It's an easy, yet elegant craft and a stunning home decor DIY for holidays, weddings or showers or birthdays.
Last night, I cleaned out my art cabinet and came across a bag of red and pink puzzle pieces leftover from my preschool teaching days.
I didn't want to throw them away and it is almost Valentine's Day, so I decided to craft with them.
Again.
I really like this one, it is very festive and RED ~ my favorite decorating color!
Last night, I cleaned out my art cabinet and came across a bag of red and pink puzzle pieces leftover from my preschool teaching days.
I didn't want to throw them away and it is almost Valentine's Day, so I decided to craft with them.
Again.
I really like this one, it is very festive and RED ~ my favorite decorating color!
Of course, you could whip this sweet banner up for a wedding and use whatever colors coordinate with the bride's chosen palette.
It's very simple to make, although a bit different from the method I have used in the past.
To be honest, this was my first attempt at a Valentine banner and while it's my favorite, I do have more for the holiday.
It's very simple to make, although a bit different from the method I have used in the past.
To be honest, this was my first attempt at a Valentine banner and while it's my favorite, I do have more for the holiday.
As a matter of fact, over the years, I've made banners out of lots of unconventional items from crocheted pot holders and yarn carrots to paper flowers.
I've kind of become a banner junkie, but this is one that started it all, so let's check out the DIY, shall we?
How To Make A Puzzle Piece Garland
1. Paint The Puzzle Pieces
I already had painted pieces on hand, so I was able to skip this step.
If you do not, just grab an old puzzle, or pick one up at the dollar or thrift store, and start painting the pieces with regular craft paint, in red and pink.
If you'd rather use spray paint, that's fine. Simply place the pieces on a piece of cardboard or a drop cloth and give them a quick spray.
Keep in mind that the pieces are made of paper/ cardboard so you don't want to get them too wet.
2. Make A Pattern
I wanted to my letters to be structured and straight, so I made myself a pattern.
I printed out my letters in Times New Roman and changed the font size to 450. The block letters were easiest to work with, but you can choose any font that catches your eye.
Then I mapped out my puzzle pieces on the letters to make sure I liked the look.
3. Glue The Letters Together
Generally, I glue my pieces to a cardboard shape.
However, this time, I wanted the garland to appear airy and light, so I just hot glued the pieces to one another, without a backing.
In order to make sure that they did not stick to the paper, I slipped a piece of wax paper over my template so the glue would peel away much easier if stuck.
4. Mod Podge
I gave my finished word a quick coat of decoupage gel when assembled. This ensured that everything was really stuck together and gave my letters a nice pop of shine.
5. Create A Line
While I was waiting for the letters to dry, I grabbed a spool of red thread and some buttons I had leftover from my Christmas Yarn Tree project and started threading.
I added the buttons to a doubled up line in no particular order. I simply looped each button, without knotting them on the string until I was happy with the look.
6. Glue Letters To String
Lastly, I hot glued my letters to a few of the buttons on the garland and hung the completed banner up with two tacks.
Voila!
Love banner or garland for your home or event.
I think it looks perfect on my kitchen hood.
2023 Update: I made this banner 9 years ago and it still looks great today. Each year, when it's time to put it away, I pop it into a ziploc baggie and tuck it into my craft closet.
So far, so good!
Be honest...are you sick of these puzzle pieces?
Clearly, I have a problem.
I guess it's true what they say, you can take the girl out of the classroom, but...well, you know!
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I LOVE it! I get obsessed with a concept too; for example, I made tons of things with torn and knotted cloth.
ReplyDeleteMy word for the week is "create". Every week I try to feature some of my readers based on my theme. This weekend, would you let me share the first photo with a link back to your blog?
Susan
Absolutely! I would be completely flattered! :) Thanks so much!
DeleteOh, I love that wreath. I like the puzzle pieces too, but that wreath! It looks so great against the white hood. Your kitchen is gorgeous.
ReplyDeletePatty at Home and Lifestyle Design
Patty, thank you so much~ what a nice comment! The wreath was actually easier to make that the garland, less sticky anyway! :)
DeleteNot sick at all, Kim. I love your cute garland AND your wreath. Your kitchen, by the way, is beautiful!!!! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteThanks Diana...I do love my kitchen. We added it about 10 years ago and I love it just as much today as I did back then. I joke that I'm going to have one of those houses where the kids' friends come back many years later and say, wow, your house looks exactly the same as it did when we were all little. Oh well...at least I'm consistent! :)
DeleteI think that is absolutely adorable!
ReplyDeleteThanks Stacey, it was a whim that worked out really well! ;)
DeleteI love the garland and the use of puzzle pieces. We have so many little puzzle pieces hanging around here - what a great way to use them instead of throwing them out... Thanks, Cathy
ReplyDeleteCathy, we used to make little Valentine hearts from the pieces when I taught preschool, many years ago. It's an oldie, but goodie and it is a great way to upcycle! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and I hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend!
DeleteLOVE how you used puzzles pieces to make something so stinking cute!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ashley, it's kind of become an obsession...addiction...habit! ;-)
DeleteThis is soooooooooooooooooo cute!!!! I made the pumpkin puzzle frame you also posted (I didn't take any pictures) and totally want to make this too. Its absolutely lovely, especially with the button touches.
ReplyDeleteWow, I am so totally flattered!! I would've loved to see the pumpkin puzzle frame! They are so individual, it's fun to see everyone's interpretation. This one was so easy, too, you should definitely make it! And take pictures!! :)
DeleteSo, so cute! I sat your little garland featured at Butterfly )8( Bungalow and loved it. I love that you were using up old bits of puzzles.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Carol! It is a fun way to use up the puzzles! That feature was so sweet and so unexpected. It was a nice weekend surprise! I hope you are having a lovely weekend, too! Thanks for popping by! :)
DeleteHow adorable that garland looks on the hood! And I must say that your kitchen is absolutely gorgeous... the red and white looks stunning! Beautiful wreath...love that! Hope you are enjoying your weekend! Hugs, Poppy
ReplyDeleteThank you, Poppy! It was a fun project, especially since it's red! ;)
DeleteI love this! It looks great. I like how you mixed the buttons in between the letters.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kimberlee...total last minute addition...trying to use up stuff in the art cabinet! :)
DeleteGreat simple use for puzzle pieces! (AND... I figured out how you did it before you I read the instructions!) I'm going to use this for a craft project for the teen group at church. Bet they'd like it. And to make sure they come back, they have to wait a whole week while it dries and come back to pick it up!
ReplyDeleteHere's another idea for puzzle pieces. We have tons of Thomas Kincaid puzzles... They have so many pictures within pictures. I was thinking of separating out 4"x4" sections and gluing them to the top of subway tiles for coasters. Or the top of cardboard. Or wood. Or maybe even all by themselves! Of course, with felt on the back. What you think?
I think it's a great idea, Nancy. I think that any of those ideas would work. I like the tile idea, it would have some weight and put felt on the back. Fun!
DeleteSuch a lovely idea and decoration! I love that red wreath. Your kitchen looks stunning. Happy Sunday!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Finland,
Satu
Over here from butterfly and bungalow...love your puzzle garland / amazing and so creative! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the visit and the kind words, Deb! :)
DeleteSick? How can anyone be sick of such a sweet and adorable sight! The wreath and the garland are both GORGEOUS!! Love the way they pop in your white kitchen, Kim. The red and white buttons are so cute! It is not puzzling to see why your pretty puzzle love garland is the perfect inspiration for Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeletePoppy
Thanks Poppy, I love your comments, they are always so witty! I have to say that I am a creature of habit and once I find a project that works, I stick with it! I really did like this one, too...all that red! :)
DeleteGenius! I love how you made these letters. It worked...the letters do look airy and light. You did such a nice job here, and I can stand many more projects with puzzle pieces. So, keep 'm coming! :-)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Kim @ Curtain Queen Creates
Thanks so much, Kim! I really appreciate the kind words!
DeleteKim, I love seeing how creative you can be with puzzle pieces and have a beautiful unique adornment for your home. Don't halt the puzzle decorations, please!
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Helen
Thanks Helen! I love them because they really are so easy to make and really difficult to mess up. It makes me look a whole lot more talented than I really am! ;)
Deletevery cute! love puzzle pieces for crafts.
ReplyDeleteMarie @
In Our Happy Place
Thanks Marie, I do too and I am never short on supplies, that is for sure!
DeleteGorgeous garland! I'm visiting from Sue at Butterfly and Bungalow! Lovely lovely blog! xoxo Jen
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks so much, Jen! You have totally made my day! :)
DeleteThat is so cute! I love the idea of using the puzzle pieces.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gina! It's a good way to use up the old toys! :) Thanks for popping by!
DeleteSo cute…love it great idea! Would love to invite you to come by and share it at One More Time Events http://www.onemoretimeevents.com/2014/02/valentine-round-up-and-party.html
ReplyDeleteSuper cute and pretty Kim!
ReplyDeleteThanks Vel. It was so easy! :)
DeleteOMG what a cute cute project! I love it. Thanx for sharing over at THT!
ReplyDeleteWow Pamela, thanks! I'm completely flattered!
Deleteso sweet and pretty
ReplyDeleteand love really is
a perfect puzzle
when you have all the pieces
thanks for sharing
at Fridays Unfolded!
Alison
Nancherrow
Thanks for the sweet comment, Alison!
DeleteThis is adorable! What a cute idea! Especially the little button detail between the letters!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sonya! The button detail was a last minute whim, trying to use up old supplies! Some of my best ideas happen on the fly! Thanks so much for coming by.
DeleteSo pretty and such a great idea! Thank you for sharing. You will be one of the features at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kathryn! I'm so excited! :) Have a great Sunday!
DeleteNo, I am not sick of your puzzle pieces, Kim. This is so cool. I love the pink heart for the "o" with the rest of the letters in red. Perfect! It's so much fun to visit your blog and see what you're up to. I'm pinning this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy, I think I may have a problem. I am kind of addicted to crafting with the pieces! I'm glad you like them, too! :) I love getting pinned!
DeleteHow could we get sick of seeing such cuteness! Love this!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Carol! You are so sweet to leave such a nice comment! :)
DeleteKim...how did I miss this?? This LOVE garland is the cutest ever!! It's so sweet and lacy looking. I love your creativity!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats for getting featured at Maria Elena's party!!
Thanks so much, Diane, it's always a thrill to be featured! I am really excited with the way it turned out and it was so super easy! You should give it a try!
DeleteThis is so pretty Kim! The red is the perfect pop of color against the neutral back drop. The puzzles pieces are genius! What a fun and creative idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks Leslie! I used to teach preschool, kindergarten and grade one. We used whatever we could get our hands on for crafts and so puzzle pieces were a staple. This is just my grown up version! ;) It's an oldie, but a goodie!
DeleteCute idea.
ReplyDeleteSherry
Thanks Sherry! :) It was super easy!
DeleteI love this idea! Yes, I am tired of puzzle pieces! I never would have thought to use them in this way. Great ideas and lovely photos.
ReplyDelete-Jessica
www.daftlydomestic.com
Thanks Jessica! I really do love this one, it was so easy to make and super cute to look at...and yes, it uses up all of those leftover pieces!
DeleteHI Kim! This is so sweet! I never thought of puzzle pieces! And can I tell you that red hydrangea wreath is to die for! Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing at Table It! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by to take a peek at it and leave a comment, Lori. That was super sweet! :)
DeleteThis is such a cute idea! I love that re use things to create a pretty project out of it.Enjoyed the post so very much. Your kitchen is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maria! I happen to really like this one. It just makes me smile.
DeleteWhat fun you are, creating with puzzle pieces.
ReplyDeleteAiry and cute . . .
Thanks Lynne, this one has a special place in my heart…
Delete