"Artist Chalk Game Mat" Topic

Came across a blog that offered a creative way to make a game mat using cloth and artist chalk. I experimented with it today and figured I'd share the results.

link

I've used that system as well.

In my case I used a cloth dyed in the usual blotchy patterns draped over a styrofoam base adding styrofoam hills underneath for contours. Trees were pinned for ultimate flexibility. After drawing on roads and streams using soft pastel chalks it was simple enough to throw the sheet into the washing machine in readiness for the next game.

The question is: during game play did you get chalk all over your hands, arms, elbows, and clothes?

Hi Dale,

I replied to you on the blog too, but I didn't have any issues.

That looks really good and given the amount of time you put in they look amazing.

Sometimes on my mat I want to do a little bit of fading from the chalk to the mat. I have a couple of small, cheapish house paint brushes and brush the chalk to make a more gradual transition.

Again, great job.

Dan

A quick spray of cheap hairspray over it all should fix the chalk and then will wash off with the chalk when your cleaning the cloth after. Or you could use canvas and jut make a new one each time until you have enough for purpose, when finished just roll up and put in corner, stick a number on the underside with felt pen.

I was wondering if using hairspray or fixative would work. I know it does on foamcore board, which I have used with pastel chalks.

Wow, Something I've ben doing for years now. Seems like every time I post a AAR I get these same questions. It really is a great way to add a lot of versatility to a game mat. Just wash out and re-spray with cheap paint from the hardware store to cover any pastels that don't come out. Spray gluing fields to the mat is another nice touch.