White Trash Crafts - by Rhianna

2012-01-27T13:27:00.001-08:00

Test....

Zombie Goodies

2011-03-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

I am the biggest zombie geek I know. I also happen to be "white trash" & I craft. Can you see where this is going?

Duct Tape Sushi

2011-01-04T09:50:00.000-08:00

The near to Holy Grail of white trashdom has arrived! Duct Tape Sushi! (I'll put duct tape bento up later.) I know everyone is dying to know how to make it so, without further ado, let's get to it!

Step 1:

Supplies

Duct Tape in black, green, red, yellow & white (at the minimum! ~ I own EVERY (& I mean EVERY) color & pattern of duct made by Duck & 3M so I use lots more colors & patterns)

Plastic shopping bags

Scissors

Diagram of sushi you'd like to reproduce

Permanent markers for detail work, if desired

Craft knife & cutting mat/board

Step 2
Time to make your "rice" rolls. Now I'm making both Maki & Nigiri. Maki is the rolled stuff, with the seaweed wrapped around it. Nigiri is the rice ball/oval that has a piece of meat or egg or etc on the top with a minimal tying of seaweed, or no tie at all.

Cut your shopping bag into 3 to 5 large pieces & roll, roll, roll! If you're going to do the Nigiri, you want longer oval shapes. If you're doing Maki you want a shorter, rounder cylinder shape.

Tape it down with just a small scrap piece of tape. Doesn't matter what color, doesn't matter how "pretty" it looks as this is the very center of your sushi, you'll NEVER see it.

My Nigiri are at the top right, my Maki at the bottom left.
Step 3
Make your base shapes into rice balls!

Take a strip of white roughly 3 times as long as your sushi base. To make it easier, go for a 3-4" long strip.

Place your baggie shape far enough onto the tape that you'll get a total wrap with a little extra. Basically you want to cover the entire baggie shape in duct tape.

Now roll it up! Make sure to keep the edges level, you want as straight & true a roll as possible. You want a nice, tight, bubbleless wrap if possible, too.

If you're doing the Nigiri type, make your pieces of tape about 5-6" long.

Step 4
Next, wrap it again! You'll do this 2 more times, for a total of 3-4 layers of white tape. It makes sure the shape holds & it gives you a chance to get as close to real life a "rice" shape as possible.

Step 5
Now its time to wrap the black "seaweed" around the rice (IF YOU'RE MAKING MAKI ONLY!)

Its okay if the black doesn't go all the way around. You can make more than one wrapping (I suggest 2-3 actually). You may need to cut, or tear, the duct tape to the proper width for your Maki.

When finished yours should look something like this:

Step 6
Time to make the "filling" & toppings!

If you're doing Maki, this is pretty easy! If you're doing Nigiri, its gonna be more time consuming but looks way cooler! (I know that is not proper English, that there's White Trash English!)

To make Maki of any kind, take a small piece of your chosen color (depending on your "filling") & cut it with the scissors, or on the cutting mat with your craft knife, into a triangle or square. You need 2 of each "filling", one for each end.

To make Ebi Nigiri (prawn sushi) you'll need to make a rough prawn shape with some plastic shopping bag, much as you did with the actual rice shapes in the 2nd step. Give it a roughly round "head" area & make sure you have 2 "fins" at the other end. Tape it loosely as you did before, with just a scrap piece of tape.

I'm using the red & yellow tie dye (sold as "Cosmic Tie Dye") as it most closely matches an actual shrimp (I'm not having that shrimp vs prawn argument, they're the same thing to me).

Once you have your basic shape, now you want to wrap it with your shrimpy/prawny tape. Lay your prawn onto the stick side making sure to hang your "fins" off the edge. Fold the second half of the strip over the top & wrap gently to ensure it covers the entire body.

You'll need to make two small strips & wrap them around the "fins" to ensure they're the same color but stand out from the body, just like a real prawn.

Now take a small strip, about 1 1/2 - 2" long by about 1/4" wide, & wrap it around the shrimp & rice making sure to hide the ends at the bottom. Your Ebi Nigiri should look something like this:

To make Tamago Nigiri (Egg or "sweet omelet") start with a strip of yellow duct tape, about 10-12 inches. Fold it in half, back upon itself.

Roll the yellow tape up, making several layers as you go. Tape the underside closed with a small piece of yellow.

Now take your black, tearing off a strip about 3 inches long. Tear it the long axis so you end up with a thin, long strip. Wrap it around the Tamago Nigiri so that there's a yellow layer on top of one of your longer white "rice" cylinders. It should look something like this when you're done.

To make Kani Nigiri (crab stick) you'll need a piece of tape about 8" long. Fold it back & tape it to itself.

Fold your piece of tape in on the edges, making a roughly rectangular shape where you can NOT see the ends of the tape. Tape it loosely with a small scrap piece & you have a crab stick! Take another small, long strip about 2" by 1/4" & wrap the crab stick to the rice & you've got Kani Nigiri!

By now you should have a basic understanding of what to do to make sushi out of duct tape. I made many more types so if you want those instructions just leave me a comment. I'd love to see what you make though.

Feliz Navidad!

2010-12-11T05:21:00.000-08:00

Aka - How to make a duct tape cactus wreath.

I know quite well that no one will have a use for this craft, but I'm from Texas & I deeply miss it especially at the holidays. As such, I decided to make something that reminded me of home (South Texas), something that's uniquely Texan & that I wouldn't see at the local Evil Empire for $3 made in China! Thus I hit upon the idea of a Nopale wreath - or more correctly for me: a nopalitos wreath.

Nopale is the Spanish word for a Prickly Pear cactus leaf, usually indicating its in an edible form. I wouldn't advise you chop it up for the fruit & put it in your salsa or soup, but I think it came out looking pretty good for no pattern & no plan outside of "Can I really make one of those?" & "Ooooh, sounds like White Trash Craft time!!".

The answer to that question, and I'm learning EVERY question in life, is DUCT TAPE!! :D

Step 1:

Supplies
Duct tape in (AT LEAST) green, white & red

Plastic shopping bags

Pen/Pencil/Marker to draw out a Nopale leaf

*OPTIONAL* Stiff paper or card for making a Nopale leaf pattern, I free handed most of them, only using my pattern 2 times.

SHARP Scissors

Nopales have yellow flowers & their pears have been seen in reds, oranges and yellows as well as a light pink color so run with it!

Step 2:

Make a duct tape fabric sheet. Complete instructions can be found here. You're going to want a sheet at least 12 inches long, and a minimum of 8 inches high to have plenty of leaf area to work with.

Step 3:

Time to put on your shopping bags! You can wad them up, ball them up, fluff them a bit with air, whatever you want to do with them. Make sure that you leave about 1/4" of tape on the outside of each edge to give you enough edge to tape your next sheet down to. Duct tape bonds best with itself!

Step 4:

Lay another fabric duct tape sheet on top of your bags. Make sure to cover the sticky edges to the best of your ability

If it isn't all covered that's okay, but the glue of the tape will make cutting much harder if the scissors are constantly exposed to 1 sticky side.

Step 5:

Now its time to draw your Nopales! If you're making a pattern, trace it on & cut it out for use. If you're free handing it, go with the gusto!

I tried to place 2 leaves per cutting area to make as many leaves with as little waste as I could. If you don't think you can get 2, that's okay. You may just need to repeat some of the steps.

Step 6:

Now get to cutting! Cut 1, then make the next drawing or fill the whole sheet with leaves & cut out all at once. Totally up to you.

Step 7:

Taking a small strip of green, wrap the cut edge. Overlap the pieces to ensure full coverage. When you're done you'll have 1 nopalito leaf.

Step 8:

Now you've got several (I got 9) leaves of different sizes. That's exactly what you need! If you have more that's fine. If you have less, you may need to repeat the previous steps to get enough to make a wreath shape.

This is a rough mock-up of what the wreath will look like when done. If you don't like the shape now, CHANGE IT. Tinker with it, move the pieces around. Get it to where you like it then take a few small pieces of green (an inch or so square is plenty) and tack them together.

Once you've got the wreath shape you like, you're going to tape it together. I flipped mine over (after tacking with a few small pieces of green) & taped it together well. You won't see the back so it isn't as important to keep it perfectly clean & pretty but don't go overboard.

Step 9:

Time to make your pears! They're simple. Take a piece of red (or other color of your choice) about 4 inches long. Take a small piece of waste pear sheet (or plastic bag, or even duct tape) & roll it into a ball. It doesn't have to be perfectly round, you're going for a natural effect and nothing in nature is perfect.

As you can see I use as much of the duct tape as possible, even the "trash" pieces from previous steps & projects.

Fold your pear color over the waste piece (or whatever core material you've chosen to use).

Fold & wrap your pear a little at a time, until you end up with roughly a diamond or pear or even tear drop shape. Feel free to add extra layers of tape if you want to make sure its totally smooth looking.

Now add your fringe (if you want to). Take a strip of white about 2 inches long & tear it in half down the center length so you have 2 long, narrow strips. Now fold one of the strips over, leave about 1/8" of glue along the bottom.

Next you want to make it into fringy petals. Cut from the folded edge, down to the glue line. You don't want to cut all the way to the bottom, only to where the glue is to ensure that you have something to bond the fringe to the pear with.

Size it down to your pear's head & tape so that the small strip of glue is below the top of your pear, providing a 3D look but hiding the back of the tape strip. Repeat for as many pears as you want to make. Cactus have anywhere from 1 to 5 (sometimes more) pears per bunch per leaf. I went with 1, 2, & 3 pear bunches.

Step 10: (*OPTIONAL*)

Now you want to use your permanent markers to draw in your prickles. Just make 2-3 quick flicks per area to mimic the needles. You can go back in with a darker color (or lighter) and draw in a few circles to make your cactus look more authentic.

I've taped all my pieces together, but you could also use a hot glue gun or contact cement to bond the leaves & pears.

TADA! You've got a finished, embellished Prickly Pear Cactus wreath! Good job!

Not that I expect many people to have a use for this craft, but I had fun making it & I hope you have fun if you give it a try. It makes a great decoration for your door or your wall or just wherever you want to stick it.

How to repair, or extend your duct tape dummy

2010-11-21T18:49:00.000-08:00

Per my previous instructions, I taught you how to make a duct tape dummy

You may not know it, but this thing is MUCH smaller in the chest than I am. It was wrapped a little too tightly, and I wasn't wearing the proper undergarments. So Houston, we have problem. My clothes wouldn't fit right if I used this dummy.

All is NOT lost! I'm going to show you how to repair the issue. Of course you can just make another dummy, but that'd be sorta dumb. :)

Instead, we'll just use MORE duct tape! That's what being White Trash is all about! Duct tape can fix anything given enough of it, and enough time and inventiveness to get it done!

Supplies

Shopping bags

Sharp scissors

Sharpie markers

DUCT TAPE!!

Step 1:

Make a ball off several bags, 1 inside the other. You want a breast shape so don't make a big ol' cantaloupe if you're more of a tear drop. You're going for as close to your own size & shape as possible.

Step 2:
Tape your ball onto your dress form using small, short pieces of tape on the edge. When its in the right position, begin taping down with longer pieces until you've got the correct size & shape.

No, I've never had a mastectomy. This is to show you before (left side) & after (right side).

As I've said previously, perfection is NOT possible. It does NOT exist. This form isn't perfect, even when repaired. However, its a heck of a lot better & much more usable. I'll be tweaking it a bit, here & there to get it more even but you can at least, I hope, see some improvement from the starting point.

1.0

2.0

Duct Tape Dress Form

2010-11-16T17:11:00.001-08:00

These are the quick & dirty instructions for making your own dress form. If you sew, if you just want to play with duct tape & try making clothing, if you just feel like it, its simple!

Supplies

Long tshirt, past your hips if possible (you're going to cut it, don't plan to keep it)

6 rolls duct tape (you probably won't use them all, but better prepared than not)

spare material to protect your neck/throat area (duct tape on skin is NOT pleasant)

Cotton batting, aka quilters stuffing - lots & lots & lots (to stuff it when complete *IF DESIRED, not necessary*)

Sharpie markers (I'd suggest 2 or 3 colors)

A SHARP, STRONG pair of scissors

A willing accomplice/helper

Helpful Hints

You're going to want a fan, the ac or a cool day. Duct tape does NOT breathe, you're going to sweat.

Make sure you're wearing a GOOD supportive bra (if you're female - or if not & that's your thing {I don't need or want to know}). A push up one is great, you're going to need the boobage!

This can take a couple hours to do so be prepared to stand there & be bored for a bit.

Step 1:
Put on your tshirt. You also want to take this time to wrap your spare fabric, or extra tshirt, or other means of protecting your neck. Duct tape in your hair is cringe inducing to both you & the person(s) helping you.

Step 2:
Starting with small strips of duct tape, 3-6 inches long, begin wrapping your body. I start by going horizontal on the 1st layer, then vertical on the 2nd and back to horizontal on the 3rd. You need SHORT strips of tape because you want to make sure it holds well & is strong. I'd suggest starting at the shoulders with longer pieces, then down the length of your backbone, then work on the abs, or the hips & slowly work your way up.

Make sure your strips are SNUG, but not too tight that you can't breathe. It may sound silly but its easy to not get it tight enough, or get it too tight. You want it somewhere in the middle & this is a learning experience so make sure you have good communication with your helper(s).

When you get to your bosom, you want to use 2-3 inch strips, curving them slowly to fit the shape you have. Some will go side-to-side, some will go up & down, some will go in curves above & below your bust. This will be the slowest, most tedious part.

As you can see from the photos, I was NOT wearing a good supporting bra that pushed up & out. I will teach you how to fix this, but its better to just learn from my mistake the 1st time around.

You may do arms if your shirt has long enough sleeves or you have extra material to put between you & the duct tape. I've seen some with only 1 arm down to the wrist for long sleeve products, I've seen them with only a couple strips past the shoulder. Do what you think you'll need & use it for.

Remember that is is not a PERFECT dummy. Your body is NOT perfectly symmetrical, nor will your dummy be. Also understand that there are limitations to duct tape.

Step 3:
Go back over your dummy with a 2nd layer of tape. If you went horizontal on the 1st, go vertical on this one (minus the boobs, follow the same rules as before).

Step 4:
Make a 3rd layer, again alternating directions. It actually serves to make a stronger, stiffer form that can stand up to being hung on a hanger, placed on a stand & stuck with pins if you'll be sewing with it.

*OPTIONAL*
Feel free to bulk up an area if you think it needs more tape. The shoulders & the bust are usually where you'll want that reinforcement, but if you feel as though you need it elsewhere do it. Better to use more tape than not enough, I say!
Back

Front

Side

Step 5:
Have your helper mark the middle of your back with a sharpie. You can use what ever color you'd like, I go for black for base measurements like that. Now its time to begin cutting you out of the form. You'll know you're ready when you look & feel like you're wearing a 40lb piece of duct tape armor. Feel free to ham for the cameras, might as well enjoy this goofiness while it lasts!

Your helper wants to cut that sharpie line down the middle of your back. Do it slowly & as straight as possible. Chances are they're going to have to take breaks, cutting that much duct tape isn't easy on the scissors or the hands that wield them. GO SLOWLY so as not to cut your undergarments or your skin! That's about as unpleasant as ripping hair out with a strip of duct tape.

Once its cut through, slowly slide out of the form. Your help will have to hold up the form & it will be heavy! You'll want to tape that cut edge on both sides with several vertical strips of tape (inside & out, fold them over, however you want it).

If you're leaving it open to put on a hanger, you're done!

Step 5B: OPTIONAL!!!

If you're going to stuff it, now is the time to tape it closed! Tape the edges together. Reinforce it with several more strips of horizontal tape. Double the amount of tape on the inside. If you don't, it will pop the seam when you try to stuff it.

If you're stuffing it you want to tape in the neck hole. You'll probably need an extra piece of material. Run a basting stitch, draw it closed, then sew together. Repeat for the arm holes. If you've got enough material at the bottom of your tshirt, use it to close in the bottom edge. If not, get a new piece of scrap & run the basting stitch then sew closed.

Step 6:
Using different colored Sharpies mark out your lines. Your bust line, the natural waist, your hips at high & low positions. Add in dart lines if you think you'll use them (even if you don't think you'll use them, the may be useful at a later date).

Tada! You've got a duct tape sewing dummy! You've got a PERSONAL duct tape sewing dummy! Sized just for you! Never knew duct tape could help you sew, did you?

Duct Tape Flower

2010-11-12T14:35:00.000-08:00

Okay, today I'll show you how to make a duct tape flower. Its pretty easy compared to the rose, mainly just cutting versus folding.

Start by gathering your
Supplies:

Duct tape in at least 2 colours (green & floral but I'm using 4 colors on the flower)
Scissors
Stem material (I'm using a bamboo skewer but its up to you as to what you use)

Step 1:
Pick your petal colour(s). I'm starting with a bright orange. Cut, or rip off, a 10-12" long strip of the tape of your choice, then fold it back upon itself so the sticky sides connect. You want to see colour on both sides.

Step 2:
Accordion the piece together, so you end up with several layers, each folded one on top of the other.

Step 3:
Cut out a semi-oval from one of the folded sides, making sure not to cut all the petals apart.

In this example, you're going to cut the black portion out. It also shows what I mean by accordioning in the previous step.

You want to end up with 3-5 double petals so you may need to repeat steps 1-3 to ensure you have the right size.

(*OPTIONAL* If you're using more than one petal colour, repeat steps 1-3 with each colour you want to use, making sure to make each progressive petal set slightly smaller to ensure you'll be able to see all the colours of your flower.

Step 4:
Now you want to stack your petals together, largest on bottom to smallest on top (IF you used different colours/sizes). Make sure to center the petals as much as you can to end up with a better balanced flower. Push your stem, your choice which one, through the flower, leaving about 2" sticking above the petals if you want to make a contrasting stamen.

Step 5:
Take a small strip of your contrasting colour for your stamen, about 2" long. Tear, or cut, it in half down the center length wise. Take one of the slender pieces and wrap it around the top of your exposed stem so as to make a stamen. Press your stem/stamen down through the petals until only the stamen is sticking out above the flower.

Step 6:
Take a piece of your green, or other colour of your choice, for your stem, making it roughly the same length of your stem. Wrap your stem in this piece of tape, rolling it tightly as you go along.

Step 7: *OPTIONAL*
To add leaves to your flower, take a piece of your stem color tape, about 4-6" long, & fold the sticky sides together as you did in step 1. Cut a leaf shape out of your folded piece. You can also fold this strip in have, short ways, to end up with multiple leaves all the same size & shape.

Take a small, 2" long or so, piece of your stem/leave colour & tear it in half lengthwise so you have thin strips. Weave the thin strip around the stem & bottom of each leaf, so the leaf stays attached but blends in.

Tada! You're done. You've got a duct tape flower of your color(s)! Easy & fast is what White Trash is all about!

Carpet Refresher

2010-11-09T07:41:00.000-08:00

A quick, easy recipe for making your own carpet refresher. It uses my wonder item - Baking Soda. I don't know anything that it can't do, or at least I haven't found anything it can't do.

Supplies
Borax (find it in the laundry supplies)
Baking Soda
Essential oil (your choice, I use Lavender)
Vanilla Beans (found in the herbs, but OPTIONAL)

Step 1:
Mix equal amounts baking soda & borax. The amounts are up to you, I do a large batch of 3 cups of each when I make it, but it will keep for a while as long as stored in an air tight container.

Step 2:
Mix WELL. Borax has a tendency to clump as does Baking Soda so make sure you work them together, breaking up any clumps. When you add the oil it will increase the risk of clumping so you want as few problems as possible.

Step 3:
Time to add your smellies. I'm using Lavender & Vanilla as they're very calming, relaxing scents but use ANY scents you like. Make sure its high grade oil that can touch human skin & you'll be fine where your pets are concerned as well.

Step 4:
Mix it again! Do it 2 times to make sure. You want to get a nice, even mix of the oils, the plant matter (if you're using it) & the powdered ingredients.

Step 5:
Dispense. I use a disposable plastic food saver (Gladware) that I punched some holes into the lid with (hammer & nail work fine).

Step 6:
Use. Shake onto any carpets, or even upholstery, you'd like to refresh. Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming up. You can use a stiff brush or broom if you'd like to work it into the carpet, but it isn't necessary. Repeat as needed, or desired.

The Borax will work wonders in keeping down household pests like ants, flies, spiders, mili & centipedes, fleas & ticks. It is safe for animals & people - just don't let them eat it. It also helps prevent staining of carpets because it is a laundry aid.

The Baking Soda helps capture & remove scents so it will work wonders to making the house smell fresher & cleaner.

Sugar Scrub

2010-10-23T07:04:00.001-07:00

For all the crafty, (read cheap), folks out there who love salt scrubs & sugar scrubs here's a quick way to make your own.

Step 1
Supplies

White Sugar (aka Castor Sugar)
Brown Sugar (Light or Dark)
Olive Oil (cheaper is actually better here)
Scented oils of choice (I used Lavender & Rosemary but any scents you like are good)
Dried plant matter if you'd like (I'm using Mint, but get creative your brain is the limit!)
Glass jar with good seal (or air tight plastic container)
Food Processor (or a wooden spoon & elbow grease)

Step 2
Take equal parts brown sugar & white sugar. Doesn't matter how much or little but you want to make sure your finished product will fit in your container(s).
Make sure you leave a little room, you'll need to add the oil still.

Step 3
Blend, pulse, or mix so that they're equally dispersed.
Getting there

Well mixed

Step 4
Now you're going to add the oil. There are NO hard & fast measures for this. Add oil, then mix. Continue until you have a moist consistence.

Ooooh, looks cool, huh? You can let it soak down a little at a time, but its easier to just blend it up.

Step 5
Time to add your smellies!

Again, I'm using Lavender oil & Rosemary oil but ANYTHING you think smells good together is good. Use high quality oil that can come into contact with skin! Do NOT use home scent oils, those are not designed to be in contact with skin & they're usually poorer quality.

I went with 32 drops Lavender, 24 drops Rosemary but that's based on the power of the scents in my essential oils. Generally you want at least 20 drops for a large batch.

(Optional!)
This is where I put in my mint & some dried Lavender heads. Its just standard, food quality dried mint. You can buy it, dry your own, or even use fresh but remember the fresh will be more volatile than the dried.

Blend it up again!

Looks good, right? Smells great too!

Step 6
Bottle it up! I'd suggest using a ladle & funnel to keep down the mess.

TADA! You're done! Put some in your shower, or on your counter for your face. You'll need to remix as you use it so you get a good selection of scrub & oil. Use it as the end of your bath/shower then rinse off in warm or hot water. Will exfoliate, give you a nice soft smell & help hydrate.

They make great gifts for friends & family too!

Duct Tape Fabric

2010-10-19T21:31:00.000-07:00

This is the best way I know to make Duct Tape Fabric, the key item for any and all forms of Duct Tape clothing, accessories & many other crafting items.

Step 1: Gather your materials
Supplies
Duct tape
Ruler (if desired)

Step 2: Make a duct tape fabric sheet. This is the tedious part, but it really shouldn't take that very long to make it.

Start by laying a strip of duct tape, about 12-18 inches long, sticky side up.

Next, lay another strip of duct tape the same length next to the 1st, making sure to overlap the edges just a bit. I usually go horizontally at this point.

Repeat until the fabric is as long & wide as you like it, this can go on forever if you've got the money & time!

Now, you're going to begin to make it an actual fabric sheet! Lay one strip of duct tape vertically, over the other pieces. Make sure to go slowly! Duct tape loves to stick, but sticks best to itself - once stuck it can be impossible to separate.

Repeat with as many pieces as needed, slightly overlapping the edges just as you did on the 1st side, until the entire sheet of sticky is covered.

Next, fold over the edges to ensure total coverage and a smooth, flat line at the ends of your duct tape fabric.

Tada! You now have a duct tape sheet of fabric. It can be used to make (among many other things):

Pirate Hats (those instructions will be up later).

Duct Tape Rose

2010-10-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

For the first craft I'll demonstrate how to make a Duct Tape Rose.

Step 1: gather your supplies. I ONLY use Duck Brand Duct Tape, but some other brands do make interesting colors and patterns. Use what ever type you feel like using.

Supplies

Duct tape in 2 (or more) colors
Scissors
Stem item (florist wire, pipe cleaner, bamboo skewer, straw, etc)

Step 2:
Start out with several pieces of 2-3 inch strips of tape in the color(s) of your flower. You'll need some smaller & some larger.

Step 3:
With the sticky side up of your flower color, fold one corner towards the opposite edge, keeping a straight line. You should end up with a little bit of sticky on 1 side, and a lot more sticky on the bottom edge, as in the photo.

Step 4:
Fold over the little sticky edge, back towards the bottom, maintaining that sharp line. You should end up with a small triangle shape, with some sticky left on the bottom.

Step 5:
Repeat the folding with all the other pieces of duct tape.

Step 6:
Wrap 1 small triangle, remember you need the different sizes for a reason, around your stem item. I'm using a bamboo skewer but what ever you chose is fine.

You'll end up with a bit of a tight cork skewed triangle.

Step 7:
Begin wrapping the smaller triangles around your rose's center, slowly producing a flower shape. I place the points opposite each other if possible to produce an even looking flower, but do it however you like and are happy with.

Step 8:
Keep wrapping those triangles! Go from the smaller sizes on the inside to the larger on the outside, until you're happy with the size and shape of your rose. Your finished product will look something like these...

Step 9:
Now its time to wrap your stem. You want a piece of duct tape a little longer than your stem, so you can produce the rose's hips.

This is a finished rose.

You may stop here if you'd like, or add a few more touches as you see fit.

If you'd like a smaller bud, repeat steps 2-9, making a shorter stem piece than your original rose.

If you'd like to produce leaves, thorns, or rose hip petals you'll need to take a piece of tape, 2-3 inches long, folded in half and stuck to itself. You'll have NO sticky parts left.

You can cut this into a leaf shape, or thorns, or rose hip petals. I've opted to do the petals but no matter what the shape, it will always amount to the same instructions.

For the rose hip petals, you'll need triangles.

Take a strip of stem tape, tear it in half down the center so you end up with 2 long, thin strips. Lay the triangles on the stick side of the tape, slightly overlapping the bottoms of the triangles.

Wrap this thin, triangle filled strip, around the top of the rose hip area at the bottom of the rose.

Since I made the 2 roses, I'm going to take the 2nd thin strip from our rose hips and make a matching rose hip petal belt for the smaller flower and wind it around.

Now to tape the two stems together. You'll need another 3-4 inch long piece of stem tape, again split down the center. Using one piece at a time, wind the strip in and around the 2 stems, making 1 large stem with 2 roses coming off it.

VIOLA! You now have your finished, embellished duct tape rose! Now, go out & share your ducted taped goodness!

Welcome to the world of WHITE TRASH

2010-10-16T18:54:00.000-07:00

As a bit of an in joke I'm starting this craft blog to amuse myself & hopefully some friends. If you don't get my sense of humor I'm really sorry but, I is what I is what I is and that's White Trash!