feature image via {Design*Sponge}
Welcome to the millionth billionth installment of Make A Thing, where the crafts are made up and the sewing doesn’t matter.
Header by Rory Midhani
Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 16th. Did you know about this? Thank goodness someone told me or I’d have spaced it and been the world’s worst daughter because I have not one, but two dads (one just has a silly “step” in front of his title).
Sometimes it is difficult to craft for men or even masculine of center girlboifriends. I’m pretty against all stereotypes of the masculinity/femininity divide, but for example, my step-dad would probably not enjoy a burlap-wrapped mason jar full of lilacs the way my mother would. Also, neither of my dads wear ties, what is up with that?
Here are nine of the best DIYs for Father’s Day I’ve found. Only one of them is a tie.
1. My step-dad keeps all of his gift cards in the pocket of his shirt, and months after receiving them and still having not spent them, he’ll take them out and stare at them for awhile and ponder what he’d like to buy. Maybe your dad is also just like this. This small, vinyl wallet could be the alternative to his shirt pocket. Tutorial via {How About Orange}
2. Grillin’ things. Don’t let Dad get his shirt dirty with this sweet apron. Tutorial via {Lovely Indeed}
3. Maybe you live in a different place than your dad. Go the sentimental route with a map/stencil combination. Tutorial via {Small For Big}
4. My dad has had a handlebar mustache for like twenty years, so he’d definitely appreciate this, but maybe your clean shaven dad will, too. Tutorial via {No. 2 Pencil}
5. Leather keychain for the guy who always loses his keys. Tutorial via {Shelterness}
6. Paper. Bow. Ties. Tutorial via {Allison Kreft}
7. Your father needs some new art. Tutorial via {Design*Sponge}
8. This is a root beer sampler, but it would work with regular beer, too, I’m positive. Tutorial via {Homemade by Jill}
9. Your dad has gotten so many bad ties for Father’s Day. Why don’t you sew him the most dapper tie of all time to make it up to him? Tutorial via {The Purl Bee}
What else have you got up your sleeves for Father’s Day, thing-makers?
My dad thinks almost everything is silly :( he hates clutter, so anything I get him has to be 100% practical & used on a regular basis. Usually I update/replace things he already has or pre-empt things he’s been looking at. This year it’s wine gadgets.
I won’t be making anything, because my dad fails to appreciate my sweet crochet skills, and that’s pretty much my only crafty skill. However, I can’t recommend the tactic of buying tv on dvd enough(if someone is into that concept in the first place, of course). I bought my dad season one of M*A*S*H a few years back. He’s thrilled and that’s 11 holidays where I don’t have to think about gift ideas right there.
I could make these things for my dad… or for myself or my girlfriend (cause who doesn’t need a manly apron or a tie?)
Snap, I spotted number 7 and my first thought was ‘My girlfriend would love that!’
In fact birthday is less than 4 weeks away, better start working on them now :)
ROOT BEER SAMPLER. Why didn’t I think of this before? It’s so perfect!
I wish my dad liked bow ties because those paper ones are adorable.
Actually you know what I’ll just make them anyway because I love bowties.
STOP EVERYTHING. Are you telling me that I can make my own super-cute ties without spending ridiculous amounts of money? AND I get to choose the pattern?!?!
Ok guys, I’m heading to Jo-Ann’s, and then I’ll see you in approximately 3 weeks. Peace out, Queer Scouts.
Yes you can! I am sometimes a costume designer and I had to make a shitton of ties for a show I did and on average it took 2 hours per tie. They are beautiful I kept 2 of them after the show closed.
fathers day isn’t for another 11month in germany buuut my birthday is saturday! I want all these things!!( J, if you’re reading this, I need something to put on my wall:)
Omg thank youuuuuuuuu my poor ol’ step dad always gets a random assortment of hunting/golfing gear that is under 20$ at walmart so this will make a welcome change!
Thanks for this Hansen! I never know what to get my dad!
Thanks Hansen, you’re the best! This column is helping me solve all ky problems via crafting.
I’ve found that “ky” is usually a problem solver. Though I guess anything can be improved with crafting ;)
Anything food. Chutney. Blindingly hot chilli sauce. Fancy new spice rubs. Might consider going homemade this year so long as my housemates don’t mind getting stunk out of existence.