Guess what the word of the year for 2013 is?
Chalkboard?
Burlap?
Umm….peace…..as in peace on earth.
Nope.
Not even close.
The 2013 word of the year is “selfie.”
You know…..selfies…..those pictures you take of yourself on social media.
People with new hairdos and working out and hiking and standing and sitting and smiling and wearing sunglasses or a new outfit…..
….all with a picture to document it.
I haven’t really gotten in on the selfie phase yet.
I just end up looking awkward.
Something classic….like smiling with lipstick on my teeth.
Ain’t nobody got time for that.
It’s probably for the best….because truly…..I think a picture always looks a little better…..
….with a friend by your side. 🙂
And just in case you and your selfie self are looking for an easy, inexpensive handmade gift for the holidays…..
…..here’s a set of paint stick dominoes I made for under $2.50.
How to Make Paint Stick Dominoes
Supplies:
4 paint sticks
black paint
white paint
ruler
saw
miter box
polyurethane
Step 1: Collect paint sticks
I purchased these paint sticks from Wal-Mart for .28 each.
They are perfect for the project because they are longer and thicker than regular paint sticks.
And you don’t have to awkwardly ask the paint worker for sticks and try to explain they are for a project and he gives you the look paint workers give when they think everyone should stop reading Pinterest.
You can just pay .28 and leave with your dignity intact.
Step 2: Cut paint sticks
Using a miter box and saw, cut each paint stick into 2 1/2 inch strips.
Each paint stick makes 7 dominoes.
Sand rough edges.
Step 3: Paint paint sticks black
I just used regular craft paint.
Paint both sides.
Let dry.
Step 4: Paint dots and lines
Using a white paint pen…paint the set according to a standard set of dominoes.
You should end up with 28 dominoes.
Let dry and add a coat of polyurethane.
I was sew inspired (pun totally intended) by this project….that I made a bag for the dominoes.
It’s just burlap ribbon looped over and sewed together.
I sewed a burlap tag on and wrote dominoes.
Including the ribbon and the paint sticks….the entire project cost under $2.50.
I’m also adding instructions for some fun domino games inside.
Easy.
Simple.
And….oh wait….fun. 🙂
PS Here’s few more fun handmade gift ideas from last year!
I am SO excited to be sharing some fun inspiration this week with some of my favorite bloggers….ever….in the history of ever.
Be sure to click on the links below for some easy handmade gift ideas.
As always...you ROCKED this easy gift idea my friend! Simply adore this project! Love partying with you ...tons of hugs...
Wishing I was partying with you - enjoy your day and know I am praying for lots of Sonshine.
Very cool. You could never tel they were made from paint sticks. I love the word polyurethane. It has my maiden name in it {Ure}....that always pops out to me. Have an inspirational day! ~Trina
What a wonderful gift! We love to play dominos with our friends in Jamaica each summer on our mission trip.... I think these may be a perfect gift to share!
Super cute Kari!…and they do make great stocking stuffers!!!
Very cute! You always come up with the most clever ideas, KariAnne!!
Well you've done it again girl, you created an adorable DIY that even I can do and do well! Thx!
Such a great idea! Too cute and clever! Love it!
LOVE THIS. I kind of want to use these for home school. is that weird? ;} LOVELY as always!
Love, love this!!! I was standing with you and Dennis and heard you talking about making these. And lickety split, here they are. You amaze me. :)
HOW in the world, do you come up with these things? That is sew clever...yes, pun intended. I mean, to take paint sticks, and envision dominoes....your brain is totally on another level! ;)
Yea! My family and friends are headed to Sun Valley, Idaho for Christmas and I wanted to load up on games, and haven't seen a single domino set that I like. My husband is a wood worker and has loads of scrap wood, so I don't even need to find a paint stick…all I need is a paint pen and I am good to go! Thanks for the idea. Now if I could just remember how to play dominoes.
It is always a joy to see and read your posts! You make me smile! Thanks for the inspiration! Smiles, Alice
Cute gift idea! Thanks for defining "selfie"--I've heard the term a few times in the past week, and ostrich that I am, I had no idea what it meant. Guess I need to get out more.
Your selfie self is pure genius. I LOVE this idea. xxoo
Very cute idea, thanks.
Clever idea...
Love your dominoes KariAnne... you could make my domino garland with your DIY dominoes :)
THAT is a really clever and cute idea...and you could always give them a selfie of you in a frame to accompany said set of dominoes! xo Diana
Just showed my daughter, it is official - coolest parents ever! I am falling in rank by the day! Love it!
Hi - can you tell I confused what page I was on? Okay, lets try again... Love the dominoes so much! Such a fun and unique idea!
What a great idea! Now I know what I'm going to give to my brother for Christmas.
Clever! Thanks for walking through the steps.