It doesn’t take much to get me to play any sort of game. My competitive nature pretty much is roaring to go at any minute. However, there is something about Spring that makes me want to play games even more. I think it is probably because when I was young I remember any time the sun was out my mom screaming for us to go outside and play. So my sister and I would bring games outside and play on our front porch. One of our favorite games to play was Mancala. The board we played on disappeared forever ago and my kids recently asked about the game. I figured making one would be simple. Plus I like the fact that you can fold this game to store the pieces inside and the pieces are locked inside. No missing marbles thank you very much.
Supplies:
2 Wood Treasure Chests (found at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores)
Small screwdriver
drill with 1/16†drill bit
clamp
1. Remove hardware from the mini treasure chests. Knock the ball off the side of the display box with a hammer.
2. Glue the mini treasure chest bottom to the sides of each of the display boxes where you removed the balls. Use wood glue and a clamp to hold it in place while it dries.
3. Once dry paint the boxes. You can use craft paint, spray paint, chalk paint, etc. I love using chalky finish paints so I opted for Folk Art Home Decor Chalk in coral and pink.
4. First I painted it Coral and then I painted over that with the pink.
5. Optional: With a piece of sandpaper or a wet rag sand the edges of the boxes to reveal the color underneath.
6. Once dry use the hinges from the treasure chests to connect the two mini display boxes. Make sure to predrill first. It will make screwing those tiny screws much easier. This will allow you to close one box onto the other.
7 Attach the clasp to the treasure chests using the holes already drilled.
8. Optional: Add some vinyl lettering to the front that spells out Mancala.
Add 4 marbles to each small box (not the treasure chests) and enjoy this easy peasy and fun game!
When you are done play just lock the game using the clasp. Click here for game rules and how to play.
For more handmade games check out…
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I LOVE this Beckie!! This is so cute…how have I not heard of this game before? I am going to HAVE to make this and learn to play!! I am always up for a new game! Thanks for always sharing your amazing creativity with us!!
You are so sweet, Cara. You need to whip up your own Mancala game asap and get to playin’!