Projects
What are you gonna make today? How about cool and clever projects inspired by Scrabble.
As part of my Games People Played series I've created Scrabble Tile Push Pins, Game Board Bulletin Boards and a Scrabble clock from thrift store-purchased games. Most game boards are made of a pressed cardboard and are ideal to use as a bulletin board - so get out there and experiment!
For a larger view of the project steps, click the photos below and to get more information about the supplies, click the underlined links in the directions.
Scrabble Bulletin Board
Creating a clever bulletin board from an old game board is incredibly easy. Of course you might even opt to only create the tile push pins, which work exceptionally well with traditional cork boards.
Drilling holes into the corners of the board will make it easier to nail to the wall. To avoid a loose fit, drill holes slightly smaller than the nails you will use.
With a piece of sandpaper, scuff up the back of each wooden tile and epoxy metal thumbtacks to the back. I use a two-part epoxy mix, which begins to set within five minutes. Mix according to manufacturer's instructions. However, most epoxies are only workable for a few minutes before they become to difficult (tacky) to use. Mix only what you will need to create 3 - 5 push pins at a time. Be sure the thumb tacks are "embedded" into the epoxy and allow to cure (dry) overnight.
Nail your board to the wall. In some instances the push pin will pierce the game board and leave small holes on the wall. If this is a concern consider mounting the board on a thin piece of cork board.
Scrabble Clock
Score high points with this clock. Having an additional set of wooden tiles allows you to spell out all of the numbers, but you might opt to only use the first letter or only use 12, 3, 6 and 9.
First drill a hole through the center star, when you look at the board, you'll notice it is off center, but I think the star is the place to drill.
In order for the board not to fold over onto itself, the back should be braced with two small wooden craft rulers. You might even consider using wooden painter stirrers. Use wood glue to attach the two pieces, so they cross the middle fold
Now use the same wood glue to attach the tiles, use the glue sparingly and quickly remove any glue that seeps from underneath the tile. It is helpful to lay out your tiles first in order to have a sense of your finished project.
Place several heavy books over the top of the tiles, to weight them in place, allow the tiles to dry in place for several hours and perhaps overnight.
Once dry, insert the clock mechanism, assemble the clock. Finally, insert a rechargeable battery and hang your new clock.
What to see previous projects? Click the links below:
Upcycled Pencil Cup & Paper Weight - click here
