by Pamela Kay

Created on: June 12, 2008

All kids love to work with their hands and making fun Father's Day crafts gives them a reason to be creative. I have included several crafts for small kids and some for older kids to make in this article. Whatever they choose to make, dad will be delighted with the love and pride they put into their gift for him.

SIMPLE CRAFTS FOR SMALL KIDS

1-Popsicles Sticks Garden Markers and Holder

Paint each stick a solid color and allow to dry. Write the name of a plant or flower on each stick for dad to use in the garden as a marker.

Glue Popsicle sticks around a tin can and paint white. At the bottom paint or glue cutout pictures of flowers. Around the base glue tiny pebbles to look like a flowerbed border. Place the garden markers in the can.

2-What My Daddy Does Book

Using a simple spiral notebook, allow the child to glue pictures on it of their dad. Inside, the child can place pictures he or she has cut from a magazine that illustrates all the things that dad does. Some ideas are, sleep, goes to work, eats, grills, washes the car, kisses me, kisses Mom, goes fishing, watches TV and takes a nap. A fun craft and a great learning experience for small kids.

3-Paperweights

Using polymer clay, a small child can cut out shapes to make paperweights for dad. Steady their hands as they write Happy Father's Day on the shape before it is baked. They can also make a simple key caddy by rolling out snakes of the clay and then coiling them onto a base. After baking, they can be painted by the child.

CRAFTS FOR OLDER KIDS

1-Bookends

Materials Needed

Empty oatmeal box with lid (2)
Plaster of Paris
Masking Tape
Container for mixing plaster
Pencil
Carving Tool
Sponges
Paint
Felt
Glue

Following directions, mix plaster of Paris and pour into the oatmeal boxes, filling each one to the same depth. Quickly tape the lid in place and lay them on their side with a prop on each side to prevent rolling. Allow to dry for at least twelve hours.

Carefully peel the box from the plaster and with the carving tool, carve a design or a message into the soft plaster. Wipe smooth with a damp sponge and allow to dry for another day. Paint the bookends and glue the felt to the bottom to protect furniture surfaces.

2-Seed, Beans and Rice Picture

Materials needed

Card stock
Small seeds, beans and rice of various sizes and shapes
Glue
Food coloring
Picture of a bird or fish (Earth tone colors work best)
Paints
Frame

Glue the picture to the center of the card stock. Draw or paint a background such as sky, seaweed, etc. Using the food coloring,

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