If there’s one craft tool most of us have in our arsenal, it’s a hot glue gun. Love it or hate it (those dang burns!), it’s really a useful device. I have like 200 glue guns . . . okay, that’s an exaggeration. I have about ten though. And I love using them to make “stuff.”

You might be shocked to know that you can make a lot of crafts and home decor with a glue gun as your main tool. I’m excited to share a big list of those with you today.

If you love wielding a glue gun (who doesn’t?) I’d like to share some glue gun crafts I think you’re going to love. All of these DIY crafts use a hot glue gun of course, and most of them don’t require many more tools.

Before we dive into the list, I’d like to share some tips with you. If you’re ready to roll, skip past this section and down to the list. Otherwise, I hope these help.
 

Tips for Using a Hot Glue Gun

A glue gun uses hot melt adhesive, also known as glue sticks, which are glue in solid form (learn more here). The gun melts the sticks and it is applied as a liquid.

After it’s applied, the glue bonds as it becomes solid. Hot glue has a more permanent bond than a lot of other types of adhesives you could use when crafting. Here are my tips.

1. Let your glue gun warm up before using, about 10 – 15 minutes. I warm mine up on a silicone mat so that any drips won’t be on my table top.
2. Keep your glue gun upright when not in use. Either use a stand or prop it up on the built in stand. This will keep it from burning surfaces as well.
3. Want to know what helps glue sticks from stringing as much? Keeping them in the freezer before using! Take them out and put them right into your glue gun (tip from Mod Podge Rocks).
4. If you make a mistake, don’t try to correct it while the glue is hot. It’s better to let the glue cool a little and then try to remove it. Usually you can peel it or scrape it away while it’s warm but not hot.
5. Clean surfaces like glass before using glue. Clean with rubbing alcohol or mild soap and water. If you’re having trouble bonding items, lightly sand to rough up the surface.
6. Use a lower temperature when working with delicate materials like lace or nylon, to prevent melting or burning.