1. Mantastic Soap. Have a metrosexual kinda pop? Whip up a batch of creamy and yummy smelling soaps for him. I used cocoa butter melt and pour soap base, and then added a bit of essential oil. You can use darker soap colorants for a macho touch, and then wrap them in cool scrapbook paper. They will make a nice side gift for dad!
2. Pimped Out Tool Chest. Actually this was Patrick’s grandpa’s tool chest from, like, 50 or 60 some years ago. I glued washers all over it to give it an artsy edge. I know – it adds zero function to the structure, but it sure looks pretty, don’t you think? To make this I used Liquid Fusion because it also works on metal, doesn’t stink and is very thick. And yes. I asked Patrick before I touched the tool box. His Grandpa Greg (sign of the cross) was always so sweet to me and got a kick out of all the crafty things I used to make and show him. I think he is winking at me from heaven because he is impressed.
3. Lucky Guy Notepad. Blank journal covered in fabric using Aleene’s Tacky Spray. Easy! I stamped the words with acrylic paint.
4. Watch stand. My dad made this, it was one of his last craft projects before he passed. He cut off the handle from a hammer, attached it to a metal rod and mounted to a block of mesquite. Polished it up, etc. His version is a little detailed, but you could do a simpler version!
6. Fisherman’s Tackle-Box-in-A-Hat. From my husband: “It’s a tackle box inside your hat! I bought a hat at the army surplus store. I kept it intact and created a shallow “tray” from acetate sheets and then used camo fabric I bought to go over it. I used hot glue to put it together. I made small compartments for fishing supplies. I also added a waterproof iPod holder on the side, and a small case for tiny objects. I also had to make sure that everything was very lightweight. No one likes a fisherman with a headache! Now that is what I call MANTASTIC!”
7. Cardboard Bola Tie.
Supplies:
Cardboard
White craft glue
Black and gold paint
High gloss varnish
Bola tie slide
Craft knife or scissors
Think you don’t have supplies? Look harder. Cut off a flap from a cardboard box and you can make a bola tie slide like this. First, sketch or trace your design on paper and then cut out the pieces from the cardboard. Cut a foundation piece and glue the design on top. It will look layered. Paint the whole thing black, and then use gold paint to accent it. This tie rocks for a stylin’ grandpa, dad or any other dude who sports stylin’ neckwear.
