Tools:
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Scissors
- Black marker
- Utility knife or weeding tool
- Wire cutters (or garden shears)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Bowls
Remove all stickers from the bowls and clean the surfaces. This ensures the glue and zip ties will hold firmly.
Step 2: Fit the Cooling Rack
Place the cooling rack on top of one bowl. Use a black marker to trace the outline of the bowl onto the rack. This is your cutting line.
Step 3: Cut the Cooling Rack
Use wire cutters to cut the rack along the traced line. The thin center wires cut easily. For the thicker outer wires, pinch them with the cutters and bend them back and forth until they snap off. Test-fit the cut rack inside the bowl to ensure it sits snugly.
Step 4: Attach the Two Bowls
Use a weeding tool or utility knife to poke two small holes near the rim of the top bowl, spaced evenly apart. Align the top bowl with the bottom bowl and mark the corresponding spots on the bottom bowl. Poke holes in the bottom bowl as well.
Thread a zip tie through the aligned holes and fasten it loosely. Important: Leave a little slack so the lid can open and close easily. Repeat for the second set of holes. Trim the excess zip tie tails.
Step 5: Attach the Handle
Find the center of the top bowl. Apply a generous amount of hot glue into the handle’s screw hole and press the handle firmly onto the center of the lid. Hold it in place for 30 seconds until the glue sets.
Step 6: Build the Base
Take the wooden circle base. Place a dab of hot glue on the bottom. Attach the wooden dowels (or foam brush handles) as legs, spacing them evenly to form a triangle. For stability, apply extra glue under one side of each leg so they angle outward. Hold each leg until the glue is completely dry. This creates a stable, tripod-style base.
Step 7: Apply the Printables
Download and print the free labels from genuscates.com. Cut them out. Attach the family photo circle to the center of the lid. Place the banner label below it. You can use hot glue or double-sided foam tape for this step.
Step 8: Add the Ribbon (Optional)
To keep the lid from falling all the way back, cut a piece of ribbon. Glue one end to the inside of the top bowl and the other end to the outside of the bottom bowl. This creates a hinge stopper.
Step 9: Create the Flame Reveal (Optional)
This is the fun, fiery surprise! Apply a thin line of hot glue around the rim of the top lid. Working in sections, attach the gray tissue paper all the way around. Let the paper hang down loosely. Trim any excess paper so it looks like a fringe.
Safety Warning: This step involves an open flame. Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby and never leave the lit grill unattended.
Step 10: Assemble the Gift
Use double-sided foam tape to attach the jar lids to the top of the grill (these act as "burner knobs"). Glue one jar lid to the front center of the bottom bowl. Attach the "Grill Master" label to the front. Fill the bottom bowl with red shredded tissue paper and dad’s favorite treats. Place the cooling rack inside the bowl on top of the gifts. Finally, place the top lid on the grill.
Tips for Success
- Loosen the Zip Ties: When attaching the two bowls, make sure the zip ties are not too tight. You need enough slack for the lid to open and close smoothly.
- Angle the Legs: For a stable base, angle the wooden legs outward. This prevents the grill from tipping over when opened.
- Cut the Wires Carefully: The thick outer wires on the cooling rack are tough. Bending them back and forth is often easier than trying to cut them cleanly in one go.
- Work Fast with Hot Glue: Hot glue cools quickly. When attaching the tissue paper, work in small sections to ensure a strong bond.
- Skip the Flame if Uncomfortable: If you are not comfortable with an open flame, you can simply skip the tissue paper. The grill gift basket will still look fantastic without it.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of wire for the grill grate?
A: Yes, you can use any wire cooling rack or even a metal mesh sheet. Just make sure it fits snugly inside the bowl and is food-safe if you plan to put unwrapped treats on it.
Q: My hot glue isn't holding the wooden legs well. What should I do?
A: Make sure the wooden surface is clean and dry. Use a high-temperature hot glue gun if possible. You can also lightly sand the ends of the dowels to give the glue a better surface to grip.
Q: Where can I find the free printables?
A: The free printable labels and banners are available at genuscates.com. There is usually a link in the video description.
Q: Is the flame reveal safe?
A: The flame reveal requires an open flame and should be treated with extreme caution. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby, keep the grill on a non-flammable surface, and never leave it unattended. It is an optional feature.
