Duct Tape Lunch Money Holder

Duct tape has become so popular these days.  I came up with this tutorial for moms out there who don't want to spend a significant amount of money on a lunch money holder or are tired of using Ziplock bags for your kids to take their lunch money in.  So, this lunch money holder not only has the cool kid factor look, it's easy to make, and is so flexible it will fit in your kids pant pocket. Also, monetarily won't brake the bank to make again if it gets lost.


Materials Needed:

-1 roll of duct tape (I found mine at Walmart for $3.00.  You can also find it at Michael's and JoAnn's. Don't forget your coupon.)
-1 package of snaps with the snap tool
-1 pair of scissors
-1 rotary cutter or paper cutter
-1 cut matt or piece of cardboard if you don't have a cut matt

Step 1:
Cut three pieces of the duct tape at roughly 11".  If you go over, that it is fine.  For this part, your measurements do not have to be exact and a little bit bigger is better.  You will be able to trim this all up at the end.  You will be making what is equivalent to a piece of fabric out of your duct tape.  The overall dimensions will be 9" x 4".  I went a little larger to square up the piece of duct tape fabric without any problems.

Step 2:
Lay the first piece down with sticky side up.  Next, you will take the second piece of duct tape sticky side up and slightly overlap the first.  Repeat for the third piece.


Step 3:
Cut/Tear three more pieces at 11".  You will lay these three pieces on top of the the sticky side up pieces.  Now, you have your swatch of duct tape.  Just like example up above.


Step 4:
Trim your piece on both sides.  You will want the final measurement to be 9" x 4".  Make sure to square it up as best as possible.

Step 5:
Fold your piece of duct tape into a tri fold.  I fold mine so the top fold is not flush with the bottom. I bring the top flap up just a bit.

Step:6
Reinforce the insides with 2 pieces of duct tape at the top as well as the bottom.  So, you will have used a total of 4 pieces of tape.  This will help the snaps stay in place and helps keep them from pulling through the tape after repeatedly being  opened.  

Step 7:
Place your snap.  I put the bottom of the snap underneath and press through the tape so it leaves a mark.  This helps to locate the snap location on both sides of the lunch money holder.  Take a pair of scissors and use the tip of the scissors to help the prongs through the tape if necessary.

Step 8:
Use your snap tool and apply the snap parts to both sides of the lunch money holder.

Step 9:
Cut a piece of tape the length of the pocket .  Cut this piece of tape in half.  Fold these pieces of tape onto both sides of the lunch money holder.  This will finish the sides.

Step 10:
Snap your wallet shut and use pinking sheers to give the top flap a more finished look... if you so desire.

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Watch out!  You might be making these for your kiddo's entire class.  Make sure you have enough duct tape.



Hi everyone!  I've moved to artzycreations.com.  Check out my new website.  I am always producing new material so please check it out and follow me there.
Many Thanks,
Melanie

This is part of Get Your Craft On Tuesday at Todays Creative Blog.

Modern Tape Art Tutorial

I have to back post this tutorial.  But, I absolutely loved how this project turned out and had to share it with everyone.  You too could have modern art created by yourself or your child with ZGallery looks or the look of the Guggenheim for a very low, low cost.


This artwork was created by my daughter Emma when she was just 6 1/2.  This tutorial is so simple and you'll have timeless, classic modern artwork that will be a product of your little one or yourself.


Here's what you need:

-1, 2 or 3 Canvases 12 x 12 (Depending on the size of your wall space and the look you desire.  I always pick the canvases that have the 1" finished canvas sides.  They may be more expensive then the regular canvas boards.  However, when you go to hang your finished work, you won't have to pay the additional cost of the canvas frame bars.  That will easily add an additional, $15.00 or more to your overall cost of the project.  If you can't find canvases with the 1" sides, do use the canvas boards.  They also sell the canvas frame bars at Michael's where you know you can use your 40% off coupon.  Also, here's a tip for you.  If you didn't know, you can use JoAnn coupons at Michael's.  They will only take one per visit though.


- 2  Containers of Acrylic Paint (choose 2 high contrasting colors)
- Foam Paint Brush
- Roll of Painters Tape
- Container For Your Paint
- Newspaper

Here's the 12 x 12 canvas.

Start off with your lightest color first.  If you want to use white, you could skip painting the first layer the lightest color.

Here's my daughter Emma painting the first canvas the lightest color.  It's like a butter cream color.  You will want to use the higher quality acrylic paint for this.  I prefer the Ceramcoat by Delta.  If you go with the least expensive acrylic craft paint, you will have trouble coating the canvas.  Sometimes you will get very thin layers in areas that seem somewhat transparent or you will have to put several layers of paint on the canvas.  Save yourself some time.

After the first color has dried your ready for the next step.  If the paint is not drying fast enough, which it never does for kids, use a hair dryer to speed up the process.  Next, take the painters tape and tear it in half the long way.  You may have to help your child with this part.  Apply the tape and make sure to wrap it around the edges.  Also, make sure to have your child smooth over the tape with their hands a couple of times.

Add your second color which is your darkest.  Paint over the entire canvas.  A tip to learn from our mistake...make sure to thoroughly rinse and dry out your foam brush.  Foam brushes have a tendency to hold a lot of excess water.  You can see here where the paint is very transparent.  So, make sure to squeeeeeeze that foam brush out really well.  Give the darkest color a couple of coats to ensure you have full coverage.

The best part is removing the tape and seeing the results.  Oooooooh!  Emma loved it.

The first painting is finished.  Now, to have Emma complete the other two.  

Hi everyone!  I've moved to artzycreations.com.  Check out my new website.  I am always producing new material so please check it out and follow me there.

Many Thanks,

Melanie

This is part of Get Your Craft On Tuesdays at Today's Creative Blog.
Also part of Tip Me Tuesday at Tip Junkie