Since this month is National DIY Month, we’ve put together a list of fun, easy projects you can do with your kids.

Create Your Own Puzzles

Putting together a puzzle is a fun activity for kids of all ages. And it’s even more fun when you create the puzzle yourself!

Create Your Own Puzzle

• Puzzles can be made from our DIY Blank Puzzles, Chipboard paper or any other sturdy cardstock paper. Just draw your designs and color them in. If you are using chipboard or cardstock, cut out random shapes after your puzzle is drawn – the more pieces you cut, the harder your puzzle will be to reassemble.
• Do you have an old puzzle laying around that you no longer need? Recycle it into a new puzzle! First assemble the puzzle, then carefully turn it over. The backside of the puzzle can be used to create your new puzzle. Lightly sand the backside of the puzzle pieces to ensure the paint adheres well, then use a white acrylic paint to paint the entire backside of your puzzle. After the paint has dried, this white surface provides a bright drawing surface for your designs. Of course, if you prefer, you can draw directly on the back of the puzzle pieces without painting them first. We have also found that painting over the picture of an old puzzle works well. Just lightly sand the picture side of the puzzle, then apply a product called KILZ primer. This primer paint will completely cover the old picture in one coat, and provides a fresh start for your new puzzle. Please note: After painting the pieces of the assembled puzzle, you may need to use an Xacto knife to cut through the paint in order to take the puzzle pieces apart. The other option is to paint each individual puzzle piece separately with the white paint.
• Puzzles can be colored and decorated with a wide variety of art supplies – crayons, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, pens, markers, or stamps all work very well. Be creative!

Ideas for Your Puzzles

• Create a Challenge! Create three separate puzzles with abstract designs – similar to those pictured here. Make sure to use the same colors on each puzzle, as well as similar design elements. When the puzzles are done, take them apart and mix up the pieces. Reassemble all three puzzles at the same time. This is more challenging than it may sound! Challenge your family members to see who can reassemble all three puzzles in the least amount of time, or see if you can beat your own best time.
• Create Greeting Cards! Write your special greeting on the puzzle, such as “Happy Birthday”, then use markers, paints or pastels to decorate the puzzle. Make sure to add lots of colors and ensure your drawings are on each piece of the puzzle. Take the puzzle apart, place the pieces in an envelope and mail! Not sure what to draw? How about drawing things you know the card recipient enjoys – birds for a bird lover, classic toys for a child – you get the idea.
• Create Invitations! On a blank puzzle, write information about your event – such as the date, time, and location. Use markers, paints, or pastels to illustrate and decorate the puzzle with items that represent the theme of your event. For example, for a birthday party invitation, illustrate the puzzle with balloons or a big birthday cake! When your puzzle is done, take the puzzle apart, put the pieces in an envelope, and mail your invitation.
• Create Place Settings! This activity is a fun way to create custom favors for your party guests. Before your party, create a puzzle for each one of your guests. On the day of your party, take apart each puzzle and place the pieces in a special glass – such as a wine glass – or small bowl at each place setting. When your guests come to the table, and while they are waiting for their food, they can set their own special puzzle! When the party is over, send the puzzles home with your guests.
  
  NOTE: We’ve used this activity at Thanksgiving dinners with our family. We created a puzzle for each person. We wrote why we are thankful for that person on their puzzle, then illustrated the puzzle. We placed the puzzle pieces in a wine glass at each person’s place at the table. After the Thanksgiving dinner was finished, each family member got to assemble their puzzle. This was a fun activity for the entire family!

Want more DIY ideas? Check our our DIY Blank Products for lots of creative DIY items and ideas.

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