3 thoughtful DIY gifts to make for Father’s Day

You need:

• A glass jar
• Half a cup olive oil
• 3 Tablespoons dried or fresh rosemary
• 1-2 drops tea tree oil (optional)
• Glass dropper bottle or any small bottle

How to do it:

1. Place the rosemary in a glass jar.
2. Completely cover the rosemary with the olive oil.
3. Allow to sit in a sunny spot for two weeks.
4. Strain the oil and pour into your glass bottle.
5. If you like, tie a bow of string or ribbon around it.

TOP TIP
If your dad doesn’t like rosemary, use fresh or dried lavender leaves instead.

2. T-SHIRT WITH TAPE INSPIRED LETTERING
This one is great fun to make but it’s a little messy, so younger kids will need a bit of help from dad or an older sibling.

You need:

• A plain T-shirt in a light colour
• Fabric paint in a few colours
• Masking or painter’s tape, depending on how wide you want your letters
• A piece of cardboard or a few pages of newspaper
• Paintbrush

How to do it:

1. Using strips of tape, mark out your desired words on the T-shirt.
2. Before you start painting, put the cardboard or newspaper inside the T-shirt. This will keep the paint from seeping through to the back of the shirt. Using a piece of sturdy cardboard that is as wide or just a bit wider than the shirt can also help keep it taut while painting.
3. Paint over the tape in different colours, making sure the paint covers all the edges so you get a nice outline of the letters.
4. Once the paint is completely dry, peel off the tape.
5. Follow instructions as per paint bottle. You will need to reverse iron the letters to proof the paint.
6. Wash the tee and let it dry, and it’s ready for Dad!

Variations
You could use dad’s favourite colour in different shades for a more sophisticated look.
You could use the tape to make designs instead of words on the shirt – for example a star, a zigzag or lightning bolt.

Related article: More awesome crafts for Father’s Day

3. MAKE YOUR OWN SPICES
This one is great for dads who enjoy cooking and like to experiment with interesting recipes.

You need:

• Spice mixes as below
• Airtight glass jars
• Black craft paint
• Brush
• Stickers or labels
• Tippex or white paint

How to do it:

1. Paint the lids of your jars with craft paint.
2. Write the names of your spice mixes on the stickers/labels.
3. Decorate the labels with Tippex or white paint.
4. Stick labels/stickers onto jars.
5. Fill jars with your spice mixes.

CHAKALAKA SPICE
A delicious spice blend to use in Chakalaka salads and relishes, or to use to fl avour soups, beans, and other savoury meals.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbs curry powder
• 4 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground ginger

BRAAI RUB
Brush meat or vegetables lightly with vegetable oil and sprinkle liberally with the rub before braaing.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbs mild chilli powder
• 2 Tbs ground fi lter coffee
• 2 Tbs brown sugar
• 1 Tbs ground coriander seeds
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 11/2 tsp sea salt
• 11/2 tsp coarsely ground black
• Pepper

CHICKEN SPICE
Made with spices already in your pantry, this mixture is perfect for adding flavour to chicken dishes. It tastes great on veggies and seafood too!

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbs salt
• 1/2 Tbs pepper
• 1 1/2 Tbs paprika
• 1 1/2 Tbs garlic powder
• 1 Tbs onion powder
• 1/2 Tbs thyme
• 1 Tbs parsley
• 1 Tbs ground mustard
• 1/2 Tbs oregano
• 1/8 Tbs cayenne pepper (optional)

Related article: Delish dishes for dad