"A black-and-white photo of Aleene Jackson crafting with an egg carton, surrounded by glue bottles and supplies. On the right, a handwritten note reads, 'With love from Tacky Lady Aleene.' The background includes a purple-tinted collage of historical images.

“In spite of the fact that I had very little education, and that I did nothing throughout my school years that would have led me to this career, I was able to develop skills on my own, able to develop self-esteem and self-assurance, and to go on and create a large and respected enterprise. You too can develop the strength and confidence to follow your own dreams. It’s never too late." 

— Aleene: A Tacky Lady, 1997 

"A historical timeline banner featuring a collage of black-and-white and color photos representing different decades from the 1930s to the 1980s. The numbers '1930, 1940, 1950, 1960, 1970, and 1980' are prominently displayed in bold white text over a purple-tinted background.
A woman in a red dress stands in front of a display of Aleene’s craft materials, reaching up to grab a bottle from the shelf while holding another in her other hand. Shelves behind her are filled with various adhesives and crafting supplies, neatly arranged. The display sign reads 'Aleene’s Basic Craft Materials' with 'Tacky' adhesive prominently featured.

A Woman Who Made Her Own Way 

Aleene Jackson’s story is a testament to every woman who dared to dream bigger. She didn’t have a blueprint—she built one. She took risks, faced rejection, and refused to let the odds define her. With creativity, resilience, and relentless drive, she built a movement that redefined crafting forever. 
At a time when women were expected to follow, she led—turning her passion into a multimillion-dollar crafting empire. 
Where others saw barriers, she saw opportunities. When crafting lacked a platform, she created one, bringing it to television, retail, and live events. Her boldness didn’t just build a brand—it redefined an industry, turning crafting into the nationwide movement that we know today. 

From Florist to Founder

From selling homemade corsages at 10 years old to opening her own flower shop at 20, Aleene saw opportunity everywhere. Her journey into business began with flowers, but it didn’t stop there. Teaching floral arrangement classes and connecting with her community sparked a deeper passion: she wanted to empower others to create​.Then came her biggest breakthrough: Tacky Glue.What started as a special adhesive for silk flowers quickly became a crafting essential. Before long, Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue became a household name, known for itssuperior strength and versatility. Decades later, it remains the go-to adhesive for generations of crafters, teachers, and DIY enthusiasts​.

Aleene’s Fibre & Floral Supply Co. storefront featuring vintage signage. A large sign reading 'Aleene’s' is mounted above the entrance, with an additional sign displaying 'As Seen in LIFE – January 5, 1953 Issue.' The store appears to be a craft and floral supply business, and a worker is seen installing or maintaining the signage.

FOUNDING - The Birth of a Pioneer

Celebrate Aleene Jackson's early innovations, her pioneering role in crafting, and the launch of Aleene’s Tacky Glue, a product that transformed the craft industry.

INFLUENCE - The Rise of a Movement

Aleene Jackson's influence as a cultural icon in crafting, including her many on-air appearances and her #1 daytime cable TV show Creative Living, which inspired a community of crafters for over 15 years.

LEGACY - A Lasting Legacy

Highlight Aleene’s evolution as a trusted crafting brand, expanding its product line to serve various craft interests for today’s and tomorrow’s crafters.

Aleene's Timeline

 

Aleene arrives!

1924 - Aleene arrives!

Aleene Jackson was born on January 20, 1924 in Hollywood, California, to Frank Murrin Jackson and Vera Sophia Offerman Jackson. Pictured with her mother in 1925.

The marriage

1942 - The marriage

Aleene Jackson and Frederick “Woody” Elwood Hershman married on January 22, 1944. The bridal flowers from their wedding inspired Aleene to work with flowers in a creative capacity!

Aleene's Floral Supply new store

1944 - Where the business started

After taking a six-week florist program, Aleene opened her first florist shop in Arcadia, California: Aleene’s of Arcadia Florist Shop.

Baby Candace arrives

1944 - Candace arrives

Aleene’s eldest daughter, Candace, was born January 6, 1947. Pictured is a 4-generation family photo! Shortly after Candace is born, Aleene sells her Arcadia florist shop and starts teaching flower arranging classes out of her home.

Family

1948 - Fred arrives

Aleene’s eldest son, Fred, was born July 18, 1948. Pictured is Candace, Aleene, Woody, and Fred. During this time, Aleene begins teaching craft making classes at adult education schools all over the greater Los Angeles area.

Aleene's Fibre & Floral Supply Co. New Location Grand Opening

1948 - Aleene's Fibre & Floral Supply Company

Aleene’s Fibre & Floral Supply Company was officially incorporated in 1948. The building in Temple City, California, would serve as the storefront for almost 20 years.

Aleene's Make Your Own Corsage Kit

1949 - Aleene's Make Your Own Corsage Kit

In April 1949, the Aleene's Make Your Own Corsage Kit was announced. The kit included materials to make 25 corsages and sold for $2.95.

1949 - Heidi arrives

Aleene’s second daughter, Heidi, was born October 30, 1949.

Aleene's Wood Fibre - the history

1950 - Aleene's Formosan Wood Fibre

Aleene gets the exclusive distribution rights in 12 western states for Formosan Wood Fibre, derived from the aralia papyrifera plant. With dyes and glycerin added, this material looked and felt like real flower petals!

Vintage concept for Tacky Glue

1950 - Glue D'Aleene

The sales of Formosan Wood Fibre led Aleene to explore silk for faux flower crafts. A special adhesive was needed for crafting with silk petals— thus, Glue D’Aleene, later rebranded as Tacky Glue, was born!

The start of Aleene's television career with Dorothy Gardner

1951 - The start of Aleene's television career

Sometime around 1951, Aleene began her venture into television with her "Make Your Own Corsage" kits.

Aleene on KTTV

1952 - Aleene on KTTV

Aleene begins booking hobby model guests for segments on a show hosted by Dick Whittinghill on KTTV in Los Angeles. This vintage advertisement was for Aleene’s Wood Fibre flower making on KTTV.

Rose Parade Television Coverage

1953 - Rose Parade television coverage

On New Years Day 1953, Aleene joined Ray Maypole (KTTV) for color commentary of the line-up of Rose Parade floats. Aleene described for the viewing audience, the various floral decorations on the floats lined up on Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena, California.

Life Magazine

1953 - LIFE Magazine

Aleene’s business was featured in the January 5, 1953 issue of LIFE Magazine. The entire issue was devoted to the American economy and Aleene's Fibre & Floral Supply Company was highlighted as one of the fastest growing companies in the US.

Aleene with Betty White on the Al Jarvis TV Show

1955 - Aleene on Al Jarvis TV Show

Aleene & Betty White on the Al Jarvis Show (1954). This is a photograph of the image shown on television screens during that era!

1955 - Tiffany arrives

Aleene's third daughter, Tiffany, was born on November 25, 1955.

The Petal Pusher Newsletter

1955 - The Petal Pusher newsletter

The Petal Pusher was a monthly newsletter of the Aleene’s Fibre & Floral Supply Company, promoting design ideas and special events. The topic of this newsletter compared using fresh vs artificial flowers as home décor!

1960 - Tony arrives

Aleene's youngest son, Tony, was born on September 8, 1960.

Aleene on Art Linkletter TV Show

1962 - Aleene on Art Linkletter TV Show

As Aleene's popularity grew, she continued to make regular television appearances on top national daytime talk shows. Here she is pictured with her handcrafted wood fibre flowers, which she demonstrated on the Art Linkletter Show in 1962 (CBS).

Aleene on Tennessee Ernie Ford TV Show

1965 - Aleene on Tennessee Ernie Ford TV Show

Aleene approached Tennesee Ernie Ford, who had one of the most popular shows on national TV in 1965, to pitch an egg carton craft. They accepted her for one show— but her first segment was so popular that she was invited as a regular weekly guest for nearly two years!

Aleene on Tom Frandsen FYI TV Show

1967 - Aleene on Tom Frandsen FYI TV Show

Aleene became a regular on the Tom Frandsen FYI show on NBC in 1967, leading to significant exposure for Aleene's Craftmakers Caravan.

Aleene's Craftmakers Caravan

1968 - Aleene's Craftmaker's Caravan

The Craftmakers Caravan was a nationwide caravan aimed at educating the public on what crafts were all about. Thousands of crafters attended each show, with the first stop in Pasadena having over 20,000 attendees!

Aleene on the Dinah Shore Show

1972 - Aleene on the Dinah Shore Show

During her first appearance on the Dinah Shore show in 1972, Aleene shared the spotlight with famous opera singer Beverly Sills.

Aleene's Creative Living Television broadcast on TV

1985 - Aleene's Creative Living Television Broadcast

Aleene's Creative Living Television was broadcast on TLC, Lifetime, and TNN for over 15 years, becoming TNN's top-rated daytime show. Daughters Tiffany Windsor and Heidi Borchers hosted the show along with Aleene.

Aleene’s Creative Living Magazine

1985 - Aleene’s Creative Living Magazine

Aleene’s Creative Living Magazine was a top-rated monthly print craft magazine with significant circulation.

Aleene: A Tacky Lady

1997 - Aleene: A Tacky Lady

Aleene’s autobiography, Aleene: A Tacky Lady was released. Her 3 main reasons for writing this book were to record her own story for her grandchildren, to share how Aleene’s Tacky Glue got started, and to inspire women to follow their dreams and make them a reality! 

Aleene Jackson

2014 - Aleene's 90th Birthday

Aleene celebrated her 90th birthday and was inducted into the CHA Hall of Fame. Her legacy continues through her famous brand of adhesives.

Aleene's Original Tacky Glue Award

2021 - Aleene's Original Tacky Glue Hall of Fame Induction

The Association for Creative Industries (AFCI) announces the winners of its first ever Product Hall of Fame Award, with our very own Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue among the three award recipients. Original Tacky Glue shares the Product Hall of Fame honor with Crayola® Crayons and Mod Podge®.

Aleene new logo

2024 - Aleene's new logo

Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue has been a staple in crafters' toolkits since the 1950s. Now, in 2024, we're taking a bold step forward with a refreshed logo that reflects both our heritage and our future in the crafting world.

Aleene's 75 anniversary logo

2025 - Celebrating 75 Years of Tacky Glue

From that first gold bottle of Tacky Glue to today’s variety of more than 60 unique adhesive options, every Aleene’s product is formulated to deliver premium quality and performance that loyal Aleene’s consumers expect and rely upon.