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Bored at home? Get crafty and get your game on!
Make a free DIY Puzzle or a surprise version with this simple step-by-step guide.
It’s a little craft project and game rolled into one activity. That satisfying feeling of completing a puzzle doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Make a craft out of it, recycle some trees, and enjoy the process.
Whether the pandemic has given you more time at home, or you’re just looking for an amusing way to brighten your day – this little project has brought a smile to my face and many I’ve shared it with. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
I personally find it relaxing to play some chill games in my down time. I also love to puzzle in the morning with a fresh cup of coffee. It gets the brain cells humming and it’s a great way to start the day.
You can puzzle on your own or partner up. It’s been fun to see others react to some of the silly subject matter I’ve come up with. What weird or funny pictures will you choose?
SOURCE MATERIAL – Pick a Picture
Got a poster, magazine or bigger picture lying around? Sure you do. How about a comic book or illustrated book you’re not keen on reading any time soon?
You can even use a catalog. I get them all the time in the mail (and chuck them in the recycling bin). This project will put one to good use. Picture books you don’t mind cutting up make great DIY puzzle ideas too.
With a book, magazine or catalog you can also do a “surprise puzzle” version without looking at the page.
HOW TO MAKE A DIY PUZZLE – Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Flip through and pick a page. Slide a ruler between the pages up against the seam. Turn the magazine or book over if you don’t want to see the page, and firmly tear out that sheet.
Step 2: Now that you’re staring at the back of the DIY puzzle, draw a grid to form equal-sized squares for your pieces. A pen or sharpie with a ruler works just fine for this.
The smaller the grid, the more pieces you get, and that increases the difficulty.
As a reference, 1 inch squares for a regular piece of paper yields about 90 pieces total.
You can get creative and make the “edge pieces” unique and different by starting your grid in the center. Have fun and experiment. It’s crafty creativity and you, my friend, are in the driver’s seat.
Step 3: Cut up the grid with scissors to get your individual pieces.
If your source material was a thicker page, like a picture book or back of a catalog, you’re almost done. In that case, it’s recommended to mark the back of each square so you know which side goes up. I use a highlighter to draw an X or a silver sharpie to dot each one.
Step 4 (Optional): Cut up index cards the same size as your grid squares. Use a glue stick to attach these to the back of each puzzle piece.
If you want or need your puzzle pieces to be less flimsy, this is an easy solution. It also makes the puzzle reusable for extended gameplay, since the corners won’t bend so easily.
Step 5 (Optional): Want to increase the difficulty even further and up your game? Cut up two or three pages from the same source and mix them together.
Now you’ve got a real puzzle on your hands, with hours to spend sorting and solving the enigma as it takes shape before your very eyes. Boredom be gone!
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