Balancing Act: A Simple & Fun Game Even DIY Rookies Can Make

One of the greatest intersections of design happens when function and taste meet. Even more so is finding the sweet spot between functional kid-friendly toys and tasteful decor. In an age full of plastic, heavily-branded games, and now fidget spinners and glitter slime, it’s hard to imagine a world where toys and games can double as home decor. Unless, that is, you purchase an expensive artisanal alternative, or make your own. So in an effort to balance function and taste, as well as artisanal and affordable, I give you this DIY balancing block game.

• 12+ Multi-faceted assorted wood blocks*
• 4-5 acrylic paints in various colors
• washi tape

Tools

• paint brushes

*You can purchase pre-made wooden blocks from here, or you can learn how to make your own here.

Instructions

Step 1. Cut your wood blocks. You can go one of two ways with step 1: You can make them from scratch, or you can find a seller/carpenter who custom makes them. I chose the latter, buying mine from Etsy seller ToyAnimal, but if you’re interested in building your game from the ground up, there are a handful of helpful tutorials to lead you in the right direction. Check out Curbly’s “how to” to learn to make your own multi-faceted blocks with a sander and soft wood blocks.

Step 2. Paint your blocks using a color scheme that is both playful but also works well with your other decor. I chose to paint random facets, leaving some raw, and other patterned. Get your kid involved by creating fun patterns or “guides” for your kids with the washi tape.

Step 3. Let ’em dry, and then get to balancing! See who can stack the tallest tower, and then display them on a shelf or coffee table when not in use. Kids are happy, adults are happy…

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