Clever Father's Day Ideas for Card Makers

Father's Day is fast approaching and so I've gathered several handmade cards that I can pretty much guarantee will be man-approved, whether for this holiday, his birthday, or other special occasions. Longtime readers may remember them; if you're new here, welcome and happy making - I love sharing my ideas with other paper aficionados as that's how we learn.

 

Card makers often struggle with ideas that the average Joe will appreciate. I tend to think the message that's written inside a card is more important than what is on the front, but of course the art can convey a message too. These first two cards will surely puff up Dad's chest... after all, who doesn't enjoy a compliment?

Real buttons and quilled pocket initials add pizzazz to this Father's Day shirt card.

 

 

This sunglasses-bedecked quilled cat card always makes me smile, so imagine what it will do to boost your dad's morale. The cool cat has a fair share of tiny details so will take some time, but as I'm forever saying, once a quiller knows how to make the basic shapes, the world is your oyster. You'll be able to look at any quilled design and be able to recreate it.

To simplify the card, instead of a quilled cat, you could use a charcoal pencil to draw one or substitute a stamped cat image and add a pair of card stock glasses. I made this card after seeing a stamped design as I  knew it would be a fun one to turn into a quilled version. 

 

Mandalas are popular among quillers... there's even an entire book of gorgeous, intricate patterns, Quilled Mandalas: 30 Paper Projects for Creativity and Relaxation, by Alli Bartkowski. 

 

This quilled mandala card features a less complicated one that I mounted on gold plastic mesh and accented with manly plaid ribbon and brass fasteners. If you can make a quilled marquise, teardrop, and tight coil, you can quill this design.

This origami pop up card was originally created as a guest tutorial by Karla Lim, who has since gone on to become an enterprising calligrapher with a new book to her credit, Creative Calligraphy Made Easy. 

 

If you would like to make a gift for Dad too, how about this three-dimensional Relax sign from Ecogami?

 

 

This post contains Amazon, Etsy, and Ecogami affiliate links. 

If you choose to make a purchase, a tiny commission 

will be received at no additional cost to you. 

Thank you for supporting All Things Paper.