Introduction: Building Block Picture Puzzle

About: My name is Jason Poel Smith. In my free time, I am an Inventor, Maker, Hacker, Tinker, and all around Mad Genius

Kids love building blocks and kids love picture puzzles. So why not combine the two and make a picture puzzle with building blocks. This is a great project for kids. They can help build it and then they can play with it.

Step 1: Materials

Building Blocks (any style will work)

Printable Sticker Paper (full sheets work best)

Scissors

Sharp Knife

Bar Clamp (optional)

Small Wooden Bar (optional)

Step 2: Select a Picture

The first thing that you need to do is choose a picture to use for the puzzle. You can use one of your kid's favorite characters, or you can take a picture of their favorite animal. Use your imagination.

Step 3: Print Out the Picture on Sticker Paper

Now you need to print out the picture on sticker paper. You can find full sheet of printable sticker paper in the office supply section of most big-box stores like Walmart. Load the paper into your printer and print the picture. Then use a pair of scissors to trim off the border around the picture.

Step 4: Make a Large Block Frame for the Picture

Make a large rectangle of blocks that is the same size as the picture.

Step 5: Clamp the Blocks Together (optional)

To ensure that the blocks are stuck together evenly it may help to clamp them between two pieces of wood. However this is entirely optional.

Step 6: Apply the Sticker to the Block

Now you need to apply the sticker to the blocks. Peel off the backing in one corner. Then line that corner up with the corner of the blocks. Slowly apply the sticker to the blocks. Use your hand to press the sticker and smooth it out as you go.

Step 7: Use a Knife to Trim Any Excess Around the Sides

If the picture goes over the edge of the blocks, use your knife to trim off the excess.

Step 8: Cut Along the Rows of Blocks

Now you are ready to begin cutting out the blocks. Start by cutting along the rows of blocks. You can just stick your knife into the grove between the blocks and drag it along the row.

Step 9: Cut Out the Individual Block

Once the rows of blocks are separated, you can cut out the individual blocks. On the end row, use your knife to cut along the grove between the blocks. Then carefully remove the blocks one at a time. Repeat this with each row until all the blocks are separated.

Step 10: Smooth Out the Edges of Each Block

In the process of cutting out the blocks, the stickers may have been pulled up around the edges is a few places. Use your finger to gently smooth down the edges of each piece.

Step 11: Enjoy Your New Building Block Picture Puzzle

Now just mix up the pieces and you can enjoy putting together your new building block picture puzzle. When you are done, the puzzle will even be able to stand up on its own.

You can even try a number of variations on this design. You could put a puzzle on both sides of the blocks. Or you could make complex 3D shapes with pictures on all the visible sides.

Community Contest: Toy Building Blocks

Runner Up in the
Community Contest: Toy Building Blocks

Epilog Challenge VI

Participated in the
Epilog Challenge VI