1. Parenting & Family

Discuss in my forum

Jigsaw Puzzle Christmas Tree Craft

How to Make a Christmas Tree Using Puzzle Pieces

By , About.com Guide

Liz, the About.com Guide to Children's Books submitted this project as part of this Make-It-Over craft challenge. She explains how you can make a unique Christmas tree craft using puzzle pieces.

  • Age Guideline: 6 Years and Up
  • Time Required: 20 minutes (Does not include drying time)

The above age and time guidelines are estimates. This project can be modified to suit other ages and may take more or less time depending on your circumstances.

Materials Needed:

Instructions:
Start out by cutting a piece of cardboard into the shape of a Christmas tree with a trunk. The size of your tree will depend on how many puzzle pieces you have. The goal will be to have the entire cardboard tree covered with puzzle pieces so cut it to size accordingly.

Paint the part of the cardboard that is the Christmas tree trunk brown. Paint the puzzle pieces green. You get the best effect by using several different shades of green paint. If you don't have many, you can mix your own. Let the paint dry.

When the paint is dry, glue the puzzle pieces onto the cardboard until the Christmas tree shape is filled in completely. It looks particularly nice if, after covering the cardboard, you add a second layer of puzzle pieces here and there on the tree.

After the puzzle pieces are firmly stuck to the cardboard, decorate the tree by gluing small pom-poms on it. If you want a hang on the back of your tree, duct tape a small loop of yarn to the back of the tree. Once all of the glue is dry, hang and enjoy the compliments it will surely get!

I hope you enjoy making this Christmas craft. If you make this craft, make sure you send in a photo so it can be posted here. You can also get your own crafts published. You can be one of the first to know when new craft projects are posted by taking a few moments to sign up for the Family Crafts Newsletter and you can also chat about crafts with others in the Family Crafts Forum.

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.