Nature Arts and Crafts 2026 Submission
For the checkerboard, I started by cutting 2” strips of walnut and curly maple. Then I glued them side by side.
Next, I ripped them crosswise to create 2” strips of alternating walnut and maple blocks which I glued together to create a checkerboard pattern.
I used some of the scrap strips to make the edges of the board. I sanded it very well and put a finish on it.
For the playing pieces, I used a tree branch to create a more natural look. I cut 24 pieces approximately 1” in diameter and ½” thick.
We used a laser engraving machine to engrave the crowns on one side. I stained half of the pieces dark and put a finish on all of them.