How to Make a Duct Tape Wallet

WHAT YOU’LL NEED
· Duct tape (standard size roll, any color)
· Scissors (You can tear the tape with your hands
but for some steps, cutting is necessary.)
· A dollar bill
· A credit card
· A ruler
PART ONE: MAKING THE BILLFOLD
1. Tear or cut two pieces of tape that are about 7½ inches long (or 1½ inches longer than the
dollar bill). Arrange them lengthwise on a flat surface so that both pieces are sticky side up
and they overlap ¼ inch. The width of the two pieces stuck together should be about 3 3/4
inches (or slightly wider than the length of a credit card).
2. Tear two pieces of tape that are 7 inches
long (or 1 inch longer than the dollar bill).
Place the first piece of tape on the tape
from step 1 (sticky sides together) so that
there is a 1/8 inch border at the bottom.
PART TWO: MAKING THE CARD POCKETS
6. Tear a piece of tape about 2½ inches longer
than a credit card. Tear another piece of tape
about 1 inch longer than a credit card.
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7. Arrange the longer piece, sticky side up.
Then stick the shorter piece on top with
a 1/8 inch overlap.
8. Turn over and fold the 1/8 inch overlap of the short
piece over the top of the longer piece. This makes
a vertical pocket that you will tape into the billfold.
By Katie McCorkell, Team U-TURN member from Washington
3. Place the other piece so that it is even with
the top. You should have a piece with a
sticky border on three sides. Repeat steps 1
through 3 to create a second identical piece.
Scrapbook illustrations by Amy T. & Amy S. from Texas
4. Now stick these two pieces together using
the sticky borders on the three sides to
make the billfold. There should be an
opening along one of the long edges.
5. Trim the shorter sides (where the tape is
ragged) so the ends of the billfold are even.
Reinforce by folding a piece of tape over
the ends or any spot that feels flimsy.
PART THREE: TURNING IT ALL INTO A WALLET
9. Fold billfold in half horizontally so it looks like a wallet (figure A). Unfold it (figure B). Attach vertical pocket by
placing tape sticky side down about 1/8 inch away from the crease (figure C). Fold the sticky ends: One onto the
outside of the wallet and the other into the inside opening of the billfold (figure D). Repeat until you have as
many pockets as you want.
10. Use layers of duct tape to cover any rough edges
or creases in your wallet. Now personalize to
make it your own.
*Safer and much less messy than dropping Mentos in soda.
UTURN@USAA.COM | WINTER 2006
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