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DIY’ing with Dad | 3 Father’s Day activities

We just love spending time with Dad, whether it is for Father’s Day or any other random time of the year, DIY’ing with Dad is so much fun! Making memories and maximising the quality time spent with him is the most fun thing we can think of. Let’s have a look at our top 3 DIY Projects for Dad that you and Dad can make together!

DIY Projects for Dad #1: Homemade sundial
Projects for dad

Can you guess what we use a sundial for? To tell the time! Before the invention of the clock, people used sundials to tell the time by measuring the shadow of an object cast by the sun. It is very easy to make a sundial in your backyard. Want an education, yet fun, activity? Then keep on reading!

What you’ll need:

  • 12 stones
  • Long straight stick
  • Watch to tell the time

Directions:

  1. Look for a flat, full-sun spot in the garden and push the stick into the ground.
  2. The best time to start your sundial is in the morning and on the hour.
  3. Use one of the stones to mark the place where the stick casts a shadow on the hour.
  4. Return every hour and place another stone where the shadow falls. You can even use chalk to draw the time on the stone so you don’t forget. Repeat this until there is no more sunlight left.

You can even make a sundial out of paper plates and straws or pencils. Click here to find out more.

DIY Projects for Dad #2: Homemade frame

Projects for dad

If you and Dad are looking for something a bit more challenging, try your luck at creating a picture frame. Not only do they make excellent presents, but they are a great way for Dad to teach you some woodworking skills!

You will need:

  • Wood
  • Wood glue
  • Staple gun
  • Hammer
  • Sandpaper
  • Handsaw
  • Stiff foam board, trimmed to size
  • Paint and decorations of your choice

Directions:

  1. Projects for dadLet Dad help you cut 45˚ mitered angles on all four boards and lay them out.
  2. Before attaching the pieces, run some sandpaper over the edges to make it smooth and splinter-free.
  3. Glue the panels together to make a rectangular frame.
  4. Staple the corners to keep the edges together. If the staples didn’t go in properly, use the hammer to nail them in.
  5. Turn the frame over and apply some more glue to the cracks in the front and allow to dry.
  6. Once dry, paint the frame any colour you want! You can even add some buttons or scrapbook accents to make the frame truly unique.
  7. To attach the print or photo, tape it to a stiff foam board and trim to size.
  8. Flip the foam board over, center the print in the frame, and staple the foam board right to the frame. When you want to change the print, just pop the staple out, take the print off the foam board, and tape a new one in, with no damage to the print or frame.

Here are some ideas on how you can decorate your frame using straws, toys and any type of bits and bobs you find around the home.

DIY Projects for Dad #3: Birdseed treats

DIY Projects for Dad

Have you ever considered doing some bird-watching with Dad? There are hundreds of species of birds for you to discover. The question to ask now is: how do you attract them to your garden? We suggest using some yummy bird treats! These birdseed hearts are cheap and easy to make, and they are even eco-friendly. How do you make shaped birdseed treats?

What you’ll need:

  • Cookie cutter in any shape you want (hearts, circles, stars, etc.)
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 5 teaspoons gelatine
  • 3 tbsp corn syrup
  • 4 cups birdseed
  • Butter for smearing on the inside of the cookie cutter

Directions:

  1. Mix flour, water, gelatine and corn syrup. Add birdseed and stir well.
  2. Smear the butter on the inside of the cookie cutter and place on some parchment on a baking tray.
  3. Spoon the seed mixture into the cutter. Remember, the harder you press the seeds down, the less shedding you will have.
  4. Use a bamboo skewer to make a hole at the top for the thread to go through.
  5. Carefully remove the cookie cutter and repeat until you’ve used up all of the mixture.
  6. Let it dry for 6-8 hours and string the thread through the hole.

Feeling inspired? Try these hanging bird feeder garlands too. The birds are sure to flock to your garden now. Better get the binoculars ready!

Find your project needs at PNA here

Do you have any DIY’ing with Dad activities of your own? Which of these DIY Projects for Dad are you going to try? Leave us a comment below!

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