7 Unexpected Uses for Basic Elmer’s Glue
Though many chalkboards and overhead projectors have been replaced by white boards and giant touchscreen monitors, some things at school remain the same. I know because I have three kids in school and guess what: Although the purple-dyed see-where-you-put-it glue sticks are popular, good old fashioned white Elmer’s glue still has a solid place on school supply shopping lists. But even if you don’t have kids, you should pick some up while it’s on sale during back-to-school season, because here are seven unexpected uses.
1. Secure buttons.
Dabbing a dot of glue on top of buttons (in the center, where the threads are) will strengthen the thread and help keep your buttons where they belong, namely, on your shirts.
2. Tighten a screw hole.
Saturate a cotton ball or part of one, depending on the size of the hole, in glue, stuff it into the hole, let it dry, and insert your screw into this smaller hole.
3. Make your own “sea glass.”
Transform ho-hum glassware into beautiful colorfully frosted glass by mixing glue and food coloring. The best part: it’s temporary.
4. Seal tips of shoelaces and drawstrings.
To help keep ends from fraying, dip them in glue.
5. Whip up your own Mod-Podge.
Mix three parts glue to one part water to make decoupage for all kinds of home and art projects. Apply to surfaces with a sponge brush.
6. Fill in nail holes.
Fill small holes in walls with glue before painting.
7. Make some slime.
Keep your kids busy on a rainy day.