Whether it's a colorful picture or personalized grilling gear, kid-crafted gifts are sure to be a big hit on Father's Day.
The following projects can be done at home with supervision and a minimum of instruction. It's a good idea to read through the instructions before you begin.Supplies are available at arts and crafts, hardware and department stores. Always check labels and directions of these products to make sure they are non-toxic and used properly. Give youngsters the basics, encourage their creativity - and they'll do the rest.The "Hand it to Dad" picture
Supplies: wooden, acrylic plastic or clip frame; a piece of canvas large enough to fill picture frame; non-toxic acrylic paints; brushes.
The idea is to make a collection of handprints or fingerprints on the canvas. Before you start, decide whether you want one or two sets of handprints or a collage of many prints in different colors. Gauge prints accordingly. Also allow some room at the edge of the canvas so that the frame won't cover the design.
Apply paint directly to child's hand. Press hand lightly against the canvas. If using different colors, clean hands with soapy water between applications. To fill in the background with splatter paint, dip brushes in the paint, then run finger over the brushes so that paint flicks onto the surface of the canvas. When paint is dry, place in a wooden, acrylic lucite or clip frame. Trim canvas if necessary to fit frame.Personal paperweight
Supplies: large rock; acrylic paints; brushes; sequins or other decorative items; household cement.
Make Dad his own paperweight by painting a nicely shaped rock with colorful patterns and shapes. Paint wavy lines of varying colors or layer geometric shapes one on top of the other.
Paint the rock a solid color and then splatter-paint it. To splatter paint, dip brushes into different colors. Run your thumb against the bristles of the brush so that paint flicks onto the rock's surface.
You can also achieve a layered color look by pressing the bristles of the brush flat against the surface, alternating various colors as you go. Glue decorative items on top of the rock if desired.Dad's grilling gear
Supplies: white or light-colored chef's apron; grilling utensils with wooden handles; fabric paints in bright colors; apple, orange, mushroom or cauliflower florets; waxed paper; acrylic paints; brushes.
Personalize a grilling apron by stamping it with fruit and vegetable prints. Cut the fruits and vegetables in half, blot to remove excess moisture and brush the flat side with fabric paint. Practice stamping designs on a piece of paper first to see the shapes.
When ready to print, lay apron on waxed paper on top of a flat surface. Stamp with cut fruits and vegetables. Make single rows of the vegetable designs, either horizontally or vertically, or alternate rows of different vegetables.
To go along with the apron: Use acrylic paint and a brush to write Dad's name or the word DAD on the wooden handles of grilling utensils.
(Fabric printing techniques from "Woman's Day Kidcraft Treasury.")
Bookmark
Supplies: poster board paper, oaktag or good quality art paper; colored markers; scissors; hole punch; ribbon or cord.
Cut paper into a 2-by-8-inch rectangle. Punch hole into the center of one end. Draw geometric designs, shapes or a special picture on both sides of the paper. The bookmark can be laminated to preserve it and make it stiffer. Finish by stringing ribbon or cord through the hole."Designer" clothes
Supplies: T-shirt, athletic shorts, baseball or painter's cap, garden gloves or handkerchief; fabric paints or fabric crayons; sponges cut into various shapes (optional).
Kids will have fun decorating these items with Dad's name, some special artwork or a special phrase - like Super Dad, Super Athlete and such. Make lines and squiggly designs with paint or crayons, or soak sponges in paint and press them against the fabric.
Fabric crayons might be easier for smaller children to handle - but adults will have to iron on the designs to make them permanent.