How to Make Your Own Jigsaw Puzzle

Homemade puzzles are very easy to make, and they are great gifts or family activities. With homemade puzzles, you can control the design, how many pieces and the shape of the cut. Also, you can save money by making a homemade puzzle instead of purchasing one. The supplies that you need are the desired picture, a piece of cardboard that fits the picture and some mounting spray. By following the steps below, you are on your way to creating the perfect gift or family fun activity.

1. First: Pick out a picture

   When picking out a picture, you must take into consideration the thickness of the paper. Avoid magazine pages, because the paper is too thin. Also avoid thick poster paper, because it is hard to cut once it is mounted onto something. Pictures from a calendar or printing a picture on standard letter paper are the best choices.

2. Second: Pick out a backing

   Cardboard is the best backing to use, because a utility knife or box cutter can easily go through it. Other backings to consider are very thin plywood and a flat sheet of foam.

3. Third: Mount the picture onto the backing

   This step is where the mounting spray comes in. Follow the instructions on the mounting spray, and lay the picture perfectly flat on the backing without air bubbles. If you do not have mounting spray, glue sticks could work, but those take a while to dry before you can move to the next step.

4. Fourth: Cut the pieces of the puzzle

   In this step, you cut out the puzzle pieces with the utility knife to the desired pattern. You can make both simple boxes and more complex pieces. If the puzzle is on a thin wood backing, using a scroll saw with a thin blade is recommended. After sawing off the wood pieces, it is best to sand the edges to avoid splinters.

5. Fifth: Put together the puzzle

   The last step in this process is to put together the puzzle to make sure it fits.