Domino Darlings Tutorial - Page 2 - Written by Susan M. Trask for smARTworks
Now we're ready to roll --
1. Choose
a game piece.
Note: This tutorial focuses on conventional, rectangular-shaped dominoes, but information can
easily be applied to the many different domino-like game
pieces which come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
2. Drill any desired holes.
A Fiskars hand drill works excellently for drilling through the flat face of the domino, but drilling edge-to-edge is best accomplished
by using an electric
drilling tool. Also needed is some means of holding the domino in place while the drilling is
being done (i.e. small vise). Edge-to edge drilling is a two step
process -- you drill halfway through, flip to the opposite
edge, and finish drilling - halfway through again.
Note: Due to the emission of noxious fumes/odors,
electric drilling should be done in a very well ventilated area.
3. Prep the surface.
A few techniques
will call for an unprepped dom, but unless stated, you need to prepare the domino's surface in one of three ways... All
three are relatively
equal in results, so unless specifically stated in the technique, choose the method that is easiest
for you:
A. Bleach -- Allow a single layer of dominoes to stand
in reuglar household bleach until all the "glossy" is gone.
Time varies, but at the least, it will
be 24 hours, or
B. Sand -- Use a fine grit sandpaper or
nail block and a circualr motion. Make sure sanded area goes all the
way to the outer edges of the flat face, or
C. Spray -- With 2-3
light coats of a matte fixative, and allow to dry thoroughly.
4. Choose a technique.
Many exist, so it really comes down to the materials you have on hand, and the particular look you like. Regardless of
technique, it is important that all
media used can be made permanent on "plastic" via heat setting and/or some other method
of sealing.
Note: Examples and descriptions of our all-time favorite techniques
are displayed at the end of this tutorial.
5. Clean it up.
Once you have the technique
worked to satisfaction, use an alcohol dampened cotton ball to tidy up the back side of the dom, and swabs to tidy the
edges.
Just like magic, any stray ink, smudges, and unwanted fingerprints will fairly disappear!
