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Wear the Akron gold and blue without all the green -- money that is
By Lindsay Taylor
Now that The University of Akron has been winning some athletic respect, it seems every one is interested in showing off their gold-and-blue spirit. Showing school spirit doesn't mean you have to spend $60 on a Roo sweatshirt, $25 on a UA t-shirt and $20 on a ZIP hat from the university bookstore.
With a little work and imagination any household object and old, rarely worn piece of clothing can become UA apparel.
UA Magnet
The first project is a University of Akron magnet.
You will need:
- A clear marble that is flat on one side. (These are most commonly used in the bottom of fish tanks and vases.)
- One half inch picture of Zippy or the UA logo
- Cardboard
- Glue
- A plain magnet
The first step in creating your very own University of Akron magnet is to cut out your favorite UA picture. Make sure it is only a half inch.
Next, glue the picture on to the flat side of the marble so that the picture side is up. Notice how the image appears magnified through the marble. Finally, glue a small piece of cardboard onto the back of the marble to protect your picture, and finish it off with a magnet.
ZIP up your clothes!
The next project is a cheap, simple way to give rarely worn clothes an old-fashioned University of Akron makeover.
The only items you will need are a needle, blue and gold thread, blue and gold ribbon and any article of clothing whether it is a t-shirt, sweater, baseball hat or purse that could use some UA spirit. To complete this project simply sew the ribbon onto the cuffs of a shirt or jeans, around the rim of an old baseball hat or onto the strap of a purse. This is an easy way to show spirit without spending an arm and a leg on new UA clothes.
This project leaves a lot of options open, so use your imagination and the possibilities will be endless.
UA Purse
The last craft is a little trickier, but your finished University of Akron bag will make all the hard work pay off. You will need:
One old pair of jeans
Scissors
Glue gun, glue stick (optional)
UA patches, fabric paint, beaded trim, fabric, buttons, stickers
Lay the jeans flat, and cut off the legs. Cut through the crotch, then straight across for an even edge. Turn the jeans inside out and glue the bottom closed leaving half an inch of fabric, or an even edge. Let the glue dry.
Turn the jeans the right way, and check the bottom for an even edge. Cut the inside seams from both pant legs and make handles to glue onto your bag. Glue in blue and gold fabric as a lining and add UA patches, buttons or stickers to decorate the outside of the bag.
Note: Low rise or small jeans will make for a smaller bag while bigger or high-wasted jeans make a roomier bag.
Now that you are decked out in home-made UA clothing
and accessories, go support the Zips and the university.
And remember, all these crafts are open to suggestions. Use
these ideas or cut and paste them until you put your own original
spin on them. The important thing is you get started.
The Akron Zips and the university need your support.
