2 Ways to Create a DIY Puzzle from a Picture or Artwork

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Design your own jigsaw puzzle using cardboard or wood

Co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle and Bailey Bujnosek, BA

Last Updated: April 10, 2025 Fact Checked

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DIY Cardboard Puzzle

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DIY Wooden Puzzle

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Q&A

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Tips

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Things You'll Need

Putting a puzzle together is a fun activity and a great workout for your brain. Making your own puzzle is even more fun! Depending on the tools you have at your disposal, you can make a simple, kid-friendly puzzle with cardboard or a traditional jigsaw puzzle from wood. Select a family photo to put on your puzzle for a sentimental gift, or use any image or artwork that would be fun to piece together. Follow the easy steps below to craft an amazing DIY puzzle.

How can I make a puzzle?

Print a photo or draw the puzzle design on paper.
Use craft glue to adhere the design to thin cardboard or paperboard.
Spray the image with varnish and trim any excess border.
Use a ruler to sketch a grid of 1 by 1 inch (2.5 by 2.5 cm) squares on the cardboard.
Draw interlocking half-circles along the grid’s edges to shape your puzzle pieces.
Cut along the lines with grid lines and curves with scissors.
Store your puzzle pieces in a resealable plastic bag.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Making a Simple Cardboard Puzzle

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1
Choose an image and scale it to the size you want. Before jumping into the puzzle-making process, decide what image to use on your puzzle. If you’re using a photograph, choose a high-resolution image and scale it to the size you want your puzzle to be using photo editing software. If you’re drawing your puzzle’s design, draw it to scale (the actual dimensions of your puzzle). ^{[1]
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- Draw on thick paper like cardstock for a sturdier, long-lasting puzzle. Use markers or pens, as pencil art might smudge and colored pencils may be too light to see.
2

Print your image on either printer or sticker paper. Unless you’re drawing your puzzle design directly onto paper, you have to print it out. Double-check that it’s scaled to the dimensions you want the puzzle to be before printing. Print on regular printer paper, or use printable sticker paper to save yourself the hassle of gluing it to the cardboard later. ^{[2]
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Glue or stick your image to a cardboard backing. If you’re gluing, turn your puzzle image face down and apply a glue stick or craft glue over the entire back. ^{[3]
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- The ideal thickness for a puzzle backing, be it cardboard or plywood, is 1/8 inch (0.3 cm).
- You can use the cardboard from an old box to back your puzzle, but make sure it’s clean, undamaged, and flat. Thin paperboard from a cereal box will work for a simple puzzle, but cardboard is preferable because it’s thicker. ^{[5]
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- Let the glue dry completely. Glues have different drying times, but give your puzzle at least one hour to set.
Take your puzzle outside or to a well-ventilated area. ^{[6]
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Research source} Place it on parchment or wax paper to protect the surface beneath it. Spray an even coat of lacquer (also known as picture varnish ) over the image to protect it from wear and give it a glossy shine. Check the can for drying time, and allow it to dry fully.
If your puzzle image is smaller than the backing, use scissors or a hobby knife to remove the unwanted border. If you’re using a hobby knife, place the puzzle on a cutting mat so you don’t damage your cutting surface. ^{[7]
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Trace a grid on the back side of your puzzle. Flip your puzzle so the image is facing down. Use a ruler to mark out a grid pattern made up of squares that are ³ ⁄ ₄ in (1.9 cm) by ³ ⁄ ₄ in (1.9 cm) (for a puzzle with smaller pieces) or 1 inch (2.5 cm) by 1 inch (2.5 cm) (for a puzzle with larger pieces). Trace the squares with a pencil.
- Instead of drawing your own jigsaw puzzle template, you can print puzzle templates from sites like Tim’s Printables .
Create puzzles for gifts. "I decided to make some homemade puzzles as gifts for my family after reading this. I used photos of each person and even customized the puzzle shapes to match their hobbies—like a guitar shape for my bro, who plays in a band. It was so cool to personalize them this way. My family totally lit up when they saw puzzles starring themselves, and it made the gifts extra meaningful." - Mara J.

Make an easy school project. "This article was a total lifesaver for my school puzzle project! It gave super clear, step-by-step instructions that made the whole thing smooth sailing. I really appreciated the pro tips on finding pre-made templates online to simplify cutting out the pieces. Making the puzzle turned out to be way easier than I thought, thanks to having this handy guide." - Jay S.

Design puzzles around any theme. "I used the tips here to create puzzle pieces representing mystery book titles for a reading project in my class. The section that explains how to shape puzzles into crazy silhouettes was perfect for customizing my pieces to fit the mysterious theme. My classmates' jaws dropped when I did the big reveal of my literary-themed puzzles!" - Jeremy H.

Build skills in woodworking. "As a beginner getting into woodworking, I relied heavily on this article to successfully make some sweet wood puzzles on a scroll saw my partner got me. Now I feel ready to take on more complex carpentry projects just by starting with puzzles to get my skills up." - Pam P.

We want to hear from you! Advice from our readers makes our articles better. If you have a story you’d like to share, tell us here .
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Sketch the grid squares into puzzle piece shapes. To create puzzle pieces, add ball and socket shapes (aka half-circles) along the edges of the grid squares so that the pieces will fit into each other when the puzzle is cut. Alternatively, use inverted and protruding triangles, squares, or other shapes for a more unique puzzle. ^{[8]
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- If you’re using a printed puzzle template, use a glue stick or craft glue to attach it to the cardboard back of the puzzle and allow it to dry.
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Use scissors to cut out your puzzle pieces. Follow the puzzle piece template you’ve drawn or glued to the cardboard back and use your scissors to cut out the pieces. When you’re finished, gently erase any remaining pencil marks on the backs of the puzzle pieces. ^{[9]
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- To make it easier, don’t cut out pieces individually. Rather, cut entire rows or columns at a time following every curve, then go back and cut out the individual pieces.
- If you printed on sticker paper and own a Cricut machine , you can use it to cut the image using a puzzle template as the saw path. ^{[10]
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- Store your puzzle in a resealable plastic bag so you don’t lose track of the pieces.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Making a Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle

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1
Prepare your plywood by sanding and staining it. Use a piece of 6 millimetres (0.24 in) thick plywood that’s the height and width you’d like your puzzle to be. Sand the plywood with 120- to 220-grit sandpaper . Cover the back and edges with two coats of spirit stain to stain them . ^{[11]
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- Ensure you’re working in a well-ventilated area so you don’t inhale stain fumes or wood dust. Protect work surfaces with old newspapers, cutting mats, or wax paper.
2
Paint a design onto your plywood. Remember, a more detailed design makes the puzzle more challenging to assemble when it’s split into pieces. Use acrylic paint or gouache paint and whatever paint brushes are suited to your design. Let your painted puzzle design dry overnight. ^{[12]
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- If you’d rather adhere a photo to the plywood than paint your own design, print out an image on printable sticker paper. Peel off the adhesive backing and stick it to the wood.
3
Seal and finish the design using white polish and isopropyl alcohol. Again, work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors when sealing the wood . Apply an equal mixture of wood polish and isopropyl alcohol to the painted design using a microfiber wax applicator . Leave it to dry for 24 hours.
- Another option is to use oil-based polyurethane in a satin sheen and a natural bristle brush. ^{[13]
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4
Trace a jigsaw puzzle template onto the back. Flip the plywood over so the design is face down. Use a printed or hand-drawn jigsaw puzzle template that has the same dimensions as the plywood. Either transfer the template using carbon paper that you trace over with a ballpoint pen or using printer paper and a black marker that bleeds through to the wood. ^{[14]
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- Trace along every curve in the jigsaw puzzle template. Make sure it’s thick enough to use as a guideline when you’re cutting it with your saw.
5

Cut along the lines to separate rows and tape them together. Wear protective gear like cut-proof gloves and safety goggles while cutting. Use a scroll saw or a similar tool to cut through the plywood, following the curves down the puzzle to separate it into rows. Then, tape them together so it’s easy to cut along the columns. ^{[15]
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Cut along the opposite lines to separate the pieces from the rows. Reset your plywood and cut along the remaining marker or pen lines (going perpendicular to the cuts you made earlier) to separate the individual puzzle pieces. Remove the tape when done. ^{[16]
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Sand down the edges of the puzzle pieces. While it may take time to sand down every edge, it’ll prevent splinters and ensure they fit together perfectly. Use 120- to 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the edges of every piece. Finally, gather your pieces into a plastic bag or box to keep them together until it’s time to assemble. ^{[17]
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- After sanding, consider staining or painting the edges of the pieces with a fine-tipped paintbrush to make them more aesthetically pleasing.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do you cut round edges?

Community Answer

The easiest way to cut round edges is to use a very precise X-acto knife. In a pinch, any small, sharp blade will work, including paring knives or box cutters. You can also use the eraser of a small, round object, like a pencil or pen, to provide a guide.

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Question

How can I make my cut edges smoother?

Community Answer

Over time, your cutting knife will become dull, and will result in ragged edges on your puzzle pieces. Try changing your blade out for a new one every now and then. If you still get ragged edges, try sanding them lightly with some fine grit sandpaper.

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Question

What is lacquer? Do I have to use it?

Community Answer

Lacquer is a type of clear sealant. You don't have to use it. You can use any thing you want (as long as it's clear and good quality), like gloss or even clear nail polish.

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Things You’ll Need

Making a Simple Cardboard Puzzle

Cardstock (if drawing)
Markers or pens (if drawing)
Printer paper
Printer
Printable sticker paper (optional)
Glue stick
Craft glue
Ruler
Thin cardboard or chipboard from a cereal box
Picture varnish spray
Scissors
Hobby knife (optional)
Cutting mat (optional)
Pencil
Cricut (optional)
Resealable plastic bag

Making a Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle

6 millimetres (0.24 in) thick plywood sheet
120 to 220 grit sandpaper
Spirit stain
Acrylic or gouache paint
Paintbrushes
Wood polish
Isopropyl alcohol
Microfiber wax applicator
Printed jigsaw puzzle template
Carbon paper
Ballpoint pen
Black marker (optional)
Scroll saw
Safety goggles
Protective gloves
Tape
Resealable plastic bag

Tips

Be creative when choosing your puzzle image! You can make your puzzle anything you like.

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Your puzzle can be any shape you like. For more advanced crafters and woodworkers, try experimenting with puzzle shapes guided by your image (for instance, a clown puzzle in the shape of the clown).

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Try to have a picture that has something on every puzzle piece so it is easier to put the puzzle together, unless you want a challenge of course!!!
You can also buy a blank puzzle and decorate it.

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Warnings

For young puzzle makers, ask your parents for assistance, and don't cut anything without supervision.

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Always use caution and proper equipment when using cutting tools and saws. Take the proper safety precautions to protect yourself and others. Never put your fingers in front of a blade.

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2 Ways to Create a DIY Puzzle from a Picture or Artwork

How can I make a puzzle?

Steps

Making a Simple Cardboard Puzzle

Making a Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle

Community Q&A

Things You’ll Need

Making a Simple Cardboard Puzzle

Making a Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle

Tips

Tips from our Readers

Warnings

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