Duct Tape Workshop A Success

By Nancy K. Crevier

While the heat beat down on Newtown Wednesday afternoon, July 19, 15 young people were bent over tables in the air-conditioned comfort of C.H. Booth Library’s meeting room from 2 to 4 pm, diligently piecing together a variety of articles made of that oh-so-versatile substance, duct tape. 

Under the tutelage of instructor Katie Stevenson, yards and yards of duct tape in neon-bright colors became billfolds, neck ties, iPod holders, glass cases, camping blankets, and even sandals and shoes.

Siblings Lauren and Dan Harrison designed some flashy footwear, while older brother Matt modeled a bright red necktie certain to make him stand out in a crowd. Cristal Furphy and Marissa Bennett poked through the piles of stickers, beads, and other decorations provided by Ms Stevenson for add-ons to the billfolds and iPod holders they had made.

At another table, Alex Lansing and Nathan Stein were methodically transforming long strips of camouflage-patterned duct tape into a waterproof blanket. “We’re going to use it for camping,” said Alex. “It should be pretty warm.”

Ms Stevenson — a teacher, illustrator, painter, sculptor, and designer — has offered the workshop the past two summers through the Young Adult programs at C.H. Booth Library. Because of the popularity of the program, Margaret Brown, Young Adult librarian, was pleased to have Ms Stevenson back once again.

“We had a waiting list of kids who wanted to do the class,” said Ms Brown, “but the class was limited to the first 15 who signed up. The kids just love this.”