These popsicle stick puzzles make a great Halloween party craft for kids! They are quick, easy and so fun to make that you’ll want to make them for every holiday.
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When it comes to kids crafts, I’ve found that simple ones are often the most enjoyable. That’s why these popsicle stick puzzles are so great! Depending on the age group, these make easy party crafts. Or you can always make them ahead of time to give out as party favors. The possibilities for the type of design or image you can put on these popsicle stick puzzles are endless (although be sure to read my tips below about how to choose the best designs).
*Enter the giveaway at the bottom of this page for a chance to win a costume from Rae Gun Ramblings!*
Supplies Needed for Popsicle Stick Puzzles
- Large popsicle sticks
- Masking tape
- Paper trimmer or scissors
- Mod Podge (I prefer the matte finish)
- Foam brush
- Paper plate
- Precision knife (like an X-acto knife)
- Paper of your choice (this is a great pack because it has larger designs!)
How to Make Popsicle Stick Puzzles
First, gather all your supplies.
Next, lay out your popsicle sticks on top of the design you want to make a puzzle out of. This will help you make sure you have enough sticks.
Line up your popsicle sticks next to a straight line, such as a ruler. Then tape your sticks together so they don’t shift.
*PRO TIP* Use scrapbook paper that has designs already printed on them in a square or rectangular shape. Steer away from small, repeating designs and go towards large, obvious pictures or patterns.
Now you need to use your paper trimmer (or scissors) to trim the design down to size. I recommend leaving a little bit of space on the left and right hand side to make it easier to hold the sticks when putting the puzzle back together.
The next step is to get your paper plate, foam brush and Mod Podge. Pour some Mod Podge on the plate, dip the foam brush in and start applying the Mod Podge to the sticks. Apply it in an even layer, almost to the curved ends of the sticks. Work quickly so the Mod Podge doesn’t dry too much.
Once your Mod Podge is on, place the design on top of the sticks, lining it up on the top and bottom. Smooth it out with your hand from the middle of the design towards the edges.
*Optional* You can put another layer of Mod Podge on top of the design. This is helpful if you are using thicker scrapbook paper because Mod Podge will soak into the paper on the top and bottom, creating a stronger bond. It will also increase drying time to keep that in mind.
Let the popsicle stick puzzle design(s) dry completely. Remove the masking tape from the back. Gently bend the popsicle sticks at the “seams”.
Place your puzzle on top of another piece of cardboard or a self-healing cutting mat. Using your precision knife, cut through the paper on the back first and then the front. You may have to repeat this a few times depending on the thickness of your paper, how stuck together the sticks are, etc.
*PRO TIP* Bend one popsicle stick at a time so you can see the crease on the front (paper side). This will help you cut a straight line.
TA-DA! Your popsicle stick puzzle is complete!
To store, put the puzzle in a ziptop bag or use an elastic band to hold the sticks together.
Other Ideas for Your Popsicle Stick Puzzle
Customize – This popsicle stick puzzle is so fun because you can customize it for any picture or design you want: holidays, seasons, homeschooling resource (alphabet, numbers, etc), vacations (Disney, for example).
Personalize – I’ve made popsicle stick puzzles for my kids using pictures of us. This is a simple and sweet gift for your kids, grandkids or other special people in your life.
Easy to take with you – They are great to keep in your bag for times when you need a simple activity. If you have a variety, you can always swap them out.
Party craft or favor – Make these puzzles as a craft for your child’s birthday party or a holiday party. Or you can make some ahead of time to give out as a party favor.
Are you feeling inspired to make a bunch of these cute popsicle stick puzzles? I know I am!
If you’re looking for even more Halloween party inspiration, you should definitely check out all the amazing crafts my friends are sharing this week! Just click on the link below the image to be taken directly to their site. And remember to enter the GIVEAWAY at the bottom of the page for your choice of Halloween costume from Rae Gun Ramblings!
Laura from Me and My INKlings is sharing quick and easy Polymer Clay Black Cat Earrings that would make the PURR-FECT party favor on Halloween night.
Sweet not spooky is the theme for this set of Halloween Treat Bag Tags created by Laura of Laura’s Crafty Life. Pumpkins are our favorite!
Shani from Sunshine and Munchkins always has the best activities for the kiddos, and her Halloween Popsicle Stick Puzzle does not disappoint.
Download and print a full set of Halloween Party Printables with a Batty theme! Kelsey over at Poofy Cheeks has the entire party covered!
Katie, the Crafty Blog Stalker has taken some simple supplies from the dollar store and transformed them into a Light Up Jack-O-Lantern perfect to greet guests at your front door.
Wrangle your treats in one place this October 31st with Halloween Party Treat Bag Printables from Chelly at We Can Make That!
Jane from DIY Jane has created an magical Halloween Party Table Topper to give your décor a fabulous finishing touch.
Create the perfect party favor with Lindsay from Artsy Fartsy Mama and her tutorial for a Halloween Heishi Bracelet Set. Love the bright colors!
Beth with Creatively Beth is sharing a quick and easy Candy Corn Treat Cup with Free Ghost Tag Printable that will make a yummy party favor.
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