Several months ago, I was challenged to come up with several different DIY puzzle designs for an article I wrote on Home Made Simple and absolutely fell in love with one of the designs – a picture to puzzle popsicle stick craft. I knew I had to make some with my kids and share this easy craft – perfect for summer and kids! – with my readers.
I know a project is popular with my kids when I start out crafting with one child and my other kids wander in the room and join in on their own.
Here’s what I love about these DIY popsicle stick craft puzzles:
- they are simple enough for kids to help with
- they are cheap!
- they are quick to make
- they are sturdy – they should last for a long time!
- they are compact – small enough to fit in a snack-sized plastic baggie
- they are unique and personalized
- they are great as gifts (for teachers, friends, grandparents, etc)
Supplies:
- 4×6 photo (or any other picture…from a magazine, a child’s artwork, etc)
- Popsicle sticks (craft sticks) – I used the narrow sticks (4 1/2 in x 3/8 in)
- Elmer’s glue
- Tape (scotch tape, packing tape, masking tape. I wouldn’t recommend Duct tape)
- Rotary cutter or Exacto knife
- Cutting mat
Directions:
- Lay popsicle sticks side-by-side on top of the picture you want to make into a puzzle. We used 16 small sticks for a standard 4×6 photo.
- Use two straight edges to tap the sticks until they are lined up evenly and close.
- Replace any craft sticks that are distorted – you want them to lay as flat as possible.
- Carefully place tape across the lined-up popsicle sticks – use enough so that the sticks will stay together when moved/flipped over.
- Spread white glue over the entire surface (the side of the sticks where there is NOT tape)
- Slowly lay your photo on top of the glue and firmly but carefully press down, wiping away any excess glue that comes out the sides.
- Let dry (I recommend letting the glue dry for a few hours – if you move ahead too soon, there will be lots of slipping and sliding)
- Lay picture-side down on a cutting mat and remove the tape.
- Using a rotary cutter, cut in between each stick. This is a step that requires parental supervision!
- Separate each stick, shuffle the pieces, and enjoy putting together your unique photo puzzle.
And now for the visual instructions:
This Picture to Puzzle Popsicle Stick Craft is being featured on Skip to My Lou’s Summer Craft Camp – this is my 4th year participating and I love that it makes me get crafty each summer! There are already a ton of amazing crafts shared by other bloggers this summer – go check them out!
See my previous summer crafts featured on the craft camp:
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So easy to make! And my 2yr old grand baby could do it, if I used jumbo sticks! Thanks so much for the idea!
Here from HomeMatters.
I love this terrific picture to puzzle craft. I’m definitely going to do this with my grandson, he’ll love it – and so will I. Thanks so much for sharing this with Foodie Friends Friday Party this weekend. Pinned and sharing. We look forward to seeing you again with another great post.
A FFF co-host,
Joanne.
We used to do these when I was a kid – so much fun! Thank you for sharing with our readers at the Brag About It Link Party! Have a wonderful weekend!
~Laurie
What a fabulous idea! I love it. This would make a great gift. Pinned it!
I absolutely LOVE this idea, may just have to do a photo of our son and give to my mom for Christmas (she loves puzzles and her grandson)! Thank you so much for sharing this!
What a neat idea! Love it! The kids would have a lot of fun with this. :)
what a fun idea! I made a toy house using these sticks when I was little
Love it! great tutorial pic’s :0)
We’ve done this before and it’s so much fun! And a great way to keep little ones busy for hours!
Love the step by step tutorial! Certainly looks easy enough to make and I think the kids would enjoy it!
I have a box of these sticks here and wondered what to do with them! Thank you! This looks very good to enjoy with the family.
What a fun way to make homemade puzzles!