I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Elmer’s. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

My favorite type of kids crafts are those that are made from upcycled materials found around the house. It is one of my favorite ways to show my daughter how things that are normally regarded as trash can be remade into something new and beautiful. Since K has an unrelenting desire to “make projects,” using upcycled materials helps our projects be environmentally friendly as well as affordable.

Now I have another way to make our projects environmentally friendly – Elmer’s School Glue Naturals. The new product is made from over 99% natural ingredients. Elmer’s Naturals School Glue is made from plants, a rapidly renewable resource, and is just as safe and non-toxic as Elmer’s School Glue.  In addition, the bottle is made from 25% post-consumer recycled plastic with a label made from 20% recycled paper.  The label is printed with soy inks and is adhered with a natural rubber adhesive.  The natural glue may vary in color but will go on and dry clear.  Any excess glue can be cleaned with soap and water and can be washed out of clothing.

Since we go through a lot of glue in this house, I was excited to test out the products to see how well they performed compared to traditional Elmer’s School Glue (my personal glue of choice).

With the end of the school year nearly upon us, I thought it would be nice for K to make her class BFF a little gift. Sadly, they won’t be going to the same school next year. After staring at my overflowing pile of supplies, my mind set on the bag of Popsicle sticks that we add to regularly. Then I remembered the adorable picture I took of the girls recently, and inspiration struck.

Popsicle Stick Picture Fram Kids Craft

• Elmer’s School Glue Naturals
• 8 Popsicle Sticks
• Paint
• Glitter
• Jewels
• Ribbon
• Photo

I am proud to say that all of the materials used for our project were either leftover from another project (the glitter and paint) or upcycled (Popsicle sticks from pops we actually ate, ribbon saved from a package, jewels came home as treasure from pirate day at school).

Paint Popsicle Sticks

Because K wanted a pink frame, and we are currently out of pink paint. I spray painted the Popsicle sticks with leftover spray paint from a recent project. However, Popsicle sticks are easy to work with and any paint will work. We typically use Crayola Washable Paints.

Glitter Popsicle Sticks

The best way to make glitter really stick to a project is to “paint” it on. I had K pour a little of the Elmer’s School Glue Naturals into a small plastic container (I used an old baby food jar that I saved for such uses). Adding a few drops of water, to make it thinner. K sprinkled and mixed in the glitter. Next she was ready to “paint” with glitter.

Assembly

Once the glitter/glue was dry, it was time for assembly. Start by laying two sticks perpendicular to each other, then glue the ends of two other sticks across the top and bottom forming a square. Next place two more sticks on the top and bottom just to the inside of the first sticks and glue. Finally place two more sticks to the left and right also just inside the first set of sticks. This will form a square within a square.

Add jewels or any other decoration as desired.

Finishing touches

The frame opening measures approximately 3 x 3 inches, so crop your photo to 3.5 x 3.5. On the backside place a thin line of glue along the inner edge of the popsicle stick and place your photo inside. Finally attach ribbon or string for hanging.

Ta-da!

I am pleased to report that Elmer’s School Glue Naturals performed exactly as I would expect Elmer’s School Glue to perform. Because the new glue is translucent when wet vs opaque I was a little concerned that it would not perform well when I added the water and glue, but it worked perfectly. Everything is very secure. In fact, I also used the Elmer’s School Glue Naturals on the class teacher gift I am currently working on with perfect performance as well.

Recycle Your Empty Elmer’s

Did you know Elmer’s glue bottles are recyclable with your curbside recycling — true story. Next time you use up a bottle of glue, recycle it! But glue sticks must be recycled at a special facility. Learn how you can be part of Elmer’s Glue Crew and recycle those empties.

Elmer’s Pin To Win Sweepstakes

From now through June 28, learn how you can create a “Naturals Pin & Win With Elmer’s” Pinterest board for your chance to win an Elmer’s Naturals prize pack and $100 gift card.

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Elmer’s. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.