To make the block stacking game, you simply need to make a base and several blocks. We will make the blocks first and then size the base to them. To ensure that play is challenging a good rule to keep in mind is that opposite sides of the blocks should not be parallel; making a limited number of blocks that fail to meet this guideline will not adversely affect gameplay. Use a bandsaw, scrollsaw or jigsaw to cut the basic shapes and then sand curves and skewed angles with a disc and/or belt sander. We recommend that you start by making about 15 or 20 blocks; you should test their stackability on any hard and flat surface as you progress: you will get a feel for how they balance on eachother. You don't want them to be too easy to stack, so making oddly shaped blocks is beneficial. Our set included blocks that were 3/4" x 1" x 1 1/4" (20 x 25 x 30mm) and 3/4" x 3/4" x 3 1/4" (20 x 20 x 80mm) and 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" (15 x 40 x 65mm).

One of the great things about this project, is that it can be made out of scraps that you already have. We used cherry from the wine rack and magazine holder; maple from the shallow box, walnut from the impossible stack sculpture; mahogany from a mallet; and some leftover pine and makore. Playing the game reminds you of the other projects that you completed and this adds a unique dimension to the experience. Using different woods provides different densities and makes gameplay interesting, although this project can also be made out of one species of wood.