Puzzle Photo Frame

by Susan Cirigliano

85677

Intro: Puzzle Photo Frame

Each spring I work with my youngest students to create a meaningful handmade gift for Mother's Day or Father's Day. The children each make their own photo frame that is enhanced with a photo.

STEP 1: Supplies

GLUE...I use the tiny Elmers because they are easiest for the little hands.

puzzle pieces

ruler

small bull dog clip

gold spray paint

8" X 10" foam core

exacto blade

eventually you will need a photograph, GLUE STICK, MASKING TAPE and a scissor

STEP 2: Getting Started

First you need to cut the view space out of the foam core. I prepare so many of these at a time that I made a cardboard template to place on top of the foam core, then trace the 4" X 6" opening. Using the exacto I then cut the opening. I save the extra piece because the kids love to draw on them. Clip the bull dog clip to the top of the frame. This will be the hanger.

STEP 3: GLUE GLUE GLUE

Begin to glue as many pieces as possible on the frame, the more puzzle pieces the better!

STEP 4: Spray Paint

When all pieces are in place and the glue is completely dry....This can take a few days...spray the entire frame gold. I normally apply two layers of spray paint.

STEP 5: Add a Photo

When the spray paint is dry, turn the frame over and tape the photograph in place. I then cover the entire back of the frame with a brightly colored piece of construction paper to make it look pretty and to provide a surface for a love note to Mom or Dad (or both!)

Be sure to leave the backside of the clip exposed for hanging.

STEP 6: All Done

Ready for Gifting.

6 Comments

Treasure Tabby 2 years ago

A great way of using orphaned puzzle pieces. *thumbs up* :)

snowf7 3 years ago

What a great idea! For Father's Day you could make a frame with nuts and bolts, or fishing lures/flies. For Mother's day you could use buttons or costume jewelry. For a vacation frame try some sea shells. There are so many fun ways of decorating a frame. Game pieces, beads and glitter or feathers. Even a collage of photos of favorite animals, flowers or family, friends or celebrities. Holiday themes would also be fun.

Susan Cirigliano 3 years ago

Thats all true, some great ideas...I actually first started this with my kinder kids using buttons, however, you know how people are with buttons (even the littlest people) they spent so much time examining every button before they glued it on their frame that the activity took forever to complete!

Randomona 3 years ago

That's a really cute idea! Next time I find an old puzzle, I know what to do :)

jessyratfink 3 years ago

How cute! What a great idea for old puzzles :D