What is the Best Adhesive for Creative Journaling?

Short answer: there isn’t just one.

For about 90% of creative journaling, a regular glue stick will do the job just fine. Glue sticks are simple, forgiving, and low-mess, which is why they’re my default. They perform beautifully on paper on paper, light layering, and my everyday ephemera exploration.

When you start working with shinier or tougher materials, so think foil, plastic packaging, fabric, or thicker cardstock papers—you’ll want something stronger.

Liquid glue creates a more permanent bond. I’m a huge fan of Tombow liquid glue. Yes, they’re more of an investment, but if creative journaling is a hobby you genuinely enjoy, they’re worth experimenting with. The bond is strong, flexible, and reliable once you get the feel for it.

Mod Podge gets a bad reputation, mostly because people overuse it. It can warp pages, stay tacky if applied too thickly, or crack when layered improperly. That’s where the “controversial” label comes from. Used intentionally, though, it’s excellent for sealing pages, light collage protection, or creating a unified surface. I don’t reach for it often, but it absolutely has its place in my collection.

Then there’s the world of tape.

• Double-sided tape is king for quick application and works especially well for plastics and foils where glue struggles. It does run out fast and doesn’t always bond as strongly as liquid glue, but it’s incredibly useful.
• Tape rollers are the most convenient option, with great tack for most applications, but they’re also the priciest for me simply because I go through them so quickly.

For the toughest jobs, pH-neutral PVA glue is unmatched. It’s designed for bookbinding, which means it can handle heavy layers.

Every adhesive has strengths and weaknesses. The key is learning which one works best for the material you are using. That learning curve is part of the experience. The more textures you play with, the more intuitive it becomes!

Final Thoughts

That "you will learn as you go" mindset extends to all of my arts and crafts supplies. Choosing the right one makes the process smoother, calmer, and a lot more enjoyable. If we sat here and played with all the glues on all sorts of textures, we'd be sitting here forever. Pick 1-2 and start playing. You'll learn which you prefer over time.

Want to See the Adhesives I Actually Use?

I keep a small, curated idea list with the journaling adhesives I reach for most, including the ones mentioned above.

👉 View my favorite creative journaling adhesives here
(A simple corner of tools I genuinely use and enjoy.)

Some links on that list are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share supplies I actively use in my own journaling and creative play.