Duck Tape Purse Instructions

You can make a purse from versatile duct tape in an array of colors or patterns with a few simple cuts and folds. Design your purse any size you like and decorate it with acrylic paint or other embellishments for a custom style.

Create a Sheet

Most duct tape projects begin with a duct tape sheet. Think of it like a swatch of fabric or a blank piece of paper that is the basis for your design. To make a duct tape sheet for a duct tape purse, cut a 16-inch strip of duct tape and place it on a flat work surface with the sticky side up. Cut another 16-inch strip and connect it to your first piece lengthwise, on the bottom half of the strip. Fold the sticky half of the first piece that's facing you on top of the second strip. Everything facing you on your work surface is the non-sticky side of the tape. Flip the duct tape over so that you have a sticky strip facing up and cut a third 16-inch piece to fit face down on the sticky section only. Flip the strip until you have a sheet that is four strips wide.

Shape the Purse

If the sides of your duct tape sheet are uneven, trim the edges so that everything is flush. Cut the sheet in half to make your purse. Stack the two sheets and cut two strips of duct tape to join the long sides together. Place half of the tape on one sheet and the other half on the other sheet to join each side. Squeeze the sides of your purse together to create an opening at both ends. Make a template of the shape of the bottom opening and create a duct tape strip to fit the template. Cut 2-inch strips of duct tape and place them around the perimeter of your bottom sheet so that 1-inch is exposed, sticky side up. Cut slits every ½ inch in each of the 2-inch strips up to the edge of the bottom piece. These tabs will make it easier to attach the bottom of your purse to the sides. Fit the sides on top of the bottom piece and attach them together with the tabs. To complete the bottom, cut a strip of duct tape to fit all the way around the bottom of your purse. This strip will hide the tabs and give your purse a neater appearance.

Finishing

Make a double-sided strip of duct tape as long as you like for your strap. Attach it to the inside of the top of your purse with 2-inch strips of duct tape. You can embellish your purse with acrylic paint, fringe beads or anything else you like. You can use clear craft glue like E6000 or Liquid Nail to attach colorful glass cabochons, ribbon or flat-back rhinestones to your purse. You could also decorate your purse with different colored strips of duct tape.

References

• How to Make a Duct Tape Purse

Resources

• Duct Tape Colors