Simple Jig-saw Puzzles

How to make them

Procedure for making simple puzzles

1. Mark and cut 2 plywood pieces of the same size

2. Sand the surface and edges of the pieces 3. Transfer the pattern with a carbon paper 4. Cut with a fret saw following the lines. 5. Sand all the cuts well, especially those of

the ‘frame’ 6. Glue the frame of the puzzle to the second

piece, which becomes the bottom. Press well with a heavy item.

7. Paint the cut out puzzle pieces according to taste, let it dry well

8. If necessary draw cutting lines and cut around the puzzle,

9. Sand the edges well. 10. Varnish again back and front, one at a time,

let it dry before you varnish the other side. 11. Put the handles: mark the position in the

centre of a piece by making a small hole with the nail.

12. From the back insert the nail, shorten it if necessary.

13. Add a small drop of white glue with a tooth pick to the nail and push and hammer a seed with the tip downwards.

Items needed : • Plywood • Measuring tape, pencil • Hand saw • Sandpaper 60 and 100 grid • Pattern, carbon paper, cloth pegs, pen • Fret saw ,blades • Pliers • White glue, heavy stone • Brush 1or 2 inch, • Varnish, tin container , kerosene, rag • Oil paint , small art brush • Small nails, hammer • Hard seeds, those used for curtains and

shakers in many countries in Africa • Tooth pick

Measure the size of plywood boards, A4 ( 31cmx21cm) or according to your

pattern and draw cutting lines. You need 2 boards of the same size for one puzzle

Cut the boards with a saw

Sand the surfaces

Choose the paper pattern for the puzzle you want to make, use one of ours from the Pattern Book, or make your own!

With a carbon paper transfer the pattern from the paper to the plywood.

Make sure the carbon side is facing the board. Cloth pegs can help with fixing the pattern while tracing. Trace the out lines. A pen works better for tracing than a pencil.

For the fret saw it is

important that the blade is inserted with the teeth pointing down. You can feel the difference when you follow the blade with your finger. If it feels smoother down than when coming up. Then the blade is inserted the right way .

Cut with a fret saw

Sand all the cuts well !! Apply white glue on the back of

the cut out frame of the puzzle shape then

place it on another prepared board.

Remove excess glue with a

moist cloth Press well with a heavy stone.

Use another piece of plywood to protect your puzzle when pressing it. Let it dry for a few hours.

Wash your brush with water. Sand the sides and corners after gluing. If necessary cut around with the fret saw.

Paint the puzzle pieces according to your pattern and/ or liking Varnish the puzzle board with the frame on both sides

For handles use nails and seeds. At the centre of each puzzle piece pierce with a nail from the back. Then turn it around . Use a hammer for inserting the seed from the pointy side. Apply a bit of white glue.