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Have an old puzzle that is missing some pieces? How about some photographs that need framing? If you said yes, then you and the kids have a fun project ahead of you! These easy and personalized frames make wonderful gifts for relatives.

You will need:

photograph for framing
piece of cardboard a little larger than your photo
4 ice cream or craft sticks
15 puzzle pieces (will need more or less depending on puzzle piece size)
tempera paint in colors of your choice
various buttons and doodads for decoration
Craft glue
hot glue
scissors
newspaper

If you make this project we'd love to see it! Just send your photos and comments to the editor and it may get published on this page!

What you do

Prep
Using craft glue, adhere the photograph to the piece of cardboard. Use craft glue to attach the ice cream sticks around the photograph as shown in figure 1. Trim cardboard so that it is just larger than the photograph. Set aside to dry.

Paint
Lay newspaper down on table and place puzzle pieces face up. Have the children paint the puzzle pieces in the colors of your choice. You may need 2-3 coats for some depending on the color of paint and the darkness of the pattern on the puzzle pieces.

Glue
When the puzzle pieces are dry and are the color you want, use hot glue to adhere them to the ice cream sticks. Alternate colored puzzle pieces as desired, work your way around the frame, be sure that pieces overlap and do not leave any gaps between pieces.

Figure 2

Decorate
After all pieces are glued in place, use hot glue to adhere small buttons and doodads of your choice around frame.

Hang!
For a simple hanger, hot glue a piece of sturdy string or yarn across the back of the cardboard. See figure 2.

The inspiration for this craft came from ChildFun.com where you can find thousands of kid's crafts, activities and themed ideas. See their feature on Christmas Gifts That Kids Can Make here: http://childfun.com/christmas/home.shtml

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About the Author
Amanda Formaro is the entrepreneurial mother of four children. She is also the owner of FamilyCorner.com® Magazine  Subscribe to her free kid's craft newsletter, Busy Little Hands, by filling out the form on the left side of this article