So, you want a beautiful dice tray but you're not ready to break the bank on one of those gorgeous handcrafted Bolivian rosewood dice trays? Don't sweat it! Here at Ink and Lyre, Daniel and I have found a way to easily create a beautiful dice tray at a fraction of the cost. Don't worry, you won't need any heavy saw equipment!
What You'll Need
The total cost of the project is broken up below. Some of the items we already had and weren't included in cost. I've also included where we purchased the items and links to them so you can see what they look like and what to look for. Make sure to use the Hobby Lobby 40% off coupon on their website . Just pull it out on your phone and show the cashier. I've never seen them not have a coupon available. They've always had a coupon.
- 1 Square Wood Block Wall Decor - $4.99
Hobby Lobby the Brand is called 'Wood Pile Fun!' - 1 Set of Antique Bronze Plated Corners - $1.99
Hobby Lobby the Brand is called 'Wood Pile Fun!' - 1 Crimson Red Felt Square - $0.33
Hobby Lobby - 1 Set of Antique Bronze Metal Feet - $2.99 (Optional)
Hobby Lobby the Brand is called 'Wood Pile Fun!' - 1 Can of Wood Finish - $4.98
Lowes Minwax Woodfinish 8 fl. oz. (We used the color Jacobean 2750)
- Spray Adhesive
- Rubber Gloves
- Small Hammer
- X-Acto Knife
- Ruler
Step 1: Remove the Metal Bracket on the Wood Block Frame
The first thing you'll want to do is remove the metal bracket on the back. This is the metal bracket that is used to hang the block up on the wall.
Step 2: Stain the Wood
Make sure to wear gloves and work in a ventilated area! We decided to go with Minwax Woodfinish (Color Jacobean 2750). We thought this had the nice dark Medieval look we were going for. We put on 4 coats of finish with 30 min - 1 hr of drying between coats. This wood type is VERY absorbent and it took a couple coats to get it nice and dark. If you want to go the extra mile, you could also use a prestain before you apply the stain and then seal it with a Polycrylic or Polyurethane protectant. Let it dry overnight.
Step 3: Cut the Felt
Measure the inside of the box. Using the ruler, measure and make small cut marks on the felt (Near the edges) where the correct measurements are. You can also LIGHTLY mark a line for the measurements using a marker or pen. Lay the ruler down on the measurements. Using your X-Acto knife cut the felt along the marks. Lay the cut felt in the box to make sure the size is correct. You might have to trim it up.
Step 4: Apply the Felt
Once the felt is the correct size, place the felt on top of newspaper (Outside preferably). Spray one side of the felt. DON'T over spray! The felt should NOT be saturated. Carefully place and press the felt into the box.
Step 5: Apply the Plated Corners and Feet
Each packet of corners and feet will come with the nails you'll need. Be careful! They are VERY small and easy to lose! Hammer in the corners and the feet (optional). That's it! You now have an awesome new dice tray!
