If you have the time to make your own puzzle, it can be a great activity for you and your kids. Making puzzles is not just an easy way to teach patience, but also lets them see how art comes together as well! You could create any type of personalized jigsaw puzzle that best fits what interests you or even makes sense with their level.
For example: if they’re into animals then find pictures of different breeds and arrange them on the board in order; If they like sports try collecting images from all kinds of games and competitions; If music is more up their alley than anything else- put some favorite musicians’ faces side by side before cutting out every other image on each individual card so when flipped over only one picture remains visible.
Materials You Need:
- Cardboard
- Puzzle Picture
- Scissors
- Glue
Things to Consider When Making a Puzzle
When you are planning out your next puzzle, first decide what size of piece you would like to work on. Find a rectangular or square sheet that will cover the area where your new masterpiece should be placed. Remember that it is important for any picture chosen to have enough space so as not to leave blank spots in between sections once complete!
The perfect cardboard can be hard to find in your local hardware store, but it is worth the effort. Measure out the size of each puzzle piece that you need and then decide what type of material will best suit your needs – thick or thin? What are you using this project for? If I am making a homemade jigsaw puzzle on my own time, having thicker pieces with good cutting lines makes sense because they won’t break easily as well as being able to use an exact knife without worrying about whetching too deep into one side.
Making your own puzzle can be a great way to make use of the uniquely shaped artwork you have created. However, it is important that the piece or photo for which you are making a puzzle not only has artistic value but also sentimental attachment if at all possible; otherwise there will always be some level of dissatisfaction from either side when attempting this process.
Making puzzles as an art form was something I had never taken on before and knew little about how they were made other than what my mother told me she did in her youth (cutting up photos). It might seem like an easy enough task to cut up these pieces into shapes needed for assembly given the size constraints imposed by common household scissors, however, once I attempted it myself with one such picture frame found among family treasures.
Step 1: Image Selection
Use your favorite image to make a personal puzzle. You can cut out the pieces and put them together like a jigsaw piece, or you could use photos for more of an emotional connection with family members that have passed away.
Step 2: Glue Your Picture
After you’ve finished drawing your desired picture, it’s time to finish crafting this masterpiece. The first step is adding glue to the back of the cardboard and then pressing your picture onto it with care so that there are no air bubbles or cracks in between where they meet. If any glue has leaked out on the sides, wipe it up immediately before it dries completely! For more details on glue types and their applications, see glue options for crafts.
3. Touch Ups
After you have let your picture dry, remove the weight and examine it for any uneven edges or corners that are not glued well enough to stay in place. If there is an area needing more glue, apply a little bit of adhesive where needed with a paintbrush or toothpick before putting on the next layer of newspaper strips. This will help avoid splotches later when applying them over dried areas already stuck down by tape. Continue this process until all surfaces are covered again—make sure you save at least one strip intact near its end just like we did earlier. For tips on touch-ups and finishing techniques, refer to craft project finishing tips.
4. Making Your Puzzle Pieces
It’s time to start cutting! You can draw your puzzle pieces by hand or choose to use a template. If you do it yourself, try not to make the pieces too small, as tiny puzzles are more difficult and may be frustrating for children. It’s also helpful when making them if they interlock together so that kids have an easier time putting their creations back into one big whole once assembled. For guidance on designing and cutting puzzle pieces, check out how to create custom jigsaw puzzles.
5. Cutting Your Puzzle Pieces Out
Next, cut your puzzle pieces out. You will need a pair of very sharp scissors for this job; dull scissors will make the task frustrating! Small scissors are ideal for intricately woven puzzles. For a more detailed guide on cutting and assembling puzzle pieces, see tips for cutting puzzle pieces.
Now, you can have fun with your homemade jigsaw puzzle! Enjoy the satisfaction of seeing your creation come together and the joy of solving it.