Assemblage; Glue Gun Fun

as·sem·blage 

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈsem-blij, for 3 also ˌa-ˌsäm-ˈbläzh\

Function: noun

Date: 1690

1 : a collection of persons or things : gathering

2 : the act of assembling : the state of being assembled

3 a : an artistic composition made from scraps, junk, and odds and ends (as of paper, cloth, wood, stone, or metal) b : the art of making assemblages

Glue guns are a great way to begin as a sculpturist. You can put together just about any combination of objects of any texture provided they are clean and dry. Make a trophey, a rock igloo, a tank or fly thingy. If you go to Flikr.com search result for assemblage there are some great pictures and ideas for your own creations; lots of robots there. Also, the International Museum of collage, Assemblage and Construction website is a great springboard for research and ideas around the topic of glue gun fun. Projects like these are a perfect reason to start your own collection of little  shiny objects for the day you decide to create your glue gun assemblage.

SET UP:

When using a glue gun have plenty of glue sticks on hand. Plug it in and wait or it to heat up. It is always wise to put down a thick cover over your work area to protect it while you create, and to additionally place the glue gun on a flat, level non-flamable surface while it is not in use.

CAUTION:

Glue guns are hot! They will burn you. The glue is Hot! It will burn you and keep burning if it gets on your skin, cause it's hot and sticky. Follow all safety instructions included with the gun.

TIPS:

Less is more when it comes to glue safety.

Pieces should be clean and dry.

Have all your pieces ready and know each pieces placement before you put the glue on.

Put your pieces together immediately while the glue is very hot for the best results.

Fabrics work well as long as the glue penetrates.

On slick solid surfaces the glue will hold well, but also pull apart if you need to try again.

When gluing thin edges, make a puddle of glue and run the edge through the glue then stick it to the desired surface, to avoid squirting glue near your finger tips.

Now do some research and get to work making your Assemblage!