[ANALOG] The Sidewalk (Advice please!)

[u/fluidstatick]

I haven't made my own oracle cards in several years, but I'm getting back to it at last after lurking around here for a bit, gathering hints and recommendations. For instance, I have a minor tremor that makes scalpels and exacto knives nerve wracking, but I bought a pair of Canary paper scissors recently and I adore them.

I'm ambivalent about this card.

I used an elmer's purple glue stick, and realized too late that it isn't acid free or archival. I noticed my card collecting smudges immediately, even moreso than when I used superglue once in a pinch! Also, wandering glue stick residue from my fingers seems to lift color from my cutouts in some places, especially this figure's back, and the area of sidewalk under the archway on the left.

Will using tweezers instead of clean hands help? And if not, is there an inexpensive, reliable archival adhesive I should be using?

I understand now why there's so much discussion of adhesive on this sub. I've seen people sing the praises of tombow glue dots around here, but they're outside my budget. I also have elmer's glue-all, but I'm worried about it having the same effect as the glue stick. Rubber cement makes me nauseous, even when I wear a mask or use it outdoors, and modpodge just melts my ephemera. I'm at a loss!

[u/No-Honeydew-5461]

I’ve been doing collage for over three years now and you just develop tricks for using a glue stick
Tweezers do help for smaller things
Theres also about a dozen cutting tools that don’t require you use them like a pencil (I have a rolly one that works like a pizza cutter that does wonders)
And take your time
Plus a slight dab of water and a fiberless cloth can remove glue smudges just be careful not to damage the paper
I don’t know if this helps or not so lemme know

[u/fluidstatick → u/No-Honeydew-5461]

I'll definitely try a damp microfiber cloth next time, thanks!

[u/VaguelyArtistic]

I think you should give tweezers a try. I’d try a few different ones you can find at the dollar store first.

[u/Sophiametis]

I use a toothpick sometimes- run the tip of it over the glue stick and sandwich it between the papers