Turn a Cherished Photo into a Custom Wooden Block Puzzle: A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you have a heart? Then you're going to love this DIY picture puzzle. It's made with wooden blocks, temporary tattoo paper, and a treasured photo. This craft is easy but impressive, kid-friendly (with a little grown-up help), and highly giftable.

Step 1: Arrange and Clamp the Blocks

Set up 12 blocks in a 3 x 4 rectangle. Clamp them tightly together as shown to keep them in place while you work. Make sure they are aligned so the surface is smooth.

Step 2: Prepare and Print the Image

Use Photoshop or other photo-editing software to resize and, if necessary, crop your image to exactly 6" x 4 ½" so it fits perfectly on the assembled blocks. Then flip the image horizontally so that after transfer (which flips it again), it will be oriented correctly. Finally, print the image onto the shiny side of the temporary tattoo paper. (At this stage, it helps to read the directions carefully on the tattoo paper packaging.) Allow the ink to dry for a few minutes.

Step 3: Position the Transparent Layer With Backing

Place the second, transparent layer (along with its backing) onto the printout, with the backing directly against the image and the shiny side facing up.

Step 4: Remove the Top Strip of Backing and Adhere

Remove the thin strip of backing at the top and carefully place the exposed sticky strip of transparent plastic directly onto the image.

Step 5: Apply the Entire Transparent Layer Over the Image

Starting at the top, just below where you've adhered the top strip, slowly peel off the rest of the backing, allowing the sticky side of the clear layer to lay directly onto the image.

Step 6: Press Down to Adhere the Two Layers

Apply some pressure and use a credit card or scraper to adhere the transparent layer to the image.

Step 7: Cut Out the Image

Using scissors, carefully cut out the image. Try to cut as close to the edge as possible.

Step 8: Remove the Plastic from the Image

Carefully peel the transparent plastic layer off the image.

Step 9: Place the Image Onto the Block Surface

Place the image face-down onto the blocks, making sure the edges align on all four sides.

Step 10: Wet the Paper Backing

Wet a sponge and saturate the back of the paper for 10 to 15 seconds.

Step 11: Peel Off the Backing to Reveal the Image

Slowly peel off the paper backing to reveal the transferred image on the blocks.

Step 12: Dry the Image and Block Surface

Use a hairdryer to dry the image completely (or let it dry naturally, but make sure the image and blocks are dry before moving to the next step).

Step 13: Cut to Separate the Blocks

Because the tattoo paper can stick together, it helps to cut along all the borders of the blocks. Use an Xacto or other knife to do this.

Step 14: Remove Clamps and You're Done!

Voila!