Momma Told Me: Tape isn't a decoration.
Spring Break is in full force for the K-6 here in Southern California, and the myriad of instant streaming children's shows will only go so far for even the most digital obsessed tweens. When I was a child Momma would have a full afternoon of activities scheduled during every school break. And, Monday through Friday, those were almost always scholastic. (No 'break' for me!) But, she was sure to scrounge up some fun and affordable craft projects for us to engage in on weekend and after lunch. We spent a lot of the time combing the local Goodwill for items we could re-purpose or re-imagine into something new and trendy.
In high school I remember it was cool for kids to scrape the holographic inside of their agenda books off and 'reupholster' it with the shiny 'foil' side of gum wrappers. It was also hip to spend time between classes making 'Duck Tape Wallets,' long before there was an entire range of cool prints and colors made just for crafting. I'm talking about the ugly pipe colored silver tape here, folks! In any case, when I heard the
Orb Factory had a new Stick N' Style Duct Tape Mini Clutch project for Sabrina (11) to try I was envious and immediately up for the challenge.
Retailing for just $4.99, the
Duct Tape Mini Clutch is targeted towards crafty girls aged 6+, but I feel girls 10 and under will need ample adult help. Sabrina tends to be a perfectionist and kept getting frustrated when the paper 'clutch' guide would curl and roll as she was trying to lay her strips of duct tape. The tape can also be near-impossible to tear, and equally hard to cut- so having an adult on stand-by is very helpful. Expect the entire project to take almost an hour, when reading the directions and completing the project step by step. Most of the craft is guided with the provided template, but you are also encouraged to make your own 'bow' out of duct tape, as we have done in the past with the duct tape beads project.
Unlike many of the other Orb Factory projects, this one is a little limited in creativity. You are essentially creating the clutch shown on the packaging. There is one type of tape, pink zebra, and only enough to complete the exact template and accents. There is an included sheet of gemstone stickers that allow for some free artistic range, though Sabrina was a bit 'stuck' out by the time it came for decorating! I was proud of her for sticking (pun intended) through the project and doing it all on her own, and I got the impression she was equally proud as she showed off the clutch at the bowling alley later that night.
With craft projects that come pre-packaged and with step-by-step instructions, as low as $5 each, you really can't go wrong. You don't even have to be craft inclined yourself to help a young tween in your life explore new skills and their creativity. The Stick N' Style kits are sold at Michael's craft stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, and offer an array of glitzy projects that are trendy and totally girly!
What Daughter Says: Prove Momma wrong and make something out of all that leftover hot pink duct tape- or grab this kit and learn how to make a clutch!
That is a cute craft for young girls and the pink zebra is so bright and fun. It is a shame that there is little room for letting the imagination fly but perhaps for a starter kit this is best.
ReplyDeleteOh, so cool - We got something similar for my daughter's birthday - she had so much fun with it
ReplyDeleteCan she make me one? Love it!
ReplyDeleteAlways fun when they can make something, and decorate it! Cute :)
ReplyDeleteThat's super cute! Wish we had stuff like that when I was younger.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm definitely not crafty, so I'm happy to find things like this. They do the work for me. :)
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