Tapes and Scissors

So today (April 1st) was my own special haustier's birthday! And to commemorate her fabulous 16th birthday, I decided to try something new-making her a very special handmade bag :)

In short, today is my first DYI post! (EEEEE!)

I started by looking through the various paper bags that I've collected over the years. (mostly gift bags, but also special boutique ones) The sewn in straps of the Urban Outfitters large bag worked perfectly so I dissected it with a pair of scissors.
Then I started an idea collage. There needed to be a base, because I didn't want the color of the bag to be tan, so I chose a patterned tissue paper. After spending a few hours going through my collection of magazine cutouts, I had a basic idea of how it would turn out.

The trick is to have everything set out exactly the way you want, because now you're going to layer it with strips of clear duct tape.
WARNING! I learned that magazine paper, and especially newspaper, has a tendency to curl upwards towards the tape as you lower it to make sure its aligned. So basically you've just got to judge with your eyes whether or not the tape is straight, and then go for it.

1st side

After taping down both sides, you then need to tape down the sides and bottom. Instead of choosing another collage for the 3 pieces, I wrapped them in cloth and then cocooned them in more tape. This way I had 1/2 of the lining for the inside of the bag done as well.
One you have everything taped in, then you need to tape the pieces back together again. Just be steady, and you'll be fine.


Inside the bag

Basically the bag was put back together again only using tape! Its gives a very cool reflective look, but since this is the first time I've ever done it I'm worried that something bad might happen! Hopefully everything will work out fine though.




The first time I experimented with using clear duct tape was with Robyn's 17th birthday gift. I made a tape collage on the cover, and a few inside, but I didn't take it apart at all.
The effects were nice.


I had to put the other half of the other love of her life in it under Songs to be Serenaded By
Frank the Bunny from the Future
The back cover, and the amount of cameras Robyn wants to own
Front, from left to right: large pic of Sam Winchester, Spock & Captain Kurk (<3),>
Underneath Title, counterclockwise: Siren & Sailor, sewing machine, Sam & Dean Winchester, rain boots, Bill und Tom Kaulitz ([most beautiful] lead singer and [most handsome] guitarist of Tokio Hotel {Robyn will get mad if I say amazing ;)})


I'm going to keep experimenting with the tape, and eventually I'll start making other various bag type things with it too.
Any opinions?