By Creative Memories
September 26, 2024

The Official Guide To Creative Memories Adhesives

Quality matters — especially when it comes to the scrapbook adhesive you use to protect your memories! If you DON’T want your photos to become discolored or stained, if you DON’T want photos to become brittle, if you DON’T want photos to become loose and/or to fall out of your albums, then you DO want to use Creative Memories adhesives, which have been trusted by scrapbookers for 30+ years. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to help you choose the perfect adhesives for your scrapbooking needs.

— Why Choose Creative Memories Adhesives? —

Our adhesives are designed to be photo-safe and permanent and undergo rigorous testing to guarantee they meet the highest quality standards and will withstand the test of time.

Specific tests we conduct:

  • Extreme temperature testing: Adhesive must stay functional after being exposed to 6 weeks of 140°F (60°C) and 7 days of 0°F (-18°C).
  • Bleed testing: Adhesive must not bleed through the material it has been adhered to after being exposed to 6 weeks of 140°F (60°C).  
  • Permanent bond quality: Adhesive must form and maintain a strong and lasting bond.  
  • Functionality and Cartridge Replacement tests: Adhesive must release from the liner, tension must be minimal from start to finish, take-up roll must wind properly, there must be minimal looping at the nose and easy refill installation.  

— Explore the Adhesive Types —

There are several factors to consider when selecting Creative Memories adhesives: the materials you’ll be bonding (e.g., photos, cardstock, designer or vellum papers, laser cuts), the desired strength of the bond (e.g., do you want it to instantly adhere permanently, do you want it to be repositionable before adhering permanently) and your scrapbooking style (e.g., preferring flat pages, adding dimension to your pages). Let’s explore the variety of adhesives that are available through Creative Memories!

Download The Official Guide To Creative Memories Adhesives Flyer.


— Tape Runners —

Tape Runners: Everyone’s Go-To Adhesive

Our Tape Runners have a 5-star rating and are the best on the market, complete with the photo-safe promise you know and love. Plus, each was designed to meet YOUR needs!

Download The Tape Runner Guide Flyer.

Let’s walk through each of the Tape Runners with Product Development Director Shari Rieland!

Key Benefits:

  • Photo-Safe: Passed rigorous testing to ensure photo safety.
  • Versatility & Interchangeable Cartridges: Choose from various adhesive types to suit your specific needs, including permanent, repositionable, vellum and max-strength. And, they can be easily changed within the same dispenser!
  • Easy Application: The ergonomic dispenser and smooth adhesive flow make it simple to apply the right amount of adhesive.
  • Long-Lasting: Refillable cartridges provide continuous use and reduce waste. 
  • Protection: The built-in nose protector and reverse brake provide added safety and prevent damage.

Learn About the Parts of Your Tape Runner & Refilling Cartridges!

  • Press the Release Tab: Gently press the release on the outer shell to unlock the adhesive compartment.
  • Remove the Empty Cartridge: Carefully pull out the empty tape cartridge from the housing.
  • Insert the New Cartridge: Align the new tape cartridge inside the housing and slide it in securely.
  • Close the Housing: Press the outer shells back into place to close the new cartridge in position.
  • Test the Adhesive: Slide the nose protector up and dispense a small amount of adhesive to ensure it is flowing properly!

Considerations: Creative Memories Tape Runners are versatile tools for scrapbooking and crafting. However, they may not be ideal for projects requiring extensive adhesive coverage. If you need a more robust adhesive solution or are working with weighty materials, consider using a larger adhesive like our double-sided tapes.

Perfect for: Scrapbookers and crafters who want a reliable, photo-safe way to adhere photos, papers and other decorative products to their layouts and crafts.


— Photo & Foam Adhesives —

Photo & Foam Adhesives: Add Dimension to Your Scrapbooking!

Creative Memories offers a variety of specialty tapes and foams to add dimension, strength and unique effects to your projects!

Download The Photo & Foam Adhesives Flyer.

Key Benefits:

  • Foam Squares:
    • Add Dimension: Use Foam Squares to add 2mm in thickness to stickers, embellishments and when clustering decorative products to create a layered effect!
    • NEW Variety Pack! Our Foam Squares pack previously included 2 sheets of 2 square sizes. Now, we’ve increased the pack size to include 2 sheets per pack with 4 sizes — .25″, .375″, .5″ and .625″ — for a total of 132 Foam Squares.
    • Videos: Watch this video to see them in action and this video to learn more about them!
  • Foam Tape:
    • Add Dimension: Foam Tape, similar to Foam Squares, adds dimension to your layouts — this time for larger elements!
    • Customization Options: Cut the Foam Tape to the size that YOU need for your projects with this convenient adhesive roll!
    • Measurements: Refer to the Chart/Flyer above. 
  • Tape Chips:
    • Easy to Use: Peel and apply these adhesive tabs for photos, papers and borders — no other tools needed!
    • Beginner/Kid-Friendly: Tape Chips’ simplicity makes them easy for beginners and kids of all ages to use.
    • Measurements: Refer to the Chart/Flyer above.
    • Video: Check out how simple it is to use a tape chip on your project in this video.
  • Photo Tape:
    • Design: Crafted specifically for use on photos to offer a strong and reliable bond that won’t damage your photos.
    • Customization Options: With this double-sided, transparent tape, you can cut the adhesive to the length that YOU want!
    • Measurements: Refer to the Chart/Flyer above.
    • Video: See Photo Tape in action in this video.

— Photo Corners —

Photo Corners: A Classic Touch for Your Scrapbooks

Photo Corners are timeless accessories to securely mount photos and memorabilia into an album, while also having the ability to remove them if desired without damaging the keepsake. We offer two choices of Photo Corners at Creative Memories: Clear (Archiver’s) and Kraft.

Download The Photo Corners Flyer.

Key Benefits:

  • Ability to Add/Remove Keepsakes: Photo Corners adhere to the pages in your album and not directly to the photos or memorabilia, so your keepsakes will stay secure within your album unless you choose to remove them, which you can do without causing any damage to the keepsake.
  • Choice of Transparent or Kraft: You can select the Photo Corners that best suit your projects, from vintage family photos in a heritage album to baby pictures and memorabilia like certificates and important documents.
  • Various Sizes: The Archiver’s (clear) Photo Corners come in two sizes; Kraft Photo Corners are available in one size.

For Advantages/Considerations: Refer to the Chart/Flyer above.


— Adhesive Pens —

Adhesive Pens: Your Precise Adhesive Tool

Easily adhere embellishments to your scrapbook layouts with precision with Creative Memories adhesive pens! The Precision Point Adhesive Pen is a standalone product perfect for adhering intricate details to your layouts. The Jumbo Tip Adhesive Pen (currently only included in select Kids Kits; not available sold separately) features a wider marker-style tip for easier grip and application for kids.

Download The Adhesive Pens Flyer.
Watch the Precision Point Adhesive Pen video below and see the Jumbo Tip Adhesive Pen video here.

Key Benefits:

  • Superior Precision: The Precision Point Adhesive’s design ensures accurate and even application of adhesive.
  • Color-Changing Adhesive: Makes it easy to see where you’re applying adhesive while drying clear.
  • Quick-Drying: Dries in 30 seconds for efficient crafting.
  • Easy to Use: Convenient and mess-free application. A clear-dry finish allows ease if excess adhesive must be removed.
  • Strong Adhesive: Provides a reliable bond for your embellishments and decorations.

For Advantages/Considerations: Refer to the Chart/Flyer above.


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