Duck Brand: Stuck At Prom Giveaway!

Momma Told Me: When I was a kid there was only one color of Duct Tape, and when something broke you either grabbed the DT or threw it away. Seeing that the latter meant living without whatever 'it' was, our house was quite metallic.

Where to start with this one? I guess I could honestly say, 11 years ago, and entering High School mid year, Duck Tape rock my world. It is no exaggeration at all that the Duck Brand single handedly inspired me, 2 years later, to design my own Prom dress, and played a great part in the inspiration for what I would ultimately deem my life path during Senior year. You see, it was 11 years ago that the Duck Brand introduced it's Stuck At Prom Scholarship/Competition/Generally Ingenious Fashion Show. Now, duct tape is commonly known nationwide by the slang Duck Tape, but, in truth, the Duck Brand has only been in place for just over 20 years. That's what I call smart marketing! Duct tape itself was invented in the 1920s, intended to keep water our of ammunition cases. When word got out the durable, easy to tear, and affordable adhesive solution also proved waterproof, people began associating it with the more common spelling 'Duck'.

Because Duck Tape was so durable, and waterproof, everyone from construction workers and mechanics to homemakers and hobbiests would keep a roll (or two) on hand. During Momma's childhood the silver wonder stuff would patch holes in worn backpacks, pants, and even couches, as well as mend leaky pipes, fix reading glasses, plug bean bag chairs and re-'hoop' hula hoops. With gran and Gramp newly migrated from their home in Germany, and trying to get their dream business off the ground there was no room in the budget for replacements. Momma and her 2 siblings would have to make due, and it was Duck Tape that came through!

Growing up I had an odd fascination with tape in general, I'd cut things up just to tape them back together again; including Pop's credit cards once (Ooops!) In Junior high it became a craze to make Duck Tape wallets, duck tape ones locker, or duck tape anything in general for anonymity. The year I hit high school was the year Duck Tape announced a wonderful competition where high schoolers would be allowed to design and submit Prom Dress/Tux creations for a chance at a scholarship. Unfortunately for me, already making up the credits from the half a year of HS I had leapt forward in night time College courses, and on the School Paper, Statistics Club, and Student Body, there simply was no time for me to partake. However, every year since I have eager awaited 'Prom Season' and the announcement of that year's finalists. And I assure you my love for Duck Brand, and Duck Tape has not fizzled- when the bumper was ripped of my vehicle 4 years back, guess what was there to make it all better???

An entire outfit made from Duck Tape may sound absurd, but the Duck Brand has brought this fix-it staple a long way from it's military debut in 1922. Each year the brand introduces new colors, patterns, and products to revolutionize everyday solutions and inspire the creative. Just visit their free Duck Tape Club and profess your love for the Duck by registering to view hilarious (and useful) Ducktivities, exclusive promotions, and meet up with other Duck Brand enthusiasts. With school out, and brand new Duck Tape Sheets, it's the perfect time to craft with Duck Tape. Try their inspired Duct Tape Roses, Hammock, Flip Flop Renovation, and more, or show your team pride with themed College Duck Tape rolls! We received several colored and patterned rolls of Duck Tape, as well as a few new Sheet samples to play around with and had a blast.

New Duck Tape Sheets are 8.25" x 10" and currently come in 19 colors/patterns, sold individually or in multi-packs. These are great for patching projects, or simply crafting (scrap-booking too!) My favorite print has to be Zebra, but everyone's sure to love the camo, flames, leopard, and tie die prints as well. My poor laptop is on it's last leg and missing a significant chunk of plastic near the back foot. I was thrilled to put a carefully cut strip of reinforced Zebra Duck Tape over the 'wound'. It's so much more fashionable than classic metallic gray, and makes for a sort of cute band-aid/patch. Next, I thought we'd have some fun and create or own Duck Brand dresses. Commandeering two Barbie's in need of some clothes I set to work tracing a pattern onto paper, cutting said pattern out, then tracing the pattern onto the Duct Tape Sheets. A similar effect can be achieved by placing strips of Duck Tape on an 8.5" x 10" paper but you will have visible seams (I'm not Armani, sheesh!)

After cutting out both the paper pattern and Duck Tape sheet it was time to peel the easy remove backing and carefully attach the Duck Tape to the pattern. I'm sure the 'professionals' (IE: teenagers) probably double back the tape to itself or whatnot for contest regulations, but I was working with an hour time frame and chose to go with the paper. I should also note that the Duct Tape Sheets backing is great for saving and storing strips of stray Duck Tape (from rolls) for future projects. In any case, aside from Barbie's abnormal curves, this whole Duck dress designing business can become quite addictive. I wanted to add frills and layers, and braids, and a hat.... but alas, time flew and our first Barbie was quickly sporting a Zebra fringed halter dress with flair train. At that point, fashioning a classic Hot Pink strapless mini for Blondie Barbie was a breeze. I think the girls would have rather taped the clothes on, but I went for a more functional approach.

I'm certainly a fan for life, and can't wait to dig into some of the online projects the Duck Brand have on their website. In the mean time, this year's Stuck At Prom Contest has already been narrowed down to 10 amazing finalists, which may all be viewed here. The winning duo will receive a $10,000 scholarship to split, and each couple after that will receive a different denomination. Voting wraps on July 11, 2011, so it's important that you head over NOW to cast your vote and support these talented teens! When you're done wander on over to the Duck brand Club or view ALL of the entries from the past 11 years!

What Daughter Says: Duck Tape is not just for 'patching' anymore. What does one use to patch their dress when it's made of Duck Tape????

One Momma Told Me follower will win a Duck Brand prize pack valued at $40!

Mandatory Entry: You must be a Momma Told Me follower, then visit Stuck At Prom, and tell me which of the Top 10 Finalists you like best!

Extra Entries:
*Vote for your favorite 2011 Stuck At Prom Finalist +2
*'Like' Duck Brand on Facebook (Tell them we sent you, if you'd like) +2
*Blog about this giveaway +4
*Subscribe to Momma Told Me via email +2
*Grab our button +3
*'Like' Momma Told Me on Facebook AND leave a comment on our wall sharing the link to your favorite past Stuck At Prom couple +2
*Follow Momma Told Me on Twitter AND tweet this giveaway +2
*Enter another Momma Told Me giveaway +1 each
*Vote for us on Picket Fence Blogs here and claim +2 bonus entries!
*Enter the Gourmet Orchards Blog giveaway +2
*Enter TavernDirect's June giveaway +2

***Take the Prince Lionheart survey +3 (You must Say Momma Told Me sent you!)

Giveaway begins July 7th, 2011 at 9:01 PM PST and ends at 9:01 PM PST on July 24th, 2011. Winner will be notified via email, and posted here. Entries valid within the US. Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be drawn. Prize will be transferred via sponsor. Full Contest Rules and Entry Requirements can be viewed here.

As required by the FTC: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I received product samples to facilitate my post. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.