Use 8-Track Tape Ribbon to Decorate Gifts

For a nostalgic feel of yesteryear, use 8-Track tape ribbon to decorate gifts—especially gifts to be given to the middle-aged crowd. Baby Boomers grew up listening to 8-Track tapes and will not only appreciate the walk down memory lane, but also the smart and innovative idea on what to do with the broken 8-Tracks they have filling their own garage and basement.

As a rule, we Baby Boomers do not like to part with our stuff. It’s hard to part with your youth! But who has a working 8-Track tape player these days? Even if you do—broken 8-Track tapes can only be fixed so many times. Then what do you do with them? Being a pack rat and recycler all rolled into one, when I finally was able to part with my broken 8-Tracks, I looked into ways of using what I could. Even if it meant I would be using them for the last time…

8-Track Tape Can Be Used As

• Ribbon to decorate a gift (especially if it’s an album or CD or CD player)
• Ribbon can also be used to decorate a photo frame (especially if the picture is of a musical nature)
• Ribbon can also be used to reinforce handles on Brown Paper Bags
• 8-Track tape ribbon is a fun way to add depth to Christmas ornaments created out of musical paper

Gift Wrap Ribbon

Purchase an old song book with notes. Xerox and/or enlarge the pages as needed to ensure that you don’t run out, and that you also have different type sizes for variety. For a black and white gift wrap, go vintage! Use the song sheets or newspaper to wrap the gift then tie on oodles of 8-Track tape ribbon. (Another cool way to wrap a gift is to use colored Xerox paper. Nothing says “cool” quicker than a sheet of ice blue musical notes!)

Black and white trinket boxes, covered with a photo of the recipient in black and white or sepia, is also an adorable way to wrap a gift, especially when secured with 8-Track tape ribbon!

Giving an album as a gift? Why not wrap some 8-Track tape ribbon around it about a dozen times? Too cool for words.

Christmas Ornaments Using 8-Track Tape Ribbon

(Another use for Xeroxed sheet music…)

• Using the cardboard roll from wrapping paper (don’t use toilet paper rolls as there is always a chance of unwelcome bacteria contamination.)
• Cut the roll into short tubes about 4 inches in length.
• Wrap the rolls with sheet music (you can get crazy here and wrap them diagonally or the easy way). I like to wrap them as if they were candy, with about 3 inches to spare on each end. Then I twist them and tie 8-Track tape ribbon on to each end with one strip of tape about 2 feet in length. (By the time you have tied two bows on each end, there should only be enough of a loop left to hang the ornament on the tree. Simply adjust the tape based on what size bows you make.
• Add some tinsel to the mix for a more festive look.

Remember your 8-Tracks fondly. Give them a proper sendoff. You'll be glad you did. (It might even free up some space in the back of the closet.)

HINTS:

• THIS IS A PROJECT FOR ADULTS. Keep out of reach of children and babies and pets.
• Take care in working with 8-Track tape ribbon as you can easily give yourself a (paper) ribbon cut. Ouch!

~Helen Kay Polaski

Helen Kay Polaski loves to create treasures from throwaways and turn simple objects into masterpieces. Her handmade touch is on everything, including new items in need of a little TLC, and outdated objects erroneously labeled “trash.” Join her as she scours attics, Dollar Stores, thrift shops, and Dumpsters in search of her next fabulous creation.