If there is one thing I know, it's that the Gummerman's (Laura and Todd) know how to throw a fun backyard party. A while back, they had some people over for a backyard hang. They had horseshoes, bocce ball, and a couple games I had never seenβ one being washers. It's a simple game. It's literally just throwing washers into a box from about 20 feet. You get a point for getting the washer in the big section or three for getting it in the small sections in the middle. You might be thinking, cool game, with an eye roll. I was right there with you until I played, and it is a cool game! It's fun, and you can hold a drink while you play it. We recently had a porch party here at ABM headquarters, and I made a washer game just for it. Here's how I did it.
Supplies:
-1" x 10" pine ( you only need around 4 feet) I used scrap plywood which I ripped to 10".
-1/8" plywood for backing
-handle (Optional, but it does make it easier to carry. I just used a pull I liked from Lowe's.)
-locking mechanism (I used three window latches to secure case) (optional)
-six washers (get at least 2" ones, you need a bit of weight to get a good throw)
-paint or stain
-polyurethane (optional)
Tools:
-miter saw
-table saw (optional)
-jig saw (optional) or hand saw
-drill
-measuring tape
-pencil
Step One: I built one diamond, which I cut in half (you'll see that below). You can choose to build two separate halves if you don't have a table saw, but they fit perfectly if you cut it in half! Instead of giving you exact measurements, I'm going to tell you the easy way to do it with minimal measuring with your tape. The first cut should be the longest two pieces. They are just straight cuts, at 12" long for one and 11.25" for the other. Lay those out, then build off of them. The next two are about 5" with one straight cut and the other at 45Λ (all angles are 45Λ). The finishing piece is two 45Λ angles, and you can just hold the uncut piece up to the pieces you have set up and mark where you need to cut. If you do it that way, cuts will always work. It minimizes having to use too much math! After you have all the pieces cut, glue them together, then either screw or nail the pieces together. If you plan on cutting it in half like I did, make sure you don't put any screws or nails in the middle. I measured and marked the middle all the way around so I knew where to avoid.
Step Two: Once you have the diamond put together, run it through the table saw to cut it in half. Make sure you adjust the height of the blade higher than the width of the wood.
Now you have two sides!
Step Three: After I cut the diamond in half, it was just a matter of cutting the smaller pieces and and gluing them in. You don't need to measure at all for this. Just hold the piece above where they drop in and mark with a pencil (still 45Λ for any angle, easy!). After you get those busted out, lay them on the 1/8" ply and trace. Then cut out with a hand saw or jig saw. Then glue on (nail or screw on is optional). After this, the rest is optional: screw on the handle and locking mechanisms, then paint.
And that is it! You are ready for a rousing game of washers. The bigger compartment is 1 point and the smaller compartments are 3 points. Washers!
I painted the washers half gold for three and half white for the other three (since it was already silver.)
Gold vs. Silver!
Credits // Author: Joshua Rhodes. Photography: Joshua Rhodes and Janae Hardy. Photos edited with Stella from The Signature Collection.
25 Comments
That’s absolutely adorable – those would look great as wall shelves for small trinkets, too!
well well well, that is one cute little boy! π
Omg this is great – I’M SO GONNA MAKE THIS FOR MY WEDDING!!! Washers is such a fun game!!!
What a fun cute game!!
Josh,
If you are reading this, I have a request/recommendation. Im a gal who is interested in wood work, kinda like how Laura has been learning the ropes. Last time I touched a saw was in middle school shop class. Do you recommend any resources to learn about types of wood, machinery, even paints and things like that…I think it would be pretty cool if you wrote a series of blog posts about these topics, kinda like “Building stuff with wood for dummies”….or something like that π if other readers are interested too, of course:) just an idea since you are all so open to your readers thoughts and suggestions.
Love all of your posts and talent!!
Oh this is lovely ! And so much cuter than your usual washers game with a PVC pipe… Although I’m confused : how many points do you score if you toss it into one of the two other little boxes ?
This is such a great idea!
β₯ Naomi Starry Eyes + Coffee Cups
This is super cute!
My grandparents have a version of this game but theirs is a bit different. It has three same-size holes in a row, like a bean bag toss. The furthest hole is 3 points, then 2 points, then 1 point. First person to 10 points wins. The catch is that is the other person gets their washer in the same hole as you in the same round they cancel each other out and no one gets points!
It’s perfect for a backyard party or camping π
LOVE this project! I also love that it could totally double as a desk organizer in the “off season” π @Michelle Hill, I’ve got a course in the works that would be perfect for you!
I love this idea… I may just have to make this so I have an fun activity to do with my daughter!!
http://www.blakeancell.com
I love this DIY idea. Great way to entertain children! Your kids look so cute:-)
XO
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
Yea, and he’s a pro washer player.
-Josh
Nell, good idea! Send us pics when you do. Have a great wedding!
-Josh
Hey Michelle, We are going to put something together very very soon! Stay tuned.
-Josh
That looks so fun! We play washers using an old desk drawer (or you can build a shallow box) with a coffee can screwed into the middle. one point for in the drawer and three if it’s in the coffee can. Makes it extra noisy if you use metal coffee cans!
Fun diy for a fun game..nice!
xo
http://agoldentulip.blogspot.com/
I have never seen or heard of this game before but it is brilliant!! What a great little idea π
Merry Xmas to me!! yay!
Thank you!!
that sounds like fun, thanks for letting me know. Feel free to email me the info at lifetotable@gmail.com
Thanks!!
OMG…That is such a good idea!
I would live this! I always ask my other half to cut/woodwork something for me and I have to wait a milllllion years for him to get on it. It would be so easier for me to learn.
Sign me up for “Building stuff with wood for dummies”!
~Kat
Since lawn games are becoming more and more popular at weddings, this would be a perfect wedding DIY!
How pretty! Looks so fun!
https://www.marjorievie.blogspot.com
Oh my goodness! This is seriously adorable! I love love love it!
xoxo
Taylor
So much prettier and more portable than a bean bag toss! Love this idea!
StephanieLists.com
this is a fun variation of a favorite game in Hawaii called “Portugese Horseshoes” Thanks for the great idea. It encourages friends/family of all ages to play together!
I hadn’t heard of this game before, but I like how it sounds both fun and easy to double task during – which is great for parties!