Father’s Day all started with a woman. The idea for creating a day for children to honour their fathers began with a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd. Sonora adored her father and, while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909, she felt Fatherhood should be recognised also. Through her influence, the Spokane Ministerial Alliance decided to hold the first Father’s Day celebration on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington.
Father’s Day is celebrated at different times around the world
Australia: Sunday 4 September 2011
Belgium: Sunday 13 June 2011
Brazil: Sunday 8 August 2011
Spain: Wednesday 19 March 2011
Sweden: Sunday 7 November 2011
Thailand: Sunday 4 December 2011
United States of America: Sunday 19 June 2011
To help celebrate the special men in your lives, I have 4 posts filled with ideas.
- Father’s Day Craft Ideas for Kids (this post)
- Father’s Day Gift Ideas
- Father’s Day Card Ideas
- Taking Photos for Father’s Day
Gifts for Kids to Make for Father’s Day
1. Sticky Notepad Holder
{Father’s Day Craft: Sticky Note Pad Holder}
Materials:Craft GlueCardboard41 Paddlepop sticksPenStick note padFelt pensscissors
- Draw on cardboard a 11 cm square. I used cardboard from an used box.
- Glue down 2 paddlepop sticks parallel inside the pen line.
- Glue a dot on the ends of another 2 paddlepop sticks and place on the existing paddlepop sticks to form a square.
- Repeat this process, placing 2 parallel paddle popsticks at a time until you have used all sticks expect one.
- Write “Happy Father’s Day 2011″ on the remaining paddlepop stick in box and glue to the front of the sticky note box.
- Place the stick note pad inside.
- Colour the top paddlepop sticks with felt pens.
- Once dry, cut around the base of the box.
{Father’s Day Craft: How to Make a Sticky Pad Note Holder}
2. “Dad: Rock Paper weight
I love this paper weight rock. It will no doubt add a spash of colour to Dad’s desk.
{Father’s Day Craft: Rock paperweight}
Materials:
Smooth rock that sits fairly flat
Paint
Paint brush
Paint Pen
Instructions
- Paint rock
- Use a paint pen (or permanent marker) to write the word “DAD” on the rock
Tip: Write with paint pen, ”Dad rocks!” on the back of the rock.
3. Photo frame
I purchased a craft photo frame at a discount store for $4.50. My daughter painted it and I put a favourite picture of the kids inside.
{Father’s Day Craft: Painted Photo Frame}
Materials:
Picture frame
Paint
Paint brushes
Photograph
4. Personalised Tea (or Coffee) Bags
Personalised photo tea bags is a fun idea for a Grandpa. To find out how to make them, read my instructions on this post: Personalised Photo Tea Bags.
{Father’s Day Craft: Photo Tea Bags}

5. Pen Holder Photo
This pen holder photo is sure to make Dad smile. Simply print and cut around a favourite picture, glue to the top of a paddlepop stick and write “Happy Father’s Day 2011″ on the end of the stick. Dad can pop it in with the pens and pencils. It can also be used as a bookmark.
{Father’s Day Craft: Pen Holder Photo}
Materials:
Paddlepop stick
Craft Glue
Photograph
Scissors
6. Hand print Canvas
A hand print canvas is a beautiful personalised gift. I purchased this canvas from a discount shop for $4. It’s a wonderful idea to put the name and age of each child on the completed project.
{Father’s Day Craft: Hand Print Canvas}
Materials:
Canvas
Paint
7. Garden Paver Feature
This garden paver cost me 50 cents. Allow the kids to decorate with paint pens (you can buy from stationery stores and some newsagents). The paint will fade a little in the sun so place the paver in an undercover garden or on a patio for best results.
{Father’s Day Craft: Garden Feature}
Materials:
Paver
Paint Pens
8. Bookmark
Such a simple idea but something I know will put a smile on Dad’s face when he is studying.
{Father’s Day Craft: Bookmark}
Materials:
Paper clip
Ribbon
Photo
Cardboard cut to size (with hole punched at top) or shipping label
Instructions:
- Glue photo to cardboard
- Child decorates cardboard
- Tie one end of the ribbon to the cardboard and the other to the paperclip
- To use as a bookmark, place the paper clip over the marked page and leave the photo hang out
9. Father’s Day Memo
Sun Hats & Wellie Boots has this adorable owl memo. Click the picture to find out more.
{Father’s Day Craft: Owl Memo}
10. PaddlePop Stick Magnetic Photo Frame
This classic Father’s Day craft is always a winner because it’s easy and looks great. Click the picture to read the instructions.
{Father’s Day Craft: Paddpop stick magnetic photo frame}
Other Craft Ideas
- Paint a shirt
- Paint a calico BBQ apron
- Decorate a jar with paint, buttons and stars, and fill with some delicious homemade treats
- Paint a canvas
- Make a pillow cover out of calico (or buy a white pillow cover) and allow the child to draw on it with fabric markers
- Make a chocolate cake and write the word “DAD” with smarties on top
- Make a footprint bookmark by cutting around print and attaching a ribbon
- Make wrapping paper for dad with hand prints on butchers paper
Other Father’s Day Posts
Father’s Day Cards: The Best Dad for Me Card
























































{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I pinned your hand canvas idea to Pinterest, I hope that’s ok!! Love your blog/site by the way!
Sue.
Of course Sue. Thank you! x
awesome!
mum’s and dad’s are the best pepole!!!!
Thanks for these
Decided to make paddlepop stick photo frames with our Playtime group.
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