Father’s Day Craft Ideas

The Appeal of Handmade Gifts

Shopping for the perfect Father’s Day present can be a tricky task, especially if your Dad is the kind of guy who already seems to have everything he could either want or need. However, you don’t need to settle for some overpriced trinket from the mall to show your Dad how much you care. Surprise him with a special gift that you’ve made yourself.

Although Father’s Day craft ideas are often associated with children’s projects, there are plenty of grown-up crafts for you to try as well. Whether you’re 10, 20, 30, or 40 years old, presenting your father with a gift you made yourself is a great way to bring a smile to his face.

Decorated Tie

Decorating a plain necktie can add an unexpected twist to this traditional Father’s Day gift.

Supplies:

• Plain cotton necktie
• Fabric paint
• Transfer paper
• Printed letter from your favorite computer font
• Embroidery floss
• Needle
• Scissors
• Pencil

Instructions:

1. Use the fabric paint to make a pretty design on your plain necktie. Swirls, circles, and other basic geometric patterns are a good choice. Use Dad’s favorite colors for a personalized touch.
2. Wait for paint to dry completely.
3. Place your printed font on top of the transfer paper and trace onto the necktie fabric with a pencil.
4. Use the embroidery floss to monogram the tie with Dad’s first or last initial. Thread the needle and insert it through the wrong side of the tie fabric. Reinsert next to where needle just exited. Instead of completing the stitch, however, simply pull until you have a 1/16-inch loop. Bring the needle back up through the loop. Continue linking the loops in this fashion until you've completed the entire initial.
5. Knot the thread on the back of the tie to finish the monogram.

Duct Tape Wallet

A wallet is a very practical Father’s Day gift, but it’s not very exciting. Treat Dad to a one-of-a-kind creation by making a unique duct tape wallet. You can even personalize the wallet by using colored or patterned duct tape.

Supplies:

• Duct tape (Pay extra for high quality tape to ensure that your wallet can withstand daily use.)
• Sharp scissors or craft knife

Instructions:

1. Lay a strip of tape approximately seven inches long sticky side up and place a second strip sticky side up so it slightly overlaps the edge of the first strip.
2. Repeat until you have a tape area that is four strips long.
3. Cover the remaining sticky sides with duct tape as needed to create a strip of duct tape “fabric”, slightly overlapping the edges.
4. Trim off the edges.
5. Fold the sheet in half to create a rectangle.
6. Use a piece of tape about four inches long to seal the edge on one of the rectangle’s short sides.
7. Trim off any excess tape if needed.
8. Fold your wallet in half so the short sides line up.
9. With the wallet in the folded position, tape the other side.

Fisherman’s Reading Lamp

Would your Dad rather be fishing than working? Remind him of his favorite hobby during busy days at the office by creating a unique lamp.

Supplies:

• Purchased lamp with plain paper lampshade
• Assorted fishing bobbers and sinkers
• Rub on letters (Look for these in the scrapbooking or card making area of your local craft store.)
• Sewing needle
• Thread in a color to match the lampshade
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Use the needle and thread to stitch the fishing bobbers and sinkers to the lampshade at regular intervals.
2. Apply rub on letters to personalize the lamp with Dad’s name or a slogan such as “I’d rather be fishing!”

More Father’s Day Craft Ideas

For more great Father’s Day craft ideas, check out the following helpful links:

• Family Fun
• Father’s Day Celebration
• Father’s Day Crafts from Angie’s Realm

You may also enjoy LoveToKnow Craft’s article on Neck Tie Quilts.