How to Make & Print Your Own Jigsaw Puzzles
Piecing together a jigsaw puzzle is an enjoyable pastime. According to an article by Trish Donroe Barker for the Self-Growth website, several studies have shown that jigsaw puzzles can help prevent memory loss and actually lead to a longer life. Children's drawings, family photos, and even special letters can be used for custom-made jigsaw puzzles that make wonderful gifts and will be treasured for years to come.
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Things You'll Need
- Photo or drawing
- Computer with scanner and printer
- Puzzle kit
- Iron
- Craft blade
- Box or plastic bag
Instructions
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Select the subject matter for your puzzle with care. You want a picture that is in focus, of an interesting subject and of good quality. A cute pet, a lovely sunset, or a family photo are all good choices. If you are designing a simple puzzle for a child, choose a simple picture with a basic subject. If your intended puzzle will have more pieces, choose a picture with more patterns and detail.
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Keep your intended puzzle enthusiast in mind when designing your puzzle. Younger children will want puzzles of fifty pieces or fewer, while adults will wish for more of a challenge.
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Scan your photo into your computer with a scanner, or load it directly from a digital camera. Edit and resize the photo to the desired puzzle size using a desktop photo editing program.
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Purchase a jigsaw puzzle kit from a craft store or website. These generally come with a printable photo sheet with adhesive backing that you can print your picture on, as well as a sheet of thick cardboard that has already been cut into pieces. Some types of kits alternatively come with a photo sheet that is an iron-on transfer.
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Print a test puzzle on a sheet of plain paper to make sure your picture is centered and cropped correctly.
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Follow the instructions with the jigsaw puzzle kit to print out your adhesive photo, then stick it on to the cardboard backing. If you have the iron-on version of the puzzle kit, follow the instructions to iron it to the cardboard sheet. Be sure any bubbles are smoothed out and any loose areas are fastened down firmly.
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Separate the pieces carefully. Cut them carefully with a craft blade, following the pattern. Place the pieces in a box or bag.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also order custom jigsaw puzzles from many online companies. Simply upload your graphics, choose the size and style of puzzle you want, and order.
A customized puzzle is a nice way to send a love letter, or a way to tell people big news such as a baby or wedding announcement.
References
- Photo Credit puzzle image by Nathan Walls from Fotolia.com
