“Duct Tape Queen” Business Grows

If your children have done the Chabad school and camp circuit, chances are one or more of them has attended Mushky Avtzon-Yiftach’s duct tape workshops where she teaches how to make wallets, bags, cell phone cases, flowers, tefillin bags, ipod covers and more, all out of duct tape.

As an educator, Mushky feels strongly that children need creative outlets and creative successes they can feel proud of. “With duct tape, there’s no wrong way, no mistakes,” she explains. “I see how it builds confidence in children; it’s remarkable.”

But summer only comes once a year, after-school clubs are limited and special events are occasional. “I wish I didn’t have to wait for summer!” said Chaya, who enjoyed Mushky’s workshop at her camp for the last few years. Her mother agrees. “My daughter is not naturally artistic, but this she can do – and do well! Her creations amaze me.”

After receiving much ongoing feedback with the same sentiment, Mushky decided to bring the craft to the children, instead of waiting for the children to come to her. In doing so she has created a new product and a small business on its way to a promising start. Her Duct Tape Messenger Bag is almost ready for sale, and includes 1 sturdy hand-made duct-tape messenger bag in aqua or black with a fully-functional clip-on strap, 5 interchangeable embellishments with a diamond fastener, and a 30-minute instructional DVD teaching you how to personalize the bag with ruffles, bows, pockets, shape designs or your name. Once learned, the techniques can be applied to other projects, and the bag can be redecorated on a regular basis. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. A gift. A craft. And accessory – all in one product.

But in order to ensure proper quality control and finish her first product run, she is asking her fans for their support in the form of a Kickstarter campaign. In gratitude, she’s offering sample products, additional hand-made duct tape items and the creme-de-la-creme – the opportunity to have Mushky fly anywhere in the country and run a duct tape event for you and 20 friends.

Crown Heights has seen an upsurge in creative opportunities for young children in recent years, something Mushky has contributed to with school and camp activities, bat mitzvah events, after school clubs, the monthly Shalhevet program and other functions. “Creativity in children (and adults!) cannot be underrated,” she explains. “It helps develop creative thinking, problem solving skills and gives the children something to feel proud of, especially those who may struggle academically.”

With only four days to go, you can help Mushky reach her goal, securing one of the first bags for your child at the same time. Click here to contribute to her Kickstarter campaign.

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