So like many people my father is no longer alive. This year as Father’s Day approaches and I notice many glossy advertisements for appropriate mid June gifts. I smile and know he never liked most of the items rounded up for these occasions. For example we saw pictures in the newspaper advertising bracelets for men. Dad was outraged that such emasculating frippery was being pushed forward as a great gift idea.
John D. Philips would have preferred an outing like a trail hike or a trip to the camping store then to having something engraved at Tiffany’s to put in his pocket or on top of his desk. In honor of Father’s Day this year I propose reflection upon existing collections of things either from your dad or for your dad that he really appreciates.
Pictured above an old ax is given new life with a handcrafted leather sheath. Custom cut from scraps of heavy saddle leather, glued, riveted and a snap closure protect the blade while not in use. It makes it safer to handle, toss into the car or stash in a bag than if it did not have that sheath.
On that note I also made some sturdy draw string canvas bags. Nothing too original a very old sack of an idea that works well for keeping stuff tidy even on the go in the trunk of the car.
I stitched a layer of medium weight leather around the top of a 17″ wide by 20″ high sack. This version has metal grommets to reinforce the drawstring. Burning the ends of a nylon rope as my camping loving family taught the line glides threw. Next tie a square knot to join the ends and tote your bulky stuff with ease.
Canadian grandpas’ fishing knife has a trim sheath with a handy belt loop attachment. Just looking at photos of this old tool your hand can imagine how it would feel to handle it. While I never met the owner interacting with it conjures him up for me. 
Hope your memories of family bring you something useful to work with. Heading towards shopping? Why not opt for experiences and sharing some time together over augmenting piles of stuff? Enjoy these last sweet days of May.