Safety Glue

Prep: 10 min

A unique homemade adhesive with a mild scent of cloves, suitable for craft projects and repairs, especially for use with small jars and gentle applications.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsifted flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon powdered alum
  • 4 cups water
  • 30 drops oil of cloves

Instructions

  1. Gather a baby food jar to store the glue.
  2. Combine 1 cup of unsifted flour, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of powdered alum in a pot.
  3. Add 4 cups of water gradually, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
  5. Cook until the mixture thickens to a glue-like consistency, about 10 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and add 30 drops of oil of cloves for preservation and scent.
  7. Allow the glue to cool slightly before pouring into the baby food jar for storage.

Tips & Substitutions

To prevent lumps in your glue, add the water gradually while stirring continuously. If you find lumps form, you can strain the mixture before it cools. For a more subtle scent, you could reduce the oil of cloves to 20 drops. This glue is a great alternative for children’s crafts and pairs well with projects like Lumpy Pie.

Serving Suggestions

This glue is perfect for kid-friendly craft projects, making it ideal for school activities or home art sessions. Pair it with creative projects like Easter Bonnets or other fun DIY crafts. Ensure to supervise younger children when using glue to promote safe crafting.

Storage & Reheating

Store the glue in an airtight baby food jar in a cool, dry place. It can last for several weeks. If the glue thickens over time, simply add a small amount of water and stir well to return it to the desired consistency before using.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Safety Glue contains roughly 930 calories, with 26g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (64% of the Daily Value), protein (52% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

930 kcal 47% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 26g 52% DV
Total Fat 2.5g 3% DV
Carbs 197.3g 72% DV
Fiber 9.1g 33% DV
Sugar 0.7g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 11.4mg
Potassium 405mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 21.8mg 24% DV
Calcium 56.4mg 4% DV
Iron 11.5mg 64% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this glue on paper and fabric?

Yes, this safety glue works well on both paper and fabric. However, for fabric, you may want to test a small area first to ensure it adheres properly without damaging the material.

How long does it take for the glue to fully dry?

The drying time can vary depending on the thickness of the application, but generally, it takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour to dry completely. For best results, allow it to dry overnight if you need a strong bond.

Is this glue safe for children to use?

Absolutely! This glue is made from non-toxic ingredients, making it safe for children. However, supervise younger kids during crafting activities to ensure they use it responsibly.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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