Duct Tape

May 15, 2015

Duct tape crafts have moved beyond basic wallets and the legendary duct tape prom dresses--this inexpensive craft material can be used to make everything from surprisingly realistic bonsai to braided belts and intricate artwork. Davis, a visual artist who began working with duct tape as a teen, provides an overview of basic techniques including tips for folding, cutting, and making sheets that can be used in larger pieces. The projects are divided into five basic categories (flowers; wallets, purses, bags, and more; jewelry and other accessories; sculptures; and tableaux) and each section features a number of selections of Davis's work. The subtitle gives a hint to the book's greatest flaw. There may be 101 ideas within this book, but only seven projects with step-by-step directions. While the pictures are inspiring, the lack of instructions make for a book that says "look what I did" more than "look what you can do." VERDICT Though experienced duct tape crafters may be able to reverse-engineer Davis's projects, beginners would be better aided by a wider variety of projects with instructions, such as those found in books by Patti Wallenfang (Go Crazy with Duct Tape) or Richela Fabian Morgan (Tape It & Make It).

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