Natural rubber, pine gum, and turpentine were mixed together for a surgical tape. Water-activated adhesive tapes soon followed. In 1925, Richard G. Drew of 3M created the first masking tape.

"Hypoallergenic tape is latex-free and void of 90 percent of allergens," wrote Dr. Gonzalez, and it can be made from either cloth or paper.

The most expensive items will be the fabric and the lampshade adhesive, which cost $20 and $30, respectively. Then you have the quilting ruler, tape, and box cutter, which should add up to roughly ...