DIY puzzles
Make your own simple puzzles by drawing on craft sticks
Such a simple but satisfying way to make your own puzzle at home! Draw a picture across a row of craft sticks, or stick on a large sticker and slice through the gaps to make instant puzzle pieces. Depending on your little one's capabilities, they can be puzzle-creators as much as puzzle-solvers.
It’s a fun mix of art, problem-solving and fine motor play that can keep little ones happily busy. And it can be surprisingly relaxing for grownups to join in too!
Perfect for a quiet afternoon or...
Materials
Prep / make
Step 1:
Lay out the craft sticks side by side in a row.
Step 2:
Secure with tape at the back if needed to keep them steady.
Step 3:
Set out drawing materials or large stickers.
Step 4:
Draw a picture across the sticks or place a large sticker across them.
Step 5:
Carefully separate the sticks (if using tape, remove it now).
Play
Step 1:
Mix the sticks up.
Step 2:
Put the puzzle back together by rearranging the sticks in order.
Step 3:
Repeat with new designs!
Extend
Name Puzzle: Write your child’s name across the sticks to make a personalised puzzle. (It could also make a fun birthday card!)
Mix & Match Creatures: Draw animal heads, bodies, and feet across separate stick sets for a silly mix-and-match puzzle game.
Pattern Match: Use colours, stripes, or shapes instead of pictures to build pattern recognition.
