Got old cardboard puzzles laying around? Looking for something fun to do with the kids this holiday season? If so, we have the perfect, low-cost craft project for you! You’ll only need a few basic craft supplies to make these adorable Puzzle Pieces Wreath Christmas Ornaments. We had fun making these with a group of kids age 11 to 13 years of age.
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We used a hot glue gun to assemble everything. Older children can use one with supervision by an adult. If you’re doing this project with younger children I recommend using a clear, quick-drying craft glue. You can make several of these ornaments over the course of a weekend or two afternoons, allowing time for paint and glue to dry.
Puzzle Pieces Wreath Christmas Ornament
Green Pipe Cleaner
Cardboard Puzzle Pieces
Green Acrylic Craft Paint
Paint Brush, Paper Towels, Water Dish
Multi-Color Paint Pens
Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
Red Satin Ribbon
Scissors
Sheet of Aluminum Foil
Form the green Pipe cleaner into a circle twisting the two ends together. Set aside.
Lay sheet of Aluminum Foil on to your work surface. It will prevent painted pieces sticking to your work surface. Paint each puzzle piece with 2 coats of green acrylic paint. Make sure you paint the cardboard side and edges of each one. Leave the printed side unpainted. Let dry.
Use hot glue to attach them to the pipe cleaner and over-lapping the edges. Let dry. We opted to use acrylic paint pens to add the polka dots to serve as the Christmas lights. You can do the same thing with the end of a paint brush dipped into paint to make the perfect polka dots. Let dry.
Cut a 4″ piece of red satin ribbon to make the hanging loop. Glue to the backside of the wreath. Cut a 8″ piece of red satin ribbon and tie it into a bow. Glue bow onto the front of the wreath as shown in the photo. Let dry.
Notes: You want to use light colors to make the polka dots so that they stand out on the dark green background. We don’t recommend little kids using hot glue guns, so use a quick drying craft glue when working with little ones. My granddaughter is 12 years old and used a glue gun just fine.
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This is a cute idea and when I have lost a puzzle piece I usually end up throwing out the puzzle. Now I can make something attractive with my grandchildren using the pieces.
That’s a really cute ornament idea!
This is a cute and clever craft. I like using old puzzle pieces like this.
This is such a clever idea and one that I so want to do this year. I really like the colors you used thanks for sharing this one.
This is a great idea. I like having some crafts and activities for kids to do when we have family get togethers. What a good way to use those old puzzle pieces.
You always have great ideals to make from puzzle pieces; Saving the ideals another year or so great niece will be old enough to do this.
My sister made this years ago for everyone in the family. They are so cute and a great use of old puzzles.
This is so cute and easy. I will be making some of these with the girls. You can buy a puzzle at the thrift store for $.50 and use it. What a fun and cheap afternoon of arts and crafts.