Father's Day is Sunday and I am on a personal crusade against ties. Not that there's anything wrong with them, but the gift for the hero in our life shouldn't be a reminder of dressing for the office.
Quite the opposite, I propose presenting Dad with reminders of fun ways to spend his time off. Now, since we're casting Dad in a hero's role, and heroes are people who go on adventures, consider making a fishing tackle box. (If Dad isn't a fisherman you might want to tackle the same project and call it a toolbox, a garden tote or a memorabilia box. Just change the motifs to suit.)Here's how it's done: Obtain an ordinary metal tool or tackle box, and paint it with spray enamel in the color of your choice. Be sure you're working in a well-ventilated area, perhaps Dad's workshop when he's not around. Sand the box lightly with sandpaper or steel wool so that paint adheres firmly to the surface. This one is silver, in honor of the silvery look of fish glinting in the water (just before they get away). Let dry.
Now it's time to decorate: This creation is covered with wooden letters, plastic ferns (for a seaweed look), wooden bead "finials," plastic fish and glass beads (to look like bubbles) - all knickknacks from the craft store, attached with a strong all-purpose glue. You can also use seashells or find fun underwater-theme decorations at the pet store in the fish-tank design section. Instead of wooden letters, you might spell out a special message in rustic twigs, such as "Gone Fishing" or "Happy Father's Day." Other fun ornaments are feathers (to resemble fisherman's flies) and little wooden boats; rifle through your junk drawers and you're sure to find a few appropriate trinkets.
Yet another approach is to decoupage a box with a fishing theme. To do so, paint in the same way described above. Let dry. With small, sharp scissors - preferably the type made specifically for decoupage - cut out fish prints from magazines or gift wrap. Apply, then seal, with decoupage glue.
Whichever box you choose to "tackle," fill it with a grab-bag of small fishing-related goods from the local rod and reel shop. Include a pocketbook on the art of fly-fishing or a novel like "A River Runs Through It," and maps leading to the ultimate fishing hole or secret cabin in the woods. Then make sure he takes a special day or weekend, or even a long, leisurely trip for himself - no ties (except fly-tying) allowed!