Artist's Popsicle Stick Puzzle

by littlebadwren

5.4K8722

Intro: Artist's Popsicle Stick Puzzle

Popsicle stick puzzles need an update!

We can paint ANYTHING on a stack of popsicles!

The supplies are easy to find and very inexpensive
I've also included PDF patterns for the designs I painted

It would make an amazing gift to put several hand painted popsicle stick puzzles in an upcycled cigar box.

STEP 1: Gather & Measure & Mark

Gather 12 nice popsicle sticks. Try to find ones that are flat, smooth and have a uniform color.

Mark 1/4 inch from the ends on 2 sticks on BOTH sides.

Place one marked stick at the top of the stack and one at the bottom.

These marks will help you place the tape.

STEP 2: Tape Together

Place painters tape along the pencil marks on each edge of the sticks.

Rub the tape down to hold the sticks together. This will also create a sharp edge on your painting.

Flip your popsicle stick "canvas" over and tape the sides on the back the same as the front. You are creating a popsicle stick sandwich with the tape.

Clean up tape ends with scissors.

You'll now have a secure popsicle stick puzzle canvas ready for drawing and painting.

STEP 3: Paint

Get creative!

You can transfer one of the PDF line drawings or sketch on any idea you can think up! Go crazy with this step!

I'm thinking Pumpkins and ghosts for a Halloween puzzle. Or maybe characters from your favorite show? Or random colors and patterns would create a challenging puzzle! How about every kind of dog that lives in your neighborhood?!

STEP 4: Paint the Back & Crack Apart

Don't forget to paint the back too! You can choose a solid color that compliments your puzzle design. Or for a more challenging puzzle paint another design on the back.

After the paint has dried you can gently bend your puzzle along the lines and crack the paint apart....this is VERY satisfying. Pull off the tape and share the unique puzzle you created!

Start a collection of puzzles or send a 2 sided puzzle in the mail to someone you miss!

STEP 5: Patterns

20 Comments

WUVIE 3 years ago

I'm late to the party, but these are absolutely adorable. Congratulations on winning Second Prize in the Puzzles Speed Challenge!

kkatblue 3 years ago

Hello, I really love your designs! How do I transfer an image onto the puzzle? Thanks in advance! :)

kkatblue 3 years ago

Thank you so much!😊

tagyerit 3 years ago

Love it. Think we're going to try this. For a tricky one, have you tried to do an edge painting? I think you'd have to have a box to stand them up in to make it an solve it though.

littlebadwren 3 years ago

Thank you! And That’s a groovy idea...it would be SUPER challenging! Especially if both sides were painted! I’m glad you like these little puzzles!

grammers 3 years ago

What a great project! It's fun and beautiful!

Kink Jarfold 3 years ago

Hi, LBW, I think this is a great Instructable. I, too, am a self-taught artist, with two dogs and two cats in the yard, life used to be so hard.... Sorry, my mind ran off into song lyrics. The cats are actually indoor cats. Somewhere down the road on my long list of To-Dos I am using this idea of yours.
Kink

littlebadwren 3 years ago

Thank you, Kink! The popsicle stick canvases are kind of tiny...I thought about using the large tongue depressed size next time ....I’ve enjoyed looking over ALL your amazing woodworking! Your paintings would make a great puzzle!

evahghg 3 years ago

Very nice!! I love it 😍

littlebadwren 3 years ago

Thank you! It was some nice meditation time🥰

neon_bunny 3 years ago

Wow, this is such a great idea! And the drawings are really good!

littlebadwren 3 years ago

Oh thank you! I’ve been painting for a LONG time! Any cute or funky idea could be sketched out onto a canvas of popsicle sticks...maybe Something from adventure time? Like Jake on side and Lady Rainicorn on the other😆

The clay Tortoise 3 years ago

This is a really awesome and creative idea! I am considering on mailing one to my pen pal. Thanks for the great idea! :)

littlebadwren 3 years ago

Thank you! I think it would be awesome to make an art puzzle and mail one to your friend....you could draw or print and trace anything! Maybe something from a favorite book or show?

jessyratfink 3 years ago

I love love love this idea! What a fun activity :D

littlebadwren 3 years ago

Thank you SO much! It was a relaxing meditative project☺️