Tic-Tac-Toe with rocks turned out to be an interesting project with loads of fun. I was still thinking of some creative and cool ways to work with the rocks and this idea just helped me reach my goals. I decided to make this a stylish project with some additions. I just thought, 'how about a matching small bag with some nice embroidery for the 3 X 3 grid'? Thus, came this cute and cosy affordable homemade playing kit. As this is a small and handy project, you could easily carry this along in your pocket, purse or any other travel kit.

Join me in my journey!

Supplies

1. Rocks (10 and not 9 as I assumed in the beginning)

2. White acrylic paint

3. Black acrylic paint

4. Paint brush

5. Black cloth (20 cm X 20 cm)

6. White thread

7. Sewing machine (optional could be done by hand but will take time and you will need a needle)

8. Scissors

9. Pencil/Pen

10. Tooth-pick

Step 1: Choosing the Right Rocks

This is an important step and you need to have the 'X's and 'O's painted on the rocks. I decided to have small but flat surface rocks. I did not do my math correctly and started with only 9 rocks. In theory it is right that we would need only 9 rocks, but practically it could be 5 of 'X' or 5 of 'O', so 10 rocks in total are needed. I added 1 rock later. Refer image 1 to see the choice of rocks from a bunch. Rocks typically are of different shapes and sizes. Each shape could be used differently. My only intention was to make sure the is enough space for painting. Then, I thoroughly washed these rocks with soap and water. To make sure the rock surface is clean and ready to paint. Let it sit for drying. Are you ready for the next step?

Step 2: Base Painting

As the rocks are completely dry by now. I decided to use white acrylic paint with a small brush. Painted on the top side and let this dry before rolling over to the other side. In a couple of hours the rocks are ready for the next step.

Step 3: Creating the 'X's and 'O's

In this step I decided to have 'O' and have two small triangles lying in opposite directions in place of 'X'. This makes the rock look stylish. I imprinted the these designs by hand on each of the rocks. 5 of 'X's and 5 of 'O's. This is a simple step and does not need any extra skill.

Step 4: Painting the 'X' and 'O's

I preferred to have black acrylic painting with a tooth-pick will also be good as the painting area is relatively small. Carefully I added the design on each rock. Then leaving it for drying. All the 10 rocks had now turned out to be so attractive.

Step 5: Get Your Bag Ready

For this small cute bag, I choose a black cloth (to match with the colors as black & white) of size 20 cm X 20 cm. Then ironed this cloth make sure it is neat.

Step 6: Embroider the Bag

I thought it would be a good idea to have a zig-zag stitch as the # grid on the bag for the actual Tic-Tac-Toe game. So, I decided to make the marking at 5 cm in length and breadth for each square. Then, using a sewing machine I made the zig-zag stitch as shown in images 1 & 2. Later, I folder the top part and stitch to make a small space to insert the string. Finally, stitched on all three side. The last step was the add the string in the small loop on top and seal it with a stitch. All set. The bag is ready.

Step 7: Get the Board/bag Ready

I decided to arrange the rocks to make sure they could be placed easily on the bag/board. As you can see in image 1, the rocks do fit in well.

Step 8: Bring Along a Partner

Now, this was a most exciting part, as I needed a partner to play with me. Everyone in my family enjoyed the game along with the nicely handmade designs. Everyone appreciates the work while enjoying the game. Its just called the 'bag game' and not the 'board game' :-)

Hope you enjoyed working on this project as much as I did.

With this you have a new addition to you list of board games. Enjoy!!!