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.

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!

2) Ah… there they are!

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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:

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.

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!

1) “A coffee bean shaped coffee holder…”

2) “…made from coffee stained…”

3) “…coffee shop stirring sticks!”

A quadruple whammy of coffee coolness, that’s easy to make.

You’ll find this project in issue 32 of Make: magazine, right at the back, next to the ugly adverts – ha ha! It’s the last of 4 projects I made for Make: magazine, if you are interested in seeing the others I’ll put the links below.

It’s also another coffee shop inspired project, which seems to be a recurring theme of mine – I’ve used mine to store a bag of ground coffee, but you could use it to store other things such as sweets (candy) or kitchen utensils. The technique I’ve used is not dissimilar to the technique I used to make my rustic twig and wire bowl except I’ve used beads to create the spaces, and the sides do not slope.

I hope it gives you some ideas.

Download project files›

Includes:
1) Collectable instructions – they look great stuck on the fridge!
33 downloads so far, thanks everyone!

I recently discovered Kevin McGuires Playful Plans website – it’s full of unique, downloadable plans for wooden playthings. I got instantly nostalgic, I grew up making things out of wood in my Dad’s workshop – unfortunately I now don’t have space for a workshop, but if I did, first on my list of things to make would be this retro little red wagon! Go check it out.

1) “Come closer!”

2) “I’m saving one of these for you…”

3) “…but first, brother annihilation time!”

Let the Snow Wars begin!

Turn your sledge into ‘the Sledginator’ – part ammo store, part barracade and part sledge (for fast getaways)!

This icey activity is great for when the kids get tired of pulling their sledges up hills. In fact, my boys enjoyed making their snowball ammo so much they were a bit reluctant to start throwing them (but they soon got over it!). To ensure you maximise every projectile, I’ve provided some important intel below!

Apologies to those living in hotter climes, I’ll be posting something you might find more interesting in a couple of weeks time.