The fathers I know like handmade gifts – gifts made with lots of construction paper and glue. The fathers I know also appreciate a gift they can put to good use. When it’s time to think about Father’s Day gifts it’s usually a good idea to think of something handmade and crafty with a mix of practical and handy. Edible gifts or useful gifts are the way to go.
My girls love to work with their dad at his garage work bench. They love getting to use his tools. They love the feeling of accomplishment when they’ve worked with him to build something. Walking in with a load of groceries in my hands the other day I noticed a small yellow sticky note hanging on the work bench. Written in small seven-year-old handwriting along with a big hand-drawn heart was a sweet little message. “Dear Dad This is fun! I love building with you. Love, Maddy.”
The little note was one of those heart melting mommy moments. She’d written it to him after spending an afternoon building catapults together. With that sweet little note in mind the idea for Madeline’s Father’s Day gift was born – a useful gift that will also tug at her daddy’s heartstrings.
Supplies Needed to Make a Father’s Day Building Memories Hammer:
- Hammer with a wooden handle
- Fine grit sandpaper (a small piece will do)
- Paint pens
- Mod Podge glossy
- A foam brush
- Ribbon
- Damp paper towels
How to make a Father’s Day Building Memories Hammer:
1. Sand down one side of the hammer’s handle to rough up and wear down the clear coat. Use the damp paper towel to clean off the dust. Make sure the handle is clean and dry.
2. Using the paint pens write out your message. We went with “I love building memories with you.” Madeline did a few practice runs to make sure she would have her spacing just right. Then she jazzed up the handle with a few hearts and some polka dots.
3. When the paint dries paint a smooth coat of Mod Podge over the painted message. Be sure to cover the portion of the handle that you sanded. Let the Mod Podge dry and paint on a second layer and set aside to dry.
READ: My husband is my parenting partner
4. Tie a bow around the hammer and get ready to give a wonderful Father’s Day gift.
What an adorable idea! Will have to save for when my baby gets a little older.