I thought it would be fun to post an idea of a something you can make with kids for their dads. This tie may not be an everyday tie, but I have no doubt my dad would have worn it to work occasionally to show off how awesome and loving his kids are. It is not an extremely difficult project, once you get the hang of it, but gets repetitive, so is probably best for kids on the patient side.
This one says “NATAL,” because it was a gift someone made for my husband while he was living in Natal, Brazil. Depending on what you feel your kids are ready for, you can make it one solid color, stripes of color, spell out “dad,” put his initials, or an intricate pattern of your choice.
Quick tips to get you started:
- (Photo shows the back view) This tie is equal width throughout its length, except for BOTH ends, which taper to a point (dropping 1 bead at a time).
- See close up for weaving pattern.
- (Photo shows the back view) At the top of the tie, on the last row before it begins to taper, pass through an appropriate length of sturdy memory wire to form the collar.
- String the rest of the memory wire with beads and create a hook on the side of the collar. Here it will be easy to reach, but concealed by the shirt collar.
- (Photo shows the back view) Take the top of the tie (the tapered triangle remaining above the memory wire) and tuck it behind the tie. Where the apex of the triangle falls, pinch the sides of the tie together and secure the apex to both sides. This will form the “knot.”
- 1.5 to 2 inches below the “knot,” reinforce one row of bead with a length of sturdy wire so that the tie uncurls (from the knot) and lie flat.
This tie used faux pearls, but feel free to mix it up. This will be hanging from someone’s neck though, so whatever you choose, MAKE CERTAIN THE BEADS ARE LIGHTWEIGHT and that the holes are big enough for your memory wire.
Have Fun!
Here’s the last of the cufflinks!
18. The Birdwatcher: Tatoo Swallows Cufflinks by TrixieAndBeever
19. The White Knight: Dragon II Cufflinks, by Dedalo
20. The Sushi Lover: California Roll Cufflinks by marine13
21. The Speed Demon: 5 Speed Stick Shift Cuff Links by blinkphoto
22. The Handyman: Keep it Level Cuff Links by blinkphoto
23. The King: CACHI Cuff Links by EsseKaye
24. The Entomologist: Bee Cufflinks by CosmicFirefly
25. The Adventurer: On your Way Cuff links by Outoftheblue
Some more great cufflink ideas for the unique dad in your life
10. The Craftster: Monogrammed Cuff Links by The Purl Bee
11. The Inner Child: Astro Boy Cuff Links by Mannmadedesigns
12. The Engineer: Hidden Methodology Cuff Links by StJoshua
13. The Athlete: Tennis Cufflinks by Qacreate
14. The Astronomer: Pleiades and Canis Major Constellations Cuff Links by donnaOdesigns
15. The Sentimentalist: Custom Handstamped Silver Cufflinks by MetalPressions
16. The Traveler: Wrigley Field Vintage Map Cufflinks by Dlkdesigns
17. The Gambler: Ace and King of Spades Cufflinks by Crimsonking
For one last batch of cufflinks ideas, check back tomorrow (what can I say, I’m obsessed).
Okay, so it isn’t the beloved-and-all-useful father’s day tie, but what bling could be more manly than cuff links? Who’s your daddy? Bill Gates? Chuck Yeager? John Wayne? Who ever he may be, he needs cuff links, and he needs awesome ones.
Gather your resin, art metal clay, polymer clay, lampwork tools, some great findings, and some cuff link blanks/backs (available here, here, and here) and get creating.
Here is some inspiration to get you started:
- The Computer Geek: Circuit Cuff Links by Beadworkbyamanda
- The Rocker: Fender Blue Guitar Pic Cufflinks by Superstudio
- The Aviator: Airplane Propeller Cufflinks by CufflinkConnection
- The Collector: Antique Coin Cuff Links by Billyble22
- The Beer Lover: Guinness Cuff Links by Mannmadedesigns
- The Marksman: Shotgun Shell 12 Gauge Cufflinks by Michelle Verbeeck
- The Victorian: Damask Cufflinks by Simone Wash
- The Designer: Silver Swirls Cuff links by Mannmadedesigns
- The Biker: Harley-Davidson Cuff Links by Blinkphoto
And that’s not it! Check back tomorrow for some more stylin’ cuff links.
Right now I am totally in love with these lampwork beads made by Karolen Deupree.
If you love them as much as I do, be sure to check out her etsy shop, or her blog. If you are interested in lampworking, you might enjoy some of her posts, like this one (see image below), where she first attempts (and first fails) to silver core her beads, or this one where she shares some of her supply sources.
Personally though, I’ll stick to buying mine from people like her who already know what they are doing.
