How to make a Block Matching Game

Dollar Tree Tumbling Tower block crafts have been very popular. And then, sadly, Dollar Tree stopped carrying this wonderful and inexpensive craft item.

I was thrilled to see yesterday that the Tumbling Tower Blocks are back in stock.  Look carefully as they are in new packaging!

Learn more about this homemade memory game by watching our video or keep reading this post.

What size are the tumbling tower blocks?

The Dollar Tree Tumbling Tower blocks are a mini version of the popular Jenga game. These mini blocks measure 5 cm  x  5 cm  x  1 cm.  Although much more difficult to play than the larger Jenga game, they are the perfect size for a plethora of crafts!

WHAT YOU NEED to make a dollar tree matching game:

• 12" x 12" piece of scrapbook paper
• Two matching calendars from the Dollar Tree
• Mod Podge
• Paint to match scrapbook paper or a neutral color
• Dollar Tree Tumbling Towers Block Game
• Parchment paper
• Glue gun and glue sticks
• Scissors
• Sponge applicator
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Small bowl

INSTRUCTIONS to create a DIY matching game

STEP 1: Glue the Dollar Tree Tumbling Towers Blocks together 

Begin by covering the work space with parchment paper to protect the area.

Taking three of the blocks, glue them together with the hot glue gun, being careful of the the very hot glue.

Begin by placing glue on one long side of a block. Attach the second block to it.

Before the glue dries, adjust the two blocks so they are lined up at each end and smooth on the top and the bottom.

Next, add the third block to the set. Place hot glue on the long side of the second block and adhere the final piece to make the square.

Once again, adjust the blocks before the glue dries, making sure the ends are lined up and the top and bottom of the square is smooth.

Do this with all of the single Tumbling Tower blocks, making groups of three into squares.  The entire box will make 24 squares, which is enough for 12 matching pairs.

The size of the game can be altered by reducing the number of pairs.

Remove any extra dried hot glue that may have seeped out between the blocks.

step 2: paint the sides of the square blocks for the matching game

Using the sponge applicator, paint the sides of the squares.  Hold the square with the forefinger and thumb, and turn the block as each side is painted to keep the fingers from getting paint on them.

Use enough paint to cover all of the wood on the edges of the matching blocks.

step 3: cut the scrapbook paper to the size of the matching blocks

Put the blocks aside to dry.  Take the piece of 12" x 12" scrapbook paper and place it wrong side up on the work surface.

Using one of the square blocks, mark points on the scrapbook paper with the pencil and use a ruler to make 24 squares of paper that will fit on the top of the wooden squares.

Continue measuring to make a page full of squares the size of the blocks.

Carefully cut out each square of scrapbook paper.  These will be placed on top of the wooden matching game pieces.

step 4: Glue the paper squares to the wooden matching game pieces

Pour a small amount of Mod Podge into a bowl.  Using the clean sponge applicator, brush some of the Mod Podge on the top of one block.  This will serve as the glue to attach the scrapbook paper.

Place one square of the scrapbook paper on top of the Mod Podged side of the wooden block. Carefully smooth out any bubbles or creases that might have formed under the paper.

Continue this step with all of the wooden squares and let them dry on the parchment paper.

step 5: decoupage the papers onto the squares

Once the Mod Podge has dried, it is time to decoupage the paper onto the wooden squares in order to keep therm flat and securely adhered.

Take one of the blocks that has the scrapbook paper glued on, and with the sponge applicator, brush Mod Podge across the top of the scrapbook layer and down the sides.

Be sure to use the applicator in one direction so the brush strokes, if any, are neat.  The Mod Podge will dry clear.  Repeat this with each of the blocks on the scrapbook paper side and place them on the parchment paper to dry overnight.

step 6: Apply the pictures on the DIY memory blocks

While the Mod Podge is drying, turn the identical Dollar Tree calendars to the back.  The small pictures need to be cut out for this project. 

Using scissors, cut just inside of the outline of the picture, since the pictures are just a tad too large for the Dollar Tree Jenga Block arrangements.

Once the decoupage on the scrapbook side of the blocks has dried, turn the blocks over and attach the Dollar Tree calendar pictures to the other side of the blocks using the same technique that was used to apply the scrapbook paper.

Brush on the Mod Podge to use as glue for the calendar pictures, push out any air bubbles,let the Mod Podge dry, then decoupage over the top of the Dollar Tree calendar pictures. 

Make sure to brush in the same direction on the top of the pictures and brush down on the painted sides. Let the Mod Podge dry overnight.

Now the DIY memory game is complete and ready to play.  Place out all of the tiles for the older, more advanced, kiddos.  Take some of the pairs of the matching game away to make the game smaller for the little folks!

I hope that you enjoyed learning how to make this picture pairs game!  Enjoy playing this fun game with your little ones.  This also makes a great gift for any child!

Other toys and games to make for kids

• Playhouses and Cardboard Castles for Kids
• Balloon crafts
• No-Sew Sock Puppets
• Tuna and Bones Amigurumi Patterns
• Crinkle Tag Toy for Baby