Upcycle wooden puzzle pieces 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.
Painting with puzzle pieces
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, poke a small hole in the ball or cork, then push it onto the knob.
Guide the play
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.
Make observations!
- 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. Notice 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.
Rinse the paint from each puzzle piece after the art activity and set aside to dry, so your paint tool is ready to use for another paint session.
Additional activity!
When the paint is dry, match the puzzle pieces to their corresponding painted shapes on the paper.
Paint with recycled puzzle pieces
Spark kids interest and creativity by setting up an art activity with this homemade paint tool. It’s a great way to upcycle an old toy!
