DIY Game Challenge – Simple Sliding Puzzle

Are you a Survivor fan?  We are, so today I’m putting together a simple sliding puzzle to challenge my kids to some good ole’ family fun.

Good Monday morning!

I’m excited today because I’m participating in the #DIYGameChallenge that Katie at Addicted 2 DIY is hosting.  Several DIY bloggers are coming together with ideas an inspiration for games you can make.

I’ve called dibs on Tag – kidding, we actually had to make something for the challenge, so I whipped together a simple sliding puzzle made entirely from scrap wood.

Survivor has been a staple in our house for almost as long as it’s been on the air.  It’s the one program that we can sit down and tolerate watch together as we cheer for our favourites and boo for the bad guys.  Typical in most of the challenges is a large sliding puzzle – and while I didn’t make one to the size or detail of Survivor, I did make a pretty simple one that you could turn out in an hour or two.

Simple Sliding Puzzle

• (4) pieces 1″x 1 ¼” scrap wood cut to 15 ½” long – these pieces will have a 45° angle cut on either end (see photos)
• (1) piece ¼” plywood cut to 15 ¼” by 15 ¼”
• (15) pieces ½” plywood cut to 3 ½” square (these will be sanded down to approximately 3 7/16ths)

The 1″ x 1 ¼” will make up the frame for your simple sliding puzzle.  Cut a 45° angle on either end of each board so that the angles run opposite to each other.

Check for square then glue and clamp into place.  I used 1 ¼” brad nails to reinforce the sides, but this isn’t necessary if you let your glue set.

Attach the ¼” plywood backing to the back of your sliding puzzle frame and either glue or attach with finishing nails.

Next you’ll want to cut your puzzle pieces which consists of fifteen 3 ½” squares.  I did to a LOT of sanding at this point because the pieces will need to move easily within the frame.  I sanded with 120 grit, 220 and even 320 grit to get a smooth, slippery surface on all sides.  After sanding my puzzle pieces were closer to 3 7/16ths in size.

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I sprayed two coats of Zinsser Bulls Eye Spray Primer on the tops and sides of each puzzle piece and sanded smooth with 320 grit between coats.  I used Rust-Oleum Aged Wood Accelerator on the frame and backing and then coated it with (my favourite) Varathane Triple Thick Polyurethane afterwards.  Once it was completely dry I went over it with 320 grit sandpaper again, just to get rid of any raised grain and keep the surface perfectly smooth.

Next is the fun part – this is where you add your image to the sliding puzzle.  You can paint something on if you are and artist (which I’m not) or you can take a photograph, blow it up and glue it to each puzzle piece.

I had the amazing Kori over at Motley Illustrates draw up a Charlie’s Angels style image of the girls and I.  It’s so cute, I just love this!

I had the photo printed at staples in a 12 x 14″ size and then cut it down to 3 7/16″ squares on my paper cutter.

I used Mod Podge to glue each piece to the primed wood squares and done!

Isn’t this cute – Maddie’s weapon of choice (per Charlie’s Angels) is a flat iron, I have an impact driver and Chloe has her artist pencils.  Odie is ready to do battle in a Joe Namath pose, Lacey is on point and Luna is a flying ninja.

This is hilarious – I love it so much (thank you again Kori!)

I call this a simple sliding puzzle because it doesn’t have the grooves in the sides of each block and the frame to keep you honest hold the pieces in place.  I’ve found that the only real cheaters in the home tend to be under the age of 8 or the Dad. lol

We are ready to get our Survivor challenge on in our house – “Wanna know what your playing for?”

Bragging rights baby – bragging rights.

As and added bonus – when your simple sliding puzzle isn’t in use, it makes a great framed piece for your decor!

To find more #DIYGameChallenge ideas that you can make at home check out these brilliant ladies and all of their awesomeness:

Katie at Addicted 2 DIY – Backyard chip shot golf game

RemodelaCasa – Chinese Checkers

The Created Home – House-shaped dress-up wardrobe

Anika’s DIY Life – DIY Ring Toss game

The Awesome Orange – Outdoor Tic Tac Toe

Not Just a Housewife – Outdoor scoreboard

My Repurposed Life – DIY Molkky game

Ugly Duckling House – DIY Wooden Puzzle

Joyful Derivatives – Chalkboard DIY

The Inspired Workshop – Ring Toss game

100Things2Do – Simple Sliding Puzzle – YOU’RE HERE!

Have a great one!

 

Linked to: Between Naps on the Porch