Design Your Own Board Game Pieces!

For kids

Ready to make your board games even more fun? Let's learn how to design and create your own unique game pieces!

Brainstorming Your Pieces

Before you start crafting, think about what kind of board game you want to design pieces for! This will help you decide what your pieces should look like. Here are some ideas:

• Theme: Is your game about space, animals, or something else?
• Shapes: Will your pieces be round, square, or have a special shape?
• Characters: Will they represent people, creatures, or objects?
• Colors: What colors will make your pieces stand out?

Sketch some ideas on paper first. This will help you visualize your pieces before you start making them.

Materials You Can Use

There are lots of different materials you can use to create your game pieces. Here are a few ideas:

• Clay: You can mold clay into any shape you want and then bake it to harden.
• Cardboard: Cut out shapes from cardboard boxes and decorate them.
• Wooden Blocks: Small wooden blocks can be painted and decorated.
• Beads: Use different sizes and colors of beads to create unique pieces.
• Paper: Roll or fold paper into unique shapes.

Making Your Pieces

Now it's time to bring your ideas to life! Here are a few tips depending on your chosen material:

1. Clay: Roll the clay into a ball, then shape it into your desired form. Use tools like toothpicks to add details. Bake according to the clay's instructions.
2. Cardboard: Draw your shapes on cardboard and carefully cut them out. Decorate with markers, paint, or stickers.
3. Wooden Blocks: Paint the blocks with your chosen colors. Add details with markers or smaller painted shapes.
4. Beads: String beads together to create figures. Use pipe cleaners to hold the beads in place.
5. Paper: Roll the paper into cylinders or cones, or fold it into origami shapes. Secure with glue or tape.

Safety: If using sharp tools like scissors or craft knives, ask an adult for help.

Adding Details

Make your game pieces even more special by adding details! You can use:

• Paint: Add colors and patterns.
• Markers: Draw faces, symbols, or other details.
• Glitter: Make your pieces sparkle!
• Stickers: Add fun images or designs.

Try This!

Design a game piece that can transform into something else! For example, a clay ball that can be flattened into a pancake or a cardboard square that folds into a cube.

Making your own board game pieces is a fun and creative way to personalize your games. Have fun designing and playing!