How to Make a Father's Day Block Puzzle

If dad likes puzzles, or just pictures of the family, this is the perfect Father's Day present for him. This project can be done by a child with a little help from an adult. Use your favorite photos for dad's puzzle.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 6 wooden cubes (1 1/2-inch square)
• Paint
• Paint brush
• Rubber band
• Marker
• 2 photos (3 by 5 or 4 by 6)
• Scissors
• Double stick sheets
• Craft knife

1. Paint the sides of each of the six cubes any color you want. Make sure you leave the top and bottom of the blocks empty when using two photos.

2. Line the blocks up once they have dried. There should be three blocks in a row, with two rows lined up next to each other. Make sure the sides without paint are facing up and down.

3. Put a rubber band around the set of blocks to hold them in place.

4. Put the photo under the blocks making sure everyone's face is in the puzzle. Trace around the blocks with a black magic marker. Cut around the lines to make the photo the same size as the top of your block puzzle.

5. Repeat Step 4 if you want to put a different photo on the other side of the block puzzle. If you only want one puzzle side, just paint all but one side of the blocks in Step 1.

6. Put a double stick adhesive sheet on the back of each photo and attach to the top and bottom of the blocks.

7. Use a craft knife to cut each photo carefully along the block edges. When you're done there should be 6 separate blocks that can be arranged to form your family photos.

Tips & Warnings

• Kids should help pick out the photos they like since it will be there present to dad.
• Double check that everyone's faces are on the puzzle before trimming the photo to fit the blocks.
• Try to keep from splitting faces up onto more than one block if you can.
• Take your time with the double sided adhesive sheets. Once they are stuck to the wooden blocks they won't be easily repositioned or taken off.
• An adult should cut the blocks apart using the craft knife, which will be very sharp.

[wirelessjen]

on 2/21/2009 I'll have to try this out. My husband likes puzzles, and this would be cool to have at his desk at work. Thanks.