Duct Tape Crafts (for all ages!)

DIY expert Micheline Petit stopped by the Morning News to sharee some great ideas on how to use duct tape as a craft item.

We all know 1001 uses for duct tape (mostly home repair), but now that they are available in all kinds of patterns and trendy colors, duct tape offers infinite possibilities for crafters, DIYers and artists.

• Easy material to work with (no gluing, no sewing)
• Tons of project ideas and instructions on Youtube (tutorials), from beginner to expert

DuckTape Bracelets

1. Cut three pieces of two-inch length: tear by hand or cut with scissors (trick with wet wipe) or cut with craft knife and self-healing mat (the fastest way)
2. Fold each strip in half – this will give you a non-sticky piece of duct tape which is much easier to work with.
3. Cut off three little pieces of duct tape and tape one end of all three of the lengths together in a small bundle.
4. Braid the three duct tape lengths together (as if you were braiding hair).
5. Once you have finished braiding, use the second piece of duct tape to fasten the other end of the braided strings together.
6. Test the size of the duct tape bracelet on your wrist then take the third piece of duct tape and tape both ends togetherso that it forms a continuous loop.

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Duct Tape Bookmarks

1. Place sticky side of desired portion of duct tape on tip of paper clip.
2. Place another strip of duct tape over the first strip to obtain a non-sticky piece.
3. Cut around the design with scissors.

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Duct Tape Flowers

1. Cut several pieces of two-inch length.
2. Fold a corner leaving a little bit of the sticky side exposed. Fold again the opposite corner to create a pyramid shape, leaving a sticky strip.
3. Wrap the sticky part of a petal around the stem (stick or pencil). Roll a second petal by positioning the tip close to the previous tip and so on – continue to wrap petals that way until you reach the desired fullness.

Duct Tape beads

1. Cut several pieces of five to eight inch length of duct tape.
2. Cut lines from corner to middle of opposite side to form long triangles.
3. Starting with the wider part of the triangle, roll the strip on a straw (the sticky side will stick perfectly to itself).
4. Cut straw to desire width of bead.
5. String beads on elastic cord for a unique bracelet.

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Use your imagination or surf the net to find more duct tape inspiration!

Have fun with the kids and let them use their creativity to come up with their own projects!