Looking for a fun and meaningful craft for Dad? This Father’s Day shirt card is a creative way for kids to make something special. Even better, it comes with a free template that makes the crafting simple.
Kids can decorate the shirt card in their dad’s favorite colors and make it truly special. Then they can slip a sweet secret message inside the pocket just for Dad.
In our version, we used sponge painting to decorate the shirt. This makes the colors bright and fun. This craft is perfect for preschoolers, kindergarten, and elementary school kids. Toddlers can also join the fun, especially during the sponge painting step.
It is a fun way for kids to create something thoughtful and handmade for Father’s Day. Also, don’t forget to check out our collection of Father’s Day crafts for kids for even more fun ideas to celebrate Dad.
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Supplies You Need to Make the Father’s Day Shirt Card
- Father’s day shirt card template
- Sponge
- Acrylic paint
- Glue
- Two sheets of white cardstock (US letter size)
- Markers
- Scissors
Steps to make a shirt card for dad
Learn how to make a Father’s Day shirt card with easy step by step instructions. Kids will love placing a secret message inside the tiny pocket once the card is ready!
Step 1
First, download the Father’s Day shirt card template. Simply enter your details in the form below to access the template and join our newsletter.
Next, print the two pages of the Father’s Day shirt card template on white cardstock. Using cardstock helps the card stay sturdy and makes it easier for kids to fold and decorate.
Step 2
Next comes the fun part. Take a sponge and add a little paint to it. We cut half of an unused kitchen sponge, which works perfectly for this step.
Then start gently pressing the sponge onto the shirt template to create colorful patterns. Kids will love watching the sponge prints appear on the shirt.
Let them choose Dad’s favorite colors for the paint. This makes the Father’s Day shirt card even more special for dad.
If you prefer not to paint, there is an easy option. Simply print page 1 of the template on colored cardstock instead. This way, the shirt already has a bright color.
Step 3
We chose dark blue and orange for our shirt template sponge painting. The colors turned out bright and fun.
However, try not to use too many colors. If too many shades mix together, the result may look a bit muddy. So it is best to stick to two or three colors for the nicest effect.
Step 4
Now let’s move on to page 2. Paint the buttons and parts of the pocket, as shown in the picture.
Kids will enjoy adding these little details, and it really brings the shirt card to life.
Step 5
By this time, the sponge paint should be dry and ready for the next step. First, cut out the rectangle shape where the shirt was painted. Then, cut along the dashed lines on the shirt to shape the collar.
Sometimes the dashed lines can be hard to see after painting, depending on the colors used. So you may want to do the cutting step before painting instead.
After cutting along the dashed lines, fold the two edges forward to make the collar. Kids will enjoy seeing their card start to take shape.
Step 6
Next, stick the buttons onto the card.
Step 7
Now it’s time to make the pocket for our mini card surprise. Take the pocket shape and fold the side flaps behind the colored side.
Next, fold the bottom flap up and apply glue only to the two corners. Stick these glued corners onto the side flaps. Press gently and hold for a few seconds to make sure the pocket stays secure.
Step 8
Now apply glue to each folded flap. Be careful not to put any glue on the inside of the pocket, or the mini card won’t fit inside later. Now stick the pocket onto one side of the shirt.
Step 9
Next, take the small rectangle shape that will become our mini card. Fold the colored part to the front and write your message inside. Kids can have fun writing a cute and special note for Dad.
Step 10
Carefully place the mini card inside the pocket. You can draw an up arrow on the top of the card with a marker. This makes it easy and fun for Dad to pull the mini card out of the shirt card’s pocket.
Our Father’s Day shirt card is now ready for kids to surprise Dad. How cute is that!
More Father’s Day Crafts and Activities for Kids
Check out more Father’s Day crafts and activities that you can do with kids. There are plenty of fun ideas to make this day extra special for Dad.
Father’s Day Trophy craft: Create a fun Father’s Day trophy craft to make Dad feel extra special. Kids can cut out and assemble a “number one dad” trophy card using a simple template. They can also add a heartfelt message inside, making it a fun and meaningful gift he will treasure.
All About My Dad Printable: Get ready for some fun this Father’s Day with our All About My Dad printable activity! Kids can color and answer simple questions, sharing what they love and appreciate about their dads.
With eight meaningful questions and cute objects like flowers, stars, and hearts to color, this activity blends creativity with reflection. It’s perfect for preschoolers, kindergarteners and young school students, whether at home or in the classroom, and is sure to create smiles and lasting memories.
Handprint Father’s Day cards: Looking for adorable handprint Father’s Day cards to make Dad’s day extra special? We’ve rounded up 15 super cute handprint card ideas for you to try. From handprint superheroes to cute minions and quirky monsters, these DIY cards are perfect to make with little ones.
Father’s day shirt craft: Looking for a last-minute Father’s Day craft idea? Try this easy paper plate Father’s Day shirt craft with a free printable tie template. It’s a cute and simple activity that kids will love making for Dad.
The craft is quick but still involves cutting, gluing, and painting, making it a fun way for little hands to practice fine motor skills.
Father’s day books for kids
I Love Dad with The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Celebrate Dad with this colorful mini-hardcover that’s full of fun and heart. Follow the caterpillar as it meets Papa parrots, seals, and more, sharing sweet messages along the way. This charming keepsake is perfect for Father’s Day or any special dad.
I Love You, Daddy: I Love You, Daddy is a heartwarming story about Little Bear and Daddy Bear, celebrating love and encouragement. With vibrant illustrations and easy-to-read text, it’s perfect for storytime or young readers. A wonderful gift for Father’s Day, birthdays, or any special day.
Just Me and My Dad: Little Critter explores the great outdoors with his dad in this heartwarming and funny classic. Perfect for storytime with toddlers, it’s a sweet way to celebrate Father’s Day.
From canoeing to fishing or building a campfire, kids and parents will relate to their adventures. This charming story makes a wonderful gift for Father’s Day or any special day.
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