Poker is the perfect game for a a guy's night in or a gathering among friends. Betting real money can lead to hurt relations or it just may not be economically feasible.
Poker chips can be used instead of real money or cashed in after the game, but getting enough for a poker party can be expensive. There is no hard and fast rule for chips, so make your own for your next poker party.
Clay Chips
Roll out polymer clay into long tubes the width you want your finished chips to be. Red or blue is traditional, but you can use any color or multiple colors to symbolize separate denominations. Slice the tube with a sharp knife into one-quarter-inch discs. Put the ridges on the chips by pressing the clay discs between two purchased poker chips or leave them smooth. Use a number stamp to imprint the denomination into the center of each chip or etch it on with a straight pin.
Bake the chips on a cookie sheet in a preheated oven at 275 degrees for 20 minutes. Leave plain after they cool or paint them with a clear gloss paint to protect them from skin oils.
Cardboard Chips
Punch heavy cardboard or chipboard into poker chips with a large hole craft punch. Make the chips the desired size. Spray paint them outside with a colored enamel, then write the denomination on each or divide the denominations by color or size. Use rubber stamps to give a more uniform look to the denomination numbers.
Wood Chips
Purchase wooden craft circles at a craft or hobby store. Use a clear varnish to seal them with a natural finish or paint them with a wood or enamel paint in the color of choice. Stamp or paint on numbers or designs to differentiate the different values of chips from each other.