1.   Set out 4 bowls. Put 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water in each bowl.

      Add food coloring in your desired shades to the water and stir to make 4 different colors. Some mixed color options are:

      The colors listed above will turn out fairly light (just a bit darker than pastels). If you would like really dark and vibrant colors, just add more food coloring.

      A good way to test the color and see if you like it is to mix a few drops of the test color in a teaspoon of flour.

      Pour the flour mixture into one of the coloring bowls, and mix until it forms a dough. Turn the dough out onto a piece of wax paper and knead a few seconds until the color is distributed uniformly and the consistency is like thick playdough. Add a few drops more water if needed to make a smooth but firm dough. If the dough is too moist, add some more flour.

      Using more salt and flour, repeat the above steps with the remaining colors.

      Using 2 of the colors, form small balls with little pieces of dough. Dip your finger in water and smear it on the dough balls, then squash the balls together to form colorful dough swirls. The water acts like a glue to keep the colors from separating when dried.

      To keep the large dough lumps from drying out while you're forming your pieces, cover with a damp paper towel between uses.

      A finger dipped in water also works well to smooth any cracks. Don't use too much water though or the piece will get sticky. If it gets too sticky, blot with a dry paper towel.

      Repeat using the remaining 2 colors.

   For checkers:

      Roll dough swirls into a small ball and flatten into a 1" wide by 1/4" thick circle. Place on the wax paper, being careful not to let the pieces touch.

      If you like, you can emboss the surface of the checker by gently pressing a hard object into the dough. Gently remove the item using a toothpick and an impression will be left behind. You can use rubber stamps, coins (try rolling the edges of a quarter to get textured lines), or anything you can find. You can also scratch a design into the surface with a pencil or a toothpick.

      Make about 19 pieces (16 for play and 3 extras) of each color combination.

   For chess:

      Roll dough swirls into a ball and flatten into a 1" wide by 2" to 2 1/2" tall log. Shape to form your pieces as desired. If you like, you can emboss the surface of the piece by gently pressing a hard object into the dough. Gently remove the item using a toothpick and an impression will be left behind. You can use rubber stamps, coins (try rolling the edges of a quarter to get textured lines), or anything you can find. You can also carve a design into the surface with a pencil or a toothpick.

      Place on the wax paper, being careful not to let the pieces touch.

      CAUTION: Use caution around hot oven! Use oven mitts when handling hot pieces. An adult should supervise baking with children under 12.

      Bake pieces for approx. 30 minutes on each side. Use additional time for thicker pieces, and less time for thinner ones. You'll want to take them out of the oven before any deep cracks form (small surface cracks are normal). Use a spatula to loosen the pieces from the wax paper and replace the wax paper when turning. Let cool completely once both sides are baked.

      Pieces can also be dried at room temperature if desired. Usually it takes about 1 1/2 days to dry a 1/2" thick piece.

      Chess pieces will require additional drying time because of their size. Try 45 minutes on each side if baking, or 3 days dried at room temperature.

      CAUTION: Keep checkers away from small children as they can pose a choking hazard.

5.   (Optional) To keep the pieces looking good for years, finish by painting or spraying with a clear lacquer.

      CAUTION: Adult supervision required when working with lacquers. Lacquers give off hazardous fumes. An adult should take care to ensure that the directions on the can are followed.

      Try not to be too rough with the pieces, because they can crack. They are pretty sturdy for normal use though, and will hold up well for many, many games!

      Store the pieces in an airtight plastic container or a ziploc baggie, on a thin layer of uncooked white rice to absorb any moisture. Change the rice periodically to keep the colors looking bright.