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What can you do with duct tape?
Marisa Pawelko of Winfield, author of "Crazy-Cool Duct Tape Projects," shows some of the bracelets she made out of duct tape. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media
Updated: October 4, 2012 11:16AM
Duct tape, once relegated to post offices and junk drawers, has quickly become an icon of crafty chicness.
Strong, water resistant, and versatile, duct tape is the perfect product for creating, well just about anything. Still not convinced? Check out these crafty projects from some of my favorite duct tape crafters.
FLOWER TOPPED PEN
This craft comes courtesy of 11-year-old Rachel Peterman who created these pens as a way to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
You need:
- Duct tape (green plus any other color)
- Pen
Directions:
- Cut six 8-inch strips of duct tape.
- Fold each strip lengthwise leaving about a quarter of the sticky side exposed.
- Begin rolling the first strip so that it resembles the inside of a flower.
- Take another strip of duct tape and surround the first bundle, replicating the many petals of a flower.
- Repeat this process with the remaining strips until flower is desired size.
- Attach the flower to the pen with a few pieces of duct tape.
- Cover the pen with green duct tape, so it resembles the stem.
PENCIL CASE
Not only is this case perfect for adding pizzazz to any book bag, it also makes a great clutch and an even better conversation piece.
You need:
- Duct tape (any color)
- 2 large duct tape sheets or colored contact paper (available at craft stores)
- Velcro tape
- Embellishments (rhinestones, buttons or sequins)
- Nonstick scissors
- Ruler
- Strong adhesive
Directions:
- Place both duct tape sheets on a flat surface.
- Choose one sheet to be the liner of the case and the other to be the outside cover.
- Trim about 1/2 inch off each side of the liner sheet.
- Peel off the backing of the outside cover sheet and place it, sticky side up, on your work surface.
- Center the liner sheet (colored side up) on top of the cover sheet. Note: To make this step easier, do not remove the backing of the liner sheet.
- Cut square notches on all four corners of the cover sheet and fold over the edges.
- With the liner side of the pencil case still facing up, attach Velcro tape to the outer edges of the pencil case.
- Fold the pencil case in half lengthwise, and then seal it by making sure the Velcro tape matches up.
- Use assorted duct tape and embellishments to make a pattern on the front cover.
INTERCHANGEABLE ROSETTE CUFF
Now you can have a statement bracelet to match your every mood with this cute cuff that comes with interchangeable rosettes.
You need:
- Duct tape (any color)
- Several large duct tape sheets or colored contact paper (available at craft stores)
- Sequins or buttons
- Nonstick scissors
- Ruler
- Compass or circle stencils
- Velcro tape
- Strong adhesive
Directions:
- Trace and cut three duct tape circles that measure 3 inches, 2 inches and 1 inch respectively.
- Cut three 12-inch strips of duct tape. Fold each strip lengthwise leaving about a quarter of the sticky side exposed.
- Use each strip to make a row of pleats (tiny folds) around each of the circles.
- Use a strong adhesive to attach the circles in order of size (largest to smallest).
- Finally, add an accent piece to the middle of the rosette such as a button, sequin or rhinestone.
- Create a wristband by placing two long strips of duct tape to each other (back to back).
- Add a small piece of Velcro to the ends of the band to use as closure.
- Add a small dot of Velcro to the center of the wristband, which will correspond with the various rosettes you make, ensuring you can interchange them as you please.
Thank you to Marisa Pawelko and Design Originals Publishers for sharing the pencil case and rosette cuff ideas. For more information about Marisa including information on her new book, “Crazy-Cool Duct Tape Projects,” visit www.modernsurrealist.com or www.d-originals.com.
