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Today we’re making a DIY wood block puzzle made out of toy blocks and pretty magazine images. You can also use family photos, pet photos, or a photo of your child to turn this wood block puzzle into a fun personalized keepsake gift!
This is an inexpensive craft project to recycle old pictures and upcycle and transform wooden blocks.
My young son was so gracious to gift me a few of his old blocks since he doesn’t really play with them anymore and otherwise would have donated them to the thrift store anyways. Now that we have turned them into puzzle blocks, all of a sudden he’s interested in them again and asking if he can make his own. Well, of course you may my son. Go and look for some cool images to put on them!
The wooden toy blocks I’m using are 1,5×1,5×1,5 inch. But 2x2x2 inch blocks would work great as well.
Block puzzle Craft Tips
Let’s begin with a few helpful tips to make a wooden block puzzle.
- You can make this block puzzle with or for your kids or have them make it themselves if they’re old enough to handle simple craft materials like paper, scissors, and glue.
- You can decorate the wood blocks with a variety of paint colors and paper. Use pretty images from old magazines, photos, pictures of your child’s favorite cartoon characters, children’s book illustrations. Or use scrapbooking papers, leftover wallpaper, or wrapping paper. The possibilities are endless!
- Keep your puzzle small and simple by using only four blocks. Use more blocks to make the puzzle a bit more challenging.
- Purchase unfinished wooden blocks online or at your local craft store. You can also make your own blocks from scrap wood. Most hardware stores will cut down the wood for you for free or for a small fee.
- It can be helpful to number the sides of the blocks before you begin. Lay the blocks out and write number 1 on the top sides for the first picture. Turn all the blocks around and mark them with the number 2 for a second image, and so on.
- If you like your blocks to have a vintage look you can lightly sandpaper the edges when the blocks are dry, before the final layer of decoupage glue. This will give the puzzle that old distressed look.
When you apply the Mod Podge and it is still wet, it will be white. No worries, it will dry clear.
If you are ready to make your own DIY wood block puzzle, continue below for the full step-by-step tutorial with pictures.
Wood Block Puzzle Tutorial
Making your own personalized wood block puzzle is a fun and easy craft.
All you need is a few wooden blocks, decoupage glue, and photos or images that you want to turn into a puzzle!
Materials
- Wooden blocks
- Acrylic paint
- Decoupage glue like Mod Podge
- Photos or images of your choice
Tools
- Scissors
- Paint brush
- Sand paper
- Ruler
- Pencil
Instructions
- Make sure all blocks are smooth. If needed sand any rough spots.
- Arrange your blocks in a square or rectangle and measure the combined size.
Cut the images to match the size of your combined block arrangement.
- Place the blocks on top of the image as they would appear once applied. Mark with pencil where the cuts need to be made in between the blocks.
- Lightly draw out a grid on the image and cut each square.
- Paint the sides of the blocks that won’t get an image on them. Let dry.
- Coat the top of the blocks with a thin layer of mod podge. Place image square on the block and go over with another layer of mod podge. Do this for all blocks. Let dry. If you are using more than one image, repeat the steps on another side of the blocks.
- Finish your puzzle by sealing the image and painted sides with a final coating of mod podge. Let dry.
Want more easy kids crafts? Here are some fun DIY ideas to try:
