Homemade Replacements for Checkers

Just a few missing checkers ruins the entire game. This makes it necessary to find replacements, but they do not have to come from the store. Although they are cheap, they can be even cheaper and far more interesting. Homemade options can also make the game more challenging. Use homemade checker pieces instead of the standard variety. Consider these homemade replacements for checkers, and make your own game pieces for less. This is also a great way to recycle and repurpose items that would otherwise end up in the trash.

Save Plastic Bottle Caps as Replacements for Checkers

When trying to gather homemade replacements for checkers, consider using plastic screw-on bottle caps. Save the caps from two-liter pop bottles in two different colors. Yellow and red are the most common options. They will work great as replacements for checkers. Stacking the caps is not necessary. Make paper inserts with hand-drawn or stamped crowns. Push the paper crowns into the bottle caps. When the pieces are supposed to be crowned they can be turned over to signify the new status. This is a fantastic way to reuse something that would otherwise end up in the trash. Create a homemade checkerboard using cardboard or poster board and this game will cost less than one dollar.

Create Homemade Replacements with Polymer Clay

Would you like checkers that are much higher in quality? Homemade replacements can be fashioned from polymer clay. Buy red and black polymer clay, and create the homemade checkers using a small round mold. A milk jug lid is the ideal. Use real checkers to stamp both sides. Bake them in the oven according to label directions. With proper care this high-quality homemade set will last for years to come.

Use Nickels and Quarters as Replacements for Checkers

If you need fast replacements for checkers, consider using quarters and nickels. Keep all of them tail-side-up until crowning. Once one of the coins becomes a king, turn it over with the head side up. Players will have to pay close attention to this particular game. Playing with homemade replacements such as these is a lot more challenging than using standard plastic checkers, and it can be much more fun.