paint-stick-dominoes

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.”

paint-stick-dominoes-diy

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.

 paint-stick-domino-diy

How to Make Paint Stick Dominoes

Supplies:

4 paint sticks

black paint

white paint

ruler

saw

miter box

polyurethane

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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.

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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.

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Step 3:  Paint paint sticks black

I just used regular craft paint.

Paint both sides.

Let dry.

paint-stick-dominoes-project

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.

paint-stick-dominoes-pocket

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!

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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.

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Comments

  1. Image for Jennifer Jennifer

    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!

  2. Image for Donnamae Donnamae

    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! ;)

  3. Image for Karen on Bainbridge Island Karen on Bainbridge Island

    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.

  4. Image for Kris Kris

    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.

Comments are closed.