Dad will appreciate the effort (and the savings). Here are six low cost and easy crafty projects to make for that special guy.
Storage boxes for Remotes
Empty cigar boxes make great containers for Dad’s remote collection. Clean out a cigar box with a slightly damp cloth, glue down any bits of paper that stick out, and, if you like, add a leather shoe lace as decoration. Buy cigar boxes at flea markets, cigar stores, or junk stores.
Tool Chests
Small, new plastic or vintage metal tackle boxes can be used in many ways to surprise Dad. Fill a couple with first aid supplies for the car, boat, and family cottage. Get Mom or another adult to help personalize each one. These boxes also make great storage for small repair tools. Why not equip one for each room of the house? Dad will always have a tool handy when there’s a repair to be made.
Wine Coasters
If Dad is a wine connoisseur, make him a set of wine coasters using labels from his favourite wines. Soak wine bottles in warm, soapy water for an hour or two, and then gently peel off the labels. Place each label between sheets of newspaper and add a book on top to dry and flatten. Glue these labels to cork matting that’s cut to the same size as the label. Place a heavy book on top until dry. Use vintage cigarette tins to hold the wine label coasters.
Another option is to frame the wine labels using inexpensive frames bought at a dollar or department store.
Cutting Boards
For a Dad who likes to cook, make him a smart cutting board from the illustrated end of a wine crate. Remove the end from the box and smooth out any rough edges with sand. Coat the board with walnut oil – apply liberally so that the oil penetrates deeply into the wood. Set aside to dry. Add a picture hook, if you like, so he can hang it up.
Seasoning Shakers
For his favourite seasonings, use a empty, miniature liquor bottles as containers – the kind he brings home from airplane trips. Just wash the bottles in warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly, add the seasonings, and decorate with a raffia ribbon.
Floatable Key Ring
A great gift for the Dad who putters around boats – gently work a length of stiff, thin wire through the centre of a wine cork with about 5cm extending at either end. At one end, add a large bead to the wire and then twist the wire into a spiral to prevent the wire from pulling out. At the other end, make a double loop and then add on a key ring. Add keys to the ring and you’re done. As long as you don’t put every key in the house on the ring, it will float.
Any one of these projects would be perfect for Dad or any special man on Father's Day. The fun the kids will have and the money you save will both delight and impress him.
