Make Your Own Jigsaw Puzzle

How to Make Your Own Jigsaw Puzzle

Necessary Supplies:

Printer
Cardboard
Ruler
X-Acto Knife or Scissors
Glue Stick
Laminate

A Picture

For a sturdier puzzle and a greater challenge, consider using pressboard or wood.

You can use any picture or photograph, or even if artistic (unlike me) you can draw or paint your own bespoke picture.

Below is a printable 30 puzzle piece template, for kids age 10-99

Below is a printable 15-piece puzzle template, for kids age 10-99

Step 1: Print out one of the above templates and draw a picture on it. I’ve printed out a scene from the comic book series, The Adventures of Chartwell

(the puzzle pieces are faintly drawn on the illustration.)

Once you’re happy with your drawing, paste it on a piece of cardboard with a glue stick. If you like, cover it with a layer of laminate.

Here you can see the faint outline of the puzzle pieces. If you wish to make the puzzle piece lines lighter, you can do so by changing the image opacity in image editing software such as Photoshop.

Step 2: Using the X-Acto knife (or scissors) and the ruler, cut along the perimeter of the puzzle. 

Note: Children should probably not use the X-Acto knife, especially not unattended. Leave the following steps to a parent/grown up.

Step 3. Start to cut out the pieces. Carefully slice them with the X-acto knife. Be careful not to cut into your floor or table.

Step 4: Continue to cut out the pieces until they’re all separated.

Congratulations! Your puzzle is now complete.

Test out your puzzle by reassembling it.