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Today we’re making DIY Christmas wreath ornaments made out of empty container lids and painted puzzle pieces. You can put a photo in the center and turn it into a cute wreath photo frame. Great as a holiday gift for the grandparents!
This is a fun Christmas craft idea to make with the kids. Or, if you are a school teacher, make these wreaths as an easy holiday craft project in your classroom. Just watch out with young kids and small puzzle pieces.
Use up and recycle all those old and incomplete jigsaw puzzles!
Christmas Puzzle Wreath Craft Tips
Here are a few quick hints and tips to get started on making your own Christmas puzzle wreath:
- If you don’t have an old puzzle to use, check out your local thrift store. They usually have a good selection of inexpensive puzzles in stock.
- We are using round plastic lids as the base of the wreath. Get them from empty yogurt, cup-a-noodles, or butter containers. Make sure the lids are clean.
- You can also use paper plates if you would want to make a larger puzzle piece wreath.
- I like to use tacky glue since it works well with a variety of materials, is non-toxic, and dries transparent. However, you can use hot glue or any regular craft glue that you have on hand.
- To keep the kids interested, we’re only doing one coat of paint on the puzzle pieces. A final coat is added after gluing the pieces into a wreath. Spread the puzzle pieces out on a newspaper or something to protect your work area, and apply a generous coat of paint.
- I like to use acrylic craft paint, but if you are making these wreaths with young kids, it might be wise to use washable paints instead.
Feel free to make and decorate the final wreath however you like! Give your kids an assortment of creative embellishments like mini pom-poms, buttons, and sequins to decorate their wreaths with.
Important Safety Note: Don’t leave young ones unattended with the puzzle pieces or other small embellishments as they could be a choking hazard.
Ready to make your own puzzle piece photo wreath? Continue below for the complete instructions with step-by-step pictures!
How to Make a Christmas Puzzle Wreath
Now here's an easy Christmas kids craft idea: Recycle old puzzle pieces to make a Christmas photo frame wreath! Step-by-step instructions included!
Materials
- Puzzle pieces
- Round plastic lid from empty container
- Red or green craft paint
- Your child’s picture
- Tacky glue
- Small decorations like sequins, small buttons, or mini pompoms.
- Ribbon bow
- Bakers twine
Tools
- Paint brush
- Scissors
- Needle
Instructions
- Cut out a circle shape from the center of the lid to give it its wreath shape.
- Paint the puzzle pieces. How many pieces you’ll need depends on how large your lid wreath is, and how many layers of puzzle pieces you add.
I painted about 50 pieces for four layers on a 4.5-inch wreath. Let dry completely.
- Start gluing the painted puzzle pieces to the lid. Continue working your way around.
Let the first layer of puzzle pieces dry before moving on to the next layers.
- Glue on more puzzle pieces until the wreath is three to four layers deep.
Wait for the glue to dry, then give the whole wreath another coat of paint.
- Add a pretty ribbon bow on the bottom, and decorate the puzzle wreath with embellishments like mini pom-poms, beads, and small buttons.
- Skip this step if you are not adding a photo. If you are, trim down your photo to size.
Glue around the edge to secure and place it inside the wreath. Simply position it from the back of the plastic lid.
- Use a craft needle to carefully pin a hole at the top of the lid. String a piece of bakers’ twine through to hang your handmade Christmas puzzle piece wreath!
Tip: Make one of these puzzle wreaths each year through preschool, kindergarten, and primary school, with the first day of school pictures.
Don’t forget to date them on the back! Perfect for gift giving or adding to your own holiday decor.
More Christmas craft ideas
Looking for more unique and creative Christmas craft ideas? While you’re here, make sure to check out some of these other popular holiday DIY’s.
- How to Make a DIY Yarn Wrapped Christmas Pom Pom Wreath
- How to Make a Candy Gumdrop Christmas Wreath
- Step by Step to your own DIY Paper Reindeer Candy Holders
- Make Cute Pinecone Elves for Christmas
- Wrap your gifts in cute Brown Paper Bag Gingerbread Houses
