Does your family depend on Dad to fix broken toys, do maintenance on the car, get the kids to soccer practice, or whip up a delicious meal? Perhaps it’s all of the above! All the world’s unique fathers deserve to be celebrated every day, but finding the perfect gift to share your appreciation on Father’s Day can be tricky. Luckily, Oregon is a beautiful state full of resources that inspired this list of budget-friendly DIY crafts guaranteed to make Dad smile on June 19th!
Dad’s Stuff Bowl
Give the gift of creative organization this year with a personalized bowl featuring something special for your father. Bring new life to any clear recyclable container with some Mod Podge and dried leaves from the backyard, craft store feathers, snippets from a past golf magazine, hiking pics, or whatever else Dad is interested in! This could be the perfect place to store his wallet and other pocket items.
Suggested Materials:
Clear plastic container (cut to fit and shape as needed)
Mod Podge
Foam paint brush
Personalized add-ins
Duct tape
Additional tips for success: Ensure that you choose add-ins that are thin and pliable yet durable enough to withstand strokes from the foam brush. Apply a layer of Mod Podge, paste the item, and then cover it with additional Mod Podge. This can be a long and messy process, so lay out covers to protect surfaces and set up your drying space before getting started! Depending on how thickly you layer the glue and pieces, it can take up to 48 hours for the sealant to dry completely. Add a finished look by using a thin strip of Dad’s precious duct tape to smooth and cover any cut edges of the bowl.
Sprout in a Painted Pot
June is an excellent time in Oregon to try growing your veggies! Check out the front displays of local stores or stop by the nursery to pick up a cucumber, tomato, strawberry, or pepper sprout that your family will enjoy growing and eating. It is amazing what can grow in a sunny spot of the yard from a small 6” terra cotta pot, and the best part is that this whole thing can cost less than $5! Add some personality by painting a colorful pattern on the pot before presenting it to Dad.
Suggested Materials:
6” Terra cotta pot
Veggie sprout
Acrylic Paint
Paintbrush
Potting Soil
Additional tips for success: When painting on a porous pottery surface, remember that the thicker the paint, the more vibrant the design will be. Stick to simple shapes and use painter’s tape to create crisp, clean edges. If you would like to preserve the longevity of the pot to use again next summer, spray or paint it with a layer of outdoor sealant, and allow plenty of time for the pot to dry before planting the sprout. Remember to check in on the veggie sprout daily, offering water when the soil is dry to the touch. Hot, summer days can dry them out quickly!
Fingerprint Keychain
Travel with Dad in spirit wherever He goes by adding a special decoration to his keyring featuring his family’s fingerprints! This is a highly flexible craft, as using an archival ink pad creates a lasting mark that is resistant to weathering and fading on a variety of surfaces. Grab an interesting piece of wood from the backyard or the river and press your thumbprint onto a clear portion of the surface. Adding the chain will be the trickiest part of the project when using wild material, so remember that you can opt for an unfinished craft store keychain to simplify this process if preferred!
Suggested Materials:
Archival Ink Pad
Driftwood (or other surface)
Keychain
Additional tips for success: Select your wood carefully, ensuring it is large enough to accommodate all family members if desired. Some natural wooden pieces will have a hole ready for a keychain, but a hole will likely need to be drilled — or an eyelet loop purchased to screw into one end. Roll your finger around the ink pad generously to ensure a full print. A calm hand with firm, stable pressure is the key to getting a clear fingerprint. As with the other projects, a layer of outdoor sealant spray or paint is recommended to ensure your craft will last!
Treasure Jar
Chances are that Dad has taken you to some beautiful locations to enjoy fishing, boating, quad riding, or hiking while living here in Oregon! Showcase your love for those adventures with him by displaying a handwritten note inside an old, cleaned-out pickle jar and adding some wild materials from your favorite locations. Stones, sand, dirt, and twigs can make a fantastic background for a kind reminder, such as “your time is my treasure” or “I love making memories with Dad.”
Suggested Materials:
Glass jar with lid
Handwritten note
Wild material
Additional tips for success: Avoid selecting wild material that will deteriorate over time. Wildflowers or ferns will look lovely but wither quickly. Be open and creative, remembering that wild material comes in a large variety of colors. Layering different styles of soil or stones can create unique textured designs. Feel free to stray from the suggestions and replace the handwritten note with a printed picture, map, drawing, or quote–whatever Dad would like best to remind him of all the outdoor adventures you’ve shared! Paint the jar lid a solid color to cover any branding and add a finished look.
Help every father feel all the ways he is essential in your life by avoiding clichéd gifts like ties or watches this year! Spend some time crafting a personalized gift and then ask him out back for a game of catch or hoops, or talk with him about his favorite childhood games over a pitcher of lemonade. Long summer nights are perfect for making memories with Dad!
Michelle is a married mother of two toddler girls and a house full of pets. As a homegrown Oregonian, she enjoys spending her time on family adventures throughout the PNW to fuel her creative inspiration! Photography, crochet, freehand mandala designs, hiking, and gardening are a few of her hobbies that are highlighted on Instagram @xenonvogue. Each new day is a chance to be present and involved, so Michelle strives to live honoring the knowledge that this too shall pass.