product!!  Plus the price is right.  Purchasing it online in bulk works for me.

Check the current price

So, as one crafter/artist to another, don't waste your time with the wrong product!  Get the best price you can (usually in bulk) and not only save money, but save all your hard work!

Duct Tape Uses - 8 Reason Why You Should Take it on Vacation

Duct tape has got to be one of the most useful things on the market.  My dad used to say to me " if it moves and it shouldn't use duct tape, if it doesn't move and it should use WD40"  He told me as long as I had these two things in my life I would be fine!

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Now, personally I have not had the need for WD40 but I got through rolls of duct tape especially on vacation.  This stuff sticks to anything and pretty much seals it, especially on a camping trip.  Now make sure and pack it in your suitcase and not your carry on if flying as you don't want them thinking anything nasty!


Created During World War 2 to waterproof equipment, it has so many uses that are often forgotten.  I keep a roll handy all the time, and throw it in a bag for vacations and keep one in the car too!

Number 1 - Instant Band-aid.  If you love to hike or even just walking and cut your knee or any kind of injury that starts to bleed, simply grab a paper towel, napkin or whatever you have.  Fold it and place on the injury and then use a piece of duct tape to hold it there until you can get better treatment.
This way you can still enjoy your hike!

Number 2 - Waterproof a Hole in Your Boots.  If you just happen to get a slice in your boots or a hole in the bottom of your shoe, place duct tape around it and press hard against the tear and you can now continue on with your walk, or stomping through the snow or puddles, or whatever you are doing to stop the rain or puddles from getting in, this creates a waterproof barrier.  This beats wearing a bag over your foot wear!

Number 3 - Instant Fly Trap.  If you get to that rustic cottage and all you hear are buzzing flies, you can take strips of the tape about 3 feet long and hang them from the rafters or near the windows to catch many of the flies and insects.   Simply take it down and roll it up and throw it out before you leave.

Number 4 - Window Screen Repair.  Although this may not look good, it will seal those holes where the mosquitoes and flies are getting in.  This is especially important if you are trying to sleep in that cabin or cottage and you want the breeze but not the bugs which are in huge supply in the woods.

Number 5 - Instant Hem or Repair.  If your hem of your skirt, dress or pants decides to come down and there is not a needle and thread in sight, use a piece of duct tape, it will stick to the fabric and hold up your hem until you can do something more permanent.  This has saved me many times and if you split your plants or pull apart a seam, place them together as close as you can and put a piece of duct tape firmly on the wrong side of the clothing.



Number 6 - Tent Repairs.  Picture this, you are hammering in the stakes and you accidentally hit the stake through the tent, or maybe you tried to put it together quickly and a stick has gone through the thin fabric.

Do not despair!  Duct tape to the rescue.  Put a piece on the outside as well as the inside of the tent fabric for a good seal.  This works on the tent bug screens too such as at the little windows which always tend to tear.  Or the little tie pieces that always seem to fall off the tent.  Put them back on with this tape.

Number 7 - De-Lint Yourself.  Wrap some around your hand with the sticky side out and dab all over the parts of you that are full of lint or pet hair or whatever.

Number 8 - In the Car.  Does your GPS keep falling off the windshield?  Does your glove box not want to close?  Has the plastic pockets started to fall off the door of your car?  These are no permanent fixes, but can really make the difference on vacation.  My rear view mirror suddenly decided it wanted to fall off the windshield while on vacation.  Using lots of duct tape, I stuck it right back on and it stayed right where I put it.  I have also cover sharp broken plastic trim pieces on the inside of my car with this tape.  Keep on in the car.

Number 9 - Extra Idea!! Crafts!!

Crafts!!  If you have kids stuck in a tent or cottage or trailer or even the hotel room because the weather is bad, duct tape can also be used for crafts.  Create a kit ahead of time of colored forms of this tape and this book can really help.  Keep this in your arsenal of toys and projects.  This book is a really good idea.  A few rolls of tape and this book and you are set for those "there is nothing to do" moments on your vacation.

You can get this affordable selection that do all the tricks and repairs of the basic colored duct tape and get the colors instead!  This way you have it for repairs and for crafts.

Backyard Privacy Ideas for Renters - Portable Products You can Take With You!

I have been on both sides of this fence.  I have been a renter and I have been a landlord.  As a

landlord I rented my house, and as part of the lease agreement they would keep up the yard such as lawn cutting, but I didn't want any construction or renovation going on as there were already gardens present.

But after being a renter myself, I realize that everyone wants to make their place feel like home, whether you rent it or not.  But there are ways to create an oasis in a rental backyard that doesn't do harm to the property and creates the personal space you are looking for.  I have found landlord friendly ways to make the backyard your own.

Backyard Ideas for Renters

Start with a privacy fence.  The type that stand alone and don't need to be jammed in the ground other than simple stakes to hold it in place rather than concrete etc.  The type that can be folded up and taken with you.  If you want to sit outside in your jammies but find there is no privacy, then create an instant fence.  Here are some Ideas.

Outdoor privacy fence For an Instant Private Room


This one has many good reviews and can be used to hide unsightly things, but can also be used around a patio or just the one side between you and the neighbors.  It creates an instant barrier without adding fencing.  Also looks cool.  Makes the patio now a room that you can add some potted plants to and personalize it.  Instant oasis patio area.  The panels are hinged making this easy to create corners.

Portable Patio Teak Tiles

These are a bit more of an investment, but if the place you are renting has a crumbling old patio that has seen better days with the grass growing in between, you can simply place these right over top without disrupting the ground and create an instant patio deck.  Add the privacy fence above and you have yourself a personalized oasis without harm to your landlords property.

Mobile Green Wall - Create a Living Wall

If you have a green thumb, this is an awesome idea.  If you want to create separation from your neighbors or even the rest of the yard.  If you want to create a "room" on your patio or any area in the yard, these mobile green walls will work.  You create a living wall.  When you move it goes with you.  If you use a few of these along with new deck tiles you can have an instant patio that you get to take with you and not leave behind for the landlord.

Outdoor Patio Gazebo for Backyard Privacy for Renters


If you can fit this on your present patio or deck, then it shouldn't be a problem, but if you want to place this in the grass you should check with your landlord as the grass may die.

I personally love the idea of this on the present patio as a way to create an instant room that you can keep the sun off of, as well as the curtains for privacy and mosquitoes.

These are more of an investment, but my tenant placed on of these on the backyard patio and enjoyed the privacy in this busy subdivision.

She liked to read outside in her jammies at different times of the day, so really enjoyed this gazebo and took it with her when she left.



Garden Trellis for Potted Plants

This is another great way to build up some privacy.  Place larger potted plants where you want some privacy and then add these trellises and climbing plants.  You will have a gorgeous growing wall that is portable.

Just because you are renting doesn't mean you can't enjoy some solitude in the backyard or even on the balcony.  You don't want to invest the money into a yard that you will leave behind.  It can take years for foundation plants to grow, so go for something more instant such as the above examples.

Check online for ideas.  That is where I found my ideas.  The living walls appeal to me, and the deck tiles which I will be doing this year.

If the yard where you are renting is not super user friendly or inviting, make it so, with portable investments that can be taken with you.  Enjoy!


Ultimate Container Gardening - DIY Backyard Ideas for Renters Who Love Veggies!

If the landlord told you not to plant a veggie garden, that is because they don't want to be left with a dirt patch that the next tenant may not be interested in.  So get creative with portable container gardening and still get your fresh veggies.

These would also make a great privacy fence around the deck or patio making it easy to reach out for fresh veggies.  As like all the other products above, it can go with you when you leave.

It can cost thousands for a makeover of a yard, but with portable products you can turn your rental yard into an oasis!

Best Umbrella Table Screen - Top One Under 50 Bucks! - Escape the Bugs This Summer

I don't know about you, but where I live the summers are short.  We try to be outside as much as possible.  But with the gorgeous summer evenings and the shady parts of the day come those wretched mosquitoes!

In a hurry? Don't have time?   top rated Umbrella Screen Here.

Otherwise, lets chat!

I have been doing a lot of research lately on ways to enjoy my yard in the nice weather without being chased in by bugs, especially mosquitoes, which are now known to carry diseases.   

With the days being light longer and the warm breezes, I absolutely love being outdoors, especially in the early morning with my tea, and into the evening to socialize or to simply read my favourite magazines or a good book.   Winter in Ontario, Canada is pretty long, so I soak up every moment of spring, summer and fall, but so do the bugs!

Outdoor Umbrella Screen - Add Bug Free Hours to Your Day!

Yes it does mean zipping and unzipping, but I have to tell you.  I just simply cannot afford a gazebo for our yard.  We live in a semi detached and I don't want something that is going to take up my entire yard. 

I also am on a limited budget.   But after searching my local garden center, I was frustrated until I found this one online.

Umbrella Table Screen

You can get this screen in different sizes, such as 7.5 feet or 9 feet or 11 feet. It all depends on the size of your present patio umbrella.

It has a super clean look, and looks like it belongs.  You can still see the yard and you don't feel closed in.

As long as you have an umbrella for your patio table, that you can open, you can set this up super quick.    I do own a patio table set with an umbrella, so this makes use of what I already have.

Make Your Things Work Double Time to Save Money

It is super nice when anything you own can work double time.  Instead of purchasing a separate gazebo or forking out tons of money for that screened in porch addition, you simply throw one of these over your umbrella. So maybe you don't need it during the afternoon in the sun but come evening you do!

Whoever came up with this simple idea, gets my vote!  I love how it hugs the ground too, so those pesky mosquitoes, don't get in.

Dine Outside without Worry of Bugs

We love to eat outside too, but if you started to eat as the shadows of the day were being cast, those mosquitoes were just waiting for you!  We would close down the umbrella and take that bug cue as the time to head inside, which is a shame.

Try to Plan a Bit More for an Evening Behind the Umbrella Screen

It is best to limit the amount of times you open a screen whether on this umbrella screen or a gazebo screen as each time it opens you could let in a few of those pesky blood sucking bugs, so keep a flyswatter inside to get those odd rogue bugs.

So plan what you need inside and use a tray so that you can limit the zipper openings. It doesn't take long to get used to this plan.

Additional Ammunition for Your War on Mosquitoes or Bugs

When we used to go camping, we had a portable kitchen tent, and we would take some deep woods or other mosquito repellent and spray it just on the zipper area, so that when we opened the zip flap there was that extra protection at the opening.  Just a thought!  Depends on the scale of war you must wager on the bugs near you.

Storage

Since there is no actual frame (like with kitchen tents etc) this can simply roll up and be put away for the off season with your other accessories.

Patio Umbrella Lights

Now that we are able to sit outside longer, it can get a bit dark especially for reading or socializing.  If you are quite happy siting outside in your umbrella screen enclosure without any light just the moon light, then you wont need one of these.

But if you want to be able to see your friends, or your book, it would be something to consider as an addition to this setup.    This particular one runs on batteries.

They fit just under your umbrella on the pole, so they are not directly in your face, they give off a nice ambient light.  But for sure if you are going to use a patio umbrella light, you need to use the umbrella table screen or you will be giving a honing beacon to those mosquitoes.

Make Sure Your Umbrella Has a Good Base


If you already have a patio set with table, chairs and the umbrella, chances are you have it into a weight under the table, but when you are adding additional accessories such as a light, or the screen, you need to make sure it will not wobble.  You can get some pretty good weights online or at your garden center.

Win the War on Mosquitoes - Don't Go Quietly into the Night!

Enjoy every minute you can outdoors without breaking the bank.  This umbrella table screen is a good deal.  Check the current price right now and see if this is something that would work for you.

ENJOY and RELAX!

If you yard is your place to land at the end of the day, your oasis, then you might also enjoy having a nap in a hammock.  Check out this article on the best camping hammocks, they can also be used right in your backyard, and have a built in screen to keep those mosquitoes away.

Enjoy your summer time, and back yard time without serious renovation.  It can be done and you can win the war on bugs without chemical warfare!

Best Over the Sink Dish Drying Racks - Stainless Steel - Top 5 That Fit Behind the Sink

When I first started looking for an over the sink dish drying rack, I was thinking something that would fit in the second of my double kitchen sink.  I didn't want to use up valuable counter space and wanted something user friendly that I could simply leave out!

But then I found these over sink dish racks that are literally "over the sink".  I found the top 5 rated, and I am really loving the look.

1.  Ultimate Over Sink Dish Drying Rack and More...

 

2.  Even Higher - Stainless Steel Options

3.  Simple Roll Up Dish Drying Rack

4.  Another Variation

5.  Wider instead of Higher

The above 5 dish drying racks actually can be used to store all your dishes too.  If you are short on cabinet space or have a very tiny kitchen, then you can simply use these racks to store everything you need in one place.

Using the vertical space above the sink is the perfect use of wasted space.  In a smaller kitchen you need to find every square inch you can without cluttering up the place.

Everything is handy at the sink.  So if you want something more than just a place to dry the dishes, then check out the above links (click on the picture or the links to find out more)

I found these online and being stainless steel they fit well into kitchen decor and maybe treat yourself to some new colorful dishes and now this rack is a decorative item as well.

Over the Sink Shelf Kitchen - Find Extra Space for Under 50 Dollars - Top Five

If you have a small or compact kitchen or you simply have run out of cabinet and shelf space, there is a surprising place to find extra space that actually looks good!  It gets things off the counter to give you more room  and is under 50 dollars!.

In a hurry?  Maybe just Curious?  Check out the best over the sink shelves

As this is something I am interested in, I did some research into using this space behind the faucet.  You wouldn't think there would be enough room, but it is surprising just what fits when it is specially designed for that space.  They are designed to not interfere with the faucets with their height.

Chrome and Wood Over the sink shelf

After research I found the top five (in my opinion) that give you the most for the buck.  Meaning they have space and looks good at the same time as well as under 50 dollars.  No point in just jamming things in there you want this shelving unit to look nice too!

I like this one because it is quite simple and straight lines.  It all depends on your decor and what works for you.  I thought this shelf would be a perfect place to house all the sink items such as the dish soap, scrubbers etc.  By getting things off the counter it is much easier to clean, and maybe add a plant like they did.  Check out this piece in action (picture to the right).

If the idea of this simple one works for you and your kitchen and you love the idea of simple lines, chrome and wood, then check the current price and you will be surprised at just what you get for the money without renovating your kitchen to find more space.  I think it looks awesome too.

Expandable All Metal

This is the second most popular right now, and also is under 50 dollars, but the only thing I was not a fan of was the fact it is not a smooth shelf, it is open.

You can still make this one work as it is really cute with the scroll work, but you would need to get tiny baskets from the dollar store to put any smaller items in.  If you like to take your rings off for example, then you will need to have a little bowl just for them that can sit on this shelf, but it is expandable which will make it fit any kitchen.

Two Tier Stainless Steel Stackable

If you love the look of stainless steel and especially if you have stainless appliances, this would look cool. Although not advertised as an over the sink shelf for kitchen, it does have the height. It would look good anywhere on your counter to give you extra space. It is stackable and also a good price.  Check out the current price now to see for yourself.

Dish Drying Rack Over Sink Display Stand Drainer Stainless Steel Kitchen Supplies Storage Shelf Utensils Holder (Black)

The Ultimate in Over the Sink Shelves

If you are seriously short of storage, then this one is the ultimate. It can house not only the dish soap and associated supplies, but it can also hold your cutting board, cooking utensils and more..

I personally would probably get the paper towels wet being that close to the sink, but I would use that space for a tea towel or to hang the dish cloth instead of a damp heap in the sink.  I lover the idea of rinsing a cup and simply hanging it there ready for use.  I really quite like this one too.

Black Metal Scrollwork and Expandable

This one has many good reviews too. It actually stands quite tall and is expandable which is great if you have an awkward sized space or sink.

As long as your faucets are coming out of the counter you can fit an over the kitchen sink shelf. You may not think there is the room but you will be surprised. I was concerned these would simply look cluttery, but they don't.

It all depends on the tastes. If you love the idea of metal in your kitchen, like the one above, check out the photo of this one is use.

I personally am not a fan of the open shelf style, but it does seem to work nicely.

This model also has a tiny basket for all your sink accessories, which is a brilliant idea.

Best Over the Sink Organizer for Me?

I personally like the very first one, It has a wood shelf so I can place smaller items on it, and it is sleek and clean lines.  I just prefer the idea of a long single shelf over the sink area.

But as you can see there are quite a few to choose from.  These in my opinion are the top 5 for the money, function and good looks.

Trying to Find Kitchen Storage on a Budget

I have to watch my budget and so I try to utilize the dollar store the best I can when it comes to different ways of using every square inch to the best of my abilities to keep my kitchen functioning.  I hate it when things work their way to the back of cabinets, so many times things stay out on the counter top which of course causes clutter.

Over the Sink Shelves

This is yet one more great idea is a sea of ideas that can help to utilize every square inch that could otherwise be wasted.  These over the sink organizers are exactly that, a way to organize the things you need to keep out on the counter.  I always hated cleaning behind the faucet because of the many bottles and scrubbers that would live there.

If you don't like the top 5 I picked, there is a whole page of them right here that you may be interested in.  Remember shopping online gives you way more product to choose from.  My local store didn't even know what I meant when I mentioned over the sink shelves for the kitchen, she suggested a renovation!

Over the Sink Dish Drying Rack - If you want more than simple shelves over your sink, there is another option if you do your dishes by hand.  Check it out and see just what else can fit over the sink, you will be amazed.