Do you know a Dad who makes things with his hands? Father’s Day presents an excellent opportunity to share some quality time and learn more about what interests him. Whether he is garage tinkerer or a master craftsman with a complete workshop, here are some questions you might ask him to help connect with his interests.
How did he come by his skills? Were they passed down from his father or is your Dad a self-taught craftsman? Sometimes crafts may have been passed down for generations. I bet you will find some great family stories when you ask those questions.
What is his favorite project? Whether it is a family heirloom or a practical solution to a problem, wouldn’t it be good to know what makes him proud? And when you know, you can be sure to honor his accomplishment in the future.
Ask him about his tools – every craftsman has favorite tools that may have been passed down from previous generations or were used to rescue a project at some point. Was he entrusted with special tools by his father? That cherished tool may not be the most expensive or the most beautiful, but it probably has a place of honor in the shop.
Is there a tool in his shop that has a story? It may be about the time it rescued a project or when it was used in an unusual way. Or maybe there is a tool he just reaches for first every time.
If you connect with your Dad on his craftsmanship and his tools here are some excellent ways to recognize him on Father’s Day:
- It can be hard to choose a gift for a woodworker, particularly if you are not familiar with woodworking. If you are looking for a gift for his shop, pay attention when you are asking him the questions above to the thing he is wishing for; “If I just had a lathe I could….”
- Make a project for him. Particularly if he passed on his skills to you, he will be pleased and honored to have you put the time and effort into making something special for him.
- Are there grandchildren? Help them make a simple project and start them on the path of learning a craft. It doesn’t have to be complicated – a key holder, a bird house, a tie rack, a game. There are numerous books available with projects suitable for kids.
Even better, recognize Dad by making something with him. If you can find something you can enjoy together you will benefit from having him pass along his knowledge while you both enjoy some quality time together. Be sure you listen to and focus on the things that he really cares about. Your time and attention is the best gift of all. You benefit from having him pass along his knowledge and you can both enjoy some quality time together.
You can make a project and memories at the same time.
