Geek Techniques

Ramona Flower’s Duct Tape Purse {from Scott Pilgrim!}

by Kayla Kromer

Ramona V. Flowers: “We all have baggage.”

This is a great bag for stuffing your wayward slacker boyfriend when times are tough.
Or, just the new DVD or Blu-ray… ;)

Here is my quick no-sew version of the best sub-space purse around. On the covers of the books it appears in different colors, so make it your own!

SUPPLIES
- White Cardstock Paper (at least 6 pieces)
- 2 rolls of duct tape
- Poster board
- Scissors
- Key rings or D rings
- Craft glue for all surfaces
- Skinny ribbon, I’m flashy so I used a string of sequins

Additional things I used that were helpful, but not necessary
- A plate
- A non-stick cutting board
- A straight razor


STEP ONE

Draw 2 same size circles on posterboard.

I’m awful at circles, so I traced one of my medium sized plates. This plate happened to have a diameter of 9 1/2′.

STEP TWO

Cut out circles and Duct Tape one side of the circle.

You should completely cover the paper.

STEP THREE

Cut off over hanging tape.

Having scissor sharpeners or goo-gone helps when your scissors get too sticky from cutting the Duct Tape.

Repeat to the other circle.

You aren’t taping them together. They are just close together in this pic.

STEP FOUR

Get a 7′ zipper.

Avoid the jean zippers which are harder to open and close.

Tape around the zipper (on top and underneath).

I found having a slick cutting board helpful because I could tape the top part onto it and easily peel it back up. Then I matched the position of the tape on the back so it is no longer sticky.

STEP FIVE

Attach a 4 1/2″ x 20 1/2′ piece** to your zipper*

*It may have to be longer or shorter if you have a different diameter circle.
**For a squishier purse, use tape taped onto itself to create the piece.
I had trouble with that, so I created a firm purse by cutting poster board those dimensions and taping them.

STEP SIX

Attach zipper strip to circle.

The part that I already taped is facing inward. I put a strip of duct tape hanging off the edge of the zipper piece. I then cut tabs so it folded over the circle more smoothly.

STEP SEVEN

Flip over and attach other circle to the other side.

Don’t forget you can unzip the zipper so your hand can hold the other circle in place. :)

STEP EIGHT

Put Duct tape on the outside of the circles.

STEP NINE

Create your star.*

I choose stars that are smaller and more rounded, like in the books. But if you want it more like the film, go for a star that is almost as wide as the face of the bag and more angular.

There are different ways to make the star.

I put my contrasting color tape on my cutting board and used my straight razor to cut it out.

You can also make a star out of something (fabric, poster board, etc) and craft glue it on. Or you can paint one on.

STEP TEN

Glue on a border.

I used api’s Crafter’s Pick clear dry to glue on a border of sequins on the border of the bag and the star.

STEP ELEVEN

Make your strap.

I folded the tape the same color as my star in thirds to my perfect length. You can totally buy straps, for comfort.

STEP TWELVE

Attach D rings or Key Rings

I reinforced the strip of tape running thru the ring with tape holding that tape down. I then looped the ends of my strap thru the key ring and taped the ends.

This purse will make you look awesome as you travel through any sub-space shortcut.

And fellas, I have a friend who has used this design to make an awesome camera bag.

Check back to Geek Techniques for more DIY goodness!

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