| Game Table |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-401 |
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Q: I'd like to turn a small table into a game table. I've seen checkerboard patterns done but I'd like backgammon. Can you help me get started? A: (from Debbie Stapley, Ask DIY Crafts expert) Absolutely. And this project is a lot easier than you might think. Materials: Small, unfinished wood table
Backgammon board
Sheet(s) of clear acetate
Tape
Medium-point permanent black marker
Small stylus or pencil
Dark green or black paint pen
Dark green or black wood stain pen
Light red wood stain pen
Yellow-gold wood stain pen
Metallic paint -- copper is used here (optional)
Small decorative stamps -- an acorn design is used here (optional)
Large stamp of outlined design -- a leaf design is used here
Orange shellac
Stain brush
The table featured here (figure A) boasts a beautiful warm glow, which is achieved by finishing the piece with a product called orange shellac. But before you can put the finish on your table, you'll need to create the tabletop design. If you already have a backgammon board on hand, you're a step ahead; if not, check with a few friends to see if you can borrow one that may be tucked away in the back of a closet! - To transfer the design from the board, purchase a sheet (or sheets, depending on the size) of clear acetate, which is available in art supply stores and craft centers. If you can't find a single sheet that's large enough to cover the entire surface of the board, simply tape two together to create the desired size.
- Next, lay the acetate sheet over the game board (figure B) and use a permanent black marker to trace the design of the gameboard onto the acetate. Once you've outlined the entire pattern, lay a sheet of graphite paper on the tabletop and place the acetate sheet on top (figure C), making sure it's centered on the surface.
- Working carefully so as not to displace the pattern, trace over the design on the acetate with a small stylus (figure D) or pencil. This will produce a copy of the pattern on the underlying tabletop (figure E).
- With the design outline in place, you're now ready to trace over it with a black paint pen. Unlike stain pens -- which have a tendency to bleed -- paint pens hold their original application, which makes them ideal for outlining. Once you've finished defining the pattern (figure F), you're ready to fill in the solid areas of the original design.
- To do this, you'll want to use a black wood stain pen with a beveled edge (figure G), which will allow you to fill in small, hard-to-access areas. Using your original game board as a guide, fill in every other triangle, working carefully to get in close at the points (figure H).
Note: It's very important that you only fill in only the triangles that correspond with the solid triangles on the game board -- otherwise your game will be affected! - Now that your game board is complete, you could stop there with your design -- but why not add some great accents while you're at it? Here, Stapley uses metallic copper paint and a small acorn-design stamp to add detail at the base of each open triangle (figure I).
- As a final decorative detail, a large leaf outline is stamped outside each side of the game board at the center point. The leaf outlines are then filled in with wood stain pens in yellow-gold and red (figure J).
- With the game board pattern and accents complete, all that's left is the orange shellac. Simply brush it on directly over the design (figure K) using a stain brush. Once you've applied an even coat to the tabletop, brush the color over the legs of the table and allow to dry.
Note: Since orange shellac is an alcohol-based stain, be sure to protect the table from spills of harsh products like nail-polish remover, which will ruin the finish. - After the stain has dried, simply add dice and game pieces and you're ready to play!
More Questions for Debbie...
Q: I was given a large bag of pinecones. what can I make with them for different holiday seasons? A: One of the best things about pinecones is their scent-absorbent quality. Try placing five or six pinecones in a large sealable plastic bag with a tissue scented with several drops of essential oil (orange blossom, lavender and rose are all good varieties to try). Seal the bag and allow it to sit for several days. When you open it, your pinecones will have absorbed the fragrance -- which you can choose to suit a specific season or holiday. Simply place the pinecones in different rooms to create a wonderful aroma throughout the house. Q: How can I make a creative nature welcome sign? I am twelve. A: Here's a fun idea for you: At your local craft store, buy a small, plain blackboard and create a border for it by hot-gluing small twigs around the edges. Then use some twine or raffia to make a hanger for the board and write your "welcome" on the front in the desired color(s) of chalk. Q: My daughter is getting married soon. What is the best way to dry her bouquet? A: Usually, the best bet is to simply hang the bouquet upside-down from a hanger, using elastic or a rubber-band to hold the stems in place. (If possible, hang it in a room with low humidity where it's not exposed to direct sunlight.)
RESOURCES :
Board Games
Model: 0887407250
Author: Desi Scarpone
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
Atglen, PA 19310
Phone: 610-593-1777
Fax: 610-593-2002
Email: schifferbk@aol.com
Creative Rubber Stamping Techniques
Model: 0891348786
Author: Mary Jo McGraw
(1998)
North Light Books (F & W Publications)
Website: www.fwpublications.com
Stamp in Color : Techniques for Enhancing Your Artwork
Model: 1564773299
Author: Dave Brethauer
The Complete Guide to Decorative Stamping
Model: 082300791X
Author: Grace Taormina
Watson-Guptill Publications
Website: www.watsonguptill.com
The Art of Rubber Stamping
Model: 0806998288
Author: Suze Weinberg
(March, 2001)
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
The Complete Guide to Decorative Stamping: Decorate Your Home Simply
Model: 082300791X
Author: Grace Taormina
Table Chic: Ideas and Themes for Creative Tables
Model: 1571456511
Author: Kelly Hoppen
Tables: Outstanding Projects from America's Best Craftsmen (Taunton Furniture Project Series)
Model: 1561583421
Author: Anthony Guidice
(2000)
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
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