DIY Father's Day Gift: Make a "DAD" Photo Collage

You can make this unique father's day gift whether you have one child or 10 children. The idea is to spell the word "DAD" or "DADDY" by having your children pose with individual letters. This personalized gift is economical and can be made for under $30 depending on frame selection.

Supplies Needed for "DAD" Photo Collage

To spell DAD: 1 each of the following large craft letters: "D" and "A"

To spell DADDY: 1 each of the following large craft letters "D", "A", and "Y"

Picture frame with 3 or 5 openings for 4x6 photos

Black marker

Digital camera

Access to a photo printer or photo processing store

How to Make a "DAD" Photo Collage for Father's Day

1. Decide if you want to spell "DAD" or "DADDY" in the collage. Your choice may depend on how many children you have. You can easily pose single children to spell either word. If you have more then 5 children, pose them in groups.

2. Find a nice outdoor location for your photography session. In my example (see article photo), I found some wildflowers (lupine) to use as my backdrop.

3. Hand your child the letter "D" to hold while you take pictures. Try having your child stand or sit in different poses. For example, your child might hold the letter in front of their chest or tummy or hold it out to one side. Have fun and think of creative poses. You'll need 2 different "D" letter poses for "DAD" and 3 different ones for "DADDY."

4. Hand your child the letter "A" and repeat. Again, take a few shots to have the best selection.

5. Hand your child the letter "Y" if you are spelling "DADDY" only. Take pictures.

6. Optional: Take your children to lunch following your photo session!

7. Pick the best photos, choosing 2 or 3 letter "D" poses, 1 letter "A" pose, and 1 letter "Y" pose, depending on whether you are spelling "DAD" or "DADDY."

8. Print the selected photos on a photo printer or take your memory card to a photo processing store.

9. Insert the photos into the picture frame openings to spell "DAD" or "DADDY."

10. Use the black marker to write "Happy Father's Day - 2009" on the mat under the photos.

11. Wrap your custom father's day photo collage.

12. Have your children present their special gift to dad on father's day.

Hints for Making a "DAD" Photo Collage for Father's Day

1. When taking the pictures, be sure to orient your camera so you get all horizontal or all vertical photos. If your photos all have the same orientation, you will have more choices when purchasing photo frames.

2. Dress your children in clothes to contrast with the large craft letters. You can purchase unfinished wooden letters and paint them, if desired.

3. Be sure to do this project when your children are well rested and fed. You will get much better results if your children are not tired, cranky, or hungry.

4. Consider having a friend or your mom help with the project if you have multiple children.