Tamara Boykins - Dazzling Duct Tape Designs. Fashionable Accessories, Adorable Décor, and Many More Creative Crafts You Make...

Text copyright 2013 Tamara Boykins. Photographs copyright 2013 Tamara Boykins, except as noted below. Design and concept 2013 Ulysses Press and its licensors. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. by
Ulysses Press
P.O. by
Ulysses Press
P.O.

Box 3440
Berkeley, CA 94703
www.ulyssespress.com ISBN: 978-1-61243-154-3
Library of Congress Control Number 2012951889 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Acquisitions Editor: Kelly Reed
Managing Editor: Claire Chun
Editor: Lauren Harrison
Proofreader: Elyce Berrigan-Dunlop
Design and layout: what!design @ whatweb.com
Production: Jake Flaherty Photographs: Tamara Boykins except rolled out blue duct tape Lasse Kristensen/shutterstock.com Distributed by Publishers Group West IMPORTANT NOTE TO READERS: This book is independently authored and published and no sponsorship or endorsement of this book by, and no affiliation with, any trademarked brands or other products mentioned or pictured within is claimed or suggested. All trademarks that appear in directions, photographs, and elsewhere in this book belong to their respective owners and are used here for informational purposes only. The author and publishers encourage readers to patronize the quality brands and products mentioned and pictured in this book.

Shortly after buying quite a few rolls she wrote to tell me that our Wicker patterned tape was her new favorite. One of the reasons I started the Platypus line was to foster creativity, and hearing testaments like this from our customers makes me happy. Tamara also attached a photo of a tote that shed made with the Wicker Designer Duct Tape. When I opened the file, it seemed as if everything stopped. People use our tape for many things, and Id seen quite a few examples of crafts, but Id never seen anything on this level. Her design was stylish, unexpected, and crafted with a high-level of precision.

It was simply stunning when compared to all the other crafts Id seen. I immediately contacted her. We hit it off right away and began collaborating. I asked her to design and create a number of projects for us. These projects for my company included a Modern Houndstooth bejeweled clutch, a Blue Paisley and Argyle wedding bouquet with matching Blue Paisley cummerbund and bow tie, a Platypus Orange Linen and White Linen shoulder bag, Pink Polka Dot snow boots, and more. I think her designs should be sold in chic boutiques.

Shes that good. I anxiously awaited her packages, knowing that the projects held within would surpass my expectations. I went around the office showing the projects, saying, Look! Check this out! Isnt this amazing?! Tamara has a keen eye for color and pattern and a knack for manipulating duct tape. She works like both a fashion designer and a seamstress, creating templates for her designs and planning each step carefully. She is great at interpreting ideas and making them her own. For photo or film shoots, my team often gave her inspirational imagery and color combinations for props.

Tamara took creative direction incredibly professionally and delivered top-notch work. Once we were in a serious time crunch to make a whole slew of gift box bows, letters, and flowers to appear within a Christmas scene composed of Platypus Designer Duct Tape. Despite how busy she was, Tamara rose to the challenge and delivered dozens of beautiful crafts on time, flawlessly. Everything looked amazing on camera. It is my hope that Tamaras creativity shown within this book inspires your own, and that your life will become more beautifuland more funby crafting with duct tape. Sincerely,
Rob Jordan Owner | Product Designer Platypus Designer Duct Tape Designerducttape.com

It has come out of the toolbox and is now used to create purses, jewelry, home dcor, and even clothing. It comes in dozens of brilliant colors and patterns and is a fun and inexpensive way to express creativity. Duct tape crafts are durable and not messy, which makes them the perfect pastime for individuals, parties, classrooms, and rainy days. My love of creating with duct tape began when one of my sons went shopping for a new wallet but couldnt find one that he liked. I picked up a few rolls to try to make him one and havent put them down yet.

Projects that require additional materials will include a list on their page. WHAT YOULL NEED Duct tape rolls Scissors Cutting mat Hard, flat surface Craft knife Ruler Pen

TAMARAS TIPS

Here are a few useful tips Ive figured out along the way through much trial and error. A self-healing cutting mat is ideal. Not only does it protect your surface but it has dimensions printed right on it, making measuring a breeze. Nonstick scissors are terrific for cutting supersticky duct tape. Craft knives can be quick and easy for cutting slits and angles but are very sharp. Craft knives can be quick and easy for cutting slits and angles but are very sharp.

They should be used with caution and under adult supervision. Layering is a great way to make your projects sturdy and durable. To avoid flimsy projects, try adding a second or third layer of tape. Use gray duct tape for layering and areas that arent readily seen. Gray comes in larger rolls and is cheaper per inch than patterns and colors. Cut tape pieces a little longer than youll need them for your finished project to allow room for accurate trimming. Always press and smooth tape strips with your fingers to make sure theyre adhered and flat. Corner wrapping and angle trimming are both great ways to avoid loose, sticky edges. Corner wrapping and angle trimming are both great ways to avoid loose, sticky edges.

Both methods will be explained.