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Garden games

by Cathy Monrad

Who 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

Figure 1

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.

Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4

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 5
Figure 6

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.
7. 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. 

Cathy Monrad is the graphic designer and garden crafter for Upstate Gardeners’ Journal.

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