1. Gather Materials
First, you’ll need to gather your materials. For the structure of the wheel, you’ll need a circular piece of wood at least 3/4 inch thick, approximately 24 inches in diameter. You’ll also need a smaller wooden circle, about 6 inches in diameter, for the pegs. You’ll also need a lazy susan bearing to mount the wheel onto, paint, brushes, and cardstock paper.
2. Paint the Wheel
Before attaching the pegs and creating the categories, you’ll want to paint the wheel. Many Wheel of Fortune games feature red, yellow, and blue sections, so consider using those colors as a guide. Use masking tape to create clean lines between each color, and use plenty of paint to create bold colors.
3. Create the Categories
Next, it’s time to create the categories for your Wheel of Fortune. You’ll want to create a list of categories that correspond to the type of event or game night you’re hosting. For example, if you’re hosting a baby shower, categories could be baby-related words, while if you’re hosting a trivia night, categories could be based on different topics such as history, literature, pop culture, and geography. Write each category on a separate piece of cardstock paper, cut to the same size as the wheel sections.
4. Attach the Pegs
Once the paint has dried and the categories have been created, it’s time to attach the pegs. Place the smaller wooden circle over the center of the larger wheel and attach it with screws or glue. Next, create small tabs by cutting out rectangular pieces of cardstock paper, making them small enough to attach to the pegs, and fold them in half. Glue one tab to each peg, and then glue each category card to the corresponding flat side of the tab. The tabs will serve as an anchor for the category cards, ensuring they stay in place during the game.
5. Mount the Wheel
Finally, it’s time to mount the wheel. Using a drill or screwdriver, attach the lazy Susan bearing onto the back of the larger circle. This will allow the wheel to spin smoothly when it is turned. If you want to create a stand for the wheel, you can attach it onto a piece of wood, directly onto a table surface, or even onto an easel if you want it to be more mobile.
Your Wheel of Fortune is now ready to go! Invite your guests to try their luck at spinning the wheel and landing on a category. Consider offering prizes to winners, or making it a friendly competition between guests.
In conclusion, building your own Wheel of Fortune is an easy and inexpensive way to add some fun and excitement to your next party or game night. By following these simple steps, you can create a customized wheel that’s perfect for any occasion. So what are you waiting for? Grab your materials and get spinning!