Father’s Day may leave you at a loss for gifts … does he really need another tie, paper weight, pencil holder? Probably not. Dads may seem harder to buy for, but in reality, just like moms, they appreciate gifts from the heart. For this Father’s Day, help your children create the perfect gift for dad, made with love and various items you probably already have around the house. Here are three of my favorite Father’s Day Art projects!
Father’s Day Book
For this Father’s Day craft, you’ll need construction paper, staples, crayons, markers, glue, glitter, favorite photos, etc. Fold the construction paper into a book shape, then help your children think of some favorite memories. If they are old enough to write, they can write out a story or even poem to go with the memory. If not, you can write it or they can draw it. Then they can glue on the photos (scrapbook-style) or draw their own pictures to go along with it. When they are done, help them staple the book together. Tie with a ribbon and voila!
Coffee mug
For this extra-special mug coffee cup, you’ll need porcelain paint markers and a ceramic coffee mug. Your children can draw designs on the mug (with parental supervision, of course). Happy Father’s Day, Best Dad Ever, a hand-drawn picture of the family, or even a lovely Father’s Day saying (check out http://www.quotegarden.com/dad-day.html for some fantastic quotes). Once the mug is decorated to your child’s satisfaction, place it in a non-heated oven, and turn the oven on. Once the cup is in the oven, turn the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for thirty minutes. Turn the oven off and allow the cup to cool inside the oven. Once the cup is cooled, it is dishwasher and microwave safe. Check the instructions that come with your pens to ensure your cup is properly baked and cared for.
Hand painted Barbeque Apron
We’ve all seen the cute t-shirts with footprints saying “My kids walk all over me,” but why not go a different direction with a barbeque apron? Many dads love barbequing, but it can be a messy job. Outfit your children’s dad properly with a simple canvas apron, some fabric paint, and some kids ready and raring to get messy. Cover your work area with newspapers (these can later be recycled or composted), then lay the apron down flat. Your children can then make handprints with “World’s Best Dad hands down!” or the aforementioned footprint apron. Or they can create their own fun design. For extra flair, get a set of simple wooden-handled barbeque tools and paint the handles in colors to match the apron (check the paint labels to make sure they are safe around heat when dried).
Any of these would make a fabulous Father’s Day art project for kids, one they and their dad will remember for years to come. Happy Father’s Day!
