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What Is It With Me & Glue Guns?

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Before I launch into my glue gun adventure, let me say that I do not plan on receiving a new camera for Christmas as some of you have suggested. Oh no. We are on a tight budget here and our gift exchange will be meaningful but far from opulent. I am going to have to save my pennies for a new camera and that might take quite a while. Meanwhile, I’ll keep researching and dreaming. And visualizing.

Now, on to the glue gun problem. I bought a glue gun earlier this year at Michael’s. I brought it home and plugged it in. Nothing. No heat, no anything. It was very inexpensive, so though I was frustrated, I wasn’t out much money. The other day I got the idea in my head to make something, inspired by this post. I didn’t want to decorate the stairway the way I had in the past, with faux pine garlands, etc. It just seemed to be too much for this particular Christmas. I thought maybe a wreath would look nice. The ever-popular coffee filter wreath.

Off I went to Michael’s to buy a wreath form and a glue gun. This time I went with a more expensive model, thinking that my cheapness with the previous purchase might have given me what I deserved. I could hear “You get what you pay for” ringing in my ears. I set up the craft table, armed with a stack of coffee filters, glue gun, and wreath form. For a bit, all was well. Glue was melting, filters were being made into a wreath. Then… a problem. The trigger would no longer push the glue stick further into the gun. I had to manually push it, and then it would pop back out. No hot glue. I found myself trying to hold the filter in one hand while trying to manually push the glue into the nozzle with my finger, and when that didn’t work – a stick. Since I don’t have 3 hands, this quickly became hopeless.

Sick of the whole thing, I turned to my trusty Quick Grip glue and proceeded to glue many, many, many filters to the wreath form. Then I spent the next 3 hours peeling glue from my fingers.

I think the universe is telling me I am not supposed to work with a glue gun. Ever. Between the glue on my fingers with this project and kneading biscuit dough later in the evening, the theme for the day was Messy Fingers.

Here’s the finished project:

I like it. I know this project has been everywhere in blogland and I’m rather late to the party. However, better late than never.

So, here’s my question. Am I the only one who has a problem with glue guns? Please tell me it’s not just me. Have any of you glue gun stories to tell?

Comments

  1. Claudia, I am not a fan of glue guns. I usually alternate between glueing and burning my fingers. But one trick that I learned long ago is, when you are starting to have to push the glue stick into the gun ad another stick and it should adhere to the previous one and automatically start pushing again…Maybe it’s not you. Maybe they just aren’t making glue guns like they used to….

    Love the wreath. Yours looks much fuller than most that I have seen. I think that makes it look really elegant. Beautiful!

  2. Claudia I adore your coffee filter wreath…nice job, You’ve inspired me.
    I haven’t used my glue gun in years…but I do remember the burnt fingers and all.
    Loved catching up with you this afternoon.
    The Hull pitcher…wonderful!
    Kathy @
    Sweet Up-North Mornings…

  3. You project turned out so beautiful! I always have problems with glue guns and I do prefer to use glues coming out of tubes. I burn my fingers every single time and yes I have to push the glue stick in with the help of a pencil balancing on my chin. I have seen small crock posh filled with hot glue, like the florist use, maybe we should look in to that. Ciao Rita

  5. I haven’t seen any coffee filter wreaths…yours is beatiful and I think you could easily keep it up all year long. You could add a crochet flower or heart at Valentine’s Day. I might have to give it a try.
    Love you,
    Mere

  7. Wow, I’ve never had a glue gun that wouldn’t work, and I always buy the little cheap ones because after awhile, they get messy and I can just throw them away.
    I do however, have a problem with burning my fingers on every project I create! oooooooh!
    Your wreath turned out beautifully. I love the simplicity of it, and it’s very pretty hanging on the railing.

  8. I haven’t seen any of these wreaths out their either, I love the colours and the softness of it.

    I tried a glue gun – once – end of story LOL

  9. First, the Q.A, then the baubles, followed by the beads… and now I have to find my glue gun. This is just too cute.

    Glad to hear your smidge of yarn arrived. Great idea, small hook, dyed yarn and Q.A. another idea.

    Have fun this weekend.

    Kate

  10. LOL, Claudia, I have 3 glue guns and I’ve had them for over 20 years, I think I better hold on to them, it sounds as if they don’t make them like the used to!

    Your wreath turned out fabulous!!! You’re not late to the party, this one is on my to-do list too! Haven’t gotten around to it yet and we have LOTS of coffee filters from our old coffee pot but I have to stain them that’s the reason I haven’t done it yet!!

    xxoo

  11. I have one ready to be put together but I just can’t get the motivation going, chick. I’m always late to the party also, so don’t fret. Ya ain’t alone!!!
    xoxo,
    Connie

  12. Well, it looks fantastic! I’m even later to the party. I haven’t made one of these infamous wreathes yet. No, I can’t think of any real problems I’ve had with glue guns. I’m just clumsy and end up burning myself.
    Brenda

  13. Claudia, you are only the first to admit it! In spite of your problems your wreath turned out very well! I think it looks great. And as far as that camera goes. The wait, anticipation, sacrifice will be worth the end result, whenever that may happen. I daydream and imagine many things that are beyond my grasp, but I get great pleasure imaging, should I attain said goal or “thing” how wonderful it would be. The journey is to be treasured. Ann

  14. Claudia, your wreath is gorgeous!!!! it is perfect, and I still haven’t made one….so you are my inspiration!!!
    I have had trouble with my glue gun, especially the glue not coming out…..one gun I had was so bad I had to use a hooked wire to pull the stick back out it was so jammed…..one thing I learnt from being a florist is that you could make this wreath with U shaped floral pins and just pin the filters to the base. Of course that doesn’t help you now…sorry!
    I just love how your wreath turned out!
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

  16. Sorry about your gluey fingers but good grief the results are splendid! BTW I stumbled across two of those bottle brush wreaths on sale at Big Lots today in S.C. and put them in the kitchen windows. If you want more apparently they are still making them and selling them.

  17. Claudia,
    Yes…it is better late than never…love how it looks on the stairs. I’m having a Christmas Open House…would love to have you join in on the fun. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

    Blessings,
    Linda

  18. I was so upset yesterday.I unpacked some Xmas stuff and one of my new bottle brush wreaths, from last year was broken. So, out came the glue gun. It didn’t work to seam it together. I have a commercial grade one for tough jobs. My Hubby purchased it years ago, from true value. I wouldn’t be without it! Love the wreath:)
    Hugs, Liz

  19. Well done Claudia! I love your wreath. It is so full, and I love the color!
    Glue guns do seem to have a bad reputation. I am always doing my best not to burn my fingers, but somehow, I always do.
    Happy Creating!
    Terri

  20. I also decided to splurge on a more expensive glue gun (also from Michaels) I had the same experience. I ended up digging out my old “tried and true” small cheap glue gun and it worked just fine. Lesson here for me…if it ain’t broke……..

  21. I have been using the same glue gun since the 80’s when they first came out. You might consider one of those little tiny crockpots or the little tiny skillets. That is what we used in the flower shops. We just dipped into the glue. Your coffee filter wreath turned out really beautiful.
    Debbie

  23. it’s not just you. I am terribly fearful of hot glue guns. I’ve suffered 2nd degree burns due to those crafty torture devices… on many separate occasions. It took me years~ really, years to purchase one. If I can find another alternative, I go for it.

    Your wreath is so beautiful. I love the ruffly effect. It’s so feminine and pretty. I’d love to make one some day!

    Hugs,
    Jill

  24. First of all, I’m so making a filter wreath with the natural filters for non-holiday decor…LOVE that look!

    Second, I hate glue guns. HATE. They are a necessary evil in my crafting world, though. I have the teeniest, tiniest model, covered in glue strings…but I resist buying a larger model. I’m afraid I’d become it’s slave. Not good.

  25. Dear Claudia,
    I’m a glue- gun expert!LOL After I’ve been using glue guns smoothly for many years, it was strange to me that a few months ago I had issues with it! Well, to cut a long story short, the new glue sticks I had purchased weren’t of the best quality, and the glue itself ‘killed’ my tool (it happened to me exactly what happened to you). Pay attention to the glue sticks you purchase, some are too hard to melt compared to the power of your gun, etc. I always look for best quality (and alas, expensive!) glue sticks now (they are usually very clear and not as hard as rock!).
    Hope this helps.
    Oh, and I meant to say your wreath is gorgeous!!
    Hugs,
    Monica xo

  26. YOUR WREATHIS BEAUTIFUL, I LOVE THE COLOR. MARTHA STEWART JUST HAD A DEMO ON HER SHOW WITH THE COFFEE FILTER WREATH, I LOVED THE IDEA, BUT DIDN’T MAKE ONE. I ALWAYS BUY CHEAP TINY GLUE GUNS AND THEY LAST A WHILE, THEN I TOSS THEM, AND HAVE ANOTHER NEW ONE IN THE DRAW. THEY WORK GREAT, I AM MESSY WITH A GLUE GUN SO IT WORKS OUT WELL. HAVE A NICE DAY. RIZZI

  30. Glue guns are like that, Claudia. I have now and then pushed the gluestick in with my chin while in the middle of a sticky project! Your wreath is lovely! I have never made one of those! I believe I shall try that!

  32. If I thought that an inanimate object could feel the sting of my slap, then I would slap the heck out of all five my glue guns! I have five different styles and sizes, each one claiming to be superior than the other. Lies!! I now use E6000 and four different types of craft glue. I always go back to Aleen’s Tacky glue or Elmer’s Blue Gel.

    I agree with Monica at White Bench…I do believe it’s the quality of the glue sticks they now sell.

    Pretty please, can you tell me how you made the wreath? Did you tea dye the filters? It’s the prettiest wreath I’ve seen this holiday.

    Hugs,
    Deanna :D

  33. First off…your wreath turned out amazing!
    I LOVE my glue gun. I probably use it daily and always joke about getting a holster for it so I will have it handy. I have a more expensive one and have hours and hours of use on it. I only buy the more expensive glue sticks from Michaels. I have tried other brands and they are inferior…the glue stick really does make a difference.

  34. I am not very good with glue guns either. I often revert to good old Elmer’s School glue. That I can handle. Love the wreath! Oh and as much as I would like one, I will not be getting a new camera for Christmas either. We’ll just tell funny stories and cheer each other up.

    Lots of love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

  35. Hi, Claudia, I am sorry you had so many problems with your glue guns, but your wreath looks spectacular!! Great job on it! The main problem I have with glue guns is that I have a tendency to burn my fingers, a lot! So I opted for the one that doesn’t get quite so hot. I want to take this opportunity to tell you I appreciate your friendship and wish you and your family the merriest of Christmases. Love and blessings~ Vicki

  36. Just catching up…sorry I have not been around the blogs much. Wanted to say Merry Christmas to you and Don!! Love the new video you posted a few back and you two look wonderful together in that!!! I love it!! You are a lucky girl and he is a lucky guy. I wish I lived closer to you….I’d love to hear him sing in person!! Have a wonderful holiday my friend. XOXO

  37. I’ve never used a glue gun but I have situations exactly as you’ve described so I best not even bother! Your wreath is GORGEOUS! I so love that and am going to have to give it a try. That’s pretty enough to use all year round, not just Christmas. Have a wonderful, wonderful Christmas Claudia and I look forward to further blogging with you in the New Year. ♥

  38. I LOVE your wreath and I’m going to check the how to link.

    I HATE glue guns. The glue gets hard, cracks and things fall apart. I’ve used a glue gun to “baste” something in place- like when I’ve made an ornament wreath, or covered something in shells and it isn’t practical to hold two things together until they dry but if you don’t go back and glue with a REAL glue, it seems like things eventually fall off.

    …yes, this is a subject I feel strongly about…

  39. RIGHT ON CLAUDIA. i am so glad you posted about the ubiquitous crappy glue gun!! i have been thru 3 in less than 6 months! what is it with that trigger not working? i went thru the same thing! the one i have now was expensive and so hot, i’m afraid i’ll burn my fingers!!!! i’m with you. i am.
    now…that wreath??? O M G . it is fantastic! the blue ribbon on top is your crowning signature. that is what totally makes it different than any other one! also…yours is so fluffy. very pretty!!! good luck with the glue gun adventures. i had one that worked great for almost 10 years and since then…i’m in a glue gun funk.
    cheers
    sue

  40. my only glue gun story is that i’m lazy about using it in the first place. as if running down to the basement and plugging it in is a hassle – LOL! alas, i’m mostly an elmer’s gal. :)

    your wreath came out beautifully so messy fingers were totally worthwhile!

    xo
    elyse

  41. Oh, don’t feel too lonely. I am another one with glue gun issues. In fact, I could write a book of my issues when it comes to anything crafty.

    I ♥♥♥ your wreath.

  45. I have since made two ruffled ones like yours in white and burned the %^%$ out of my fingers each time lol..

    Now I suppose I’ll have to make a natural ruffled one..

    :D

    xx
    z

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