by Julie Finn May 13, 2015, 5:56 am 2 Comments

Small store-bought dice are fine for small board games, but for GIANT games, you need GIANT dice!

Giant dice are great for outdoor parties and for kids who want some more movement, since the gross-motor activity of rolling giant dice is way better exercise than tossing teensy dice across a table.

I’ve got two simultaneous tutes for making these giant dice for you here. Both ways utilize primarily recycled and stash supplies, but one makes temporary giant dice that are easy to pull apart and recycle–perfect for that kid’s party. The other way is more work, but the results look nicer and last longer–keep a set on hand for all kinds of games.

1. Find a set of boxes that are as nearly cube-shaped as you can manage. My kids and I volunteer weekly in a food pantry, and I recommend this as an excellent way to score used boxes and food packaging of all sorts.

The closer to an exact cube your dice are, the more accurately they’ll roll.

2. Cut down the boxes to size. If your boxes aren’t good cubes, cut them down by measuring the short sides, then marking that measurement on the long sides. Cut down at the corners of the box to these marks–

–then use a metal ruler to help you fold down the sides of the box to these marks.

Fold the sides in, then duct tape the box shut. If you’ve got a couple of jingle bells or ping pong balls, you can seal them inside the box at this point–they’ll make a fun noise when you roll your dice.

3. Wrap the boxes like they’re presents. This is as easy way to give your dice a neutral base color. I’m using second-hand gift wrap turned inside-out for these dice, but brown paper bags also make an excellent wrapping material; you can even use newspaper, if you’re in a pinch.

4. Tape or paint on the dice markings. Double-sided tape will stick well enough during use, but is easy to remove afterwards. A glue stick is another easy option, if you’re not worried about separating your papers for recycling later.

See? Quick and easy, and you’re ready to roll!

Here’s the tute for a more permanent set of giant dice.

1. Follow the Temporary Giant Dice instructions to cute your dice to size. This part stays the same, no matter what kind of dice you’re making.

2. Paint your dice a base coat. White is the traditional option, of course, but I had some stash purple spray paint on hand, and I gambled that there was just enough in the can to finish this job (there was!). Brush-on paint is a more eco-friendly option; use stash low-VOC house paint, whatever kind you’ve got in the garage.

3. Stencil and paint the dice markings. 

Choose a color of paint that contrasts well with your base coat, since kids, especially, tend to let these dice fly across the room when they play, so you’ll want the markings to be visible.

4. Add a clear sealant. This is an optional step, but if you do want to keep your dice for a long time, it will protect them against general wear and tear.

Almost as quick and easy, and once again, you’re ready to roll!

Here are just a few ideas for using your brand-new giant dice:

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I'm a writer, crafter, Zombie Preparedness Planner, and homeschooling momma of two kids who will hopefully someday transition into using their genius for good, not the evil machinations and mess-making in which they currently indulge. I'm interested in recycling and nature crafts, food security, STEM education, and the DIY lifestyle, however it's manifested--making myself some underwear out of T-shirts? Done it. Teaching myself guitar? Doing it right now.

Visit my blog Craft Knife for a peek at our very weird handmade homeschool life, and my etsy shop Pumpkin+Bear for a truly odd number of rainbow-themed beeswax pretties.

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