Cathy's Crafty Corner
Garden games by Cathy Monrad
W
ho doesn't love lady bugs? Or bumblebees? Or a good game of Tic Tac Toe? This cute project from Alecia at chickenscratchny.com mashes up the three for a bit of garden fun for all ages. MATERIALS Wood slice; 1-inch thick and 9–12 inches diameter 10 smooth black river rocks; 5 round and 5 oblong Acrylic paint in colors red, yellow, black and white Acrylic sealer (optional) TOOLS Pencil Ruler Assorted paint brushes Pencil with eraser Toothpick
Create the game board 1. Use a pencil and ruler to mark a grid on the wood slice as pictured in Figure 1. Start and end grid lines about an inch from the edge of wood. 2. Paint over pencil lines with black paint. Let paint dry completely. Create the lady bugs on round rocks 3. Using red paint, paint on the rock tops as pictured in Figure 2. You may need 3–5 coats for complete coverage. Let dry completely. 4. Dip the eraser end of a pencil in black paint and dab onto the rock to create a pattern as shown in Figure 3. Let dry completely. 5. Dip a toothpick in white paint and dab onto rock to create the eyes as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Create the bumblebees on oblong rocks 6. Using yellow paint, paint stripes on the rock tops as pictured in Figure 5. You may need 3–5 coats for complete coverage. Let dry completely. 5. Dip a toothpick in white paint and dab onto rock to create the eyes as shown in Figure 6. Note: If game will be kept outside in the elements, use a sealer to protect the board and pieces. Follow instructions for use on label and let dry completely.
Figure 5
44 | MARCH-APRIL 2020
Figure 6
Cathy Monrad is the graphic designer and garden crafter for Upstate Gardeners' Journal.