What I made

days ago

Two cards to make Mommy feel special

Posted in Made by Dad

1) Before opening…

2) …after opening (that’s more like it)!

Every parent has had the “I love you this much” conversation with their kids – here’s a chance for the kids to show how much “this much” is, with a cool card that comes with extra reach!

1) “I think I’ll cash one in now…”

2)“…Breakfast in Bed please!”

These Mommy coupons are the ideal Mother’s Day present, just think about the things Mommy would like (such as breakfast in bed) or the things Mommy doesn’t like (tidying up the kids room) and put them on the reward cards. Remember, the cards are redeemable at any time, so be prepared!

It goes without saying that these projects are also perfect for Mummys, Mamas and even Grandmas too!

UPDATE – WIN YOUR OWN COPY OF MADE BY DAD:

ReFab diaries is running a fun little giveaway, you can enter here. You’ll also be able to find the answer to this question: “Do my kids love everything you do or do you get eye-rolls at times?”.

Ends Sunday 19 May.

How to make one

These are two of the many “Make it for Mommy” projects found in my new book. You can find complete instructions, including printable templates, by clicking the download link below.

Download project files›

Includes:
1) Detailed instructions – easy to follow and fun!
2) Printable artwork – just colour them in!

Let’s not forgot you are allowed to make one of these projects on any day of the year – you don’t have to wait for Mother’s Day to tell Mommy you love her!

What I made

days ago

Pop-up ‘Cat in the Hat’ costume

Posted in Manic models

Young boy wearing a pop-up cat in the hat costume
1) … where are the cats?

Young boy wearing a pop-up cat in the hat costume - with hat open
2) Ah… there they are!

Close-up of cats in pop-up cat in the hat costume
3) Cats A, B and C!

My latest project is a bit of an homage to Dr. Seuss – it’s based on a pop-up ‘Cat in the Hat’ costume I made for my eldest son’s ‘dress up as a literary character’ day at school.

As you’ll have noticed the hat includes a pop-up lid that reveals some hidden cats – I started off with a manually opened version, but later pimped it up so it could be operated by pulling a ring at the back of the hat.

I’ve provided instructions for making both the simple version, and the more complex ‘remote release spring-loaded’ version that, because it unfolds as it opens, allows for a much bigger picture of the cats. For the latter, I’ve had to condense the instructions somewhat – so perhaps that version is for those wanting a bit more of an engineering challenge! You can also print out the artwork for the bow and the cats, they were drawn freehand by me, based on Dr. Seuss’s original drawings, I’m not taking any credit for them!

How to make one

cat-in-the-hat-sketch

Download project files›

Includes:
1) Collectable instructions – they look great stuck on the fridge!
2) Printable artwork – for those who don’t want to draw!

I’ve been banging on about my book quite a bit recently, so I’m very pleased to bring your attention to someones else’s – Red Ted Art: Cute and Easy Crafts for Kids.

It’s been written by Maggy Woodley – the prolific crafter behind the massively successful Red Ted Art blog. Maggy has been a great help to me over the last couple of years, so it’s a real privilege to give her lovely new book a big shout-out!

Please go check it out, it’s full of truly cute craft projects that make use of materials you’ll find lying around your house – except for the googly eyes, you’ll need to buy them (but they are worth it)!

Please check out her great book and blog.

What I made

days ago

67 blueprints for making cool stuff!

Posted in Made by Dad

Made by Dad: 67 blueprints for making cool stuff

If you like my blog, hopefully you’ll love my new book!

“Made by Dad: 67 blueprints for making cool stuff. Projects you can build for (or with) your kids” is packed full of fun, quirky projects, all accompanied by detailed (but playful) hand drawn instructions, just like the ones on my blog.

To whet your appetite, here’s a preview of one of my favourite projects, the 1 TON lampshade.

Made from a cardboard box and poster paints – it’s a fantastic way to give your kid’s bedroom a bit of Looney Tunes style! It’s one of several ‘Dangerous Decor’ projects included in the book.

1 TON lampshade

A quick thanks to my two nieces for their theatrical modelling!

How to make one

Every project comes with detailed step-by-step “blueprints”, which are easy to follow and a lots of fun. You’ll find “Pro-Dad tips” scattered throughout the book, and a “Dad’s Toolbox” section that provides even more hints and tips.

It even comes with templates you can print out and colour in – perfect for Dad’s who are not confident drawers.

1 TON lampshade instructions

To whet your appetite even further I’m going to reveal a “sneak-peak-a-day”, right up until the book is released. Just follow the Pinterest board below (I’ll add a new image every day).

PINTEREST: SNEAK PEEK BOARD

If you’d like to buy my book (it makes a great Father’s Day gift) please visit the following retailers:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Powell’s Books
Indiebound

UPDATE – WIN YOUR OWN COPY OF MADE BY DAD:

Ends Sunday 19 May.

I’m keen to play my part in publicising my book (I can’t leave it all to the publishers!) So, please share this post – and help me to get more Dads making cool stuff with their kids!