From Flip-Flops To Frames—

To Young Designers Duct Tape Isn’t As Sticky As It Sounds

By Larissa Lytwyn

Though long revered for its fix-it finesse, duct tape has been sticking in people’s minds recently for its aesthetic — yes, aesthetic — possibilities!

“I always thought of duct tape as being one color: gray,” said seventh grader April Gadis, one of nearly two-dozen students who took part in the C.H. Booth Library’s recent craft workshop “Got Duct Tape?” with Danbury-based artist Katie Stevenson.

The workshop promised students the opportunity to make picture frames and other products using the unlikely craft tool.

Arriving with their favorite photographs, from beloved pets to unforgettable vacation spots, the children were soon deeply involved in their frame making, cutting and fastening strips in cherry red, lavender, yellow, and day-glo greens and pinks.

“While I’ve done a lot of different work in illustration and product design, I never worked with duct tape before!” laughed Ms Stevenson. “I was contacted several months ago by [Young Adult Librarian] Margaret Brown. She asked me if I was familiar with duct tape crafts, and I told her I was not.”

Ms Brown introduced Ms Stevenson to the library’s copy of Roll Out the Fun With Duct Tape by Ellie Schiedermeyer.

The English craft book details how to make everything from duct wallets and book bags to accessories, such as belts, hats, and flip-flops and clothing from skirts to slacks.

The book also details a $2,500 scholarship students can be awarded for winning top prize in a “Make Your Own Prom Outfit” contest.

The top hats, suits, and gowns pictured looked almost indistinguishable from fabric in the book’s glossy two-page spread.

Ms Stevenson was asked to do a children’s workshop on the subject, and she quickly agreed.

 “I’ve done similar workshops with all age groups, from children to adults, in the [lower Fairfield County] area,” said Ms Stevenson, a former Westport resident. “I’ve been active in the Norwalk Public Library, too.”

After agreeing to do the workshop, Ms Stevenson began doing a few projects from the Schiedermeyer book.

“I picked it up fine,” she said. In addition to a duct-framed picture of her cat, Ms Stevenson brought two pairs of duct tape flip-flops and a visor.

Assisting Ms Stevenson was Newtown High School senior Kristen Rockwell.

“A few years ago, I saw a girl wearing a duct tape bag at the Danbury Mall,” said Kristen. “I thought it looked cool, and I wanted to try it.”

Her early attempts, she said, were “trial-and-error.”

Today, she can make a medium-sized bag “in about two hours.”

“I have all kinds of bags, with varying numbers of pockets and styles,” she said.

One of her favorites is a checkerboard style bag.

Kristen also makes wallets of various sizes.

“They’re fun to make,” said Kristen, “and fairly easy.”

Her efforts came to fruition this past year during Newtown High School’s Spirit Day.

“I came in with one of my duct tape bags, and everyone asked me how I made it,” said Kristen. She laughed, “I couldn’t even quite tell them! It’s just something I’ve learned.”

For the library workshop, Kristen brought a large, black duct tape bag for students to see.

“I’ve enjoyed helping the kids learn how to make the duct frames today,” she said. “They’ve picked it up really, really well!”

Eighth graders Christine D’Alessandro and Laura Rice said they had wanted to sign up for the workshop “because it sounded interesting.”

“You have to be very careful with the tape,” said Christine. “It’s very sticky, and you have to make sure you cut it straightly and evenly.”

Laura added, “Everything really gets stuck together if you aren’t careful!”

But for Dylan Jones, the project was “easier” than he’d expected. “It’s not too bad,” he said. “You just have to be kind of careful.”

Seventh grader Chelsea Bogg said she’s always considered herself the “crafts type.”

“I like making things with wood,” she said, “like wood benches. But this duct tape activity has been fun. It’s different!”

Another seventh grader, Kristin Stohler, said she has been involved in scrapbooking in the past, another activity that requires patience and precision.

“I’ve enjoyed making the duct frame,” she said. “It’s cool using materials you wouldn’t [expect to use].”

For more information on the world of duct tape craft making visit, ducttapecreations.com. For information on duct tape clothing related scholarships, visit scholarships4students.com.