When Dad Makes: The Wisdom Therein

From stories reminiscing about bunk beds and the sentimental value of a plank of wood, to a wealth of images of a homemade arc reactor for one’s son, when Dad makes, it’s a special moment for all of us.

While I’m not a father myself yet, I had a maker dad, I recall the tips he used to say, and I was curious what other words of wisdom and stories were out there.

On Father’s Day this past Sunday you sent us tweets, left comments on our G+ page, and emailed us your stories. Below is just a sample of your tales.

Dad Nick sent us this image on Google+ of a desk he built for his office:

You can see he used off-the-shelf plumbing fixtures for the legs and support. That’s a great first woodworking project, and I look forward to seeing what the desk looks like the “next time” you make, Nick!

Also from G+ were many words of wisdom from Dad:

Including this conversation between makers:

William wrote in with a tale of a wooden horse:

Crafty Madre Nicole sent us these images of pillows she made for her father and father-in-law:

And on Twitter these nuggets of wisdom were shared:

#DadMakes "remember gravity: its not just a good idea, its the law"

— ElizaYoda (@ElizaYoda) June 16, 2013

My motorcycle instructor #DadAdvice Keep the rubber side down. Always check your tire pressure. #DadMakes

— Mr. Patrick (@Woodshopcowboy) June 16, 2013

#DadMakes Father-in-law expression "when cutting a rose bush, cut it once then treble it" It works when Fall trimming

— sally mcmahon (@osallymcmahon) June 15, 2013

"If you're not bleeding, the job's not done." Memorable words from my father. #DadMakes

— SmortFeller (@Alenuian) June 16, 2013

stolen off Guy Clark, a line my father said more than once: Be square with the world and take good care of your tools #DadMakes #DadAdvice

— Mr. Patrick (@Woodshopcowboy) June 16, 2013

"Often wrong, never in doubt!" #DadMakes

— Dan Perri (@nasadan) June 16, 2013

Not exactly #DadMakes wisdom, but Andrew reminisces:

My brother & I give my dad a bad time for the grab-and-shake sturdiness test he often applies to various items. #DadMakes

— Andy Meyer (@aloumeyer) June 16, 2013

And lastly in case you missed it the first time around, here’s the incredible video Kristoffer Dominic Amora put together showing the making of his homemade arc reactor for his son:

Thanks again to all the MAKE pops out there for their wisdom, their projects, and helping craft future generations of makers!