Nur’s Nook: Dollars and Sense—Make a Duct Tape Wallet
“The pleasure and peace ... of an individual have never consisted in his personal wealth, but rather in his excellent character ...”
—‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Ads and commercials make it seem like we need specific products in order to be happy. But before you buy, think about if it’s a need or a want. Needs, such as nutritious food and basic clothes, help you live a healthy life. Wants are things you’d like to have that aren’t really necessary—like candy, designer shoes, or a new gadget.
Take care of your needs first, then think about the things you want. Is the item worth its price? Is the quality good? Is there something else you’d enjoy a lot longer?
If you decide to buy, compare prices from different sellers. Can you get the same thing for less, but without the brand name? Can you get it used? Can you borrow the item?
When you practice the art of managing money, it’s easier to make wise spending decisions. Get started with this amazing homemade wallet.
You’ll Need: 2" (5.1 cm) wide rolls of duct tape in two colors or patterns, ruler, scissors, 8½" x 11" (21.6 x 27.9 cm) sheet of paper, pen
What You Do:
Step 1: Cut duct tape into four 9" x 2" (22.9 x 5.1 cm) strips, and lay them sticky sides up. Overlap long edges ¼" (.6 cm) to combine strips into one sheet. Repeat step with other tape color.
Step 2: Stick sheets of duct tape together so top sheet is ½" (1.3 cm) below upper edge of bottom sheet.
Step 3a: Fold upper edge of bottom sheet down along upper edge of top sheet.
Step 3b: Flip over and fold lower edge of bottom sheet up along lower edge of top sheet.
Step 4a: Center paper on sheet of tape. On tape, trace along paper’s edges with pen.
Step 4b: Cut on lines so tape sheet is 8½" (21.6 cm).
Step 5: Fold wallet in half so long edges touch.
Step 6: Cut 3½" (8.9 cm) strip tape. Cut in half lengthwise, so strips are 1" (2.5 cm) wide. Fold a strip along each side to secure wallet. Trim excess tape.
Step 7: For pocket, cut two 5" (12.7 cm) strips of tape and put sticky sides together so top sheet is ½" (1.3 cm) below upper edge of bottom sheet.
Step 8a: Fold edges as in Step 3.
Step 8b: Trim sides so pocket is 4" (10.2 cm) wide.
Step 9: Place pocket at bottom and side edges of wallet. Use ½" (1.3 cm) wide tape to secure pocket’s interior edge. Use 1" (2.5 cm) wide tape strips to fold over and secure pocket’s side and bottom edges. Trim excess tape.
Step 10: Fold wallet in half and finish outlining wallet’s edges with tape.
For a printable version, download a PDF.
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