3 DIYs to Do with Dad This Father's Day

While dad might appreciate a bottle of his favourite whiskey or a new pair of socks, we think a homemade gift that he can make with the kids will be far more special. With Father’s Day right around the corner, here are three easy DIY projects that dad will love.

3 DIY projects dad will love

Wooden racing car
Wooden Bottle Stoppers
Tie Rack

1. Wooden racing car

This super-easy DIY is perfect for the car enthusiast in your life! Plus, young children will love painting them for dad.

You will need:

12.7mm x 139.7mm par timber
4 flat wheels
4 long nails + 1 thin nail
Paint + paintbrush
Construction paper
Glue
1 skewer
Pens
Hammer

Instructions:

Step 1Paint the block of wood and wheels, and let dry.

Step 2Use the pens to decorate the block with the word ‘dad’, his name, or a fun design. Use the thin nail to make a hole for the ‘racing flag’. This is where your skewer is going to go later on.

Step 3 Attach the wheels to the car by nailing them to the block. Make sure the holes in the centre of the wheels are large enough to spin around the nail, but not so large that they slip off.

Step 4Cut the skewer to size and paint it. Use construction paper, paint, pens, and glue to make the flag, and attach it to the skewer.

Step 5Insert the skewer into the hole you made earlier and voíla! It’s off to the racetrack!

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2. Wooden Bottle Stoppers

If you own a wood-burning tool, this is the perfect chance to use it to make homemade stoppers for pa. Don’t worry if you don’t have this tool - paint is your next option

You will need:

12.7mm x 139.7mm par timber
Wooden blocks or balls
Wood finish
Corks
Super glue
Pencil
Wood-burning tool or paint

Instructions:

Step 1 Use your pencil to lightly draw designs on the blocks. Use the wood-burning tool or paint to complete the design. If you use paint, wait for it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 2 Warning: Burning will create some smoke, but typically not enough to set off smoke alarms. Smoke may cause your eyes to burn, however, so don’t sit too close. Safety goggles are also a good remedy.

Finish your wooden blocks with wood stain or oil. Not only does this elevate their appearance, but it protects the wood.

Apply super glue to the wide end of the cork and attach it to the centre of the wooden block. That’s it! You’ve got a sentimental stopper for dad. Cheers!

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3. Tie Rack

You will need:

25.4mm x 304.8mm pine wood for the main piece
25.4mm x 76.2mm pine wood for the edge
Wood stain
Wood glue
Nail gun & regular nails
Old-fashioned nails
Hammer
Saw
Sandpaper

Instructions:

Step 1 Cut your boards to 698.5mm lengths. If you don’t have a saw, you can ask for your boards to be cut at the hardware store.

Step 2 Lightly sand the edges and apply wood stain. Wait for it to dry, then apply wood glue to the edge of the main board. Use your finger to spread the glue evenly.

Press the smaller piece of wood perpendicularly to the edge, creating an L-shape, and hold. Use your nail gun to place nails every couple of centimetres to hold in place, and wipe off excess glue that may have oozed out. Allow drying.

Step 3 Use a pencil to mark where you want the old-fashioned nails to go. Tip! Use a pegboard to quickly and evenly space the nails.

Step 4Using your hammer, drive the old-fashioned nails into the main board. Don’t drive them all the way through the board; just enough that they are secure.