This latest project for Ideas Magazine is a treat for mom or dad! Capitalise on game-time with garden dominoes! Make more memories with family and friends with a game for all ages. Get the kids to help make the colourful dots of these fun-size dominoes. So, whether it’s for Mother’s day or Father’s day have fun!
Here’s how to make garden dominoes
Difficulty: easy
Time: 2 hours
You will need:
For the Dominoes
- 2x 69x22x2.4m Pine PAR (cut into 28x 140mm sections)
- Kid-safe Paint (3-6 different colours) *
- Clear sealer (we used Armour from Granny B’s) *
For the box
- 1x 90x22x1.8m Pine PAR
- 12x 40mm Wood Screws
You will also need:
- Jigsaw
- Drill with 3mm wood drill bit
- Measuring Tape
- Pencil
- Sandpaper
- Ruler
- Small Paint Roller
- Small Circular Sponge (10mm in diameter)
* Granny B supplied the Old Fashioned Chalk paint and Armour Sealer for this project.
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STEP 1:
Measure and mark 28 sections of 140mm and one 580mm section on the 69x22x2.4m pine battens. Then measure two 580mm and two 110mm lengths on the 90x22x1.8m pine battens. Cut the wood into these sections then lightly sand the edge s.
STEP 2:
Finish the garden dominoes first. Measure 70mm and make a pencil line across each 140mm piece. Paint a thin stripe on top of the pencil line. To ensure a straight line, dip a ruler’s edge into the paint and lightly press it onto the measured mark.
STEP 3:
Mark the domino’s dots with a pencil then make dots with the small circular sponge. Dip the sponge into paint and test your dots on paper before dotting the wood pieces.
STEP 4:
Use a small roller and paint the sides or reverse of a few dominoes in different colours. Set aside to dry and move on to the domino box.
STEP 5:
Measure 10mm from each corner of the 110mm pieces and mark the spot with a pencil dot. Then measure and dot 10mm high and 50mm deep from the left and right edges of the two wider 580mm pieces. Drill pilot holes halfway into the wood where you’ve made dots.
STEP 6:
Let the narrow 580mm plank lay flat on your workbench. Then place the two wider 580mm planks (on their sides) on either side of the narrow plank to form a u-shape. Put a line of wood glue on the u-shape edge then cover with a 110mm piece and clamp them together.
Screw in four screws, one for each corner, into small sides of the box first. Then screw in two screws into either side of the box’s length.
STEP 7:
Use a paint roller to paint the outer edge of the domino box. Once dry, apply a clear sealant to the box and the dominoes. 2-3 coats are ideal for outdoor use.
TIPS for making garden dominoes
- Save time and have your wood cut at the hardware store.
- Use scrap wood between the clamp’s feet and the pine to avoid damaging the wood.
- Use clear water- and heat resistant sealer that is non-yellowing like Armour from Granny B’s Old Fashioned Paint.
Don’t forget to treat your mum with Mother’s day cake!
Happy Making!
