I have started this hobby somewhere in 2016, when gaming didn’t feel as fun or engaging as it once did. I soon discovered the magic of D&D and went all in, devouring everything I could learn and crafting fantastical stories with some of the most incredible players a DM could ask for.

The challenge? Keeping track of it all! Monsters, spells, secret encounters – my brain can only hold so much. That’s where the screen comes in – a trusty shield hiding your plans while keeping your essential info at hand.

My journey began with a focus on functionality – creating a screen that could hold all the essentials without burning a hole in my pocket. However, as my experience as a DM grew, so did my desire for a screen that not only functioned but also reflected my personal DM style and artistic taste.

I also acknowledge the fact that making your own screen seems to be a right of passage for those of us who really fell in love with the hobby.

Let’s take a look at the journey so far and see how my budget-friendly beginnings morphed into the latest epic DM screen I use today.

v1 – binders and diy

My first foray into the world of DM screens was equal parts resourceful and regrettable. Picture this: two binders stuck together with glue, sporting a velvety cloak (because I thought it looked more aesthetic if it looked like a couch). It even had a thick buckle closing system!

While it held all my DM essentials and felt undeniably secure, the bulk factor became a real drag. Plus, the whole “homemade” aesthetic started to feel a bit, well, forced. But for a budget-conscious DM on the go, this binder beauty served its purpose… for a little while.

I only have one picture of this one because I threw it out during a move so this is all you get.

v2 – i cast laminate

Next, I swung wildly in the opposite direction. Think sleek, thick wood panels swathed in heat-shrink vinyl – a real powerhouse of a screen. It boasted fancy transparent plastic pockets on both sides, perfect for displaying epic ARTWORK or crucial game information.

The reality? It looked like modern cheap furniture, way too sterile for the fantastical vibe I was going for. And don’t even get me started on the weight – lugging this behemoth around became a workout in itself. Plus, those pockets? Forget about easily swapping out the papers, they were flush and stuck most of the time. Lesson learned.

It reinforced, however, that I really wanted modularity.

v3 – there was an attempt

This attempt was all about embracing the antique vibe again, but with a touch more finesse. I grabbed some thin wood and, fueled by an impulse buy, decided to unleash my inner woodburning artist. The result? A simple, rustic DESIGN that felt perfect for the rugged fantasy realms I love. Plus, it had these cool transparent plastic strips where I could clip up all my essential DM info.

I planned ahead a lot more in regards to the design but I still couldn’t finalize the project properly. Let’s just say vintage vibes don’t always translate well to hardware stores so the hinges stuck out like a sore thumb – a major immersion breaker.

This version was definitely a step in the right direction. It had the charm I craved, but there was still room for improvement.

v4 – current version

I opted for outsourcing the laser-engraving this time, made on poplar wood panels, with my own design featuring cosmic elements, dice, and elemental symbols, all brought together by weathering and distressing.

I had the great idea to integrate gold leaf inside the grooves left by the engraving, adding a touch of magic and mystery. It looks like something straight out of a fantastical setting or a recovered relic from some bygone age.

The staining process proved a bit trickier than anticipated. What started out as a quick and easy step ended up being a bit unpredictable, with the stain leaving a slightly reddish hue I hadn’t planned for. Luckily, it still looked pretty darn awesome.

Despite some minor hiccups, this version feels like a major leap forward. It is functional, beautiful, and packed with that perfect blend of fantasy flair and practicality.

This time, I documented the entire process in video format. Enjoy the finish product!