Recently my wee heathens expressed an interest in learning how to play D&D.

*insert nerdy Dad happy dance here*

After our first session I realized they needed a dedicated dice rolling area to avoid constantly diving under the table to retrieve over-enthusiastically rolled die.

So it was into the Dadmobile and off to the craft store I went.

Step 1: Parts

5.5" x 5.5" tapered square wooden box - $1

9" x 12" piece of felt - $0.39

Glue - you can get a bottle of white glue at the dollar store. I had a can of spray adhesive at home that I chose to use instead.

acrylic paint - $0.50

Since I had the glue and paints at home already these only cost me $1.39 each to make, but even if you didn't have any materials to start with the cost to make one is still under $3 each.

Step 2: Paint

I have a big bottle of gesso which is really handy for priming these small wooden projects. And in case you were wondering, yes that is a CD I am using as a paint palette.

The wood on these boxes was very thirsty, and after the first and second coat of gesso I had to sand the boxes lightly to deal with the wood fibers that swelled up making a rough surface after it absorbed the gesso. The third coat was smooth after it dried and I moved on to colors.

I painted the boxes with colors similar to each of the dice sets the kids are using to avoid the "hey that one is mine" arguments that are inherent in most sibling situations.

The top edge of the boxes I chose to paint metallic gold to match the numbering on the dice sets

Step 3: Liner

the inside bottom of the tray is a 4" x 4" square. The sides taper up about an inch to a final dimension of 5.5" x 5.5".

I made a paper template since it was much easier to mark on than the felt is.

I test fitted it into the box to make sure I measured correctly.

I cut the felt out using the template, leaving some extra material on each of the side flaps.

I figured it is easy enough to trim the felt down once it is in place rather than cutting it too short and having to start over.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Apply the glue to the back side of the felt.

set it in place in the tray.

I found that the handle of the paintbrush was perfect for making sure the felt was smooth against the sides of the tray and seated firmly into the corners and edges of the tray.

I let the glue dry for a little while so it didn't pull off the sides of the box while I trimmed the felt flush with the edge of the trays. A fresh sharp razor blade made quick work of the excess material, even the little bits that stuck up from the edge.

Step 5: Pull Your New Dice Tray Out of Your Pocket and Roll Them Bones

The tray is big enough that it can handle several dice at once without any spilling out, but it is small enough that it fits neatly away in a standard size cargo pocket.