By Raquel Wildes

Duct tape fashion is the hottest new trend and an affordable and fun way to spend an afternoon with your niece or nephew.

Duct tape is made of waterproof cloth mesh and was originally developed in a dreary olive green, for the artillery in World War II. Since then it has been used for many repair jobs. And now, it is becoming a fashion staple.

Some duct tape designs are intricate and complex. Before you get started on your duct tape craft, check out Katie Labruyere’s website on Etsy. She’s an expert duct-tape do-it-yourselfer and some of her best sellers include Tory Burch inspired handbags and duct tape boots.

The Duct Tape Fashion homepage is another great site to browse for ideas, and you can even purchase funky colors and prints duct tapes there. Now you can even buy duct tape with cartoon characters on it, like Spongebob Squarepants or Hello Kitty.

Let your niece or nephew chose the colors and prints they want, or you can surprise them with their favorite colors, patterns and characters. You can even invite their friends over and throw a duct-taping party!

In a recent New York Times article on duct tape fashion, Teresa Scanlan, the current Miss America, listed making things out of duct tape as one of her hobbies, saying, “I’ve made a duct tape skirt, shorts, a couple shirts, and a dress is my next project.”

If clothes are too complicated, try making purses or bows with your niece and wallets or journals with your nephew. Of course, a Savvy Auntie can come up with her own crafty designs too!

Published: January 9, 2012
Photo: The New York Times