Gameboard Center for Dad

Recycle an old end table into a colorful, multifunctional organization center.

All About

Product Ideas

Artist Chris Mobley shows how to recycle an old end table into a colorful, multifunctional organization center for board games such as checkers, backgammon and poker. It's a perfect gift for dad!

Materials and Tools:

recycled end table (with legs removed)
paint (optional as a base coat)
12" x 12" cardboard template
pen or pencil
painter's tape
paint--for the contrasting color of the gameboard squares)
paintbrush
polymer clay (optional for game pieces)

Steps:

1. Remove the bottom of the end table, leaving the drawer section only. If you prefer, paint and let dry.

2. Center a 12" x 12" cardboard template on the table surface and trace around it. This area will serve as the gameboard.

3. Mark off the area with painter's tape in alternating sections. The individual spaces should each be 1-1/2-inches wide.

4. Now paint over the exposed surface in a contrasting color. For example, if the base coat is dark, use a light-colored paint. Once all exposed squares have been painted and allowed to dry, remove the painters tape and cover the painted squares with tape in the same fashion. This will in turn leave the remaining squares that need to be painted in order to create a checkerboard pattern.

5. Make sure to involve the children by having them help create the checker pieces with polymer clay. Just use a plastic bottle cap that's large enough to serve as the mold, and follow the manufacturer's oven directions. A fancy button can leave a good imprint for the pieces.

6. Store the game pieces and other games in the table drawer.