Checkers is an ancient game that might date back as far as 1400 B.C.—maybe even farther!!  Besides being fun to play, checkers is a great game for kids as it helps them develop logical thinking and strategy skills. Here’s how young artists can create their own customized checkerboard and checkers.

Supplies that you’ll need to make the checkerboard and checkers:

• 8½” x 11″ white cardstock (copy paper can substitute)
• Air-dry clay (either purchased or homemade)
• Paint or markers
• Checkerboard grid pattern
• Cereal box
• Glue
• Small round cookie or canape cutter (optional)
• Rolling pin
• Sandpaper (optional)

Let’s get started making the checkers:

1. Roll out the clay to about ¼” thick. You can get an even thickness by placing a skewer at each side of the clay. Roll over the clay and flatten it until the rolling pin touches the skewers.
2. You’ll need 24 checkers total of —12 of each color. Might want to make a couple of extras just in case one gets lost! There are two ways to form the checkers. You can use a small round cookie or canape cutter.
3. Or, you can form a small ball of clay and flatten it with your thumb. The grid pattern includes a size guide for the included checkerboard grid.
4. After the checkers are formed, set them aside to dry. Carefully turn them over from time to time to encourage even drying.
5. When they are dry, you can sand any uneven edges, if desired.
6. Paint the checkers with markers or acrylic paints.

Let’s make the checkerboard:

1. You can print out the checkerboard pattern and color alternating squares with markers or crayons.
2. Or, you can draw your own grid on white cardstock using a marker and ruler.
3. Glue the grid to the cereal box so the checkboard is more rigid. Trim the edges of the grid.

Now you’re ready for a challenging game of checkers using your own customized checkerboard and checkers.