Here’s a handy sheet of assorted recipes that can come in handy for crafts, book repair and preserving newspaper clippings. They were all originally published on their own page here on Tipnut but I thought it would be nicer to have them on one sheet for easier reference. Enjoy!

Bookbinding Glue

First published October 28, 2006

Repair Books In A Variety Of Ways With This Bookbinding Glue

Materials:

1 packet (1/4 ounce) unflavored gelatin
3 TBSP boiling water
1 tsp vinegar
1 tsp glycerin

• In a small glass bowl, dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water. Add the vinegar and glycerin and stir.
• To use, apply a thin layer of glue with a brush while it’s still warm.

Store glue in a sealed jar. It will keep for several months and eventually it will begin to gel. When that happens, simply immerse the jar in a pan of warm water to liquefy.

This glue can be used for adhering cloth to cardboard, leather to leather or making notebook and scrapbook binders.

Faux Stone Dough

First published October 28, 2006

Use Coffee Grounds In This Crafty Dough

Materials:

1 cup flour
1 cup used coffee grinds
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup cold leftover coffee

• Blend all ingredients in a bowl. Mix thoroughly.
• Once mixed well, place the dough on a floured surface and knead until smooth.
• You can store the dough in an airtight container or plastic bag 5 to 6 days.

Once the dough dries, it will have a natural look with a brown color and coffee grind speckles. Faux stone!

Newspaper Clipping Preservative

First published October 26, 2006

Preserve Newspaper Clippings With This Easy Recipe

Materials:

1 quart warm club soda
1 milk of magnesia tablet

*Makes approximately 1 quart

Directions:

• In a large bowl, drop the milk of magnesia table into the club soda and let it dissolve and sit overnight.
• Stir thoroughly before using.
• Using a deep sided cookie sheet, pour the preservative mixture carefully.
• Place the newspaper clippings in the liquid one layer at a time.
• Let the clippings soak and get completely saturated.
• Carefully remove the clippings and allow to dry on a flat surface.

This preservative will help keep newspaper clippings from turning yellow.

Homemade Decoupage Paste

First published October 26, 2006

White Household Glue Is The Main Ingredient In This Crafty Recipe

Materials:

3 parts white household glue
1 part warm water
Jar with lid

Directions:

• Mix glue and water in the jar.
• When using the decoupage, brush a thin layer of the glue on the front and back of the pictures.
• For the final top coat, layer 3 to 4 coats of paste. Make sure to dry thoroughly between each application.
• For glossier finishes, use more coats of paste.

There will be a white film when paste is wet, but will show clear once it’s dried.

Transfer Ink

First published October 26, 2006

Try This Vintage Recipe For Transferring Photos And Other Images

Materials:

2 TBSP soap powder (like Ivory Snow)
1/4 cup hot water
1 TBSP turpentine

Directions:

• Add the soap powder and turpentine to the hot water, making sure to dissolve the soap.
• Pour the liquid into a sealed container for storage.

How To Use:

• Simply brush this liquid (your homemade transfer ink) over the picture to be transferred.
• Wait approximately 10 seconds. Next, place a piece of paper over the picture and rub the paper with the back of a spoon. The picture will transfer to the paper.

You can use this homemade transfer ink with comic strips and other paper documents (such as patterns, home computer printouts and photocopies). Test first, if a paper type absorbs the ink too quickly it won’t transfer well.

You can also use this transfer process on fabrics.

Bookbinders Paste

First published December 6, 2006

Bookbinders Paste Recipe #1

8 cups water
1 cup ice cold water
1 cup corn starch

• In a bowl whisk the cold water with corn starch
• Put the 8 cups of water in a pot and bring to a boil
• Once the water is boiling, slowly pour the cold water/corn starch mixture in
• Mix well
• Remove from heat and let cool (uncovered)
• Remove skin that forms on surface
• Once it has reached room temperature, refrigerate
• Use after 24 hours
• Good for one week

Recipe #2

1/3 cup water
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp flour
1/4 tsp alum

• Mix dry ingredients on top part of double boiler
• Add water slowly, stirring until all lumps are removed
• Heat gently all the while stirring
• When paste starts thickening, remove from heat
• Set aside to cool then keep in a covered container
• Add warm water to thin when using the glue

Tip: Don’t make the glue too far ahead of time, use within a week. Make sure to seal container well when storing.

You’ll also find playdough and fingerpaint recipes here ^[1].