Make a Popsicle Stick Puzzle
When you are stuck inside with nothing to do, suggest that the kids make a Popsicle stick puzzle. It's an easy kid-friendly craft that will keep the kids occupied for hours, and will cut down on waste.
Steps
- Lay down 5-6 Popsicle sticks side-by-side on a flat work surface. Push the sticks as closely together as possible. Even up the ends so that they form a solid rectangle. You may need more or fewer sticks according to how big your final picture will be.(Read on)
- Tape the sticks together by smoothing a long strip of wide masking tape on top while ensuring the sticks stay tightly beside each other.
- Hold on to each end of the tape. Then, slowly and carefully, flip over the stuck-together rectangle of sticks so that the tape is on the bottom.
- Think about a picture you would like to paint on to your nearly done puzzle. With a pencil, draw your picture on the rectangle.
- Use acrylic paint (usually found in bottles at a craft or hobby store) and paint in your picture.
- Let your painted puzzle dry for a couple of hours. It may take longer to dry, depending on the humidity of the room or area.
- Once dry, take the tape off the back and separate the sticks. You can also outline your picture with a black felt pen but this is optional.
- Mix up the pieces and try to put them back together so that your picture is together again.
Tips
- If you want your puzzle to be harder, paint a more detailed picture, simply add more sticks.
- For a festive idea, paint holiday themes such as a Jack-O-Lantern or a Christmas tree.
- If you use dark coloured Popsicle sticks, you may want to use brighter paint.
- Popsicle sticks are also known as ice pop sticks or craft sticks.
- Be as creative as you can.
- For a unique look, use various different colour sticks.
- If you don't have paint, you can use markers to color your picture.
Warnings
- Lay down newspaper, an old sheet or something on the table or work surface to prevent staining of the surface.
- Wear old clothes; acrylic paint can stain.
- Be cautious. Not all popsicle sticks are smooth and may need a light sanding to eliminate getting slivers.
Things You'll Need
- Popsicle sticks
- Acrylic paint or markers
- Masking tape
- Newspaper
- Black marker or fine-liner (optional)
