by Christi DuPre

Created on: June 07, 2008

Just as school recesses and our children explode with anticipations of summer fun, the calendar rapidly fills with a boatload of activities! Father's Day, the second Sunday of June, could possibly be overlooked if it weren't for a myriad of reminders in the media. I'm grateful. As much as we love my husband, we often procrastinate the gift-making mission and end up short on time. If you fall into this dilemma, it helps to have a few ideas and some supplies on hand to spark your children's creativity. Here's the time countdown...you choose the project.

14 DAYS UNTIL FATHER'S DAY
Time is on your side, so think big. You may have time to make a gift AND a card.

* Photograph the children doing a job for dad, such as cleaning the garage or washing the car. Make it funny with silly clothing or accessories. Neckties with bathing suits or glasses with an attached big nose are options. Allow time to schedule the work project when dad is not at home. Any photo can be transferred to a t-shirt or other garment as a reminder of the great time you had doing a job for dad. Just print the photo at your home printer onto transfer paper, and use your iron to press and transfer image onto fabric. There are several brands of transfer paper, one of which is June Tailor's Print n' Press paper that is 8.5"x11" and fits right into your printer paper tray.

* Duct tape projects are fun and functional. The skill of crafting with duct tape is very simple to learn, requiring only a ruler, sharp scissors, and of course, duct tape. The tape can be purchased in the classic silver/gray, or choose from a variety of designer colors at your favorite hardware supply store. I investigated this art form with my 12 year old daughter and found instructions for several projects on the internet. Your success hinges on your ability to create the basic "sheet". From there you can venture off to crafting wallets, neck ties, water bottle straps, top hats, Bible covers, and the list goes on. Just search for duct tape projects on the web, and see what you discover.

7 DAYS UNTIL FATHER'S DAY
You still have a respectable amount of time and need not feel guilty if you act now.

* Write a short poem to Dad expounding on his virtues! You may craft a rhyming couplet for each day of the week. Serious or funny, this would be a treasured memory of your relationship. Two lines per day would complete the poem on time.

* Consider your father's work and play time. Business, sports, hobbies, and couch time are all areas to ponder

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>