How to Make Your Own wooden Jigsaw Puzzle

Jigsaw puzzles are a favorite pastime among many people around the world. They are relaxing and challenging at the same time. The best jigsaw puzzles are those with familiar or personalized pictures or favorite photos.They are surprisingly easy to make if you know how to handle a jigsaw, and if you don't, a little practice will have you sawing like a pro. Follow the steps below and create your special wooden jigsaw puzzle.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jigsaw
• Photo or picture
• Glue, paper or wood
• Flat piece of hard wood

1. Choose the picture or photo that you want to use. Make sure it's not thin like paper from a magazine because it can tear easily. A medium thickness paper, such as photo paper, is the best choice.

2. Glue the picture to the wood backing using either white glue or a mounting spray you can get at a craft store. White glue will take a while to dry and you want it well dried before sawing.

3. Once the glue is dried you can begin to cut the pieces apart. You can take a pen and draw an outline to follow, or, if you're confident enough, you can just saw it free hand. If this is a puzzle you will only put together once and then mount you can leave the pieces larger. The smaller the pieces, the harder it will be to put together. Smaller pieces should be used if you intend this puzzle to be put together more than once.

4. Once the pieces are cut, check them for rough ends and sand them if necessary. Now you have a keepsake jigsaw puzzle you and your family can enjoy for generations.

Tips & Warnings

• When cutting the pieces apart for the puzzle, keep in mind that the more uniform the pieces are, the tougher it will be to put them together. Like wise, the more unique each pieces shape is, the easier it will be to assemble.
• After you have glued the picture onto the wood backing you can spray or paint on a matte or glossy finish. These are available at any craft store. Allow the finish to thoroughly dry before cutting.
• Use caution when operating a jig saw. Move the puzzle slowly when cutting and take a break if you feel like you need one.
• It's also a good idea to wear safety goggles if you have them.