Bunny, don’t you worry! | DIY EASTER BOARD GAME

"Mensch, ärgere dich nicht“ is a classic German board game that has been played by many over the past hundred years and is still a much-loved pastime. It may even be the most played game in the country! (At least, I weren’t particularly surprised if it were so.) Which is somewhat surprising given that the title in itself is nothing short of a warning label.

A quick glance at the game’s packaging is indication enough that this is not a game for the light hearted. If you can’t keep your cool, this ain’t for you! “Mensch ärgere dich nicht” roughly translates to “Dude, don’t get upset”. Which is a clear indication that, yes, you will most definitely get upset – Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

The game requires some strategic thinking, but for the most part outstanding dice-rolling skills, also known as luck. And as it turns out, not everybody possesses such noteworthy talent. Who would have thought!

In the Anglo-Saxon world the game is known by less loaded names such as “Parcheesi” or “Ludo”, at times “Sorry!”, or “Trouble”. So if you are ready to admit that you are a sore loser and therefore on the look-out for what appears to be a calmer, more easeful version of this headache-inducing entertainment, those might just be your better options!

I was somewhat surprised to find that my festive Christmas version of the game “Santa, take a chill pill” was so well received that the blog entry quickly became one of the most popular posts on the blog. But then, those little snowmen are freakin’ adorable! And the tiny candy cones made the whole undertaking just that much sweeter!

So following that craft success, this year, I have created for you the ultimate Easter edition entitled “Bunny, don’t you worry”!

Bunnies hopping across the playing field, nibbling on carrots while little chickens pick at their scut and lay pink Easter eggs… I mean, does Easter get any cuter than that?

Grab your buddies and a pick a team! There’s team Hobble, team Flugg, team Veg and team Pastel!

If for some mysterious reason you don’t know how to play this classic game, no worries (yet), I’ve got you covered: There are detailed instructions over in this blog entry.

To make your own game
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

for the game pieces: 
- air drying modelling clay, white
- acrylic paint: white (optional, for touch-ups only), yellow, orange, pink, green
- paint brush
- sewing needle

for the game board: 
- thick craft paper, white
- ruler
- pencil
- template below
- transfer paper
-  marker, black
- acrylic paint: white (optional, for touch-ups only), yellow, orange, pink, green
- paint brush

to play: 
- dice

Step 1: Start by making the game pieces.

For the chickens, roll out the modelling clay into a larger and a smaller ball. Stack the smaller one onto the larger ball at an angle and add a tiny cone as beak. Let dry, then paint the body of the chicken yellow, the beak in an orange color.

The carrots require one elongated cone shape with a rounded tip. Use a sewing needle to add markings across the cone. Roll out three long strips of clay with sharp ends and press into the top of the cone. Once dried, use a paint brush to paint the body of the carrot orange and the greenery with green acrylic paint.

The eggs are made in a flash by rolling out the clay into small balls, then slightly pressing down on them from one side while twisting between your fingers to create a clearer egg shape. Let dry and paint in a pink shade.

To make the bunny rabbits, roll out a larger ball for the bodice, a smaller one for the head. Add a tiny ball for the bum. Add ears by making to very thin cone shapes. Once placed on the bunnies head, twist and bend them into shape and let dry.

Be sure to lightly press down the game pieces onto the working surface before letting them dry completely to create an even bottom. This will help the pieces to stay upright. If necessary, adjust with a nail file once dried.

Step 2: once you have finished the game pieces, print off the template for the grid above and transfer onto thick craft paper using transfer paper. Make sure it is large enough for the game pieces to stand nicely in the fields. Mine ended up being 20,5 x 20,5cm.

Step 3: Paint the fields as shown above.

Step 4: Retrace the grid with a thicker black marker to make it more visible.

Happy Easter!