Handmade games: DIY craft ideas you can make and play

Rock-paper-scissors game

[Craft] Guaranteed to win: Explanation of how to make and how it works for a rock-paper-scissors game

Here’s an idea for a rock-paper-scissors game you can make using craft paper and magnets.

There are three buttons—rock, scissors, and paper—and when you press one, a spinning drum in the center stops so you can play the game.

The mechanism is simple: both the buttons and the drum have magnets attached.

When a button’s magnet connects with the drum’s magnet, the drum stops spinning.

Because you can’t predict where the drum will stop, you can play rock-paper-scissors over and over.

If you use a thin, flexible type, you could even make it out of cardboard!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Wani Wani Panic

How to make Crocodile Game with Cardboard. Whac-A-Mole DIY. tutorial.

This project builds a Whac-A-Gator-style game out of combined cardboard pieces, where targets like crocodiles pop out of holes one after another.

The key is the bent wire hidden inside the base; its unique shape creates the targets’ distinctive popping motion.

It’s also recommended to make targets in various designs, not just crocodiles, to add the fun of anticipating what will appear.

The simple look composed of rectangular shapes makes it easy to customize freely, which is another highlight.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Maze ideas

You can make a fun maze with a cardboard wrap core! Here’s a simple way to do it.

First, cut construction paper to the length of the wrap core, and draw a maze on it using any writing tools you like.

Attach double-sided tape to the paper with the maze and wrap it around the core.

Next, cut a piece of wrapping film to about 5 cm and stick your favorite stickers on it—that’s it! Thread it through the wrap core to play the maze game.

If you make the construction paper removable, you can enjoy original mazes over and over again.

It’s also recommended to use stickers of your favorite characters to enjoy a themed world.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kepiko

Report a problem

Maze ideas

You can make a fun maze with a cardboard wrap core! Here’s a simple way to do it.

First, cut construction paper to the length of the wrap core, and draw a maze on it using any writing tools you like.

Attach double-sided tape to the paper with the maze and wrap it around the core.

Next, cut a piece of wrapping film to about 5 cm and stick your favorite stickers on it—that’s it! Thread it through the wrap core to play the maze game.

If you make the construction paper removable, you can enjoy original mazes over and over again.

It’s also recommended to use stickers of your favorite characters to enjoy a themed world.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kepiko

Report a problem

Marble-rolling game made with 100-yen shop items

[Handmade Toy] Make It with 100-Yen Shop Items! Marble Rolling Game 🎮

How about making a marble-rolling game like pinball or smart ball using 100-yen shop items? First, prepare a thick document file (the kind used for storing papers) and cut a piece of cardboard to the same size to use as the base.

Paste construction paper on it, then cut out faces of your favorite animals or characters from more construction paper and stick them on.

Punch a hole where the animal’s or character’s mouth is, create a starting point, and slide it into the file—done! Instead of animals or characters, you can also make ramps so the marble slides down, which is highly recommended.

It’s portable, so it’s great as a time-killer for kids when you’re out and about.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

Marble coaster with a spiral coil

How to Make a Marble Run/Spiral Coil — How to Build a Marble Run Machine Spiral Coil

Let’s make a slightly unusual spiral-type marble run using wire! First, wrap the wire around a rod whose diameter is close to that of the marble.

As you wrap, check to make sure the marble can fall properly through the coiled wire and that the loops aren’t so large that the marble drops straight down in an instant.

Next, create a path out of cardboard that leads the marble to the spiral wire, and combine it with the wire to complete the course! It’s also fun to connect it with other tracks.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

Marble run with a milk carton and paper plates

[Elementary School Summer Craft/Independent Research] Let’s make a marble run using a milk carton and paper plates!

Let’s make a spiral marble run using a milk carton and paper plates! First, cut off the spout and the bottom of the milk carton and turn it into a cylinder by removing the corners.

Next, cut out the center of a paper plate to make a donut shape, snip one spot to open it up, then make several cuts from the center hole outward.

Wrap these around the milk carton to form slide-like ramps.

It’s a good idea to roll a marble from time to time as you build to check that it rolls properly.

Finally, cut off the bottom third of a paper cup, attach it under the end of the slide, and use it as the catcher—then you’re done!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

Marble coaster made from drawing paper and milk cartons

[Elementary School Craft] Marble Coaster: A Handmade Toy Made with Construction Paper and Milk Cartons

Let’s try making a complex marble run using a milk carton and construction paper! First, close the opening of the milk carton to make a complete cube, then wrap it with construction paper in any color you like.

Next, use construction paper to craft detailed tracks in various shapes.

Make different kinds of paths—curves, sharp angles, and zigzags.

Once the tracks are ready, attach them to the milk-carton cube however you like, and you’re done.

There are no rules for how to build the tracks, so create an original and fun course full of personality!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

Marble Climbing

Handmade toy: “Marble Climbing”

When you think of a marble run, you usually imagine marbles rolling from top to bottom, but this one makes the marble go upward.

First, prepare a wooden board with many holes big enough for a marble to fall through, and combine it with other wooden boards at an angle to form a box shape.

Next, make a small box just large enough to hold a marble.

Cut holes in the front and back of this box so the marble can pass through.

Attach strings to the box so you can pull it from both sides, creating a mechanism that lifts the marble upward—then it’s complete.

If, while lifting the marble, it slips through the box’s holes and falls into one of the holes in the wooden board, you’re out.

If the marble climbs all the way to the top without falling, you win!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

A crane game where you can grab capsules

[Crafting LIVE] I made the crane part of a crane game that can grab capsules

A capsule-compatible claw machine made from cardboard offers an impressive look and engaging controls.

Cut the main body parts from cardboard, temporarily hold them in place with tape, then assemble.

Making use of the corrugated structure increases strength and stability.

Thread yarn through the claw section for opening and closing, and set up additional yarn to support the body so it can be operated.

To prevent the claw from opening too wide, use items like batteries as stoppers for a more realistic motion.

Reinforce the claw so it can grip capsules without dropping them, and add eye designs to give the appearance a sharper finish.

Small adjustments to the details change the difficulty, making this a three-dimensional idea that expands the fun of play.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem