Selecting Puzzles To Make Magnetic Puzzles for kids are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. From four feet long floor puzzles to glow in the dark jigsaws, many kids’ puzzles would make striking wall art. Consider the following when deciding which puzzles to make magnetic: How thick are the pieces? How heavy are the pieces? Is the puzzle durable? Is the puzzle easy to wipe clean? Your puzzle will need to be thick enough so that the individual puzzle pieces are easy to grasp when on the wall. Also, because your puzzle will undoubtedly see repeated play, the pieces should be sufficiently thick to not bend or warp easily. The weight of your puzzle determines how much of the Extra Strength Magnetic Sheet you would need to apply. Light weight puzzles, like floor puzzles, need only a strip. Chunky wooden puzzles may require a complete backing. Because a magnetic wall attracts a lot of activity, your magnetic puzzles should be durable. The pieces will be dropped numerous times, played with, and generally pushed around. Select thicker cardboard puzzles and wooden puzzles for great durability. If you have applied chalkboard paint over your magnetic wall, you will want to select puzzles which are easy to wipe clean. This is a good idea in any case, as the magnetic puzzle will probably stay out of the box a good, long while. Creative Fun With Magnets!

Making A Magnetic Wooden Puzzle

My kids already have the alphabet, animal, and dinosaur wooden magnets, so I decided to use a Melissa and Doug Fresh Start puzzle for this project. The puzzle pieces are nice and thick, making them easy for little children to maneuver. You will need adhesive magnetic sheets, your puzzle, a pencil or pen, scissors, and an exacto knife or similar sharp blade. First, trace around an individual puzzle piece, and cut the shape out with scissors. This prevents slicing through the sides of your wooden puzzle. The resulting magnetic piece will be a hair larger than your puzzle piece. Apply it, and carefully trim the excess with your exacto knife, holding it at an angle. (I used an Olfa Touch Knife, which is nice to hold.) As you move from piece to piece, make the best use of the magnetic sheet by cutting them out in order. The puzzle piece with its respective magnetic backing cut-out. Here you can see how easily the thin, magnetic backing shaves cleanly with the Olfa Touch Knife. The wooden puzzle pieces adhere nicely to the wall. Because the wooden puzzle pieces are fairly thick, they are easy for small children to grasp. An attractive looking functional wall display.

Adding Magnets To Your Floor Puzzle

Because floor puzzles are of so large a scale, they lend themselves very well to being transformed into magnetic wall art. From four feet long underwater scenes to maps of the world and the United States, floor puzzles can be both beautiful and educational. Melissa and Doug Floor Puzzles are very desirable because they are 20% thicker than other brands, and have an “easy-clean” surface coating. Adding adhesive magnetic sheets to floor puzzle pieces is quick and easy. It is not necessary to affix magnetic backing across the entire puzzle piece. Although these puzzles are very durable, they are light in weight. For my kids’ dinosaur floor puzzle, I chose to cut each magnetic sheet into ten strips with a pair of kitchen scissors, and simply press one strip to each piece of the puzzle. As soon as the pieces were up on the wall, the kids took interest, and each took a turn putting it together. Fast and easy: magnetic strip pressed onto the back of a floor puzzle piece. Putting together the magnetic floor puzzle.

The finished puzzle looked so nice that we slid it to the center and left it there like a poster- at least until the kids decided to knock it down and build it again! This dinosaur puzzle looks very striking on the wall, and it is up off the floor, out of the walking area as well!

The term “magnetic wall” is a bit misleading. Magnetic walls are not, in and of themselves, magnetic. They are actually walls coated with layers of special paints which contain minute particles of metal. Because of this, they are not harmful to electronic devices. As with most mixed substance paints, magnetic wall paints are fairly thick. Rust-Oleum Magnetic Primer is a good quality paint at a reasonable price point. The area which is painted will differ from the surrounding area enough to warrant taking a few extra steps. This unused breakfast bar wall will become my kids' new magnetic wall play area. Mr Clean Magic Erasers are great for cleaning walls. Be sure to wipe off any white residue before painting. Thick, magnetic wall paint is actually quite heavy in the can.

Determine where you wish to create your magnetic wall. For children, the area should be low on the wall, for easy play. Clean the wall and let it dry thoroughly. Tape off the area using a level or T-square to ensure proper corners. Prime or lightly sand the wall if necessary. (If it was previously coated with glossy paints, oil-based paints, etc.) Thoroughly mix your magnetic wall paint. It is very important to keep re-stirring the paint, as the metal particles are heavier, and will settle to the bottom. Apply several coats of paint with a smooth foam roller, remembering to mix the paint every time you pour it. Apply a couple of coats of colored paint for looks, and remove the tape. The more coats of magnetic wall paint, the stronger the attraction. Therefore, be sure to apply several layers. You can see the heavy, metal particles pulled up from the bottom of this unmixed can of magnetic wall paint. The wall, with an initial coat of magnetic paint.

If you are looking for ways to make this area multi-task, consider using chalkboard paint on top of the magnetic wall paint. Another option is dry erase paint. Both of these paints will enable your child to draw or write on the surface as well. Whatever paint you select for the final coat, make sure it is formulated to produce an easily cleaned surface. To create a frame for your magnetic wall, browse through the house trim section of the hardware store. Chair railing is very attractive, and can be easily cut and tacked up to frame out the area. There are a number of inexpensive moldings which may be used, and a wide variety of styles. Some of the many uses for magnetic walls include: Learning letters and creating sentences with alphabet magnets Learning math with magnetic numbers and symbols Creating imaginative scenes with magnetic pattern blocks Making your own gallery for photos and drawings Imaginative play with fun animal, dinosaur, or habitat magnets Posting reminders It really works! The children are playing on their new magnetic wall.

Magnetic walls are a safe and fun way to preserve your home’s interior while allowing your children to create and learn on a broad, interactive surface. Magnetic walls can stand up to repeated use without the dangers of wobbly and unstable hanging or free-standing bulletin boards.

With a little creativity, a plain wall can become a great new play area!

Make Your Own Mosaics

Color is the most essential component of a mosaic. Fliers and coupons are loaded with bright colors. Have your child cut these into various shapes and sizes. Scatter them on a piece of nice cardboard. As kids manipulate the resulting pieces, they can create numerous designs, from flowers to faces, and beyond. This provides a great learning opportunity. Teach your child words like “hue”, “tone”, and “value”. Help your child notice the lights and darks in objects, and manipulate the mosaic pieces to mimic them.

Once your child has created an attractive display, he or she can use a glue stick to adhere the mosaic pieces to the cardboard. Paint a black border along the edges, and you have an educational, personalized, wall decoration. Paper mosaics may also be used in the creation of decoupage projects.

Decorate With Decoupage

Beautiful flowering plants, animals, and more can be found in catalogue pages. For a quick and cheap decoupage project, have your child select and cut out their favorite images. Carefully coat the back of glass plates, which are readily found at yard sales, with Mod Podge, taking care to protect the face of the plate. Now your little ones can press their chosen images face down onto the back of the plate to create their own custom design! A second coat of Mod Podge seals the completed project, which remains food safe, as the front of the plate has not been altered.

Decoupage is a great way for kids to create many other custom items as well, such as trays, frames, boxes, and personalized gifts. For these, don’t be afraid to mix media! Glue bottle caps, beads, friendship bracelets, pinecones, buttons and more to your finished decoupage products to add even more interest and texture.

Learn About Fine Art

Many catalogues and magazines feature reproductions of famous works of art. Cutting out and compiling these images is a quick and easy way to create art identification flash cards. Simply paste the images on thin pieces of cardboard you can cut from your empty dry goods cartons from the grocery store. Your child can learn to recognize the different art genres, and individual artists’ styles.

These same images then can be re-purposed as doll’s house paintings. Kids can draw frames using gold paint markers, and hang their favorite miniature artistic works on doll’s house walls with a dab of museum putty.

Kids craft projects which focus on creating a useful object out of items which on their own serve no real purpose, teach children to be resourceful. Encouraging creativity at an early age promotes self-confidence and self-reliance.

Finding dinosaur toys is relatively easy. Plastic dinosaur toys come in all colors and sizes, and are available everywhere from the grocery store to the toy store. “Squishy” dinosaurs are another, inexpensive option. Made of rubber, these squishy toy dinosaurs are fairly detailed, and stretch, bend, and squish to your child’s delight!

Once you have your dinosaur toys, your kids will doubtless begin searching out dinosaur “food” and other necessities. Unless you want to lose your box of tissues and your house plants to hungry dinosaur teeth, you may want to consider helping your child create their own play accessories. Any respectable dinosaur should have his own habitat, complete with trees, volcanoes, caves, and, of course, tall grass.

Early dinosaurs saw only non-flowering trees, so tree-making can be a fun and inexpensive craft project which will inspire creativity. Consider that the completed trees will need to be able to stand upright on their own, at least until the dinosaurs come along. Empty toilet paper rolls make great tree trunks. Save a few, and pull out some extra gift tissue paper, preferably green. With a little bit of glue and paint, your child can turn these common household items into inexpensive and practical trees. Simply crush and twist the tissue paper, insert it into one end of the cardboard roll, and affix with a dab of glue. If the dinosaurs eat the trees, no problem! Recycle and reuse.

Don’t toss away that newspaper! You still need some caves for your dinosaurs. Papier mache is easy and fun. Tear the newspaper into strips, mix one part flour with two parts water to make a paste, and grab a tired out latex balloon. Coat the balloon with layers of newspaper dipped in paste until covered. Once dry, decorate with paint, and cut in half, or otherwise open. Voila, great dinosaur caverns!

If you are going to create a volcano, it may as well be an active volcano. Form the exterior of your volcano from plaster or clay, and fill an old can or bottle positioned in the center with baking soda. Mix vinegar, water, and a healthy squeeze of dish soap. Add some red food coloring for a more convincing presentation. When ready, pour liquid mixture into volcano, and watch it erupt.

Green construction paper can be cut like fringe, and glued to a piece of heave duty cardboard to create rows of tall grass in which the dinosaurs can hide. Your child will have great fun painting and arranging the various components of their very own dinosaur habitat.

Using household items to create fun dinosaur toy accessories teaches your child problem solving skills and encourages creativity, without breaking the bank. Every kids craft project that you and your child create together provides a great learning opportunity, and a happy memory.

Dazzle your kids with four sparkling sun catchers in a variety of fun dinosaur shapes! Children will love coloring these friendly dinosaurs to create unique window art.

• Brand: Melissa and Doug
• Type: Kids Craft Kit
• Style: Decorate Your Own Sun Catchers
• Design: Dinosaurs Assortment
• Condition: New
• Quantity: 4 per box
• Includes: Paints, suction cups, hanging cords, paintbrush, 4 sun catchers
• Uses: kids’ party favors activities, rainy day fun, daycare or summer camp projects, great gift idea!
• Recommended for children ages 4+

This wonderful craft kit for kids from Melissa and Doug company includes everything your child will need to create four colorful sun catchers in a variety of fun dinosaur shapes.

Your child can custom design the final product by using the included paints and brush to decorate the four blank sun catchers. Suction cups and hanging cords are included.

This kit makes a great gift item, or can be used so that your child can create unique gifts to give to grandparents, friends and family!

Perfect as a fun party activity or for summer camps, scout troops, daycares, and schools, one of these fun kids craft project kits would be suitable for four children. Each child could decorate one individual sun catcher.

Select your favorite Kids Craft Projects today!

What an adorable set for kids! This wooden picture frame is easy and fun to personalize. Create an eye-catching decoration for your room, or a custom gift to give a friend or family member.

• Brand: Melissa and Doug
• Type: Decorate Your Own Craft Kit for Kids
• Style: Picture Frame
• Size: holds 3×5 photo or drawing
• Condition: New
• Includes: wooden photo frame, glitter and craft glue, colorful plastic “gems’, paints, and a paintbrush
• Uses: rainy day activity, gift item, party activity, summer camps, schools, daycares and more!
• Recommended for children ages 4+

Involve kids in the creative process with this fun picture frame craft kit! Children will enjoy learning about the components of good design. Teach them about balance, line weight, color hues and tones, mixing paint, and more.

Give this great kit as a gift, or purchase several of them for fun party activities!

Is a special family member celebrating? Let your child create a memorable present for someone else. Kids will love personalizing this frame, and filling it with a favorite family photo, special note, or original drawing.

This is only one of many creative, fun kids craft projects available in our store!

Pick up your own Creative Kids Craft Project today!

Wow! Wonderful puzzle for young learners. This beautifully illustrated 48-piece circular cardboard floor puzzle features twelve children from around the world dressed in traditional ethnic clothing.

• Brand: Melissa and Doug
• Type: Floor Puzzle
• Style: Children of the World design
• Condition: New
• Educational Toy
• Great for schools, daycares, summer camps, and home!

Super-sized floor puzzles are a lot of fun to put together and view. Kids love scooting around to view them from all sides, pointing out various details as they go.

The Children of the World floor puzzle is a wonderful educational tool for small children.

The International Baccalaureate Organization programs within the public school system speak of “International Mindedness”, which is a term used to describe the awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the many different countries, cultures, and customs; and the presence of that awareness within everyday actions.

Instill a sense of international-mindedness in your child with this unique and beautiful floor puzzle. Teach your child to embrace differences and appreciate the uniqueness of individuals.

Give your child a desire to explore and learn about the world in which they live. Give them a sense of their own cultural heritage, and teach them about other customs and cultures as well. See the beauty and diversity to be found within this world!

The puzzle measures 32″ in diameter when completed. Extra thick pieces stand up to repeated use. Puzzles help develop hand-eye coordination, shape recognition and placement skills, memorization and problem solving abilities.

This is only one of many great floor puzzles in a variety of difficulty levels.

Select your favorite Floor Puzzles today!

A fun and engaging way to teach your child the letters of the alphabet, this fantastic ABCs puzzle pronounces the name of each letter when the matching puzzle piece is placed in its slot.

• Brand: Melissa and Doug
• Type: Wooden Sound Puzzle
• Style: Alphabet, ABCs
• Condition: New
• Educational Toy

What a great idea for pre-schoolers! This wonderful mother’s helper puzzle uses color, shape recognition, and sound to help kids learn the letters of the alphabet.

Beneath every letter is a fun picture, and the puzzle pronounces the names of the various letters when they are put in place. Use the colorful pictures in each slot on the board to help your little one develop the relationship between sounds and letters.

Each brightly colored puzzle piece may also be used independently for stenciling. Trace around the edges to create your own flashcards, and have your child color the letter shapes.

The pieces may also be used to play games like, “Who stole the “A” from the alphabet?”

This terrific, educational, wooden alphabet puzzle makes learning fun! It is a great gift item for the busy parent.

Pick up your Wooden Alphabet ABC Sound Puzzle today!

Great outdoor fun and maybe even a little help will come from this unique child’s gardening trowel. Made for kids, the cheerful gardening tool will help your child learn the joys of gardening in style!

• Brand: Melissa and Doug Sunny Patch Kids
• Type: Kids Gardening Trowel
• Style: Happy Giddy Pattern: Happy Face
• Dominant Colors: Orange and Green
• Condition: New
• Designed for Kids
• Sturdy, Quality Construction
• Easy to Grip Handle
• Recommended for children ages 3+

Gardening is a life skill that is efficacious for both the body and the mind. Teach your child how to plant seeds, take care of plants, and bring in the harvest.

Gardening is a wonderful way to introduce your child to responsibility, work, and reward. Help the family budget while giving your child the opportunity to study the life cycle of plants, and instill a sense of accomplishment and good work ethic.

With an easy to grip, happy face handle, bright colors, and sturdy design, this trowel will have your little one enjoying going after the weeds, planting veggies, and digging in the dirt to plant seeds.

This is only one of many great gardening items for kids. Rakes, gloves, hoes, shovels, buckets, totes, and more can be found in our store!

Pick up a fun kids gardening tool and start your garden today!