DIY this personalized, geometric backgammon tray with a basic bamboo serving tray, a little vinyl, and just a few minutes of time!
Backgammon is such an old game. My daughter had never even heard of it until I made this tray, but I loved it as a teenager. I took the basic setup of the game (24 spiked triangles, in four groups of six) and gave them a geometric twist in colors that matched our living room.
Geometric Backgammon Tray: The Supplies
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own:
- serving tray, like this bamboo one from Wayfair (USA/Canada)
- vinyl, in four colors
- mini wood rounds
- acrylic paint, in two colors
The first thing I did was paint 30 mini wood slices (leftover from this mini wood slice wreath from last year), 15 in an olive green and 15 in a navy blue. While they were drying, I started to work with the vinyl design.
I cut six triangles (measuring 1.25 inch on the base and 6 inches tall) out four colors of vinyl. I used my cricut, but if you don’t have one, you could easily measure out the triangles. The triangles were sliced as well, which you can see if you look closely. This way I was able to break the triangles apart in groups.
I’m not going to lie, switching the vinyl colors to create the geometric blocks worried me a little. However, it was really easy. Since I had sliced all four colors the same way, I just took out the middle chunk of the first green triangle, and swapped it with the middle chunk of the first white triangle. They lined up easy and it was easy to work with.
Applying the Vinyl
Once your colors are swapped (I swapped green with white and navy with a paler shade of blue), adhere the transfer paper to the vinyl. This will help you get the triangles onto the tray in one piece. After sticking on the transfer paper, cut out each triangle. You don’t have to cut close to the sides of the vinyl, except on the bottom. You don’t want extra vinyl on the bottom because you want your triangle to line up with the base of the tray.
Once cut apart, start sticking the triangles on your tray. I used a 1″ block of masking tape in the corners to mark the space I wanted to leave between the triangles and the edges of the tray. Then, I applied a triangle to each corner, working my way in to the center.
And that’s really all there was to it. I love the end result even more than I thought I would! When the games not being played, I store the little pieces in a small canvas bag that sits in the tray. The graphic design is a perfect way to add a pop of modern, and the game is just an added bonus – it’s pulling a double duty!
How would you have personalized this adorable bamboo tray? I would love to hear some more ideas!
Ariel says
swanky! Love the colours! AND the game 🙂
Claire says
Not that is might matter in the least, but backgammon is played with groups of five. A roll of 6 and 5 could move one tile from one end to the other. That said, this is a stellar idea.
Rachael Gill says
Lovely tray! I recently updated an old board with a mixture of vinyl and old wrapping paper to match the green and white tiles that it came with (charity shop). I’m very pleased with mine too and looking forward to taking it on holiday!
Sarah says
That sounds lovely!