The Sweet DIY Connect Four Game: A Unique Take on Travel Size Fun

Games and crafts should beckon you to interact. They should whisper or shout, “touch me.” And what material screams “touch me” quite like chocolate?

Here’s a creative twist on a classic board game, perfect for holiday gatherings, themed parties, or simply enjoying a fun afternoon at home. While many seek the convenience of a Connect Four Travel Size Game for portability, this project offers a unique, hands-on experience that regular versions can’t match.

Connect Four with Real Chocolate Gelt

It sounds straightforward, doesn’t it? One might think so. However, size is a critical factor here. Beyond variations in taste, brands of chocolate gelt (foil-wrapped chocolate coins) differ in diameter and width. Similarly, different generations of Connect Four frames have varying internal dimensions. The older yellow and blue frames, with their differing assembly methods (tab/slot vs. pin/hole), are not uniform, and the newer dark blue versions are different entirely. (Any of these standard sizes will work for this project, but note that this modification is not suitable for the new Launchers iteration or, crucially, the Connect Four Travel Size Game.)

Be warned, creating Gelt Connect Four is a project that demands time and patience. Yet, the result is immensely rewarding. While “detail-oriented” might seem a gentler term, achieving Gelt Connect Four perfection truly requires a touch of the obsessive.

The Quick Method: The core idea is to modify chocolate gelt pieces to match the exact dimensions of the checkers designed for your specific Connect Four frame. This is primarily achieved by hot-gluing two gelt pieces together to match the required thickness. Minor adjustments to diameter or thickness can be made with additional hot glue or careful application of gentle heat.

The Detailed Approach: Begin by selecting a Connect Four frame, any standard-sized frame will do, and commit to using only that one. The author recounts an experience where their frame broke, rendering all the meticulously tailored gelt pieces incompatible with any other frame. This necessitated a sturdy repair using machine screws, nuts, and epoxy – a testament to the dedication this project can inspire. Just like carefully planning the steps for a travel trailer setup ensures a stable foundation, securing your game frame is paramount.

Next, acquire various types of chocolate gelt. You might need to purchase small bags from several brands to find the one whose diameter is closest to the original checkers of your specific frame. Matching the diameter is the most challenging part; adjusting the width is slightly easier. If starting fresh, Belgian chocolate gelt from brands like Paskesz is recommended for its taste and appealing holographic foil.

Crafting Your Gelt Checkers

hot-glue two pieces to match thickness of checker

Aligning and hot-gluing two chocolate gelt pieces to achieve the correct checker thickness.

The author found Rite Lite gelt’s diameter was close, but it was far too thin. A single piece would simply slide past another in the frame. The solution was to hot-glue two pieces together: two gold for a gold checker, two silver for a silver. For some frames, this doubled thickness might be sufficient. For the author’s frame, it wasn’t.

The diameter was slightly undersized, requiring a small bead of hot glue applied carefully around the edge to build it up. This ensures the pieces fully occupy the holes in the frame, preventing them from sitting loosely or failing to fill the upper levels completely.

However, the doubled gelt pieces were slightly too thick to slide smoothly into and out of the frame. Using a glass-topped stove’s warming area, the author briefly heated the doubled gelt piece and pressed down gently with a flat spatula. This reduced the height just enough for a perfect fit without damaging the foil seams. This level of precision, much like selecting the best snorkel gear for travel for a perfect fit, is key to success.

This process exemplifies the required level of detail and patience.

The payoff, however, is a game that truly invites play. This Gelt Connect Four was a major hit at a synagogue carnival, particularly with middle-grade children seeking something cooler than traditional games, and even captivated a group of toddlers.

GeltCheckers

Large chocolate gelt pieces repurposed as checkers on a standard checkerboard.

Beyond the Gelt Connect Four, other simple variations using jumbo gelt include Gelt Checkers (using a standard checkerboard) and spray-painting regular Connect Four checkers gold and silver. The latter offers a much easier workaround, requiring none of the detailed gelt modification, but lacks the unique, tactile appeal of the chocolate pieces. It’s a simple solution akin to finding cheap places to travel in october versus planning an intricate 2 week travel itinerary sri lanka – both achieve the goal, but one involves significantly more effort and unique experience.

New frame with spray-painted pieces

A newer Connect Four frame with standard checkers spray-painted for a metallic look.

Important Considerations

For those inclined towards careful planning, several points are worth considering:

• Gelt Foil Design: Ideally, choose gelt with relevant holiday symbols (like Hanukkah imagery), rather than generic logos, “coins of the world,” or “pirate loot.” The visual aesthetic contributes to the game’s theme.
• Set-up: Always place your Connect Four frame on a tray. This prevents pieces from rolling onto the floor where they could be lost or consumed by pets. These meticulously crafted gelt pieces are, indeed, precious. Just as you’d secure belongings in eddie bauer travel trailer floor plans, keep your game components contained.
• Containers: If the game will be used in an unsupervised setting like a carnival, store the modified gelt in opaque containers. Color-code them (e.g., gold/yellow paper for one, silver foil for the other).
• Warnings: Crucially, write “DO NOT EAT” clearly on the lid and inside the containers. Unlike a clear bowl where glittering “coins” might attract attention (or theft), opaque containers with warnings add a layer of protection for your valuable pieces.

Opaque, color-coded containers with lids and dire warnings

Opaque, color-coded containers clearly labeled with “DO NOT EAT” warnings.

• Signage: For an event like a carnival, clear signage is essential. A simple sign indicating the game and including a subtle note urging players not to eat the pieces is recommended.

Happy hot-gluing!

This unique project transforms a standard game into a memorable, tactile experience. While a connect four travel size game offers unmatched portability, the effort and creativity invested in this DIY version provide a special kind of entertainment that’s truly one of a kind. If you attempt this craft and discover any easier methods, preferred gelt brands, or helpful tips, sharing them would benefit the community of DIY game enthusiasts.