Wood puzzle pieces can easily be upcycled in an art activity for preschoolers. This simple painting process is easy to set up for creative fun with paint stamps.

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Panting tools can be more than regular paint brushes. Using different materials, like wood puzzle pieces, provides fun learning experiences for your preschoolers.

The puzzle pieces with the knobs on top are used in this activity. Along with the creative play, kids use fine motor skills to grasp the knobs on top of the puzzle pieces.

Wooden puzzles are wonderful toys for early learners. They introduce early math practice as kids have fun learning to match shapes and sizes. 

But sometimes pieces of the puzzle go missing. Or the puzzle is worn out. Or no longer a go-to play item. Before you discard a worn or no longer used puzzle, consider using it in another way. Like this painting activity.

Related: Roundup of Homemade Paint Tools

If you don't have an old puzzle at home or school, you might find used puzzles at a yard sale for this painting activity.

Prepare the activity

You will need wooden puzzle pieces, craft paint, and cardboard or card stock.

Pour paint colors into large jar lids or onto foam trays.

Provide different colors of paper and paints.

If the knobs are small, like the ones on these puzzle pieces, you can add a small foam ball or a cork. This will provide a bigger handle for toddlers and preschoolers to grasp.

• Spread some glue on the knob, then push the foam ball onto the knob. 

If you are using a cork or other item, make a small hole in the end of the cork, then glue it over the knob.

Guide the play

Simply set up the activity and allow your child time to explore the materials.

Guide the activity as your preschooler begins to make stamps on the paper.

• Notice how the paint clings to the puzzle piece. Do you have to wiggle the wooden piece in the lid or tray to get it covered with paint?

The first stamp you make will leave a thick coat of paint. Observe how the paint thins out as the stamp makes more impressions on the paper.

Observe how the paint is not always spread evenly. This may occur if the container holding the paint is not flat, or if the puzzle piece is not completely coated with paint.

The paint stamps can be used over and over. Simply rinse the paint from the puzzle piece after the art activity and let dry.

When the paint is dry, match the puzzle piece to the painted shape on the paper.

This activity is a great way to reuse an old toy that is no longer played with. Set up an art activity with this homemade paint tool that will spark kids interest and creativity!