The Little-Known Hot Glue Gun Hack Every DIYer Needs To Know (The Possibilities Are Endless)

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Have you been itching to get creative, but don't want to spend money on more art supplies? Here's a fun and affordable trick using items that are likely already hiding in your craft corner and kitchen. You only need three things: a hot glue gun, some glue sticks, and a bowl of ice water. That's it. You have probably used your glue gun to fix bits of craft wood together or stick embellishments to your creations, but you can also use it to produce decorations instead of just attaching them. Hot glue works by hardening as it cools. When a squiggle of glue hits ice water fresh from the nozzle of a glue gun, it instantly solidifies into a flexible, sculptural object. It looks a little like clear plastic resin, except it costs next to nothing and takes just seconds to make.

This hack is perfect if you want to experiment with mini free-form sculptures, create decorative elements for DIY craft projects, or just need a creative outlet without investing in more supplies. The glue hardens instantly, so you'll see results right away and can pivot accordingly. Plus, it is a mess-free and beginner-friendly way to spend an afternoon for just about any age group or skill level — keeping in mind general safety around heated, electrical tools, of course. Bonus: You can use any glue sticks you already have. Try this hot glue gun hack that will add texture to any vase — or whatever craft project you have on the go right now.

This is one of those crafts that costs next to nothing, takes minutes to master, and reminds you that creativity doesn't have to come from a fancy store. To try this unexpected yet genius hot glue hack, grab a shallow glass dish or baking pan and fill it with ice water. Heat up your glue gun, then start moving it around right above the surface of the water while squeezing the trigger. You can make squiggly lines, spirals, shapes, or even write letters and simple words. Wait a few seconds before lifting your creation out of the bowl. It is ready to use however you'd like, right away.

What's great about this hack is how customizable it is. You can make everything from bespoke embellishments to DIY jewelry or even larger ornaments. If a loved one has a birthday coming up, create some balloon shapes and glue them to a card. Try your hand at making icicles for winter wonderland-themed decorations. Make a series of grids and attach them to a canvas for abstract wall art, or make stencils for painting. Add color to your embellishments with craft paint, or experiment with colored glue — we love these Gwybkq Mini Glitter Hot Glue Sticks or these Aqur2020 Candy-Color Hot Glue Sticks. Once you're done for the day, keep your glue gun clean and ready for projects with a handy kitchen staple: Wrap the nozzle in aluminum foil.