Gluesticks

Hot glue & the elements...?

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I've never worked with a hot glue gun before... I'm trying to make a small trellis for my tomato plants. I plan to use craft stix (colored popsicle sticks), hot glue, & thick thread (to keep the connections secure). My question is ~ will the glue be able to withstand being outside in the sun, rain & wind, or is this project just going to fall apart real quick?? If so, do you have any crafty suggestions that will work?? Thanks in advance to all those who respond!! <3 Construction adhesive? Interesting thing to look into!! Thanks :) Chad ~ very neat ideas there. You should be very proud of your crafty-ness at your age!!! :D

Public Comments

1. I never worked with hot glue for outside projects, but I would suggest two things. One is construction adhesive. You can get it in small tubes at your local Chinamart ( Walmart). Or, you can try "pop rivets". Drill a 1/8" hole in the center of the sticks, use a pop rivet tool to install a pop rivet. The tool will pull the rivet so tight that the sticks won't be able to move. Or do both!
2. well, what ive always done is just use chikenwire for the trellis. but is you want somthing colorfull, you could just decorate it. what i would suggest is striping it with paint or spraypaint. so that you dont cover it but it looks nice. Chad, age 11
3. there are glue gun sticks intended to heavy duty/outdoor projects. they are hot melt (for a hot temp, not low temp gun.) and are opaque and yellowy instead of clear. I got some years and years a got at a local hardware store. If you can't find them, a hot temp glue shoulod hold up for at least one summer since hot melt is less likley to get soft in the sun, grips tighter than low temp and the glue is waterproof. To be honest, the popcicle sticks will probably crap out on you before the glue.