Dice Tray & Storage: DIY Ideas on Any Budget!

OMG, rolling dice is awesome, but chasing them across the table? Not so much! Luckily, the crafty world of DIY offers some seriously cool solutions for dice wrangling! Wood glue is a dice tray and storage DIYer’s best friend, helping you build amazing creations. And if you’re looking for inspo, Etsy shops are overflowing with gorgeous, handcrafted examples of dice tray and storage. Whether you’re a seasoned Dungeons & Dragons player or just enjoy a friendly game night, we’ve got a treasure trove of DIY dice tray and storage ideas to keep your tabletop tidy – without emptying your wallet!

Rolling in Style: Your Guide to DIY Dice Trays & Storage!

Alright, dice goblins and tabletop adventurers! Let’s talk about something seriously important: keeping your dice contained AND organized. Because nobody wants stray d4s launching off the table or spending half your game night digging through a bag of shame for that elusive d20. This guide is all about creating awesome dice trays and storage solutions yourself, no matter your budget or crafting skills!

First up, we need a game plan! Here’s how we’ll tackle this epic quest for perfect dice management:

1. Why Bother with a Dice Tray? Let’s quickly cover the benefits of using a dice tray. It’s not just about looking cool (though it definitely helps!). We’ll hit on damage prevention, sound dampening, and keeping the game flowing.
2. Budget Breakdown: From Zero to Hero We’ll explore DIY options for every price range, starting with projects using stuff you probably already have lying around.

3. Dice Tray DIY: Simple & Stunning We’ll dive into some easy-to-make dice tray projects, focusing on readily available materials and beginner-friendly techniques.

   • The "Recycle Rockstar": Turning old boxes or picture frames into dice trays.
   • Felt Fantastic: Creating a soft and quiet rolling surface.
   • Personalized Perfection: Adding decorations like paint, stencils, or even printed images.

4. Storage Solutions: Taming the Dice Horde Time to get those dice organized! We’ll look at options beyond just throwing them in a bag.

   • Divide and Conquer: Using bead organizers, tackle boxes, or even repurposed egg cartons.
   • The "Dice Dungeon": Creating custom storage solutions using foam inserts or 3D printing.
   • Showcase Showdown: Displaying your collection in style with repurposed containers or shadow boxes.

5. Level Up: Advanced Techniques & Customization If you’re feeling ambitious, we’ll explore some more complex techniques like leatherworking, woodworking, and incorporating electronics.

   • Leather Luxe: Crafting a beautiful and durable leather dice tray.
   • Woodworking Wonders: Building a custom wooden dice tower with integrated storage.
   • LED Light Show: Adding programmable LED lights to your dice tray for extra flair.

Why A Dice Tray Is Your New Best Friend?

Seriously, if you’re not using a dice tray, you’re missing out! Here’s the deal:

• Tabletop Protection: Say goodbye to scratched tables and dented surfaces. A dice tray acts as a buffer, preventing your precious furniture from taking a beating.
• Quieter Game Nights: Ever been in a tense situation and someone throws a handful of dice like they’re angry at the universe? Dice trays muffle the sound, keeping the game calmer and more focused.
• Fair Rolls (Maybe!): Okay, maybe a dice tray can’t guarantee you’ll roll a nat 20, but it does ensure your dice aren’t accidentally landing on books, miniatures, or other distracting objects. It helps contain the roll and reduce the chance of skewed results.
• Stylish Factor: Let’s be honest, a cool dice tray just looks awesome. It adds a touch of personality to your gaming setup and shows off your dedication to the hobby.

Budget Friendly Options

Project	Materials Needed	Estimated Cost	Skill Level	Time Required
Box Dice Tray	Cardboard box, felt, glue, scissors, optional decorations	$0-5	Easy	30-60 mins
Picture Frame Tray	Old picture frame, felt/fabric, glue	$0-10	Easy	15-30 mins
Divided Container	Tackle box/bead organizer, optional foam inserts	$5-15	Easy	10-20 mins
Decorated Jar/Tin Can	Jar/Tin, Paint, Modge Podge/ Glue, Optional decorations	$0-10	Medium	15-30 mins
Foam Insert Storage	Cardboard Box, Craft Foam, Utility Knife, Glue	$10-20	Medium	60-90 mins

Let’s Get Crafty: DIY Dice Tray Project

The "Recycle Rockstar" Dice Tray (Cardboard Box Edition)

This is the ultimate budget-friendly option! You probably have everything you need already.

What You’ll Need:

• A sturdy cardboard box (think cereal box, shoe box, or even a shipping box!)
• Scissors or a craft knife
• Felt or fabric for the rolling surface (any color you like!)
• Glue (hot glue, school glue, or fabric glue all work)
• Optional: Paint, markers, stencils, stickers, etc., for decoration

How to Make It:

1. Shape It: Cut the box down to the desired size and shape. You can leave the sides tall for better dice containment or make them shorter for a more open feel.
2. Cover Up: Cut a piece of felt to fit the inside bottom of the box. Glue it in place, making sure there are no wrinkles or bubbles.
3. Decorate! This is where you can let your creativity shine! Paint the outside of the box, add stencils, glue on stickers, or even draw your own designs.
4. Let it Dry: Allow the glue and paint to dry completely before using your new dice tray.

Storage Solutions: No More Dice Avalanches!

Okay, you’ve got a sweet new dice tray, but what about all those other dice sets? Here are some fantastic storage solutions:

• Tackle Boxes/Bead Organizers: These are a lifesaver! They have individual compartments perfect for sorting your dice by type (d4, d6, d8, etc.) or even by color.
• Foam Inserts: Grab some craft foam and cut out custom inserts for your dice. This is a great way to protect your dice and keep them from rolling around.
• Repurposed Jars/Tins: Old jam jars, coffee tins, or even cookie tins can be transformed into stylish dice storage containers. Just clean them out and decorate them to your liking!
• 3D-Printed Solutions: If you have access to a 3D printer, the possibilities are endless! You can print custom dice towers, storage boxes, and even dice trays with integrated storage compartments.

Level Up: Advanced DIY Techniques

Feeling brave? Ready to take your dice tray and storage game to the next level? Here are a few ideas for the more experienced crafters:

• Leather Dice Tray: Craft a luxurious leather dice tray using basic leatherworking techniques. You’ll need leather, a cutting tool, a hammer, and some rivets or stitching.
• Wooden Dice Tower with Storage: Build a custom wooden dice tower with built-in storage compartments for your dice. This project requires woodworking skills and tools.
• Dice Tray with LED Lights: Add programmable LED lights to your dice tray for a mesmerizing effect. You’ll need some basic soldering skills and an understanding of electronics.

So, whether you’re crafting a high-end, velvet-lined masterpiece or a simple cardboard solution, remember the best dice tray and storage is the one that fits your needs and your budget. Get creative, have fun, and may all your rolls be critical hits!