Paint it up

Nothing says, “I love you” more than a hand-painted gift and although dad may not sport the kids creation at the office he can certainly enjoy it on his day off or while cooking up some burgers on the grill.

You will need:

Material – There are a variety of things that you could paint for dad. My favorites are a barbeque apron, t-shirt, fabric hat, or pillowcase. Buy a plain color, light fabrics work best.
Paint – You can purchase fabric paint, spray, or markers. With the spray you cannot make as fine a details but they do work nicely for a background. Fabric paint tends to be puffy so it probably would not be the best for sleeping on, but does add nice texture to a picture. Fabric markers are great for fine details.
Cardboard
Newspaper
Craft sticks or toothpicks

Directions:

1. Wash and dry the fabric but do not use fabric softener.
2. Place the material that you are painting over a piece of cardboard. If the material has two layers like a t-shirt, place the cardboard in between the front and back.
3. If you want a background in your picture use the fabric spray first, if not skip this step. Protect your work area with newspaper or spray it outside. Shake the can for at least 15 seconds then spray on your background. Let it dry for 40 minutes before adding the rest of the picture.
4. Draw your picture or words on lightly with a pencil.
5. Paint your picture. When using fabric paint, outline the picture first. To color in large areas draw a few lines then use a craft stick or toothpick to spread the paint. Allow the paint to dry overnight before removing the cardboard.

1. Beat the butter, shortening, brown sugar, and sugar until light in color and fluffy.
2. Add the egg, soda, vanilla, and salt and mix.
3. Add the flour and mix.
4. Use a spoon to mix in the chocolate chips.
5. Place the wax paper design on a cookie sheet and spray it lightly with cooking spray.
6. Pour the dough into the center of the design and spread it out, leaving about 1/2 to 1 inch around the edge of the design. The cookie will spread at it bakes and fill in the rest of the design. The dough should be about 1/4 inch thick. If it is thicker remove some of the dough and use it to make smaller cookies.
7. Bake the dough at 375 degrees for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned.
8. Let the cookie cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet then gently slide the waxed paper onto a cooling rack.
9. Once the cookie is completely cool use the frosting to add details like a tie on the shirt.

1. If your child has small feet, less than 7 inches long, center the poem and print it on a piece of cardstock turned landscape direction.


Footprints

"Walk a little slower Daddy,"
said a child so small.
"I'm following in your footsteps
and I don't want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast,
Sometimes they're hard to see;
So walk a little slower, Daddy,
For you are leading me.

Someday when I 'm all grown up,
You're what I want to be;
Then I will have a little child
Who'll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right,
And know that I was true;
So walk a little slower, Daddy,
For I must follow you."

—Author Unknown


2. Use the ink or paint to color the bottom of your child’s left foot and place it on the left side of the paper, leaving an imprint. Then do the same to the right foot and place it on the right side of the paper. Write your child’s name and the date on the back.
3. Once the ink or paint has dried place it in a frame.

1. If your child has larger feet line the poem up on the left margin and print it the standard direction.
2. Use the ink or paint to color your child’s right foot and place it on the right side of the paper. Write your child’s name and the date on the back.
3. Once the ink or paint has dried place it in a frame.