Fun & Frugal Summer Activities for Kids #3 Popsicle Stick Puzzles

I hope you aren't getting tired of popsicle sticks yet {smile}.  At this point, I think I am making that my theme this week. You did buy a big box of those things, right?

Today's activity is a Popsicle Stick Puzzle.  I think this craft is very versatile.  You can use pictures from old books, magazines, postcards, birthday cards, whatever.  You 

could even copy a picture of the kids and use that.  

Another possibility would be to just line all of the popsicle stick up and color your own picture or message.  I think it would be cute to send one in the mail for a child's birthday, or the kids could even make one for a relative.  

 

Here is what you need:

• Modge Podge would work best, but Elmers Glue would be just fine.
• Popsicle Sticks - enough to make as may of these little puzzles as you want.  You can use the thick or thin ones.  
• Whatever you are going to use as your picture (see above suggestions) or to decorate your puzzle.
• Razor or Exacto Knife - this is the part that older siblings or parents will need to help with : )
• Paintbrush or craft sponge. If you are not using a picture or card you will need tape, like masking or painters tape instead of the glue/ modge podge.

Directions: 

To make a puzzle from a picture or card - 

1. Lay the picture face down on top of newspaper or an old tray.
2. Spread Modge Podge or Elmers Glue all over the back of it. 
3. Lay the popsicle sticks one by one over the back of the picture.
4. Now flip the picture and cover the front.
5. Allow time to dry.
6. Use razor to cut in between popsicle sticks. 

To make a puzzle by decorating it yourself - 

1. Lay popsicle sticks in a neat row until you have your desired puzzle size. 
2. Tape sticks to a flat surface.  
3. Decorate.
4. Remove tape and your all finished! 

Note: If you are doing this for a very young child you can number the top of the popsicle sticks so they have a little bit of help putting it back together.


Be sure to check out all of the Fun & Frugal Summer Activities for Kids that we have posted so far. 

Hope your having fun!