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Have you ever thought of making your own jigsaw puzzle? You can start with any photograph you want and come out with an unusual gift or fun conversation piece.
Steps
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1Take the photo that you would like to make into a puzzle and blow it up to the size you want to make. A4 or A3 is recommended. You can do this with a normal photocopier or go through a photo processing store for a glossier print.
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2Get a piece of thin cardboard (colored card) the size of your photo.Advertisement
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3Using an acid-free glue, glue the photo to the card. Make sure you get it corner to corner. A paper cutter can clean edges so they are aligned.
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4Let the glue dry thoroughly.
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5Cut out shapes using a Stanley knife or X-Acto knife. It may be helpful for you to use a pencil to trace out shapes on the back of the puzzle before you begin cutting. You could do this freehand, or trace around jigsaw puzzle pieces from a commercial jigsaw puzzle.
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6Jumble the puzzle pieces and hand them to a friend to solve.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat if I didn't want to use cardboard?Community AnswerWithout cardboard, the puzzle pieces won't stay in their correct shapes. You could use an alternate backing though, like cardstock, but it won't be as stiff.
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QuestionHow do I make it have a nice finish/surface?KitkattheactressCommunity AnswerUsing clear glue can work, although it is sticky (you can spread it with a knife) or you can buy different types of glossy cover.
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QuestionI don't have any cardboard, nor do I have anything stiff. Is there anything else I can use?Community AnswerIf you don't have anything stiff, try doing it on paper and then laminating it.
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Warnings
- The blade may break on the knife. Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Stanley knives have extremely sharp blades. Have an adult do the cutting for you.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Never cut toward yourself. Always point the blade away from you, and away from any one standing near you.⧼thumbs_response⧽
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Things You'll Need
- Cardboard
- Stanley or X-Acto knife
- Photo
- Acid-free Glue
About This Article
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