Play: DIY DAD Frame

We are one week away from honoring the dads in our lives, so if you’re like me, it’s time to get the gift making or buying in order. I’ve already shared some Guy Time Tickets that are an easy and quick gift for dad. And you could easily customize these coasters for dad. Or you can check out our list of DIY gifts for dad from last year. And if none of those ideas suit your fancy, you can give a shot at these DAD Frames!

I got this idea from Martha Stewart, but I wanted to spruce these up a little. So instead of making them out of cardstock and a paper clip, I made mine out of balsa wood and felt.

First I traced my template onto my wood by drawing with a ballpoint pen on the outline of the letters while the paper was sitting on top of the wood. This left indentations where I needed to cut. I used my regular exacto knife, and with a little technique and trial and error, I got these frames cut out. I found that going slowly and making several shallow passes instead of one deep one worked best.

After cutting, I sanded down the edges gently with some medium grit paper (since that’s what I had on hand) but fine grit would probably work better.

Then I attached pictures of the boys to the back filling out the holes of the D’s.

Then, I backed the frame with some stiff felt. This not only helped it look better, but it gave the frame some added stability.

To make the frame stand up, I attached a piece of wood to the back, connecting it with felt so that it could lay flat or stay propped. I actually ended up using the leftover wood from the bottom of the “A” (that looks like a trapezoid) since I liked the angle it gave and I’m a fan of using scraps.

And there you have it.

I also made a “Grand Dad” version to send to my dad and Jacob’s dad, and I have a “Great Grand Dad” in the works. You can download the file for cutting here.

So have you been inspired? Share what you are making dad this year!