Puzzle Me This! Puzzle Me That! How to Make a Puzzle?

A puzzle is often an indoor game which tests the player’s knowledge and critical thinking skills. Whether it is a sudoku, a crossword puzzle, or a jigsaw, we must have all played them at one point or the other. Puzzles are always a fun time, especially when played with friends or family. We were as shocked as our readers to find that puzzles do have a dedicated spot in academia. Their study is known as enigmatology.

While puzzles are universally beloved games, liked by people of all ages, they work wonders for toddlers. Puzzles are scientifically proven to increase hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, language abilities, and critical thinking abilities in children above 3 years or more. Therefore most psychologists recommend puzzles to all children (even those with special needs). We understand how expensive buying a name-brand puzzle can be. However, you don’t have to lose your sleep over this. We give you some of the best tips and steps on how to make a puzzle that you and your kids will definitely love.

How To Make A Crossword Puzzle

Even though a crossword puzzle looks akin to a chessboard, it isn’t played the same way. It is essentially a word game, divided into a grid of white and black squares. Based on the clues provided, you scribble appropriate words or phrases into the white squares (each alphabet occupying a white square). The black squares divide the answers. These words are written vertically and horizontally, never diagonally. At the start of every white square, a number is written corresponding to the clue. You must have seen these puzzles in newspapers and magazines. But How to make a crossword puzzle? If you follow the steps given below you will make one in no time.

Steps To Make a Crossword Puzzle

The crossword puzzle has a varying level of difficulty. Therefore, if you are making it for an adult, you may make it more difficult. To make a crossword puzzle, you need to follow the given steps.

• STEP 1: Make two square grids on paper and divide them into equal numbers of squares.
• STEP 2: Make a list of words and their corresponding clues that you wish to incorporate into the puzzle.
• STEP 3: Write down the words on the grid. Remember to connect words (both horizontally and vertically).
• STEP 4: Write the same numbers in front of each clue and the square where the word begins.
• STEP 5: On the second grid, write down the numbers alluding to the clues. Darken all the blank squares. 

Et voila, you have a brand new crossword puzzle at your disposal. Now it’s time to gift this puzzle to your friends and test their knowledge.

How To Make A Jigsaw Puzzle

A jigsaw puzzle includes multiple tiles of irregular shapes which interlock together. Each mosaic has a piece of a photograph and a picture based on which their position may be determined. Once you have completed a jigsaw puzzle, you will find an accurate picture. Jigsaw puzzles may often be confusing as one piece may fit into several places. Therefore, if the picture looks a little distorted, you must change the positions of one piece or more. Jigsaw puzzles make a great activity for children and adults alike. How to make a jigsaw puzzle you ask? Worry not, for the steps are quite simple.

Steps To Make A Jigsaw Puzzle

A jigsaw puzzle upon completion carries a photo. You may adjust the difficulty of a jigsaw puzzle by altering the photos or the number of pieces. To make a splendid jigsaw puzzle just follow the given steps.

• STEP 1: Select your design. You may either print out a picture or draw your own.
• STEP 2: Take a cardboard piece and adhere the picture onto it.
• STEP 3: Trim the edges ensuring that the picture fits perfectly on the cardboard piece.
• STEP 4: Turn the cardboard around and divide it into a grid. Make sure to use a ball and socket design on each square.
• STEP 5: Cut the outlines of each piece.

Oops, we forgot the most important step.

• STEP 6: Gather your kids around and start playing. This jigsaw puzzle is sure to put a smile on your kids’ faces.

Image Courtesy – Shumee

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