What I made

days ago

Father’s Day ‘my hero’ card!

Posted in Dippy doodles

Card on table

Forget the socks and tie this year!

If you want to make a fashion statement, look no further than this bling’tastic Father’s Day (June 16th) ‘my hero’ card!

Card on table

It looks great on the mantle piece but even the better proudly pinned on to Dad’s chest!

It’s easy to make, and with each of the 6 medals lovingly chosen by you, no two cards will be the same.

How to make one

I’ve provided all the artwork for download, including a selection of medals – there’s even some blank DIY ones, just in case your Dad has a unique talent you’d like to highlight!

Fathers day medal illustrations

You’ll find the download link below, they also include the following easy to follow instructions.

Father's day card instructions

Update: It’s been pointed out to me (thank you Merriol) that I hadn’t included the blank medals in the downloadable artwork – I’ve now sorted out that oversight, apologies for any inconvenience!

Download project files›

Includes:
1) Printable artwork – medals and ribbons.
2) Collectable instructions – they look great stuck on the fridge!
262 downloads so far, thanks everyone!

To accompany the card, why not give Dad a copy of “Made by Dad: 67 blueprints for making cool stuff” – it’s available online and in bookshops.

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Powell’s Books
Indiebound

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!

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!
99 downloads so far, thanks everyone!

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!
31 downloads so far, thanks everyone!

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.