Projects
Duct Tape Purse
By Sherri Haab, author of The Hip Handbag Book, Watson Guptill Publications
1 Roll Duct Tape (2" wide)
1 Roll Skinny Duct Tape (.70" wide)
Paper pattern
Scissors
Plastic cutting board or smooth non-stick countertop for work surface
- Make three sheets of tape using 2" wide duct tape. Overlap the pieces of tape to form the sheets. Cover the sticky side of the sheet with more tape to cover. You will now have sheets covered with tape on both sides.
- For the front and back sections, cut a trapezoid shape 7" high, 10" wide at the base and 8" wide across the top from two of the sheets.
- Cut 2" wide strips for the bottom and sides of the bag. (Bottom-10" by 2" inches, Two sides 7" by 2")
- Make a strip of tape for the closure tab (2" wide by 9" long) using 2 pieces taped sticky sides together. Cut the corners off one end.
- Lay the bottom piece between the front and back panels, use the skinny tape to tape the sections together. Tape the side pieces to one of the panels. Flip the entire piece over and tape on the opposite side over the seams. Trim the ends of the tape.
- Tape the base and sides from the inside, folding the panels into place. Work slowly to position the tape to the panels, you can reposition the tape as you go.
- Cover the remaining seams on the outside with skinny tape. Trim the ends of the tape.
- Use a piece of tape to attach the closure tab to the back panel. Make a "slit" to hold the closure; cut a skinny strip of tape about 4" long, place a 2" wide piece of tape on the back where the tab goes. Stick the ends down to the purse to make the slit for the tab.
- Make the strap by folding the 2" wide tape in half lengthwise. Hint: let the roll hang as you fold the strip in half, this will help keep the tape from sticking to itself and getting wrinkled. Cut the tape when you are happy with the length for the purse. Tape the strap to the sides of the purse.
- Decorate the purse with cut duct tape shapes if desired.
© Sherri Haab 2004
