This project involves creating a series of identical blocks that will be stacked. You can choose a variety of shapes, but we have provided a template with four different options. If you are going to stray from any of these options, we recommend that you read the design considerations section at the end of this plan before doing so.

We selected the spoon-like shape which is perhaps the most difficult option of the four provided. If, for example, you opt to make rectangular blocks, your steps will be significantly easier. Click on the icons on the right to launch the appropriate sized template file. To view and print the template, you will need the Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. If you are having any difficulties downloading or printing, you should visit the Acrobat troubleshooter page.

You can choose any number of materials from wood to plastic to metal to paper. All that really matters in terms of functionality is that the material is consistent; that is to say that it needs to be the same thickness and density throughout all the blocks. The faces should also be flat; if yours are not, then you will have to prepare that before proceeding.

We used some scrap walnut that was left over from another project; all the scraps were already surfaced to the same width so we were ready to trace the pattern onto a piece of scrap. Begin by taping the chosen template to some of the scrap; Using a hobby knife, carefully cut through the template on the line to transfer the pattern to the wood. Once you are finished, remove the remaining tape and using a pencil darken the groove you just made in the wood so that it will be easily visible when you cut the wood.