DIY Leopard Print Helmet

The finished product, all done up with leopard print duct tape!

I fell in love with a stylish leopard print helmet first spotted on Eleanor's bike shop many years ago. I was tired of my Bell helmet and very disappointed also that after only three years, the bright, highly visible yellow color had drastically faded - in some places it was nearly white. I could have replaced the helmet altogether, however, it was an opportunity to be creative, the helmet should have a little life left, and I still enjoyed the model, especially the rear bracket, a feature which most helmets do not have, providing an extra place to clip a taillight. 

An Xacto knife was the perfect tool to cut duct tape.

I perused the Internet, searching for what others have created and was inspired to use duct tape. It seemed like an inexpensive solution in lieu of sewing a covering. Some folks had torn the shell off before taping, but I felt that would compromise the helmet. I also learned that solid duct tape shows the edges and highlights mistakes - it is a shiny material - so I searched in a couple stores, knowing that locating a patterned tape would be the best solution, when I stumbled on leopard print tape at our local hardware store. It was then that I became excited about recreating the helmet I was fond of at Eleanors.

I removed the visor, rear bracket, and any stickers then cleaned the shell with soap and water. I placed one strip of duct tape at a time, carefully cutting around the vent holes as I went, starting in the back of the helmet so my first practice attempts wouldn't show much. However, it was relatively easy, only requiring a little patience. I was careful to completely cover the yellow. and at any rate, should I make a mistake I could always tear off the tape and start with a fresh piece.

Almost there, just the rim to go.

Total time, about two hours.

Voila! Snap on the visor and re-attach the light bracket and the project is finished. I'm pleased with how the revitalized helmet looks. It's barely noticeable that it was created with tape, a testament to patient cutting plus the pattern lends itself to seamlessly blending in with visor and foam under layer. I plan to replace the white reflective stickers so I will be visible to road users.

So with half a roll of leopard tape left, what's a girl going to do? Hmmm, I have another idea...