How to Make Glue Bugs

This instructable shows a unique art form...using hot melt glue to make various insects and spiders. Other creatures can be made as well, but that is the subject for another instructable.  Use care if attempting this procedure as there is some risk involved: primarily with the hot melt glue, the razor scraper and the heat source used to mount legs.  Do not let children attempt  these steps.  An adult can supervise certain steps of the procedures.

Step 1: Tools and Supplies Needed

Main tool is the glue gun for this project.  I use both a large and small gun, depending on the project. A few small pieces of glass to place glue on, a razor scraper, some pliers and wire cutters are useful as well.  Have enough glue sticks on hand for the projects, some thin gauge wire (solid copper and or florist wire works well. I have several gauges of wire on hand), acrylic paint and brushes.

Comments

[dmay5]

Love this instructable! if you glue your dots on non stick foil instead of glass they peel right off - no need to scrape!

[gothgaluk]

only one thing i can say.....AMAZING!!!

[Creativeman]

Thanks, glad you are impressed!

[taria]

so cute, I might try this later when I get my stuff back.

[moGuyver]

A fellow arthropod hobbyist!  Very interesting method - I wish I could get my wife to wear earrings made from these.  Thanks for sharing.

[halla]

soooooooooooo amazing and easy to make
thanks lots
great idea i will try it

[Creativeman]

You are welcome, halla. do try it, it is fun! Cman

[dragonflydazd]

i absolutely love the dragonfly and have to try this....what an awesome idea!!!! thanks for the instructable. very talented and btw, are the butterflies also glue???? dragonfly

[Creativeman]

Thanks for the comments. Butterflies are not glue, just part of the mini-diorama here. If you follow this instructable you can make the dragonfly...just get out your glue gun, a piece of glass or metal and start practicing...put on a drop, let cool, add a drop...think long body, many sections, etc...you'll get it...when all cools, paint, cut wings, glue in place with epoxy or gorilla glue, and you're done! Piece of cake. Cman

[dragonflydazd]

creativeman, i would love to see a more detailed instructable for the dragonfly if at all possible. thanks so much dragonfly !!

[dakellymon]

great idea, I can't wait to do this with my grand daughter. Thanks for sharing.

[Arbitror]

Woah! I'm pretty impressed! Some even look real...

[pinkbluedky]

Coooool!  I can't wait to try this.  I clay sculpt so this will be FUN!

[pie R []ed]

 This is such a great idea

[Vulcanator]

don't put your meth in that bottle.
you will get itchy lol.

[noobie605]

when ur making your bugs dont use the glass use a small sheet of metal because hotglue doesnt stick to metal and you can just pop them off with your fingers

[BigMac96]

AMAZING! 5 *'s!

[l8nite]

this is beyond cool !  I will definately be giving this a try very soon...

[porcupinemamma]

Ditto!

[meddler]

This, is cool..

[cowscankill]

Another cool Instructable! Very creative :D

[Creativeman]

Thank you!

[Jayefuu]

Amazing! The grasshopper is my favourite. I know it's not a bug but do you think you could create a hedgehog by layering up glue and then the final layer drawing out spikes with a toothpick? I'd love to see instructions on how if so.

[Creativeman]

See my other instructable: How to make glue monsters!

[jdtwelve12]

Simple design.  Beautiful work.  I suspect that the real artistry is in being able to paint them well, as you have.

[Creativeman]

Thanks jd.

[jdtwelve12]

Curious about steps 5 & 6... do you bend the legs to shape before heating them, or after they've been inserted and re-hardened?

[Creativeman]

Either way...use two pair of pliers in some cases to prevent the leg from putting stress on the body. If the leg is to be covered with glue, shape should be established first.

[wenpherd]

These are awsome.

[scoochmaroo]

So, so good.

[Creativeman]

Thanks, scooch.

[Ninzerbean]

 Wonderful!

[Creativeman]

Thanks Ninzer.....