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How to Design Your Own Doll House Game

For a change of pace, a doll or dollhouse collector might like to design a dollhouse game to showcase a collection or bring attention to the hobby. A dollhouse game does not have to be complicated, to be successful. Use simple tools, actual dollhouse items and computer generated graphics to develop a game that will be fun to play and can become a decorative or collectible item. Add personalized items to use the game for a club fundraiser or for promotion by a dollhouse club or miniatures show.

Things You'll Need

Wood
Illustration board
Heavy art paper or poster board
Plastic
Cardboard
Acrylic paint
Markers
Computer
Scissors
Plastic laminate
Small miniature item like a statue or pewter pieces

Instructions

- 1
  Decide on the type of game to design such as a hunt type game like Clue; a quest game where players must reach a goal; or a question and answer game using a path on a board and game cards. Use a spinner attached to a circle divided into different color pie shapes; add actions or directions for a random question or path game.
- 2
  Develop a story for the game. Make a mystery game where players have to find the dead dollhouse victim, a missing item or decide on the killer like in the Clue game. Personalize the game with questions related to a dollhouse club's or members' collections.
- 3
  Decide on the decorations. Use photos of individual miniatures from a personal collection or from dollhouse club members on the game board. Add clues or directions to photo squares.
- 4
  Incorporate a challenge into the game. Add prizes by having players win rewards or gems. Decide on a theme with coordinating colors, photos and objects to unify the game.
  
  Design the game cards and playing pieces. Use the same colors and photos for the game cards. Design cards on a computer, then print on cardboard and cut out. Laminate the cards with plastic for durability. Choose playing pieces to go with the game's theme. Use small miniatures like a small statue or pewter pieces painted in different colors.
- 5
  Test the game. Make a prototype and invite several collectors over to play to see how the design works. Evaluate the game by the skill level and ease of play. Ask players for advice on how to improve the game, perhaps by adding more challenges or obstacles.

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