In preparation for Father’s Day we have created a fun craft project that you can create with your minis and give to Dad as a memento for this precious stage of life.
Depending on where you are located, Father’s Day might look a little bit different this year, so whilst this year it may be spent at home we still believe in finding ways to make the day just a little bit special.
The beauty of this craft project is that you won’t need to go anywhere to get supplies, only requiring two staple pantry items and some water! Bonus points for being an activity to keep little hands busy indoors… you could make these beforehand to wrap and gift to Dad or even set aside to create on Fathers Day so that it can become a memorable and wholesome family activity.
We’d love to see your creations if you give this one a go! Don’t forget to tag @pekpi_ in your posts.
You will need:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup finely ground salt
1 cup water at lukewarm temperature
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 120 degrees celsius. Combine all ingredients together in a bowl until they come together and form a dough, adding the water slowly so that you can stop before the mixture gets too wet. However if you do accidentally add too much, you can always add more flour to dry the mixture up again.
2. Knead the dough for around 5 minutes on a lightly floured surface. It should come together in a soft and smooth, pliable ball - similar to playdough.
3. Roll out your dough with a rolling pin onto some baking paper. Aim for about 1cm thickness. You can either roll out a big sheet and cut circles for each hand imprint, or separate the dough into smaller balls before rolling for more organically shaped rounds.
4. Time for your kids to create their imprints (and maybe Mum and Dad too!). Be sure to press each finger and the heel of your hand firmly for an even imprint, and carefully lift up so as not to pull at the dough.
5. Before baking you might like to etch names into the clay. If you’re lucky enough to live sea-side, it is also a nice idea to embed shells you might have collected from family walks (just remember never to take too many of these away from our precious seascapes!).
6. When they are ready, place in the middle shelf of the oven for 3 hours. Keeping an eye on them particularly around the 2 hour mark so that they don’t over-dry. If you find the top is drying ok but the bottom is staying doughy, carefully flip for the last portion of baking time.
For fuss-free gift wrapping, repurpose a Pekpi drawstring bag to give to Dad!
Other easy gift ideas for dad:
Set up a backyard Picnic with a DIY grazing board with all of his favourite snacks. Line a cardboard box with baking paper for an easy setup and a mess-free cleanup!
‘Dad passes’ - get little ones to write out Dad’s favourite things (TV show, sporting activity, game, snack, drink) on small pieces of paper, so that he can pull his favourite ‘cards’ throughout the day
Wishing all of the Pepki Papas a Happy Fathers Day this year!