Last week, we shared this activity on momfilter.com, and we’ve also used it in some of our workshops – it’s a new favorite!
Craft ideas for younger ones are everywhere. Great projects for older children (9-12) are harder to come by. One of my dearest friends from Atlanta – and one of the most thoughtful gift-givers I know – sent my 9yo daughter a copy of Todd Oldham’s book “Kid Made Modern” amidst her flurry of perfect presents.
Oldham’s book is an amazing resource; I immediately ordered my own copy. Collections of sophisticated but accessible design-it-yourself projects are organized around design legends. The duct tape messenger bag is straight from the section of projects inspired by Verner Panton, recognized for his iconic use of color. Give it a go!
Supplies:
2 11×16-inch Tyvek Priority Mail envelopes (from any Post Office)
Scissors & Duct Tape in a variety of colors (from any hardware store)
Seal the ends of both envelopes. Cut one envelope along the long edge. This is the opening of your bag. To make the flap, lay the short edge of the uncut envelope over the long, cut edge of the first envelope. The two should overlap about 4 inches. Tape down securely.
Decorate! Decorate all sides with tape and add a colorful edge for a finishing touch.
To make the handle, tape two 24-inch pieces of tape together.
Tape each edge to the inner corner of the bag. For a completely flat messenger bag (great for papers and sketches) – you’re done!
If you’d like to make a flat bottom, start by folding over an inch of the bottom edge. Crease and release. Then, fold in the corners on each side; crease and release.
Here’s the tricky part (especially if you’ve used a lot of tape, like we did): Coax the folded corners towards the interior of the bag to shape the bottom.
Tape on the inside.
Tape on the outside.
Now pack it with your stuff!
