How to Create a Packing Tape Sculpture

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Creating a sculpture doesn't have to require a trip to the art store for sculpting materials and tools. Did you know that you can use packing tape to make sculpture casts of objects such as toys, household appliances, or even yourself? Tape casting is a "dry" and quick process and a good alternative to paper mache. Follow these steps to create your own tape sculpture!

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Steps

1. Choose a valueless object with a simple surface area such as a toy doll or a ball.

2. Wrap the object completely in clingwrap. If you do not have this or do not want to use it, you can wrap it sticky-side up first. This method also allows you to stick things on it before doing a layer of tape sticky-side down.

  

 3.Tape over it with packing tape.

4. Using a pair of scissors (or a razor knife), make an incision in the tape cast and cut a seam to allow for the original object's release.

5. Once the cast has been removed, remove any excess cling wrap from inside.

 6. Reseal the cast with packing tape.

7. Finished.

Tips

• Tape sculptures can be painted on with most paints. They can also be stuffed with newspaper, foam, etc.
• Although they may seem like a better deal, the knock-off brands are almost never a better deal. One of the authors of this page suggests buying Duck tape brand packing tape.
• More expensive "heavy duty" or "super strength" tapes generally produce stronger casts. Or, you can use more layers of tape. Another option to make tape sculptures sturdier is to cut plastic strips from coke bottles and tape them in areas needing support.
• A heat gun can produce interesting surface effects if used carefully.
• If making a self cast:
  1. The casting will work best if it's done in three parts: A: Legs and torso. B: Mid-section. C: Arms

Warnings

• (Making a self cast)
• When releasing yourself from the cast use scissors (not an exacto knife). Bandage scissors which can be purchased at any drugstore for a few dollars work great to protect your skin from being cut/nicked while cutting.
• Don't wrap the tape too tight or it will be hard to cut away and will also cut off circulation causing numbness.
• Do NOT attempt to make the head of your self cast without making it possible to breathe! When you make the head, you must leave a hole or two under your nose.
• (Making an ordinary cast)
• Make sure all of the surfaces of the object you are making a cast of are covered with plastic wrap. Packing tape is very adhesive, hard to see, and hard to remove.
• When you reseal the cast in step 6, be gentle and don't press the "inner layers" of tape together. Remember that the stick side of the packing tape is on the inside. If you get them stuck together, all your hard work is wasted. So BE CAREFUL! (Same goes for when you add more layers of packing tape.)

Things You'll Need

• Cling film (plastic wrap)
• Packing tape
• Scissors (or razor knife)
• Bandage scissors (for self casts)

Related wikiHows

• How to Create a Calder Mobile
• How to Animate Clay
• How to Cut Glass
• How to Start a Crafts Business
• How to Paint With Smoke
• How to Oil Paint

Sources and Citations

• Video
• Tapesculpture.org
• How to Make a Plastic-Bag-Eating Giraffe
• Images of Mark Jenkins' work
• Scotch(R) Off the Roll Tape Sculpture Contest

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