How to Make My Own Large Piece Photo Puzzle
Digital photos can be used to make a wide variety of interesting photo craft projects. One fun project to make with children is a large piece photo puzzle. With a little adult help, children can print one of their favorite photos from their computer and use it to create a homemade puzzle. This is also a great craft idea that older children or teenagers can use to make personalized Mother's Day or Father's Day gifts.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer
- Image editing software
- Printer
- Matte-finish photo paper
- Craft knife
- Sheet of craft foam
- Marker
- Adhesive Spray
- Tracing paper (optional)
- Pencil (optional)
Instructions
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Launch your image editing software and open the photo that you'd like to use. Edit the image, if necessary, by cropping or adjusting the color until it looks just the way you want it. Save the changes, and then print a 8½- by 11-inch copy of the image on matte-finish photo paper.
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Apply spray adhesive to one side of the craft foam. Lay the photo, print side up, onto the tacky side of the craft foam, and gently smooth to encourage adhesion. Let the foam-backed photo dry overnight, or as directed by spray adhesive manufacturer.
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3
Flip the dry picture over so that you are looking at the foam backing. Use the marker to outline the puzzle shapes onto the foam. Draw large shapes to make an easier puzzle. You also can print a large copy of the template included in the Resources section of this article and copy the puzzle forms onto tracing paper. Then use the tracing paper to draw the puzzle outline.
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Cut out the puzzle pieces with a sharp craft knife. Be sure to put it back together a few times to make sure the pieces fit before giving it to someone else.
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Tips & Warnings
Use thin, recycled cardboard to back the photo if you do not have craft foam. Very small children can do this project with plain posterboard; instead of drawing puzzle pieces on the back, let them use child-safe scissors to cut the picture into interesting shapes.
Craft knives are very sharp and can be dangerous. Children should always use them with adult supervision, and adults should use care when cutting. Be sure to cut on a protected surface to avoid damaging your furniture.
