As useful and handy as this craft tool is, we think the word "Xyron" should be in the dictionary. Until it is, we figured we'd help explain for those who haven't had the pleasure of getting to use one.
A
Xyron is a machine that applies an adhesive to the backside of any paper you run through it. Besides being super easy, what makes this adhesive so useful is that it is dry -- ever tried using a glue stick and noticed everything you glued began to curl? This happens to most surfaces, but especially paper, when introduced to the moisture of wet glue. With the Xyron machine, you create a dry adhesive akin to a sticker-- no wet, no curl, no mess. All in all, a smooth, clean and fast way to add creativity to any project.
Xyron machines come in many sizes, each appropriate for different kinds of projects. The
510 machine, which takes paper up to 5” wide by 10’ long (hence the name), is ideal for adding paper strips to programs, photos to scrapbook pages or decorated cards. Not to mention all those lovely invites we feature on our signature “idea boards” in our stores.
The
Xyron Create-a-Sticker (affectionately known as the Baby-X) offers a really easy way to make your own stickers -- a great creative project for kids. The Create-a-Sticker comes with a cartridge that's 1 1/2" wide and allows for 20 feet of adhesive.
Here are some simple steps for making stickers with the Baby-X:
1. Use one of our
paper punches to create a few shapes with any
decorative paper (used here:
5-Point Shape Hole Punch).
2. Drop the paper shapes facing up into the top opening on the X of the Baby-X.
3. Pull the tape as you drop the punches, and tear off at serrated edge.
4. Smooth down the reverse side of these little punches to get good adhesion (we like using a
bone folder for this).
5. Once removed, the plastic carrier film can act as a clean-up tool in picking up any leftover remnants of gummy adhesive. Ball it up and gently run it along the edges of your paper.
6. Use your stickers to accent anything -- cards, paper, envelopes, invitations, you name it!
Have fun!
--Linda
PS colors:
chartreuse & pool
Latest fave:
Saddle Stitch Notebooks
