The Best Craft Glues for Paper crafting: Nuvo vs Art Institute vs Couture Creations
If you’ve ever sat at your craft table holding two (or three) glue bottles thinking “Which one do I actually need for this?” — you’re not alone. Ask any paper crafter and they’ll tell you: the right glue makes all the difference.
Today I'm breaking down three very popular paperc rafting adhesives:
- Nuvo Adhesive
- Art Institute Designer Dries Clear Glue
- Couture Creations All Purpose Art Glue
Each one has its own strengths, and honestly? They all earn a spot in a well-loved craft room. Let’s dive in and help you choose the best glue for your scrapbooking, cardmaking, and paper crafting projects.
I’ve used all three of these glues in my papercrafting and they’re all very good. Each one has earned a spot on my desk, and I reach for them regularly depending on what I’m making and which one I have on hand. They're are however, some slight differences..
Nuvo Adhesive – The Everyday Craft Glue You’ll Reach For First
Nuvo Adhesive is one of those glues that quietly becomes a staple. It’s reliable, easy to control, and perfect for everyday crafting.
This glue is ideal for:
- Scrapbooking layouts
- Cardmaking
- Paper layers and mats
- Die cuts and lightweight embellishments
Nuvo Adhesive dries clear with a strong hold, and the precision tip makes it easy to apply without mess or stress.
Why crafters love it: Nuvo is the perfect “grab-and-go” glue. If you’re working mainly with paper and cardstock, this is the one you’ll keep reaching for.
Best for: Everyday papercrafting and clean, controlled application.
| Common Sizes Available: |
|
|---|---|
| • ~60 ml / 2 oz (compact, great for everyday use) • ~120 ml / 4 oz (larger bottle for more frequent crafters) |
Art Institute Designer Adhesive Glue
If your project involves glitter, sequins, micro beads, or tiny fiddly bits, Art Institute Glue is the clear winner (literally — it dries crystal clear).
This glue is especially loved for:
- Glitter and shaker elements
- Fine detail die cuts
- Sequins, gems, and micro embellishments
- Precision work where you don’t want glue showing
Art Institute Glue dries clear and flexible, which means it holds sparkle beautifully without cracking or flaking later.
Why crafters love it:
It keeps glitter where it belongs — on your project, not all over your craft room floor.
Best for: Detailed work, sparkle-heavy projects, and anything tiny that needs staying power.
Common Sizes Available:
• 2 oz
• 4 oz
• 8 oz
• 16 oz (plus larger refill sizes)
Couture Creations All Purpose Art Glue – The Versatile All-Rounder
Couture Creations All Purpose Art Glue is exactly what it says on the bottle — an all-purpose adhesive that handles a wide range of materials.
This glue works well for:
- Paper and cardstock
- Photos
- Chipboard
- Light mixed media projects
- Embellishments that need a bit more grab
It dries clear and offers a strong, durable bond with a nice balance between working time and hold.
Why crafters love it: It’s versatile and dependable — perfect if you like one glue that can handle lots of different project types.
Best for: Mixed projects, heavier elements, and general crafting.
Common Sizes Available:
• 60 ml
• 120 ml
• 240 ml
So… Which Craft Glue Is Best?
Here’s the honest, no-pressure answer: most crafters use more than one glue — and that’s totally normal.
Think of it like this:
- Nuvo Adhesive → Everyday paper crafting
- Art Institute Glue → Detail work and glitter
- Couture Creations All Purpose Art Glue → Versatile, heavier-duty projects
Different projects call for different tools, and glue is no exception.
Final Thoughts: Building Your Craft Glue Collection
If you’re scrapbooking, cardmaking, or creating mini albums regularly, having a small selection of adhesives will make crafting easier, neater, and way more enjoyable.
Start with one, add another as your projects grow, and before you know it you’ll have a “favourite glue for everything” — and yes, that is a completely valid crafting personality trait 😄
Happy crafting.✨✂️
So give one or all a try and determine which one is best for you and the type of projects you focus on.
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