Water Bottle Holder-Glacier Not Included

Level: Sticky (beginner)

**Make sure you scroll down to the bottom to see a genuine Alaskan hippy collecting genuine glacier water off a genuine iceberg in genuine duct tape water bottle!** (you can’t miss it…it’s huge)

So I’m putting all my video projects on hold for a minute, pending some copyright approval. In the meantime, I wanted to post something simple that can probably be done WITHOUT video while I wait. Since we’re going to the glacier today (Can’t waste the sunshine!) and will want to haul water I thought it was the perfect time to whip one of these out!

I like this project because it’s not only practical, but because it uses the cardboard rolls that duct tape comes on. I KNEW I saved them for a reason…not just because I have a little pang of guilt every time I chuck things into a landfill!

First, the supplies:

You’ll need 3 empty rolls of duct tape in any three colors you like–make sure they are still nice and round and haven’t been stepped on or anything. You will also need duct tape for the handle and bottom. Clear duct tape is also a must. Okay, so you don’t HAVE to use clear, but if you use colored you won’t able to see the inside of the duct-tape rolls, which I think is pretty cool. Beside that, you just need your basic toolbox (Xacto knife, scissors, cutting mat or board, wet erase marker).

Step 1: Pulling a Long Handle

The trick is to make the handle long enough to drape over your shoulder. I’d give you a measurement except it is different for everyone! I made this one 52″ for a medium height child. If I decide at the last minute to give it to her younger sister, I’ll just loop the finished handle and wrap tape around it at the appropriate length.

Pull the entire length of the color you want in the MIDDLE of the handle, carefully, and put on your surface sticky side up. Starting in the middle-ish, fold tape in half, working the tape as smoothly as possible towards either side until it is completely folded.

Pierce any air bubbles with the tip of your Xacto knife and push flat.

Step 2: Finish Handle

Take an 18″ strip (or so) of the color you want showing on the outside and trim the ripped edges with your knife. Turn sticky side up. Then, starting on one end, lay the folded handle down the center of tape and fold up edges. Rinse, Lather, Repeat until the entire handle is striped, taking care to line up stripes from one strip to the next.

Step 4: Tape Empty Rolls Together

Pull a strip of clear tape, about 10″. Carefully string your first roll onto the tape, with the cardboard against the non-sticky side. Carefully add the other two in turn, lining them up and then pressing the sticky side down so they are stuck together. Trim fairly close to the rolls so you don’t have a bunch of tape flapping around.

Step 5: Attach Handle and “Waterproof” bottle

Take a 10″ piece of clear tape and stick your handle to it–striped side UP (the solid color is now stuck to the tape.) Next to your first clear strip, but not overlapping, carefully tape the handle to the cardboard, keeping the 3 rolls lined up. Repeat for the other side.

Cover all remaining cardboard with clear tape so it won’t fall apart with the inevitable condensation from your bottle. Trim all clear tape against the rolls so there is no overhang.

Step 6: Prepare to Cover Your Bottom

Take two strips (4″) of tape and trace around an empty roll. Cut out the circle, right on the line. Then take three strips (4″) and trace around a partially used roll of duct tape. (the white roll on the left hand side was the one I used.) Cut out the second circle.

Flip larger circle sticky side up. Carefully center smaller on larger circle and stick-sticky sides together.

Step 7: Actually Cover Your Bottom

Cut “fringe” from the smaller circle out, about 1/4″ apart. Remember that the closer they are together the smoother it will lay.

Carefully place waterbottle on small circle, then press fringe up onto bottle to attach.

Step 8: Fill in the Cracks

Pull an 11″ piece of tape and trim ends. Cut strip into 1/2″ wide strips. Wrap around each seam in the holder. Add one to the top and carefully fold it down.

Add your scraps to your Duck-o ball, make plans to visit the glacier nearest you, and you are done!