Cartoon image of a boy placing a piece into a jigsaw puzzle that he has drawn and cut himself.
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DIY Jigsaw Puzzle

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Children can create their very own jigsaw puzzles using drawings, magazine pictures, or photos.

It’s a creative craft activity with a problem-solving twist. Once complete, they get the added satisfaction of putting the puzzle together themselves.

This is a great quiet-time activity that develops logic, fine motor skills and artistic expression all in one.


Materials

  • Thick paper or card
  • Pencils, pens, or crayons
  • Optional: magazine cut-outs, printed photos, or glue

Tools

  • Scissors (child-safe or with adult help)
  • Glue stick (if using magazine cut-outs or printed images)

Steps

  1. Draw a picture on a piece of card, or glue a photo or magazine image onto it.
  2. Let any glue dry fully before cutting.
  3. Flip the card over and draw puzzle-shaped lines on the back.
  4. Carefully cut along the lines to create puzzle pieces.
  5. Mix up the pieces and try to put the puzzle back together!

Variations

  • Number Puzzle: Add numbers or letters to each piece to practise sequences.
  • Group Puzzle: Everyone in the family makes one puzzle to swap and solve.
  • Nature Puzzle: Use a pressed leaf or flower photo as the puzzle image.

Why It’s Great

  • Boosts Problem-Solving – Kids use logic and memory to solve what they made.
  • Creative & Personalised – They get to design their own puzzle theme.
  • Low-Cost Fun – Just card and scissors needed!

Safety Tips

  • Supervise younger children while using scissors.
  • Use child-safe scissors with rounded edges where needed.

Tried this activity?

We’d love to hear how it went!

Got a clever twist or fun idea to add?

Share your tips — you might inspire another family!


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