Homemade Christmas #6: Altered Puzzles

Do you ever have one of those projects in the back of your mind that you always vow you'll get to? One of those projects that just seem to sit and ruminate in your head amist the to-do lists and "What's for dinner?" questions? That uncompleted idea from years ago?

This was one of those projects for me. Super easy, but just couldn't ever seem to get to it. In fact, I've had these little wooden puzzles in my stockpile for almost 2 1/2 years. I made some last year as Christmas presents and still had a few left. I've been waiting to dive into them. So Christmas was the perfect excuse.

Altered Puzzle

First thing I did was come up with my color decor. This was Christmas so red and green, of course. I'm thinking now that the frame would have been very pretty in black. Play with colors and see what you like. The ones I did last year were covered in scrapbook paper. For that route, brush the pieces with Modge Podge, allow to dry, and trim wit an Xacto knife. Sand the edges down with fine sand paper. Then lock the pieces back together and Modge Podge into the frame.


I adhered the ribbon to the back with glue dots to temporarily keep it in place. Then I added a layer of Modge Podge for a stronger hold.


Now comes the fun part: embellishing. I used srapbook embellishments, free images from the internet and stamped images. Think poinsettas, holly, Santa, snow. Adhere them with Modge Podge. After you've finished embellishing, cover with a final layer of Modge Podge to seal.


For a final touch, I rubbed on a thin layer of glitter glue, just to give it some shine. And finally seal with some acrylic sealer. Seal both sides finish and give it some shine.

I'm working on a winter themed on to put up after New Year's. A blue and silver one. So excited.

Submitted to the Monthly Craft Challenge @ Blue Eyed Blessings.

Submitted to Modge Podge Mania @ This is the Year.