Glue sticks are really easy to use and very handy. When the sticks go empty, never throw them away. Instead buy a tub of paste and refill your empty glue stick canisters. That way you can save by refilling than buying wherein every container/canister is part of what you are paying.
To refill, just scoop the paste and press it down into the canister very tightly until it reaches the bottom and until it fills the whole container up. Then test it, twist the knob if it works and if it does, you're good to go. Refill again when it gets empty.
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What paste do you recommend using? I did a google search, but I'm not sure which brand of paste would work best for this?
Right here on Thrifty Fun, they have a great article just for refilling glue sticks. You can find out all you need to know and the best glue or paste to use to do the job.
What kind of projects are you going to use it with?
If you are using it with kids for school projects, Elmers or any jars of generic paste work best.
If you are using this for junk journals or something you want to last, I would invest in a better brand like Stamperia - Cream Paste, which is much more expensive.
When I have questions, I often take my project to the Michaels and usually someone there can recommend the best product (if it is something special).
Post back with more info and what you decide.
You may need several 'recipes' depending on what type of project you're working on.
I usually buy the small 'bottles' from Michael's or Jo Ann's to refill (wider mouth for filling) when I have a large project and I use more cornstarch glue because it seems to last longer (for me).
Here are a couple of links for the everyday glue that most people use for crafts. Most of these can be used in a bowl (large projects), squeeze bottle or glue sticks.
As wasteful as they are, glue sticks can be very convenient for a variety of projects. Does anyone have a recipe for making a glue stick, which can be put inside an empty roll-up stick?
My mom used to mix cornstarch with water. Boil it and let it cool before using. If you want to put it in the empty glue stick, don't put too much water in, make it real thick.
