This DIY backgammon game tray is easy to create and makes a stylish home accent. Thanks to Elmer’s for sponsoring this post. #LetsBond
Backgammon was never a game I played as a child. In fact if we’re being totally honest, I hardly know how to play as an adult. Which is why I think it’s pretty cool that over the last year backgammon has become Kayla’s “thing” with Craig. Six has been a tough age for all parties involved. Kayla is strong, sensitive and fiercely independent which means that parenting has come with a new set of challenges as she tries to find her big kid voice. However, there is almost no six-year-old challenge an impromptu game of backgammon with her dad can’t cure.
Which is why this Father’s Day, as Kayla and I set out to create something really special for Craig, we very quickly landed on the idea of a DIY backgammon tray. It all started in aisle 38D – the trendy home decor aisle in Target also known as my kryptonite. I found this neat tray, which went wonderfully with our new living room furniture and asked if she would help me turn it into a backgammon set.
While she may be independent and stubborn as they come, Kayla is also one of the most generous kids I know. We often find her in her room making cards and gifts for her friends for no particular reason, just because. I hope she never loses that quality of wanting to do things for others not expecting anything in return. So it didn’t take any convincing at all to lend a hand in making something meaningful for the most important man in her life.
Wanting to do something more fun than the normal black and white, we settled on silver and gold and I think our DIY backgammon game tray turned out pretty awesome! Want to make your own?
You’ll need:
- A tray or board that you’ll be happy keeping on display.
- Elmer’s Painter’s markers
in at least two colors.
- wooden discs
to use as markers for play.
- A pencil
- cardstock or cardboard to use as a template
- A ruler or measuring tape
I measured the tray and created a little cardstock template to draw the triangles on the tray. You’ll need 12 on each side. I highly recommend sketching this out in pencil first. If it feels off you can always easily erase and retrace.
Once the spacing looked good I used silver and gold Painter’s markers
You’ll want to work from left to right if you’re right handed so you don’t smear your own work as you go along. The awesome thing about Painter’s markers
When you’ve filled in the triangles you’ll want to move on to the wooden discs
That’s it. This project is super easy and you’re left with a really special gift that is made with love, but also aesthetically pleasing enough to keep on display and actually use!
Kayla can take pride in creating something very “grown up” but with her own twist. Backgammon is near and dear to Craig’s heart because it’s a game that he played with his own dad growing up. According to him, there are a lot of summer memories that involve playing backgammon by the beach. We lost Craig’s dad a few years ago and we all miss him a lot. Especially at this time of year. I’m so glad that Kayla and I were able to enjoy our time together and create a project that holds a lot of meaning for Craig and lets a family tradition continue on.
Getting creative with your child is easier than you think and you don’t need to be the “artsy” type to do it. Elmer’s has a ton of easy kid-friendly projects you and your child can enjoy together as part of their Let’s Bond initiative right here. You can share your crafty moments and check out some of mine using #LetsBond on social media.
Want to make my DIY Backgammon Game Tray but not quite ready yet? You can pin the image below and it will be waiting for you when you are.
