Threads of glue is normal, glue gun glue is very messy. There is a tape that you can buy that is a glue and leaves no mess and it is permanent as well. I can't remember the name of it though sorry. I would take a course on the scrapbooking personally, I have 4 scrapbooks and none of them have been started yet because I don't have a clue where to start and now I don't have the time to go to a class. I learn better watching someone than reading about how to do things so the magazines don't quite cut it for me. Good luck!