Show your “Pops” that he’s the most popular guy by transforming Goodwill-found treasures and turning everyday items into unique and memorable gifts.  While many dads are happy with a Father’s Day barbeque or a new tool for their collection, here are three ideas that tap into your creativity while showing the big guy some love.

A very Happy Father’s Day AND happy birthday to my dear Dad, Tim Kime, Sr., who turns 88 years young on June 6th!  Thanks for being a great role model and for all you do for others!

DIY Project for Dad 1: Necktie Wreath

A wreath is a timeless, inviting decoration that always looks good on a front door or displayed in your home. Create a special one just for Dad that will make him smile—and proud of his talented kid—anytime he sees it.

Here’s how:

1.      Pick up some colorful ties during your next nonprofit Goodwill retail store adventure.  Does your dad have a favorite color?  Select some in those tones.  Does your dad have any special hobbies or unique interests?  Find ties with golfing, sailing, gardening and other related images. 

2.      Look for a wreath while at Goodwill, too, to use as your wreath’s base. 

3.      Cut off the tie’s ends with enough material to wrap around your wreath base and leave the point end of top. 

4.      Use your hot glue gun to hold each tie piece in place.  Repeat until your base is covered with tie ends, forming a star/flower shape on top.

5.      Add wire or string on your necktie wreath’s back to hold it up when displayed.

DIY Project for Dad 2: Tool-stamped Items

Use real tools as stamps to spell out words and leave images on shirts, pillows and other fabric items.  This is a super simple and really creative gift that your father will go nuts (and bolts!) over when you give it to him.

Here’s how:

1.      Find your good and look for pillows, shirts, place mats and other fabric items to transform at Goodwill.  For best results, pick up ones with flat surfaces and with solid-colored fabrics.

2.      Place your pillow/shirt/fabric item on your workspace and on top of a folded over towel to give it some cushion.

3.      With craft paints, brush on a light and solid coat on a hammer/wrench/screwdriver/tool.

4.      Carefully turn over the painted-on tool and place it on top of your fabric.  Apply pressure so the tool image (and paint) is left on the material.

5.      Gently pull up the tool to review its shape on your fabric.  Touch up with additional paint using a small craft brush if needed.

6.      Allow the item to dry overnight before moving or sharing with Dad.

DIY Project for Dad 3: Paper Rolls Item Holders

Be good to our planet by repurposing bathroom tissue paper or paper towel cardboard rolls into clever and charming photo or pen holders.  Personalize them with paint and paper ties.  Kids of any age will love making and fathers (and grandfathers) will enjoy receiving and using them.

Here’s how:

1.      Collect those cardboard towels left behind after bathroom tissue or paper towels are used up.  Consider stopping by Goodwill to scope out their collection of school, office and art supplies; pick up craft paints, markers and scissors.  You might join Finding Your Good & Tim Kime Art on June 17 for our next Art Supply Swap event.  Check out details at findingyourgood.org.   While the event is after Father’s Day, there are always other special occasions to create gifts for your loved ones, so join us then!

2.      Cut your paper towel roll in half.  Trim parts of some of your TP rolls so they are various heights.  Along one edge, which will be the top of your “shirt, cut away a small V-shape.

3.      Brush on craft paint in various colors selecting your dad’s favorite hues or those of his favorite teams.

4.      If doing a shirt and tie look, then cut out small tie shapes from craft/wrapping/reused papers.  If creating a sports jersey, cut out numbers from paper, too. Glue in place with your hot glue gun.  Use markers, paint pens and other craft paints to add buttons, stripes and other accents.

5.      Cut out another piece of paper as your holder’s base.  Hot glue two or three “shirts” on top and together. 

6.      Cut two small notches on top to hold a picture or postcard.  Or add a pen or two in one of the tubes.

What items have you seen at Goodwill that might be an unusual item to show your Dad that you love and care about him?  We know he will be proud that his kid has creative talents they use AND he will be happy to know you are smart with your money by shopping at Goodwill!  

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads and father-figures out there.  We appreciate you!

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Tim Kime

Artist, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach

Tim Kime is an artist, life coach, and connector. He is the President of Kime Leadership Associates, offering executive coaching, meeting facilitating, and motivational speaking. He is also the Chief Creative Force of Transformation Junkies which upcycles furniture and other household items into functional works of art. He combined his two passions—unleashing the potential in people and transforming items with the launch of the Art of Possibilities Workshops. These workshops are part upcycling, part dreaming, and part goal setting.