DIY Network

Giant Chess Pieces Get your game on – big time. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-604

Let the games begin!

Michele Beschen gives a new twist to an ancient game when she takes on chess pieces with this fun B. Original project.

These jumbo chess pieces give more drama to any chess battle – and add plenty of visual interest to your décor in between games. Michele Beschen cuts down and modifies wooden spindles and candlesticks to replace the castles, horses, miters and other shapes we're used to seeing on the chess board. Partner these pieces with her giant chess board for a game to remember.

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Giant Chess Pieces

Materials:

wooden spindles (4) 12" tall (9) 7-1/2" tall (2) 9" tall wooden candlesticks (2) 9" tall (4) 4-1/2" tall (4) 7" tall

2 wooden balls with one flat side 2 papier-maché female mannequins 4 small wood finials gold trim miter saw, band saw or hand saw safety glasses (if using power tools) 2-part epoxy adhesive

From left: Queen, bishop, knight and rook.

Safety Alert: If using a power saw to cut any of these pieces, remember to wear safety glasses and follow all safety instructions.

To build a full set of chess pieces:

• 4 rooks: Cut off one of the square portions from four 12" spindles leaving a circular top.

• 16 pawns: Cut eight 7-1/2" spindles in half (figure A), making two pawns per spindle (figure B).
  

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

  	Figure C
  	Figure D

• 4 knights: Use 2-part epoxy adhesive to attach flat-sided wooden balls to the top of four 7"candlesticks.

• 4 bishops: Use 2-part epoxy adhesive to attach wood finials to the tops of four 4-1/2" candlesticks.

• 2 queens: Cut a 7-1/2" spindle in half to make two bases. Attach a small papier-maché female mannequin (figure C) to the top of each base with 2-part epoxy adhesive.

• 2 kings: Use hot glue to attach a bit of gold trim to two 9" candlesticks to represent a crown (figure D).

To finish the chess pieces:

• Paint or stain the pieces so that half of them are a dark color and half are a light color.

• Protect the pieces with a few coats of shellac, varnish or polyurethane.

Set out your custom chess pieces on Michele Beschen’s giant chess board and get ready to play!