If you don't have time to execute the box for tomorrow's special day, you could craft the box for his birthday. Or use it for any special event that requires a little something unusual.

The samples shown here measure about 4 by 3 inches.

Box-making is a fun activity for youngsters who can handle scissors, have patience and appreciate the joy of accomplishment. This also is a sensible rainy-day project or three-day weekends.

Tools

• Ruler.
• Scoring tool (an old ballpoint pen without ink will do).
• Scissors.
• Stylus.

Materials

• Colored card-stock paper (65 pounds is best), 8 1/2-by-11-inch size.

• Optional decorating extras: stickers, double-sided tape, rubber stamps, puffy paints, crayons, wrapping paper with images you can cut and paste, sequins, buttons, miniature lei garlands.

• Double-sided tape, if box will be decorated with add-ons.

Instructions

• To reproduce pattern:

Cut out the pattern we've provided here (Adobe Acrobat required) and tape it onto an 8 1/2-by-11-inch sheet.

A non-colored version is available here.

Use colored stock paper, available at instant printers, and run off as many copies in as many colors as you need; for party favors, get a precise number.

With the image printed on colored paper, score at the dotted lines (see sample), using a scoring tool and ruler. With a stylus (ask an adult for help), slit opening for tabs.

After scoring, cut the pattern along the solid edges.

After cutting, fold scored areas. Assemble to create the shirt shape.

• To decorate:

To embellish the pattern, use some of the decorating extras.

Suggestions to fill the box

• Hand-write a personal father's day note.

• Create a "gift certificate" to buy dad his favorite CD.

• Buy a travel-size bottle of after-shave lotion/cologne.

• Mount a cut-out photo of yourself.

• Candy.

Wayne Harada is a box-making hobbyist. Reach him at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.

Talk story narrated by the pros

Famed storyteller Makia Malo, apprentice Jenna Waipa and former apprentice Hina Kahanu have tales to tell at a session at 6 tonight at the Bishop Museum's Paki Conference Room 2.

The three will share Hawaiian tales and personal experiences.

The free event is sponsored by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

Book suggests how to make your home sweet for two

Looking to build your home-design library? Here's a suggestion:

"Nest for Two," by Allison Serrell (Chronicle Books, $29.95): Casual, eclectic (read: real life) style is showcased in this square hardcover, which focuses on how we can cohesively incorporate a partner's style into our home.

It's also a beautifully illustrated book that would make a really nice present for a friend's engagement party if you're in a pinch for a present.

What you'll learn:

• A pretty curtain hung in a doorway can separate spaces (for instance, a hall and a living room) and make a room seem more intimate. It's also a great way to split up a living room that doubles as a guest room.

• Use baskets to corral magazines, the remote controls and other clutter.

•If a couple shares a workspace at home, carve out enough storage for each person: use baskets or add shelves that reach to the ceiling.

Why not just do brunch at beach?

Sorry, film fans, there's no Sunset on the Beach this weekend in Waikiki. But for you food fans, there's the monthly Brunch on the Beach, full of entertainment and well-priced edibles from many Waikiki restaurants.

The Royal Hawaiian Band Glee Club, the keiki of Halau Hula O Hokulani, Rocky Brown and headliner Kapena are on the entertainment lineup.

Look for the artificial grass, big blue umbrellas and tables along Kalakaua Avenue. Hours are 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. tomorrow.

Admission is free.

The next Brunch on the Beach is scheduled for July 18.

Monk seal is aquarium's featured animal of the month

The corals are cool and the sharks fascinating. But the two Hawaiian monk seals take the spotlight as the Waikiki Aquarium's Animal of the Month.

The aquarium is home to seals Nuka'au, 23, and Makaonaona, 20.

Animal of the Month highlights include docent talks at 10 a.m. every Saturday, free temporary tattoos to the first 2,000 children to visit this month, and exhibits with fun seal facts.

The aquarium is near the diamondhead end of Waikiki Beach and is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Admission is $7 general; $5 for residents, military people, students and seniors; $3.50 for those ages 13-17 and people with disabilities; and free for children 12 and younger.

Visit www.waquarium.org or call 923-9741.

Big Island family fun today at Pana'ewa zoo

Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo on the Big Island presents Family Fun Day, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. today.

Among the attractions: keiki games and crafts, Marc the Clown, magic and face-painting, a petting zoo and tiger feeding at 3:30 p.m.

Admission is free. (808) 959-9233.

Heralding ye olde Medieval Faire

This month's Bank of Hawaii Free Sunday at the Honolulu Academy of Arts focuses on a time long, long ago. It's a Medieval Faire theme, and that means there'll be knights in shining armor, damsels in distress and other characters. There will also be art activities for kids, gallery tours, entertainment and a gallery hunt.

Hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. tomorrow. Admission is free. The Honolulu Advertiser is a sponsor.

Nohea Gallery, wood turners teaming up to help United Way

Nohea Gallery and the Honolulu Woodturners Hui are raising money for Aloha United Way with a raffle and sale of bowls.

Raffle tickets — $5 each — are available at the galleries at Ward Warehouse and Ward Centre. Fifteen percent of the sale of show bowls will go to AUW.

Today the hui offers free turning demos, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Ward Warehouse store. Kids can decorate turned wood tops.

You can also enter the bowl raffle by mailing requests to the Nohea Gallery Office, 1020 Auahi St., Building No. 4, Honolulu, HI 96814. Winners will be announced at 2 p.m. July 4.

Parading gay pride in Waikiki

Last weekend, there were two parades in Waikiki. There's yet another today: The Honolulu Gay Pride 2004 parade begins at 10 a.m. from Ala Moana Beach Park, ending in Kapi'olani Park.