Using Glue Sticks with Printed Templates

by Judy Larson

Most of us don't like change, but sometimes we are forced into it. I love Xyron repositionable stickers because they are so easy for me to make, use, and cut around with shears or a saw. The sticker making roll on my Xyron was starting to run out so I tried to order more. Unfortunately, the cartridge for the machine I own is now no longer being manufactured. Of course, I could order a newer machine, but at some time in the future it probably would become obsolete as well and end up being tossed, too, when it is no longer usable.

Instructions

I then decided to try a variety of ink jet printable sticker papers, but those were somewhat difficult for me to remove from the metal after cutting out shapes.

I then looked through some of my scrapbooking supplies and came across my mega size Scotch Purple Glue Stick. BINGO!

Judy Larson's Using Glue Sticks with Printed Templates - , General Education, , I then decided to try a variety of ink jet printable

Nice! Using a glue stick to temporarily hold the design in place on sheet metal is such a practical trick.

Running the glue stick twice helps make sure it's secure, and that purple fading tip is a great indicator so you don't under-glue it.

Waiting about 10 minutes for it to dry before cutting definitely helps avoid any slipping and keeps your lines crisp.

Do you prefer using scissors or a jeweler's saw for cutting the metal after the design is stuck on?

Immerse the pieces in warm water.

After several minutes the glued down paper patterns will easily slide off the metal, if not just float off.

Clean, rinse, and dry the metal pieces and you are ready to go.

Judy Larson's Using Glue Sticks with Printed Templates - , General Education, , using glue sticks for templates

Judy Larson's Using Glue Sticks with Printed Templates - , General Education, , Run the glue stick twice across the back

Judy Larson's Using Glue Sticks with Printed Templates - , General Education, , Allow it to dry for at least 10 minutes

Judy Larson's Using Glue Sticks with Printed Templates - , General Education, , Clean, rinse, and dry

Great breakdown of pros and cons! The size limitation with the Xyron and the cartridge waste definitely make the glue stick method more flexible and economical, especially for larger or multiple pieces.

The glue residue downside is real, but as you said, cleaning the metal before soldering is already a necessary step, so it's not a big added hassle. Plus, avoiding the pattern slipping during cutting is a big win.

Sounds like you made a smart call to stick with the glue stick approach for your patterns! Do you have a favorite cleaner or method you use to get rid of that glue residue before soldering?

Materials

24 Gauge Half Hard Double Clad Rose Gold Filled Sheet - 4 Inches

H6-24DCS4

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1 Inch
Price: $120.34
Gold Club Price: $90.26

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24 Gauge Dead Soft Sterling Silver Sheet - 6 Inches

H8-24SM6

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1 Inch
Price: $78.61
Gold Club Price: $58.96

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Category: General Education
Technique(s): General Education

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Judy Larson

My philosophy has always been "I will never live long enough to learn everything I want to learn, go everywhere I want to go and see everything I want to see!" So, what I make and how I create it is always changing and evolving. I was born shortly after WWII to parents who grew up during the Depression. They always had a "we can do it, we can make it" attitude which rubbed off on my two younger brothers and me. My brothers are amazing and can make and do ANYTHING! When I was a little girl, my mother gave me an old carved cigar box, which I cherish, filled with pop beads, wooden beads and yarn for stringing. That was the beginning of my jewelry making journey.

On a visit to the Grand Canyon when I was a young woman, I was fortunate enough to help a Native American silversmith sand cast my first silver bracelet and bezel set a large turquoise nugget on top. I was in love, hook, line and sinker! While working full time and having a family here in northern Minnesota, my artistic endeavors slowed down but never stopped. I am an artist, scrapbooker, seamstress, woodworker and jewelry artisan. Now that I am retired, I am able to indulge in all my hobbies. However, there just never seems to be enough time in the day to do it all, but I try!

I have been teaching community education beginner and intermediate jewelry making classes since my retirement. Many of my students have been bitten so hard by the jewelry making bug that they say I have turned them into monsters-they just can't get enough. Making jewelry, seeing something take shape from small bits and pieces, is so rewarding that I hope it brings out the "monster" in you, too!

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