Crafting a Custom Talking Board
by Gary W. Fisler
 


This is a board that I made for myself using two pieces of 1"x8" pine.  I started by cutting the two pieces of wood to 24".  I then doweled the two boards together for strength.  A piece of molding was added to each side for strength, also.  For those who do not want to go through this much trouble, some of the building supply warehouses sell round and square tabletops that are ready made.  Although a little more costly, they are ready to use.

The sun and moon designs were made using a process called embossing.  This leaves a slightly raised 3-D image that is not discernible in the picture.  A special glue is applied to a rubber stamp of the image.  The rubber stamp is then placed in position on the board.  Embossing glitter is then poured on the area of the board that has glue on it.  Tilt the board and tap it to remove the excess glitter that has not adhered to the glue.  This excess glitter may be saved and used at another time.  A heat gun is then used to melt the glitter and form the 3-D image.  Repeat for the other images. On this board the only embossed images are the sun and moon.  The glitter comes in a variety of different colors.  I used gold.  

I stenciled the letters and numbers on using a stenciling paste.  I found that this is easier to use than paint.   The paint always ran under the edges of the stencil.  The paste, being thicker, did not do this.  The paste takes about three or four days to dry, so do not touch it until then.

The ivy was added using another rubber stamp.  I used a stenciling paste instead of ink.  The paste gives a better image than the ink when used on wood.  Wood, being porous, soaks up the ink and you will not get a uniform image.

The last step is to apply several coats of varnish or clear polyurethane. Several coats will be needed to cover the embossing.  Use a good furniture polish to finish the board and make it slick enough for the planchette to slide easily.

Hints:

  • Try everything on a scrap piece of wood first.  Get your technique down before using the good materials.
  • Craft stores sometimes have craft nights where you can use their rubber stamps and heat gun for the nightly fee.  These stamps are rather expensive so this will cut down on cost.  They will also give free advice when you run into trouble.
  • A foam brush will give a smoother finish for most people than one with bristles.  A smooth finish is a must for the board to be usable.
  • Do not sand the top of the board or the rubber stamp will not give an even impression.  Sanding may cause low spots in the wood which will not be imprinted by the stamp.
  • Consider using stamps for the letters and numbers.  It does not come out as nice this way but it is faster. 
  • Spray a layer of polyurethane on the area to be stamped with ink (not necessary for the embossing glue).  This will stop the wood from soaking up the ink.
Experiment and find a design that is just right for you.  Talk to friends who do crafts for advice and possibly use of some equipment.  Good Luck.
 

 
 
 

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