Start with a 10"x10" masonite board.

Use a ruler and a pencil.

Lay out the grid and the border on the board.

The border is about 1" wide

There are 8 squares horizontally and vertically.
Each of them is 1"x1".

Use two contrasted colors for the squares. You can mix few colors to achieve a faux stone effect, or a wood pattern, etc... Try to stay within monochromatic or analogous color schemes.

Decorate the border with cane slices. If you don't know how to make canes - click on the link below:

Don't forget to decorate the edge of the board.

Bake for about 20 min. at 230 F. Leave in the oven to cool down.

Sketch the pieces ( your choice of checkers or chess).

Use colors of the squares for the figures.

Here is how to make the Sculpey canes.

Chess pieces (of each color):

1 King

1 Queen

2 Bishops

2 Knights

2 Rooks

8 Pawns

Checkers (of each color):

12 pieces

After everything is done - cover the board and the pieces with a wood varnish. Use very thin coat. Do it in a well ventilated area!!!