Supplies:
Cardboard
Duct tape
Alphabet stickers
Pencil
Craft knife
Scissors
Here’s how:
1.| Start by deciding how large the letters will be; the ones pictured here are about 11” tall and 7” wide.
2.| Find three pieces of cardboard big enough and use a pencil to draw the letters on each one.
3.| Use a craft knife to cut out each letter (a parent’s job).
4.| Use scissors to cut several 3” pieces of duct tape.
5.| Wrap the strips of tape around the first letter, making sure the ends are on the back.
6.| Continue the last two steps until all three letters are completely covered with tape.
7.| To finish, use alphabet stickers to add words that describe Dad to each letter.
8.| Gift wrap the letters or simply stand them up somewhere to surprise Dad on Father’s Day.
More ideas:
• Duct tape now comes in many fun colors and prints; pick one (or more) that suits Dad’s tastes or interests, or cover the cardboard letters with fabric, felt, colored paper or paint.
• For an alternative to cutting out the letters, purchase precut cardboard or wooden letters at a craft store.
• In place of alphabet stickers, cut letters and words from magazines and adhere them with a glue stick.
• After covering the letters in tape, have each family member write greetings on the them with permanent marker.
• Instead of spelling out “Dad,” spell his name, or use his initials.
• Hang the letters as a mobile.
• Push chopsticks or craft sticks into the bottom of giant letters to create a yard sign that can be stuck into the ground.
• Mount the letters on a rectangle of cardboard covered in tape to make a single sign.
• Decorate a sign like this for Mom or a friend using buttons, sequins, jewels, and/or glitter.
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Pamela Maxwell is an artist, author and mother of two quickly growing boys. Her craft and scrapbooking projects have appeared in numerous books and magazines. Photo by Pamela Maxwell.
Published: June 2013
