Sometimes Dads are hard to buy for. Children may not have any ideas and sometimes Moms aren’t much help. They may give Dad ties for Father’s Day but after he has worn it once, they may never see it again. Well, here’s a way to give Dad a tie he’ll use more than once. Make Dad a tie snake for Christmas.
Most likely you’re asking, “A tie snake?? What on earth is a tie snake?” Actually, if you look online, you may find a couple of different things called tie snakes.
The first one is a tie snake draft blocker. Find one of Dad’s old ties that you’re sure he’ll never wear again.? You’ll also need polypropylene pellets or an the filling for a bean bag chair, a sewing machine, thread, wiggly eyes, red felt, and scissors. Here’s how to make the tie snake draft blocker:
Polypropylene pellets are the same pellets used in stuffed animals or “beanies”. They’re non-toxic but you don’t want small children or pets to eat any of the pellets They can also be washed.
It’s best to use a wide tie; in fact, the wider the better. Too narrow a tie will be inadequate for blocking drafts from around windows or doors. If the only ties you can find are too thin, try to sew two or three ties together to make one fat tie.
Another idea is to create a rice tie snake (instead of a rice sock). Dad will appreciate using his old ties for something that will soothe aching muscles. They can be heated in a microwave or placed in the freezer to help relieve pain.
Originally rice socks were made out tube socks and plain rice. There’s nothing to keep you from recycling one of Dad’s old ties to make something he can use, however. If heated in a microwave for two to three minutes, the rice tie snake will remain warm for up to two hours. If frozen, it can be used as a cold pack for about three hours. The great thing about this type of gift is that it can be used over and over again.
Sew up the tie similar to the draft blocker above. Instead of using polypropylene pellets, fill the sewn-up tie with plain, non-cooked rice. When the tie is full, sew up the other end to keep the rice where it belongs.? If you would rather not use rice, you can also fill your rice tie snake with dry corn, buckwheat, or another uncooked grain. Do not use minute rice as it will cook when microwaved.
Maybe the Dad in your life isn’t a tie-wearer. Even if he’s not, you can still make Dad a tie snake and be pretty sure he’ll use it. As a door or window draft blocker or a rice tie snake, he’s sure to appreciate having either of these to use when needed.
