How to make a puzzle from any design

Hi folks!!!   Glad you stopped by.   Today I have a treat for the kids, but it is also a treat for the "maker" in the family.  This is a super easy and creatively fun project, that you can customize to any age group and/or any special interest.

                                                   Here is what we are going to make today.  I chose a simple pattern for a young child.

Materials needed

2 pieces of 1/4"  to 3/8"  thick wood  The backing piece of the puzzle should be slightly larger than the front piece which will create a border (if you desire)

My back sheet measured 12 1/4 x 11 1/2"    My front measured 11 1/4 x 10 1/4"

You can make your puzzle larger or smaller!  😁

Wood glue.

Plaid paints of your choosing.

I used burnt umber, nutmeg brown, golden brown, 

black, spring white, bright blue and cloudless

Krylon Crystal clear sealer.

Proxxon mini scroll saw.

Proxxon mini table saw.

Proxxon OZI/E delta sander.

Proxxon scroll saw           Proxxon OZI/E delta sander.

  Let's get started.  

The first thing I did was to choose my pattern, then I cut my wood to size using the Proxxon mini table saw.  

Next, I painted my back board with Plaid paints "bright blue" color.  Wow this is a really bright blue and I am sure it will please the kids.  

While that dries I use some carbon paper and get my pattern transferred onto my other, smaller board.

After I cut out my puzzle pieces I will still need the outer piece of this front piece so I must make an "inside cut" using the proxxon mini scroll saw so that my border remains in one piece.  I do this by drilling a small hole in an inconspicuous place and thread my scroll saw blade through the hole and then reconnect it to the saw.    I am now ready to cut out my pattern.  This is so easy with Proxxon's mini scroll saw.  I just followed the lines I drew and cut out all the pieces.  To get my remaining piece out, (the border), I release the scroll saw blade and slide my piece out.    Now I have the puzzle pieces for the dog and an outer border piece.

I want my border piece to be a different shade of blue that will go with the bottom piece.  I chose cloudless by Plaid paints and paint the entire border this color. (not shown).  When it is dry I glue it to the bottom piece with wood glue and clamp it until it is good and dry.  I used a scrap piece of wood on top to provide even pressure.  

, Next, it is on to the pieces.   Each one needs a thorough sanding using the Proxxon OZI/E delta sander.   No one likes splinters.   This tool makes it so easy to get into the curves.  It has multiple speeds you can adjust with a dial.  Also it is so easy to change the sandpaper because it has hook and loop fastner, (velcro), so even after removing a piece it can be put back on later!.   I started with 80 grit paper because I wanted to round over the bottom edge of the pieces.  This just makes it easier for the child to slip the pieces together.   I then switched to 150 grit for the final sanding.

I painted all the pieces using Plaid paints.   I finished them off with a coating of Krylon crystal clear sealer.

Looking at my pieces I noticed a piece that had some skinny sides and was somewhat sharp.  A brilliant idea 💡 hit me that I should glue that to the back of the puzzle so that would give the kids a starting point AND it would keep that piece from being broken or hurting anyone.  💡.   So I glued it in place.  

Puzzle is done!!  Wasn't that fun and so easy.

 Hope you had fun and are gonna give it a try.   I thank you sooooo much for visiting.   Hope to see you back next time.  Carol

Thanks to Proxxon tools and Plaid paints............so much fun to play with!!!

How to create a decorative sewing panel

Hi everyone, I've got a sewing panel to share that would make a great decoration for your favorite crafter.

Supplies:

Proxxon Scroll Saw

Proxxon Delta Sander

Prima Metallique Paints

Imagine Crafts Ink

Makin's Clay and Clay Cutters

Chipboard

I started by drawing the pattern on a piece of plywood.  Then I used the Scroll Saw to cut the design.

Once the design was cut, I used the Delta Sander to sand the panel.

Wanting to create with a sewing theme, I added chipboard elements to the panel then painted everything with black gesso.

I used molding paste through a stencil in the open area, then painted the piece with assorted colors of Prima Metallique paints.

I continued adding colors until I was happy with the finished piece.

Using a script stamp with black ink, I stamped it randomly about the panel.  I also stamped some chipboard elements and added them around the panel.  A large flower was added above the dress form and some trim along the lower edge.  SEW was created from Makin's Clay and Clay Cutters.

Thanks for stopping by.

"Fairie Door" by WildHeart Art for Proxxon Design Team

"Fairie Door"

by WildHeart Art 

Proxxon Design Team

How fun it was to create this sweet little Fairie door~ perfect for a secret little place in the garden using  Proxxon Power Carver MSG.

~Supplies~

Proxxon Power Carver MSG

Wooden board or plaque any size

Acrylic Paints

Weld Bond Glue

Metal embellishments

Spray Varnish

 1)Start by drawing out your door design

 2) Using the Power Carver Tool carve out the lines

 3) Paint  the door using acrylic paints

 4) Add metal embellishments  using the Weld Bond Glue to create that Fairie look

5) When finished seal with a spray varnish

Wooden Flag for the 4th

Hello friends. Larissa here today with a fun easy project for the 4th.

You will need: 

Proxxon Table Saw

Proxxon Delta Sander

Plaid Folkart Outdoor Acrylic Paint: Engine Red, Cobalt and White 

Piece of scrap wood

Paint Brushes

Painters Tape 

Vinyl Cutting Machine or Stickers

First off I grabbed a small piece of scrap wood and drew an even rectangle with my pencil. Then I cut it out using the Proxxon Table Saw. 

Once I was done cutting with takes no time at all with this amazing Saw, I grabbed the Delta Sander and smoothed the edges and the top of the piece of wood. 

I used painters tape and taped off the sections to paint. Once dry I gave it all a second coat. I then cut out stars and the God Bless America out of vinyl using my silhouette and adhered them onto the flag.

As you can tell it is a super simple project you can make for the upcoming holiday or for any day. I will be hanging it somewhere outside. 

Hope you enjoyed my post today. Have a wonderful rest of your day and Happy 4th.. 

Larissa Pittman 

www.muffinsandlace.com

I Love You A Latte

Hello friends. Larissa here with you today. There is something about chalkboard signs that I love. Then you throw in a verse on Coffee and it makes it even better. Today I cut a piece of wood for a chalkboard sign for my coffee bar.

I used:

Proxxon Tools Scroll Saw DSH/E 

A scrap piece of plywood

Chalkboard Paint

Various Colors of Acrylic paint
Paint Brushes

I used the Scroll Saw to cut a circle type edge on the corners of the piece of plywood. I did not draw it out I just eyeballed it. Which you will see my eyes must have been off a little. :) 

I painted 2 coats of black chalk paint on the wood. 

I let it dry completely which actually took about 20 to 30 minutes. I then did the lettering and finished off with painting the coffee cups. 

I let it dry completely a few hours and then added it to my coffee bar. 

Let me tell you. This was so easy and I am really loving this Scroll Saw. I did use paint on this board but you could very well use chalk pens and change the saying on it regularly.

I hope you enjoyed my post today.
Have a wonderful day friends.

Larissa Pittman Muffins and Lace 

Add Some Inspiration to Your Mixed Media Artwork by Sherri Welser

Adding Inspiration to Your Mixed Media Artwork

Using sweet little inspirational words in your mixed media artwork always brings a smile to those who see it! Here I used the Proxxon Bench Drill Press  to create the holes on either side of the wooden inspirational wooden plaques. Details  and supply list below.

~Supplies~

Proxxon Bench Drill Press- TBM 115

Mixed media canvas (I did 2 at the same time ~ 12 x 4)

Acrylic paints-colors

Acrylic paints-white

Ink Sprays

Wooden inspirational words

Copper brads

Weld Bond Glue

Paint brush

Stencils

Gel pens

1) Start by using the acrylic colors and apply paints randomly with the brush filling in all the spaces on the canvas.

2) Using the stencils lay them down on the canvas and spray the inks through them to create a fun whimsical background

3) I then drew a dragonfly onto the canvas

4) Using the white acrylic paint cover over outside of the drawn dragonfly.

5) Using the Proxxon Bench drill press, drill small holes on either side of the wooden word being careful to avoid the lettering.

6) I used 2 copper brads for either side where the holes are and put the brads through the holes and spread out the tabs on the back side.

7) Using Weld Bond glue I then attached the wooden plaques onto the canvas in the middle of the dragonfly's tail. I applied a weight  onto the plaque as well to make sure of a good  seal.

You can add some finishing touches with gel pen doodles

You now have completed an inspirational mixed media piece which was easy and carefree to create!

ENJOY!