When you ask most kids about their favorite Christmas gift, they'll probably tell you about a favorite toy or electronic gadget. Not my kid. What was Bear's favorite gift this year (age 11)? A roll of zebra print duck tape. Yep. I said duck tape. (Also known as Duct Tape--see note at the end of the post.)
You see, she used to be a Barbie fan, so her Barbie scooter was perfect for her. Now, she's growing up, and Barbie has been passed on to her sisters. Since her scooter was in great shape, we weren't willing to buy a new one. (I know, I know . . . I'm a horrible mother, right?) In an effort to teach frugality, we decided to give her scooter a makeover instead. Bear wasted no time and insisted we start the makeover immediately -- on Christmas morning!
Ready for the transformation? The scooter was definitely in need of some TLC and a more grown-up look!
The makeover was super easy!
Materials:
- One roll of patterned Duck Tape
- One roll of coordinating solid Duck Tape
- Scissors
- Xacto Knife or Box Cutter
- Black Sharpie Marker
Directions:
- Cover bottom, front wheel cover, middle bar and handles with patterned Duck Tape. (Just stick it on and trim it with the Xacto knife.)
- Cover brake and hinge portion with contrasting solid Duck Tape. (Add some extra solid near the handles if you wish.)
- Color small pieces that don't match with a black sharpie. (We colored the folding lever and the thin edges of the front wheel cover.)
Done! Now that you have the best-looking scooter in the neighborhood, go take it for a test run!
(In case you're wondering why Bear's head is cut off in all the shots, it's because she only agreed to let me take pictures if I didn't show her face. Getting her to pose for a picture is like pulling teeth! In fact, pulling teeth might be easier! How long does this pre-teen thing last, anyway?)
For all of you geeks like me who are wondering about Duck Tape vs Duct Tape, I looked it up! Turns out that Duck Tape is the original term, but both names are correct. If you want to "get your geek on," you can read all about it here.
*Update: Depending on where you live, this makeover will make your scooter handles very sticky after a few years. Proceed with caution.
Check out these posts to see more magical makeovers:
The Secret to Blending Thrifted Furniture
Jessica
Heidi this turned out SO cute! I love it :) what a creative idea!
Kim of Mo'Betta
Oh my goodness, I could so relate to this post for several reasons. One, we also have a Barbie Scooter...that is collecting dust now that my kids are 10 and soon-to-be 12 (and a 4 y/o boy). And OH MY GOODNESS - these "tween" years have me absolutely dreading the TEEN years! My 10 y/o got the zebra print duct tape for her birthday last week, so I have a feeling I know what we will be doing this weekend. Thanks for the idea! Visiting from Mandatory Mooch (with the longest comment ever). haha
Susan @ sunflowerhugs.blogspot.com
I love this! It came out so nice.
Julie Moore
Totally cute! One of these days I will do something fun with Duck Tape, too! :) For now, I turn old sweaters, PJ pants and other old clothes with holes into pillows and such. It's a start.
Thanks for sharing!
Diana Rambles
Great transformation! So easy!!!
Di {CookTheTV}
Hi Heidi,
Love this, what a creative way to save some money! Thanks for sharing on the Pinterest Mommy Boards {http://pinterest.com/cookthetv/mommy-blog-diy-exchange/}. You rock! :) Di
Crystal
What a creative way to update her scooter which is much cheaper than buying a new one. Great idea!!!
Jennifer
It's a Friday Flash Blog! Please share your favorite posting of the week and see what others are talking about at http://www.fridayflashblog.blogspot.com
Kathy Moody
Wow, now that is an awesome idea! It looks so cute! Thank you so much for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent this week! Always so thrilled to have you share!
I was in such a hurry before school this morning, that I forgot to tell you so sorry about your very bad day with the milk!! LOL So glad you were able to find humor in it, and brave enough to share it with us. Water would be one thing, but milk in your shoes....eeewww! Poor thing. I hope the rest of your weekend is fabulous!!!
Hugs
Kathy
amber whitehead
Looks great we love the patterend duct tape.
stephanie
That turned out adorable! What a great idea. Thanks so much for sharing on Super Sweet Saturday.
Steph
swtboutique.com
Katherines Corner
Heidi that looks terrific. One of our granddaughters used colorful and zebra print duct tape all over her bike helmet! Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things hop xo
Ambreen
Lovely makeover, looks great! Nice work, Heidi!
Sarah
Brilliant ideas - your scooter and the other ideas too. Thanks so much for linking up :)
Sarah @ A Cat-Like Curiosity
kelley @ Miss Information
Just wanted to let you know you were featured on I Freakin' Did it Friday
Aubrey @ Real Housemoms
What a great idea! We have a couple of scooters in need of a makeover. Thanks for sharing with us at Real Housemoms for Fabulous Fridays! Hope you'll stop by again.
Peggy-PJH Designs
Hi Heidi! What a perfect solution! I know she loved the knew look. My granddaughter is really into the zebra print right now and she's a preteen. Thanks so much for sharing the idea and how to at Transformed Tuesday. Hugs, Peggy
Evelyn
I like your scooter makeover ... for any other part visit my shop @ http://www.tcoshop.com. Thanks,