How to Make Duct Tape Creations

Duct tape creations are beautiful and practical.

Duct tape is useful for so many applications, even beyond fixing household problems. Many people have decided to take their love of duct tape to a new level by making fantastic duct tape creations. You can learn how to create these beautiful and practical projects with a little creativity and a lot of duct tape.

Things You'll Need

• Many different colors of duct tape
• Paper
• Cardboard
• Pipe cleaners
• Scissors
• Pencils or pens
• Ruler

Instructions

1. 

   Choose a duct tape project. If this is the first duct tape creation you have made, start with something simple. A basic square or rectangular shape is ideal, and many common objects are easily created with duct tape. A wallet, MP3 player case or pencil case are some great first choices.

2. 

   Plan your duct tape creation. Draw out your plans on paper, to determine the size, shape, and thickness of your creation. If you want certain areas to be strong, durable, or flexible, consider the addition of pipe cleaners and plan accordingly. For special designs, you can draw and cut out patterns so your duct tape creation can match the version in your mind.

3. 

   For a basic rectangular shape, take a piece of paper or cardboard that is the right size, and line the edges of the paper with duct tape on the front and back of each edge. You can tear out the paper once the duct tape frame is complete or leave it in as you layer duct tape over it.

4. 

   For bendable items such as a wallet, add a piece of pipe cleaner along the bottom for flexibility. You can add the pipe cleaner during the framing step, or add an additional layer of duct tape when attaching the pipe cleaner. The pipe cleaner method is also good if you have unique attachments to your duct tape creation that would not be as stable with a wrapped up piece of duct tape.

5. 

   For unique shapes and patterns, you can cut out pieces of paper or cardboard in beautiful designs. Wrap the paper or cardboard in duct tape, and then use an additional piece of duct tape placed flat on the back of your design to connect it to your duct tape creation. These paper patterns can also be used for more complex projects, such as flowers and other oddly shaped duct tape creations.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not be discouraged if your first project does not turn exactly how you expected. Each duct tape creation is unique, and you will improve with practice. Err on the side of durability and strength. Cutting corners on your duct tape creation can ruin the quality. Measure twice, cut once. This will save you many difficulties in the long run, as a little planning goes a long way.