d.i.y. block puzzle

Feb 18

Posted by: Scott in: blog, caleb isaiah, clever toys, crafty, d.i.y., homemade toys, me myself and i, parenting

I’ve had a growing list of “toys” that I’ve wanted to make for a while now. I set out to Michael’s craft store today to acquire supplies. I think the total on this project was about $17. A little more than I would have liked, but the decoupage glue was about $5 I think. Could it have been found cheaper? Quite possibly, but it was the last item on a long list after spending over an hour in a craft store with a toddler. One who was approaching his maximum meltdown limits, whining and whimpering incessantly about which cars he might or might not be allowed to bring home (how he phrases I would like you to buy this). I wouldn’t have cared if it was $15 an ounce. That’s a lie, I’m actually very stingy. Anyway, I got scrapbook paper to use for the pictures. You can use anything you want. Trace and cut out 6 pictures to go on your blocks. If you want to be able to stack your puzzle vertically, and view the picture correctly from both sides, pay close attention to your positioning. I recommend doing one whole side and then flipping the entire puzzle over at one time, and completing the opposite side. Repeat this process three times. Here is the mostly finished product. I did four sides after dinner this evening. It took a little longer than expected, but it will be neat.

Tips: If you are doing this for a young child, try to pick six pictures that have different tones or colors so that it is easier to distinguish what belongs to each picture. There is still plenty of puzzling to be done after all of the sides for one particular puzzle are facing up. If you are doing this puzzle for a toddler, you may want to put a narrow solid border around each picture depending out how complicated the picture if. You could let your child try the puzzle, and if he/she seems to be having a hard time, add a border. Added bonus, this can help to hide little mistakes along the edges! You may want to spray or coat with a finishing spray or varnish.

And if you are the crafty type, this will be like therapy for you. Mommy’s busy, go bug Daddy!