Duct (Duck) Tape Cigarette Case for RYO Cigarettes

Two layers of duct (duck) tape make this case sturdy and fashionable! A friend asked me how I make them, so I decided to share... with everyone!

I make these with two layers of tape, as the manufacturer design shows through my decorative tape. If you are using a darker color tape, you could skip the lining section, although it may not be as sturdy.

Three of these cases usually last me at least 2 1/2 years or so. Your mileage may vary. If you only make one, it should last you about a year. In the picture above, the new one is on the left and a two and a half year "old" one is on the right.

Step 1: What You Will Need:

"New" cardboard cigarette box(es)
One solid color of tape for a "lining" (I used white)
One patterned color of tape for the outer layer (I used pink camo)
Exacto knife or widget
Small, pointed scissors
Ruler
A non-stick surface, such as parchment paper

Optional, but very helpful tools:

Self-healing cutting mat instead of parchment paper
old or el-cheapo rotary cutter
Teflon crafting scissors

(A word to non-sewers using another person's sewing equipment: DO NOT USE without permission.)

Step 2: Lining the Top and Bottom:

Place your tape sticky side down onto your parchment paper or cutting mat. Cut two pieces of your "lining" tape (pic 1):

3" long by width of tape (should be 1 7/8th-15/16th inches)

2 1/4" long by 1 1/4" wide (reserve cut off piece for optional step in next section)

Starting with the smaller piece, sticky side up, center bottom of box on it (pic 2) and fold edges up on front and back of box. This will be about an 1/8" - very little. Fold the sides up by folding in corners, like wrapping a present and up the side. (pic 3)
Next with the larger piece, sticky side up, center top of box on it, (pic 4) fold edges down on front and back of box and clip the corners in about an 1/8" away from corner (pic5). Fold sides in first, then the top pieces, down.

Step 3: Lining the Box:

Cut two pieces of the lining tape 6 1/2" long. (pic 1)

With the first piece, starting along the bottom edge of the box, fold over an 1/8" off to the side of the box (pic 2) and align the long edge of the tape along the bottom of the box, making it very straight. Once you've covered it all the way around, trim the leftover (1/4") off. (pic 3)
Make sure you have the top of the box closed well. Take the second piece of tape, fold over an 1/8" off to the same side of the box you started with on previous step and align it right up against the first piece at the center of the box (pic 4). (It will not line up to the top of the box.) Once you've covered it all the way around, trim the leftover (1/4") off. (pic 3)
With your fingernail or point of the closed scissors, press a line where the top of the box opens on the front and sides (pic 5) With an exacto knife or widget (razor knife) gently cut through the tape. (pic 6)

Optional: (not shown) For extra stability of the top's hinge, use the 3/4" leftover piece from the bottom, cut it to 2" long, open box and align the piece of the tape along the top back of the lid and down over hinge. Press down into box.

Step 4: Applying the Decorative Tape to the Bottom and Sides:

Cut a piece of tape 12" long (pic 1).

Fold with right sides together (sticky sides up) and crease center with fingernail (pic 2).
Unfold tape and turn sticky side up and mark center of box (pic 3)
Stand box on tape matching center marks and centering on tape (pic 4) press down on bottom and halfway up sides (don't adhere to box top!)
Clip corners of tape at bottom of box leaving an 1/8th to a 1/16th of an inch to corner (pic5)
Fold up tape from bottom to front and back. (Do not fold over sides yet!)
Clip tape at bottom corners (side pieces) off at an angle on front and back (pic 6). (Do not fold over sides yet!)
With lid closed, bring tape up the sides lightly (don't adhere to box top!) and cut the backside ONLY, down to hinge line (pic 7) and press back sides and small strip in to place.
Peel back tape from sides of top, open top and press tape onto inside edges, but not to the inside of box. Make a cut across the tape over to the inside frame (pic 8) Now fold the front sides down onto box and into the frame (pic 9). Fold over side top edge down into box, pressing corner in well first with the outer edge of scissors (pic 10). Trim off excess tape around front edge corners (pic 11)
On outside back of box, trim the pieces off at top of box (pic 12).

Step 5: Applying Decorative Tape to the Box Top:

Cut a piece of tape 6" long (pic 1).

Fold with right sides together and crease center with fingernail (pic 2).
Unfold tape and flip sticky side up. Mark center of box and match centers of tape and box (pic 3) and press down on top.
Clip corners of top of box leaving an 1/8th to a 1/16th of an inch to corner and clip out the corners (pic 4). Fold down from top to front and back. (Do not fold over sides yet!)
Open box lid. Clip back at hinge. (pic 5) Clip box top side pieces off at an angle about 3/4" away from lid edge at the same angle as side of box top (pic 5). Fold down top back and front and hinge. Now fold in angled edge of box into lid pressing in corners with side of scissors. Trim off overhang on front of lid. (pic 6)

Step 6: Applying Decorative Tape to Front and Back:

Cut a piece of tape 12" long.

Align tape on front of box 1" taller than opening (pic 1) and make sure it is centered down the box.
Clip sides of tape over to the edge of with opening (pic 2). Fold into box.
Continue to wrap tape down box front, over bottom, up the back and over top.
Fold excess in to the inside of lid.

You're done! Now, do another and another and....