Make these useful little dishes by repurposing old jigsaw puzzles. Puzzling is a favorite pastime that, turns out, is really good for your brain. So is figuring out what to do with all those old puzzles! This could be a fun and simple project to do with the kids, start to finish, in one afternoon.

 

 

Material + Tools

Puzzle pieces *

Balloons, clear or white

Mod Podge

Wood or Plastic ring for base (I used leftover curtain rings)

Wrapping Tissue

Sponge applicators or brush

Scissors + X-acto blade

Super Glue (optional)

Bowl or container to rest the balloon on while you work (optional)

 

*if you don’t have an old puzzle, check the local thrift store

 

Directions
  1. Lay out a good selection of puzzle pieces. Sort them according to color or just pick random pieces. Use an inflated balloon as a base to shape your bowl. Tip: If you use a clear or white balloon, it’s easy to see what your finished pattern will be while you are glueing the pieces.

  1. Apply Mod Podge to the front side of pieces and glue them onto the balloon face down. Press and hold each piece for a few seconds; if some pieces start to move, slide them back in place so the pieces touch. The first few pieces will rest nicely on the top of your balloon but as your dish gets bigger, gently bend the pieces a little (from the center out) so it takes on the curved shape of the balloon.

  1. If you’re making a small dish, 6” or less in diameter, you only need one layer of pieces. Let it dry for 5 minutes; then apply Mod Podge to the back and apply a piece of wrapping tissue, cut to size, and smooth it out with your fingers. Let it dry 10-15 minutes, then trim the edges with scissors or an x-acto blade. If you like, brush a light coat of Mod Podge on the edges of your dish to seal it. Let it dry and then skip to step 5.

  1. If you’re making a larger bowl, adding another layer will make it more durable. Repeat step 2 to add a second layer, or even a third. I did two layers to make it sturdy but still have an open, basketweave look to it. Give it 5 minutes to dry, then brush the underside of your dish with a finishing coat of Mod Podge. Let it dry for 10-15 more minutes.

  1. To give your bowl a finished look, use a few drops of super glue to attach a ring to the base.