Howcast

How to Make a Father’s Day Tie

Howcast — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:31:33 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the pattern Smooth the fabric out onto your work area. Put your pattern on top of the fabric and draw a line around the edges the pattern with the fabric pencil. Cut out the pattern, including the interfacing, with scissors or a rotary cutter.
TIP: Free necktie patterns are available online.
Step 2: Prepare to sew Use a ruler to mark the sewing guides on the underside of the fabric. Use the needle and thread to sew the first line closest to the edge of the fabric on both sides of the triangle. Sew across at a 45-degree angle to create the point and then finish the inside corners.
TIP: To sew the bottom edge, including the tipping, use a piece of cardboard in the shape of a triangle as a guide.
Step 3: Join the pieces Turn the bottom ends inside out and sew the 3 main pieces together. Place the interlining inside the tie and fold the fabric toward the center, and then again for a total of four folds. The second fold will overlap slightly. Use pins to hold the folds in place.
Step 4: Insert the keeper Fold the keeper into a circle and close it with a few stitches. Place it inside the tie under the fold and then sew it into the tie. Flatten it and sew both sides onto the tie, but don’t sew through the tie.
Step 5: Close up the fabric Sew from the bottom to the top, removing the pins as you move forward. Close the tie at the bottom with a hidden stitch or a saddle stitch. Then carefully iron the tie to remove any creases. Finally, box it up, present it to your dad and watch him beam.
FACT: In 1999, 2 research fellows at Cambridge University used mathematics to invent 6 new ways to tie a tie.

You Will Need

1 yd. fabric
Necktie pattern
1/2 yd. plain muslin
1/2 yd. interfacing
Fabric pencil
Scissors or a rotary cutter
Ruler
Needle and thread
Pins
Iron
Gift box
Internet access (optional)
Cardboard (optional)

How to Make a “Dad” Picture Frame for Father’s Day

Howcast — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:01:33 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Find a picture Find or take the perfect picture of you and your dad together.
TIP: Instead of a picture, you can make a drawing or write a note.
Step 2: Remove lid Remove the lid inset on the box and set it aside.
Step 3: Paint Paint the lid frame white and the box base red. Then paint the wood letters black and the wood hearts red.
Step 4: Arrange Spell “DAD” with the wood letters, arrange it with the larger wood hearts around the lid, and glue them in place.
TIP: Wooden letters and symbols are available at craft stores.
Step 5: Apply varnish Apply a coat of varnish to the outside surface of the decorated lid.
Step 6: Write message Write a personalized message to your father on the card stock with the pen and glue it to the inside of the bottom of the box. Glue the smaller hearts on the card.
Step 7: Insert photo Insert your photo into the lid frame and place it on the box. Enjoy giving your dad a gift he will cherish forever.
FACT: According to the Hallmark company, an estimated 110 million cards are sent on Father’s Day.

You Will Need

Photograph
4 3/4 x 4 3/4- in. papier-mache box with a photo insert opening
Paintbrush
Acrylic red
white
and black paint
2 1 1/2 x 2 1/2-in. wood hearts
2 3/4 x 7/8-in. wood hearts
2 3/4-in. tall wood D letters
3/4-in. tall wood A letter
Craft glue
Satin varnish
4 x 4-in. piece of white card stock
Black permanent marker

How to Write a Father’s Day Poem

Howcast — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:16:09 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Brainstorm words Take some alone time for yourself and begin brainstorming. Write down any words that come to your mind when you think of your father.
Step 2: Describe memories Write down any special memories you have shared with your dad.
Step 3: Write about your father Write down some of your father’s personality traits.
Step 4: Begin your poem Begin writing your poem using the words in your brainstorming session to help you express your true feelings about your father.
TIP: Poems do not have to rhyme.
Step 5: Piece together Organize your thoughts and piece the words together. Play with the wording until you are happy with the results. Break up sentences to emphasize a word or phrase at the end of a line.
TIP: Use a thesaurus and dictionary to help you express your thoughts.
Step 6: Read it out loud Read your poem out loud. Once you are satisfied with your priceless gift, write it on a fresh piece of paper. Decorate the paper if you wish and enjoy watching your father’s face light up as he reads your poem.
FACT: The world’s longest poem is an Indian poem that was started in 300 B.C.E. and is over 1.8 million words long.

You Will Need

Time
Pencil and paper
Memories
Thesaurus (optional)
Dictionary (optional)

How to Make a Father’s Day Memory Album

Howcast — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 04:02:09 +0000

Instructions

: Children under 10 should use safety scissors, and an adult should help older children.
Step 1: Choose an album Pick a scrapbook to use for your father’s day album. Find one with your dad’s favorite colors and a blank cover you can decorate later.
Step 2: Go to the archives Collect photos and memorabilia associated with your father. Divide the items into themed categories to make a variety of unique pages.
TIP: Use color copies of photos if you’re worried about ruining the originals Use color copies of photos if you’re worried about ruining the originals.
Step 3: Stock up on stock Buy cardstock to use as frames for your pictures. Pick up a few different styles, so they pop against the pages.
Step 4: Accessorize Find related accessories to add — craft stores carry a wide variety of stickers, stamps, and 3-D decorations, many with father’s day themes.
Step 5: Make the album Assemble your pages by cutting, pasting, and matting your items. Use acid-free, waterproof, and fade-proof pens to write messages and add details for your father on each page of the memory album.
TIP: Use page protectors to preserve your scrapbook over time.
Step 6: Decorate the cover Write a title on the cover of your memory album and decorate it using a particularly meaningful or funny photo. Then tie a ribbon around the album, give it to your dad, and bask in his adoration.
FACT: In 2007, a 90-year-old man from India fathered his 21st child.

You Will Need

Scrapbook
Photos
Memorabilia
Cardstock
Accessories
Scissors
Adhesive
Specialty pens
Ribbon
Color copies (optional)
Page protectors (optional)

How to Celebrate Father’s Day

Howcast — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:26:49 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Have dinner with dad Organize dinner at a nice restaurant and lean on your siblings, if you have any, to be there. Dinner out with the family is a man’s number one wish for Father’s Day.
Step 2: Present a gift Present Dad with a thoughtful gift from the family–something he really wants or would never buy for himself.
Step 3: Provide your undivided attention Provide your undivided attention. Yes, that means turning off your cell phone, not putting it on vibrate. Turning if off. Honestly, you won’t die.
Step 4: Make an effort Make an effort to please your dad, whether that means letting him use the Wii, being nice to your sister, or keeping your complaints to yourself for an entire day.
Step 5: Offer a toast Offer a heartfelt toast to your dad, one that you’ve prepared in advance.
TIP: Take a tip from Thanksgiving and ask everyone at the table to state why they are grateful for Dad. Yeah, it’s cheesy. But he’ll love it.
Step 6: Tell him you love him End the evening by telling your dad how much you love him and giving him a big hug–even if you’re now a grown man yourself.
FACT: According to one survey, southerners spend the most on their dads for Father’s Day, and Midwesterners spend the least.

You Will Need

Restaurant reservation
Gift
Self-sacrifice
Prepared toast

How to Find the Perfect Gift for Your Father

Howcast — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:30:59 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Give Dad something he really wants. According to surveys, that means, in order: a meal out with the family; a gift card; a homemade gift; music, books, DVDs, or video games; a sports or hobby-related gift; tools or appliances; travel or a weekend getaway; or an electronic or computer-related gift.
Step 2: If you can’t gather the whole family, at least make a date with Dad for some quality one-on-one time, even if it’s just seeing a movie and grabbing a burger afterwards.
Step 3: Fulfill one of your dad’s dreams, like being a fighter pilot or driving on a real racetrack. Yes, gifts like this can get pricey, but you can always get your mother and/or siblings to pitch in.
TIP: Your gift doesn’t have to be too wildly extravagant. You can also arrange a surprise visit from an old army buddy or childhood friend.
Step 4: Reconsider those gift-of-the-month clubs, which now have gone well beyond fruit. You can have Dad receive a monthly shipment of chocolate, wine, cigars, cookies, barbecue sauces, pie, gourmet delicacies, and so on. You can even send him out to a new restaurant every month.
TIP: You don’t have to spring for all 12 months; usually you can sign up for as few as three.
Step 5: Write him a letter of thanks, and make it as specific as you can. For example, don’t just say, ‘You were always there for me.’ Thank him for giving up all those weekends to coach your softball team.
TIP: You can enclose your letter in a homemade card. Dads love them.
Step 6: Do something he’s been asking you to do, like get a haircut or help him clean the yard.
TIP: Whatever you do, don’t get him a necktie. Research shows it’s dads’ least favorite gift, followed by aftershave, underwear, and socks.
Step 7: If all else fails, ask your mother to find out what he wants, even if she has to ask him. It’s not as inspired, but it will guarantee that Dad will get exactly what he wants.
FACT: In the ’60s, aftershave, hair-care products, and electric shavers were the most popular Father’s Day gifts.

You Will Need

Familiarity with your dad
Selflessness
A homemade card

How to Make a Hand-Painted Tie for Father’s Day

Howcast — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:02:28 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Select fabric Select a washable natural-fiber, natural-blend fabric, preferably half cotton and half polyester.
Step 2: Cut two patterns Cut two identical tie patterns and sew them together to create the tie.
Step 3: Wash and place on wax paper Wash the tie once without fabric softener and place it on waxed paper to dry.
Step 4: Draw pattern Draw a pattern using a charcoal pencil on the dry tie.
Step 5: Paint pattern Paint the pattern. Use a shader paintbrush to fill in larger areas and a liner brush for long, flowing lines.
TIP: Use a compressed sponge cut to shape. Dip it in paint and dab it onto the fabric for a sponge-painted effect.
Step 6: Dry before washing Allow 24 hours to dry, and 72 hours before washing. Use the gentle cycle, with mild detergent and fabric softener, and line dry.
FACT: There are an estimated 64.3 million fathers in the United States.

You Will Need

Fabric
Scissors
A tie pattern
Needle and thread
Wax paper
A charcoal pencil
A shader paintbrush
A liner paintbrush
Fabric paints
Mild detergent
Fabric softener
A sponge (optional)