Fathers Day "Grillin Pro" Apron

Remember that 3 pack of aprons I bought at Sam's Club for $10.00 (I used one to make for my cooking debut on local television that I didn't end up doing because I got sick and they never gave me a second chance...not bitter...just bummed.), well I decided to use one to make a perfect Father's Day gift for my husband:

 I wanted it to say "Grill Master" but I was in a time crunch when I started this project and "Master" had too many letters to trace, cut out and then sew on.  "Grill Pro" is just as appropriate. 

The letters are from a cut up t-shirt.  I found the clip art for the hamburger here and added my own slice of cheese and tomato.  I love how the hamburger turned out.  I am pretty sure my husband, "Chef Gregorio" (his grillin name) will love it too.

Folded Paper Shirt Brag Book (for Fathers Day)

My brother Steve sent me a picture of a dress shirt gift bag (obviously for Father's Day) he found somewhere in his current location with a note that he thought it was cute but knew I could come up with something cuter.  Well not feeling any pressure, I set to work trying to think of something cute that could be done with a collared shirt for a Dad.  I didn't have any gift bags handy but I think I came up with something even better-because it is meaningful.

It's a mini paper bag brag book.  It would be fun to fill with pictures, or coupons for dad (or your hubby) or quotes and notes about how much you love him.  I went with quotes by Small Fry for our brag book (and then I added my own little note that corresponds with what she said).

 

I found the instructions for the folded shirt on the Internet. I looked at a few different sets of instructions but I loved Kimberley's at Procrastistamper the best.  I started with a piece of paper that was 10x12".  You need those dimensions in order to produce a shirt that is the right side to cover the front of the paper bag book.  After make the shirt I fashioned a tie and vest out of extra paper.  I free handed mine but if you would like a copy of those pieces send me a message and I can e-mail you a copy.  I used 3 paper bags (cut down to 4 1/2"-from the bottom).  I cut cards to go inside the 3 paper bag pockets.  I added little tabs to each one so that my husband would know they are there.  After that I attached everything together with 3 black brads.

 I wouldn't go more than 3 paper bags if you are planning on attaching the book together with regular brads.  They are just the prefect size for this thickness.

There are lots of possibilities with this idea.  If your husband or father is not the dress shirt wearing type, turn it into a polo for golfing or a button up blaze orange shirt or camo shirt for hunting, it would be perfect for a missionary, or a you could add a bow tie and make it for a groom or graduate.  Lots of fun things to try.  Happy Father's Day crafting!!!

I want to start by apologizing for the blurry pictures.  I did something with Picasa and I don't know how to change them. 

I saw this idea just the other day on Ucreate.  It was a feature of a spring banner made by Blue Cricket Design.  I fell in love instantly.  In fact I fell in love and thought, "why didn't I think of that.  I should have thought of that."  I hate it when that happens.  But it got my creative juices flowing once again-and they were not flowing at all this last little while so I am grateful.  I created a couple of my own.  Here is one for summer:

 And here is one for Father's Day.

 I am going to share a quick tutorial for my version of this fabulous idea.
Start with as many paper bags as you have letters in whatever you are going to spell.  For the Father's Day banner I trimmed about 2 inches off the bottom of the bags because I liked that size better than a full sized lunch sac.  I cut colored cardstock to go on each bag (4 x 5 1/2").  I also traced my letters on the wrong side of a piece of cardstock.  NOTE: if you are going to trace the letters on the wrong side, make sure you trace them backwards.  I never remember-I do it wrong everytime.

 I sewed my colored pieces of cardstock to the paper bags.  I angled each piece a bit different.

 Next I sewed my long piece of ribbon across the tops of the bags with a large zig zag stitch.  I left about 2 inches between each bag. 

Next add the letters.  I used glue dots to attach them.  I traced around each letter with black tick marks.  I think it makes the letters stand out more.

 Lastly embellish.  I used fish, moose, ducks and pine trees because my husband is really outdoorsy.  I added some ribbon scraps and buttons as well.  The sky is the limit really.

There you have it.  So cute.  Thank you Blue Cricket Design for some great inspiration.