How to Make a Ouija Board

The use of the Ouija board, or spirit board, is controversial. Some people believe it is just a toy, while others, especially paranormal experts, believe it truly opens a door to the other side. Since the big spiritual movement of the mid 1800's the Ouija board has been a popular parlor game, but true ghost busters see it as a potentially dangerous communication device. Want to experience the Ouija for yourself? Here is how to make your very own personal Ouija board.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A piece of wood 1.5 feet by 2.5 feet long and at least 3/4 inch thick
• A black permanent marker
• A small glass to use as a planchette
• Wood stain, if desired
• Varnish or shellac

1. Get a piece of Masonite or other smooth wood at your local home improvement center. Have it cut to 1.5 foot by 2.5 foot dimensions.
2. Sand down the surface of your wood if it is uneven. Create a smooth, even surface.
3. board by artist J. Vaux Stain it a light color if you are using plain wood, if you like. Let it dry.
4. Once dry, (if not using Masonite) take your black marker and begin creating the Ouija board. Place the board so that it is in the landscape orientation. Write the word "Yes" in the upper left hand corner of the board and the word "No" in the upper right hand corner.
5. Write the word "Hello" on the middle top of the board, and "Goodbye" on the bottom center.
6. Write out the letters of the alphabet in a slight arc in the middle section of the board. Leave enough space at the bottom of the board for a row of numbers.
7. Write out the numbers 0-9 under the alphabet.
8. Apply a thin coat of shellac to your board to seal it and make it even smoother.
9. Bless the board with holy water and a prayer to help avoid any bad spirits from contacting you.
10. Use a small water glass for a planchette (pointing device) or fashion a wood triangle from your scrap wood.
11. Begin communicating with the dead!

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to leave enough space between letters so that you can tell what the planchette or pointing device is pointing to.
• Be as creative as you like! Decorate your board with personal imagery of your choosing! Need inspiration? Follow the "talking board" link below to see how artists interpret the board.
• The Ouija board is controversial and most paranormal experts claim people should not use it. Use at your own risk.