Story Blocks or Story Dice
June 24, 2010
These blocks are finally seeing the light of day. They have been waiting for me to get to them since I painted the peg people. I saw several places online that sell them and some sites with people making them for their kids. Some people call them story dice. I call them whatever comes out of my mouth at the time.
We have plans to go out to dinner with two other families. Seven kids hanging out with adults who like to talk can easily get bored (which generally leads to nagging the adults!). So I figured this was a great time to make these blocks so we can take them with us to dinner for the kids. The girls have been having a blast playing with them and helped me think of more pictures to help grow the collection.
The best part about these blocks is that you can customize them for the children playing with them. Making them holiday themed is fun too. I plan to make a Christmas theme set. Then you can mix and match them with the regular ones too.
I picked up these little wooden blocks at Michael’s. They are about an inch, so they are tiny. You can paint images on them, use Mod Podge to glue pictures on them or stamp them with little stamps. I was too impatient for any of those methods, so mine are just a freehand sketch.
I just drew the pictures with a Pigma Micron pen and covered them with a bit of varnish to protect them and make them waterproof. This is handy when they play with them at the table at a restaurant. I made the pictures simple since those blocks are little. I also sanded to blocks a bit to dull the corners.
I made a little bag to keep them in and they live in my purse. They have been a lifesaver at times like impromptu trips out to dinner, waiting in the exam room at the doctor’s office and while waiting for Daddy to arrive at the airport.
Story blocks are pretty self explanatory, but there are several different ways to play. You can play alone or in a group. Each person can take a block or one person can have them all, it’s up to you. To play, just throw the blocks out and tell a story based on the pictures that land face up. If you are taking turns, each person tells their portion of the story and the next player adds onto the story based on their picture. To spice up the game, kids can act out the story as they go along.
To make this as a gift, you can make the blocks and get or make a little bag to put keep them together. Then if you want, add a cute little notepad and a pen so the kids can record their stories to read later.
Here are some other sites with ideas of how to make them for further inspiration.
There are also several cute options on etsy if you just want to buy some!
Linking to
Posted in Crafts, Kid Activities, Tutorials
June 24th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
So cute! Love toys like this. We actually have those old fashioned letter/picture wood blocks from the store, but I love the Toby Show sweet hand painted pictures. Very fun!
June 24th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Very cute! You are a good drawer, I wouldn’t be able to draw anything that recognizable lol! Thanks for sharing!
June 25th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
This is such an awesome idea. My kids get bored in restaurants too so maybe I need to make some of these. Thanks so much for linking up with 6 inches of Ribbon. Come back next friday.
June 26th, 2010 at 1:12 am
These are an AWESOME idea! Putting them on my “to do” list right now
June 27th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Okay, you DREW those? I bow to you. Dang. That’s awesome.
June 29th, 2010 at 9:56 am
wow, you drew all those pics? Great job! It looks so easy and I know my kids would love it! Great idea.
June 29th, 2010 at 9:56 am
Great idea! I love that you drew all those. They turned out great. I know my kids would love them as well!
June 29th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Love this idea! I’m going to do it for my two oldest! They are just the right age for something like this!
June 29th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Sorry, I didn’t mean to be anonymous! Love the idea!
June 29th, 2010 at 5:02 pm
You drew those? So cute! What a great idea.
June 29th, 2010 at 5:19 pm
Thanks for joining us for another great Anything Related! ~Bridgette
July 4th, 2010 at 10:03 am
Super Cute, love it!
http://mycreationsbygracie.blogspot.com/
July 6th, 2010 at 3:21 am
Oh my, these are SOOOOO cool!!! We LOVE story telling at our house and I am sooo keen to promote it more.
We will definitely be making some!
Maggy
July 6th, 2010 at 3:25 am
I think I just left a comment? Just wanted to say tha we LOVE storytelling and think more people should “Give it a go”, these dice will bre great for our bedtime! I will be making some… thank you
Maggy
July 6th, 2010 at 10:36 am
Love this! What a great idea!
July 6th, 2010 at 10:37 am
Sorry – - leaving the comment again with my info! I really do love this idea!
July 6th, 2010 at 11:10 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mommy Perks, Cool Progeny MD. Cool Progeny MD said: What a fun idea! And great personal gift! http://mymagicmom.com/story-blocks-or-story-dice/ http://fb.me/xrQfbfRG [...]
July 7th, 2010 at 10:37 am
awe this is sooo SUPER precious!
Thanks for sharing
xoxox
bB
July 7th, 2010 at 10:38 am
SO PRECIOUS!!
xoxo
August 24th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
These are wonderful. I wish I could draw like you can.
Stopping from SITS!
March 8th, 2011 at 12:22 am
[...] Story Blocks/Dice – OMG! Love these! I want some to use during mealtimes, especially lunch! [...]
April 1st, 2011 at 1:06 am
American Science & Surplus (with which I am in no way affiliated) just posted brightly-colored 3/4″ wooden blocks that look perfect for this craft. They have 102 cubes in 6 colors for under $3. Look around while you’re there; it’s a great site for crafters. http://www.sciplus.com/singleItem.cfm/terms/17184 (I hope it’s OK to advertise; my apologies if not!)
December 13th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
[...] idea I saw here at My Magic Mom. She drew on hers. I could draw on mine (with some mistakes, I’m sure) [...]
February 21st, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Absolutely fabulous!
Would you be willing to share a list of the objects you drew on your story telling blocks?
Thank you for sharing your artistic talent with us.
~DeAyn
October 14th, 2012 at 1:49 pm
[...] The idea is so simple, and the cost very low (with the 40% coupon from my local craft store, these wood cubes were less than $1), and easy to keep in my purse … very successful indeed! So glad I did this one. Here is the link to the original post about these: wooden story cubes [...]
January 14th, 2013 at 8:00 am
Hi, I loved the idea! I get together with 2 friends and we have done the story blocks to play with our kids and to offer to family friends this Christmas. It was a sucess! Everybody loves it! Thanks!!!
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