Use any wood that you have in your store, but if you plan on making more than one board, it may be prudent to use a chainsaw on a log (or ask a local wood merchant if they can cut the slices for you).
You will need:
- A slice of wood (we used ash)
- A branch (we used plum)
- Hand saw or bow saw
- Sandpaper and wood oil
- Chisel and hammer
- Ink and stamp set
- Box and ribbon (we bought this, as well as the ink and stamp set, at The Range)
1. Select the piece of wood you would like to use, and ensure it is sufficiently dried out but not showing signs of splitting. Ash or fruit wood such as apple, pear, damson is ideal.
2. Use your saw to cut a one-inch thick slice of wood, making it as level as possible. Saw smaller counter pieces from a branch. Cut at least nine, as it is good to have spares.
3. Use a chisel and hammer to mark the grid onto the large wood. Sand down the surface until you are happy with the finish.
4. Use a rag and wood oil to rub the surface and bring out the grain of the wood.
5. Use a stamp and ink to mark an ‘X’ on half the counters, or if preferred, use a black marker pen. Stamp ‘Tic-Tac-Toe’ onto the lid of the counter box.
6. Place the counters into the gift box and wrap with a bow.
Credit: Steve Sayers