Duct tape fixes all

Sophomore+Claire+OGrady+cuts+out+the+foundation+of+her+duct+tape+bow+tie%2C+which+she+will+add+to+her+collection+of+creations.

Neda Salamzadeh

Sophomore Claire O’Grady cuts out the foundation of her duct tape bow tie, which she will add to her collection of creations.

Harry Steffenhagen

Activity: Sophomore Claire O’Grady creates top hats, purses, pocketbooks and bows out of duct tape.

When did you start making these?

I started making these three summers ago. The camp I was at had a duct tape competition; I thought it was a really neat idea.

What made you continue making creations after this point?

The idea of having to be really innovative with it. Each stripe is only a certain length, it’s sticky on one side, and it’s two-dimensional. So how do you make something three-dimensional with that? You can constantly make new things.

How often do you make them?

I can’t concentrate on certain things too long, so I might be really into something one week but into something the next. So I go several days where I make a whole bunch of stuff.

Why do you make them?

It’s something interesting and not a lot of people can figure it out. It’s hard to work with, so it’s really satisfying when you make something that looks good.

How is each creation unique?

I try to make things that are different each time. Sometimes I’ll make a top hat, sometimes I’ll make a purse or a wallet. There are endless color combinations that are possible with all the patterns. They’re fun to experiment with.

What have you learned from making them?

I’ve had to think a lot more about being creative. I’m constantly being challenged to create new things. It teaches patience because it gets stuck to itself.

How will you incorporate the skills that you have learned into your future plans?

I really want to be in film, so it has taught me that I need to get out there and slowly get better. It shows me I need to expand my creativity.

What is your favorite creation you have made?

My favorite creation would have to be my hat. I find it interesting that something like that can be made from tape and be stable.

What creation has meant the most to you?

When I went to camp, they had a competition. I got recognition for one of my top hats. I really liked that moment.

What is the longest you’ve spent on a creation?

I made a dress once. I was working on it on and off for about a month.

What creations will you make in the future?

I’m going to focus more on getting a fabric-like quality instead of having it look stiff.