For the record, it is MUCH easier to paint a checker board than it is to paint a scrabble board.

Today I ordered 5 inch circles for the checker pieces. It is the one thing I am not going to try to cut myself. I honestly don't even know where I would start. It will make this part of the process much more simple. I will still have to paint them but at least I will not have to figure out how to cut them.
I am happy with both sides. I look forward to distressing everything and getting the varnish on both sides. I am defiantly not a perfectionist and so my painting leaves much to be desired. The distressing helps my painting skills out considerably!!!
I am making strides to being done by Christmas.