by Natasa Shepherd

Created on: May 21, 2010

Children, even though it might not seem that way, are always eager to learn new things. Creating, experimenting and exploring is ultimate fun for them. The trick is to make it something that appeals to them rather than to you. Helping your child create their own board game should be a win win situation. Parents are happy that their kids are away from TV and being productive, and for kids its a game.

And while there are so many board games out there already. However, you must admit that it is always more fun when you have your own creation regardless of what you are doing so the same goes for games. Creating your own board game, or even a card game, is a relatively easy and fun craft for those of us who are at least a little bit imaginative. It is also a very wonderful present to give to friends. In today's world kids are so tech oriented its crazy! A game such as this will allow them to still have fun and provide them with personal time with their friends. You can even turn the board game making into a fun arts and crafts project with your kid or for your class if you are a teacher. It will turn out to be one of the most rewarding crafts projects your or the kids have ever done.

What you will need to create your very own board game:
- Two poster boards ( you will really need one, but get two just in case you mess up on one of them...hey it happens!).
- Coloring and drawing mediums such as markers, pencils, pens, oil paints, tempera, chalk, crayons, colored pencils, water colors, etc.
- One packet of blank note cards (they are relatively cheap, but in case you don't want to purchase them and have card stock printer paper lying around you can cut out cards out of that as well).
- A pair of dice, or more as they are always easy to get lost!
- Player pieces or polymer clay to create your own custom pieces.

How to create your very own board game:
- Before you do anything you need to get some planning done. Once you have figured out things such as what the theme of your board game will be then you should think about the details. Get a pen and a scrap piece of paper to do some sketching and jot down ideas. Feel free to borrow from the classics. Make your own version of Monopoly if you wish (or if you have a brain block and cant think of anything else)!
- When you have all of your game parts planned out, the layout, the tricks, the moves, all the rules, that is where the artsy part comes in.
- Cut the poster board (or you can leave it in tact, depending on what you have planned for your game) to fit your size.
- First sketch, then paint the game onto it. If your game has a trail that needs to be followed, draw that on along with things that relate to the theme of your game. If it is more chess or checker like paint your design of that on.
- On your note cards write down various moves, rules and other things players will need to know about the game.
- If you need game pieces you can always go and reuse any old ones or you could also use polymer clay to create your own ones, just don't forget to bake them!

- Tips:

To give this game as a gift you can buy a sheet cake box and paint the game theme onto it, just to complete the look. Gift wrap, or bag the game and give it to your best buddy!

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