“What I Love about Dad” Father’s Day Gift
When it comes to Father’s Day gifts, I tend to go for the personal kind over the store-bought variety. On a day when we celebrate fathers, it just makes sense to give them a gift that reminds them of why they are so great at what they do! Since I’ve done several personalized Father’s Day gifts for my husband since the time he first became a dad, it is always a challenge to try to “top” the last one. I hope this year’s will do the trick!
I had the idea to make a card/banner of sorts that incorporated our kids’ pictures, things they love about their dad, and artwork by them. Just so you know where we’re headed, here’s what we’re going for:
It has potential, right? Let’s get started with supplies:
Looking back on this project, I probably didn’t go about it the easiest way ever, but that’s what I’m here for, right?! To try things the hard way so you can do them the easy way! 😉 Here’s the simpler version:
1. Cut Down Your Card Stock
I began by cutting 12″ x 12″ sheets of colored card stock into four pieces, giving me 6″ x 6″ squares. Since I wanted my final product to be seven squares long, I cut down two sheets of card stock, for a total of 8 squares. {I had an extra in case I messed up!} I used the same method to cut down two additional pieces of card stock in a lighter color, which would become my letters.
2. Create Your Letters
This is where I think I over-complicated things. My 12″ x 12″ card stock was too big to fit through my printer, so I created stencils for my letters using white letter-sized card stock, cut them out, traced them onto the blue card stock, and cut them out again. And, yes, my hands were tired. That was a lot of cutting! What I should have done {and what you should do} was bought smaller blue card stock, printed the letters directly onto it, and just cut it out once. {Or just skip the printer and draw your own letters!} Oh well, live and learn! Whatever way you choose to go about it, you should end up with this:
Now it’s time to give the kiddos a job. Give them the letters and let them scribble, doodle, draw pictures, write messages–whatever!
3. Punch Holes & Connect Your Cards
While the kids are coloring away, punch holes in your dark blue squares so that you can tie them together. The first and last cards will only need one set of holes; the five cards in the middle will need two sets.
I then used my yarn to tie my pieces of card stock together.
It’s coming together! Only a few more steps!
4. Create “Talk Bubbles”
I asked my kids the question, “What do you love about Dad?” and recorded their responses. Then I used the “Shapes” tool in Microsoft Word to make talk bubbles that we will pair with their pictures in the next step.
Simply select one of the bubbles in the “Callouts” section of the “Shapes” drop down menu, draw it to your desired size, and you will be able to type right inside of it. Print them onto white card stock and cut them out.
5. Attach Pictures and Talk Bubbles
Now it really starts coming together! Cut down your pictures, if desired, {I made mine squares.} and attach your pictures with talk bubbles to one side of your cards.
{I love those little baby toes peeking into the picture! I just couldn’t bring myself to crop them out!}
6. Add the Kids’ “Masterpieces”
On the opposite side of the cards, attach the letters that the kiddos have so lovingly decorated.
I also added a message to the heart that becomes the front of the card when it is folded up.
Whew! That seemed like a lot of ‘splaining to do {any I Love Lucy fans out there? ;)}, but it really is a relatively simple project. The thing I love most about this gift is that it is a collection of so many memories–we will look back on it years from now and remember what the C’s were like at this age, how their artistic style was developing, and what they cherished about their dad. And that is something money can’t buy!
What fun gifts are you giving dad this Father’s Day?
Oh Abby, this is priceless! “Daddy” is gonna love it! Great job! Off to pin!!~~Angela
Thank you, Angela! I forbade him from looking at the blog today, so hopefully he won’t ruin the surprise for himself! 😉 Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
What a cute project! You’re right– the memories will be priceless! I am stowing this idea away for when Holden has more English skills and can give me some really cute answers.
Thanks, BA! I told your brother that he wasn’t allowed to peek at today’s post, so he better have listened! 🙂 How fun for Chris to have his first Father’s Day with Holden this year! You guys are having so many great “firsts” recently, come to think of it! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Such a cute project- love it!
Thank you so much, Gina! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Very sweet!
Thank you, Emily! Hope you’re having a great week!
~Abby =)
This is a cute project, I really like it Abby! 🙂 he will love it!
wish you a great weekend! 🙂
Thank you so much, Ingrid! I hope you’re right! 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful weekend as well!
~Abby =)
So adorable Abby! I would love to do a variation of this with my Kindergarteners… maybe just “DAD” length because I have 22 of them:) I think Dad’s everywhere would be touched by this!
Krista
I didn’t know you were a kindergarten teacher! That is awesome! How do you find time to do it all!?! Thanks so much for checking out my project, Krista! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
What a cute and thoughtful gift for Father’s Day!
Thank you so much, Kristi! Have a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
What a great Father’s Day gift! Pinned by your newest follower on GFC and Bloglovin’
Maria
Krafty Cards etc.
Thanks so much, Maria! Popping over to your page now! Have a wonderful Sunday!
~Abby =)
Hi, I found you at Let’s Get Social Sunday and am your newest follower through bloglovin. I’d love a follow back at gloriouslymade.blogspot.com.
Have a great Sunday,
Deanna
Thank you so much, Deanna! Heading over to check out your page now! Have a great day!
~Abby =)
Awe! I’m sure dad will love this. What a neat idea! I’m stopping by from the Sunday blog hop. I’m a new follower through Bloglovin & Twitter.
Thanks so much, Leslie! Heading over to your page now!
~Abby =)
Thanks for joining us at Sunday Social at Call Me PMc ~Paula
Thank you so much for hosting, Paula! Great party!
~Abby =)
Adorable!!
Thank you so much, Abby! Hope you had a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Such a thoughtful and personal Father’s Day Gift. Nice Work!
Thank you, Paula! Hope you’re having a great week!
~Abby =)
What an awesome project!
Thanks, Melanie! Have a great week!
~Abby =)
What a sweet Father’s Day project!
Thank you, Alli! Hope your week is going well!
~Abby =)
What a great idea! It’s not just a present but an memory book. This is so awesome! Thanks so much or sharing
Thank you, Marilyn! I think it will be fun to look back on it in the years to come. Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a great week!
~Abby =)
What a lovely banner! I love the kids art pieces. I think kids art is one of the best mother’s day/father’s day gifts. I always get my stepson to make a custom card for the guy. We were able to get him to do the same for mother’s day this year, which worked out really well since we live so far away from him (can’t take him shopping).
Oh, and the talk bubbles with pictures of the kids is super cute! 😀
Thank you! So great that your stepson is there for the summer! I bet you guys have lots of fun things planned! I just checked out your newly moved blog, and I LOVE it! Happy 1 year blog-iversary too! Have a wonderful week, friend!
~Abby =)
Super cute Card Abby! Thanks for linking up to Monday Funday!
Thanks, Cheryl! Thank you for hosting! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
What a great gift, I’m sure he’ll love it! Pinning!
Thank you so much, Jessi! Hope you are having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
What a sweet project! I need ideas for Father’s day so I’m pinning this! I’m stopping by from Give Me The Goods Monday (my link was #4 DIY Photo Canvas) Have a great week!
Thank you so much, Carrie! Heading over to check out your project now! Hope you’re having a great week!
~Abby =)
What a perfect gift Abby! I am with you and love the home made gifts best! I think this is fantastic and as always, such a great tutorial to follow. 🙂 OH! and funny you said you couldn’t crop out those baby toes, no way!, it was actually the first thing I noticed in that pic at the top of the page.;)
Hope you have a great week and I’m so glad you shared this on Project Inspired this week 🙂 Pinned and sharing!
Nancy
Thanks so much, Nancy! I love those little chubby toes, lol! Thank you for hosting another great party! Hope you’re having a great week!
~Abby =)
Such a cute idea. Daddy is sure to love this one. Thank you for the share.
Thank you so much, Nancy! I’m so glad you stopped by. Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Hi! I followed you over from Give Me the Goods Monday. I love this project! So cute and easy. Thanks for sharing! Oh and yes, I’m a huge I love Lucy fan! 🙂
Thanks so much, Meredith! So glad to find other I Love Lucy fans out there, too. 🙂 I’m popping over to check out your blog now. Have a great week!
~Abby =)
What a great gift idea! I have been at a loss this year of what to do for Father’s Day and this is so cute and could be adapted for those who are less-than-crafty like myself. Pinned to my Father’s Day board.
Thank you so much, Kara! You’re so right–there are tons of ways to adapt this project. Thank you so much for stopping by! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Such a great idea, Abby! I totally feel like I failed at Father’s Day this year! I just haven’t been able to find the time to make anything personal! Thanks for partying with us at Give Me The Goods Monday!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof
Thanks, Jenna! Store bought does not = fail! Sometimes you just have to do what you can manage. If only there were a few more hours in a day, right?! Thank you for hosting another fun party! Hope your week is going well!
~Abby =)
Abby, I just added this to a Father’s Day round-up I’ve done and it will be on my FB page later.
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com
https://www.somuchbetterwithage.com/2013/06/fathers-day-round-up.html
Thank you so much, Jamie! You made my night!! Hope you have a wonderful Father’s Day weekend!
~Abby =)