Q: What kind of duct tape do you use?
I buy tape mostly from amazon.com Solid Colors come in 20 and 40 yard rolls and patterns in 10-yard rolls for patterns.
Q: How much does duct tape cost?
Where I live in California duct tape runs about $5.00 per roll of regular color and pattern, and then up to $8.00 for licensed characters.
Q: Where do you get your tape?
If I have to buy from a store I go to Michaels (I look for sales) since they seem to have the best selection. Most craft and hobby shops have it now. I also get a good amount from Target (it's located in the home decorating or automotive section). A lot of hardware stores now carry some brands and I’ve been told Walmart has a great selection, too.
Q: How can I stretch my duct tape to make it go further?
Check out my blogs about stretching your duct tape, using the cardboard center and alternative materials. These 3 blogs explore all sorts of ways to use every bit of your tape and make it last longer, including what to do with that last foot of tape that has the cardboard on the back. Also, this tarp bag how to shows you how to make stuff with half the tape!
Q: How can we use duct tape cardboard centers?
I love using the centers for all kinds of projects. They are super sturdy, and you can actually glue them together to get different heights. There are more ideas in my blog about the centers.
Q: Can you send me duct tape?
I'm really sorry, but I can't. I wish I could give duct tape to everyone. However, if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, you can come to my free library workshops. We use duct tape there all the time! Check out the Sophie in Action calendar for details.
Q: Will wax paper work for duct tape projects?
You can use wax paper for duct tape projects providing you don't let it sit for a long period of time. Remember to leave an area of wax paper that has no tape on it? (like a tab on a paper doll dress) because if you don't, when you cut out your sticker, the edges will seal to the paper and you won't be able to undo it. If you leave a tab, you should be able to get the paper unstuck, if you are careful.
Q: Where do you find tarp?
You should be able to find tarp at your local hardware store or online at Amazon - it comes in a variety of sizes for under $10.00! ;-)
Q: What else can I use besides duct tape for the locker keeper?
If you don't have duct tape you can use paint, wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, markers or magazine images. You can really cover the box with anything you have. I love the idea of collaging it with colored tissue paper and Mod Podge as with Mod Podge glassware. If you don't have Mod Podge you can make your own with 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup white glue.
Q: Are there instructions for Teddy’s blanket and eyeshade?
Here is the how-to for Teddy’s woven blanket. Teddy's eye shade is just a small sheet of duct tape fabric cut into and eyeshade shape, hole punched on either side, and then secured with elastic (or string).
Q: What is a good Velcro substitute?
The best replacement for Velcro that I've found is actually Ziploc bags. They make as good a closure as Velcro and zippers. See my pencil pouch for the basic idea on how to do it.
Q: What is a good alternative to pool noodles?
One alternative to pool noodles is pipe insulation foam. It can be found inexpensively at hardware stores in 4-foot or 6-foot lengths, and different widths. It works well for this wreath project.
Q: How can I make an iPad/Tablet case?
See how to make a tablet cover that protects the device (meaning, not just a pouch to hold it!) Here is the project in part 1 and part 2.
Q: Where can I get corks or cork substitutes?
Amazon sells corks. Some craft stores sell cork sheets. However, you might find a local restaurant that would be willing to save them for you, or you can substitute other things for the corks. Try a couple layers of corrugated cardboard, an old mouse pad, or a sheet of thin Styrofoam.
Q: Where can I get magnets?
I have a lot of suggestions in my blog.
Q: Where did you get your Fuji camera?
I got my super fun Fuji Instax Camera on Amazon. It comes in both small (what we use in the video) and wide (like a regular size). The quality is what you'd expect from an instant camera – fine but not great.
Q: What is a fodder box?
Fodder is basically the food that farmers feed to livestock...like hay. I use it as “creativity” fodder, meaning food for the creative soul. A fodder box is a box where I put the bits and pieces when crafts are done - it saves us having to sort all the stuff that gets dropped on the tables when the event is over. We also throw strange packing materials, bottle caps, etc. It’s sort of a creative treasure chest.
Q: Can you make craft and send the viewers?
Although I would love to be able to make everyone a given craft, the site is designed to inspire kids to make their own stuff, not have me make them for them. I wish I could do so but simply can't with the schedule that I keep. However, I suggest that viewers find a friend or caregiver and that the two of them make crafts together.