Today we did some do-it-yourself puzzles.  This is a fast, easy, and inexpensive way to be creative and have some fun.  This is one of Homeschool Pool’s go-to crafts for rainy day fun when all your plans fly out the window and you need to keep little minds occupied in a pinch.  

What you need:

• Craft sticks – you can use any size but the jumbo ones are the easiest to work with and to put together.  Older kids may want to use the smaller ones for more of a challenge.
• Masking tape or painter’s tape
• markers, crayons, paint, glitter, pens, pencils – whatever you choose to create your picture

How-to:

Arrange craft sticks and tape to secure

First, arrange several craft sticks in a pattern you want.  Make sure the edges are touching but you can choose to make a zig-zag pattern, curve, straight rectangle or any other composition you desire.  Use your imagination – this is the first part of the creative process.  

Next, use masking tape or painter’s tape to attach the craft sticks together.  Use as much as you need so you have a stable work space.  

Create your masterpiece

Then, flip the craft sticks over so you can no longer see the tape and start to create your pattern.  Some ideas for your picture include making a picture of something in your home, creating geometric shapes, outlining your initial, coloring a picture of your favorite activity, etc. Use your imagination and draw whatever you wish!  You can make your masterpiece using crayons, markers, paint, pencil…you can even use embellishments such as glitter.  

Put them back together!

When your puzzle is complete we like to make a title for the piece and write it on the back along with the name and date.  Peel off all the tape and then mix your craft sticks.  Trade your puzzle with others and have everyone try to put together the puzzle the way it should look.  The kids have a lot of fun with this craft project.  Enjoy!

For more pictures check out our [Facebook photo album.]

Note: We are particularly evil and choose to store all our completed puzzles in one Ziploc bag.  So, not only do we have the challenge of putting the puzzle together but we also have to figure which ones go with which puzzle.