Heather Latter
Duct tape no longer is just “the handyman’s secret weapon,” as deemed by former Canadian TV character Red Green.
In fact, the heavy-duty tape now is being used by crafters across the country for all sorts of different projects, such as clothing, decorations, and accessories.
And local resident Lauralee Both has developed many of her own products with her new business, “Stuck On You” Duct Tape Creations, selling everything from wallets and bags to tassels, hats, and more.
“It’s not just plain old gray duct tape anymore,” noted Both, who is studying to be a hearing instrument specialist and currently working at the Enhanced Hearing Centre here.
“There are so many colours and designs, and there is so much you can do with it,” she enthused.
Both began making duct tape wallets in April after a friend of hers had talked about wanting one.
“So I tried to make her one for her birthday,” she noted, adding her attempt was successful and soon more of her friends wanted wallets, so she began selling them.
“They are fun to make and it gave me something to do, other than study, while I was away at school,” she reasoned.
While Both started out with a simple pattern, she quickly realize she could tweak it to make it better.
She now offers all sorts of wallets, such as a small folded wallet with up to 12 card pockets and a change pouch, or a long-style clutch with as many as 20 pockets.
“Each wallet is made unique for each person and therefore no two wallets are ever identical,” she stressed, noting customers can customize each creation in any way possible.
They can choose the style, design (i.e., weave, patch, or pattern with an accent colour), the number of card slots, whether they want a change pouch included, and how they want their wallet to close (magnet or Velcro).
“The zebra print is the most popular design so far,” noted Both, saying she’s made it with an accent colour and looks “quite sharp.”
“I’ve had really good feedback from everyone,” she continued. “The wallets are very durable and fun.”
But once Both got started with the duct tape wallets, her creativity began to flow with other ideas.
She has made bags, headbands, decorative tassels, cozies for pop cans, hats, and more.
“I’m open to any ideas people have,” she remarked, saying she’s willing to try any suggestions people have for new creations she could make.
Both already has plans to try some new products, including flip-flops, purses, and belts.
The cost for products depends on the amount of duct tape used and the time taken to make each one.
She said a typical wallet costs around $20 while a bag would cost about $40.
“I’m not trying to make a big business,” she explained. “It’s just something I enjoy doing when I’m not at work.”
You can check out some of Both’s creations at www.stuckonyouducttapecreations.com
