Project Specifications:

• Puzzle Dimensions: Puzzle must be at minimum 8.5" x 8.5" but no larger than 8.5" x 14" 

• Creative license: Puzzle image must be designed and created by the student.  You MAY NOT download logos or images that are trademarked or copy righted.  You MAY use original photos taken by you or a family member.  You may combine photos and text. The produced imagine must be a school-appropriate.

• Puzzle pieces: Puzzle pieces should be proportional, meaning they should be as roughly wide as they are tall.  Consider your end user when deciding on the number of pieces.  The puzzle must contain at least 45 pieces but no more than 120.

• Box Dimensions: Laser Cut box is intended to contain the puzzle pieces.  Box must be large enough to hold all of the puzzle pieces and should have the completed puzzle image on the top.  The box dimensions may not be larger than 7" x 7" x 4". You will use 1/4" MDF for your box pieces. 

Project Steps/Components:

• NOTE: Decide on your puzzle size first, then design your box and upload it, and then use Inkscape on a computer in the Design Den to build the puzzle file.  The boxes have several steps so it's best to start them first.

Design the box to hold your puzzle:

• Go to Maker Case an online app.  Watch this video to learn how to create you box   After watching the video in its entirety then watch it again and follow the steps to create the .svg file that will become your box. 

• Next, open the svg file in inkscape in order to save it as a pdf. Watch this video. 

• Upload your .pdf file to your class Google Folder.

Cut Your Box:

• Work with a teacher to turn on and set up your box file for cutting.  Your puzzle should be saved in your MAKE Google Folder.  Open the .pdf file on the laptop that runs the laser.  Position the laser on the MDF to cut the box.

• Cut the box.

Design Your Puzzle:

• Consider the individual for whom you are designing the puzzle?  Young child? School age child? Teenage or adult?  Older adult?  Your end user will impact the number of pieces the puzzle will be.  Additionally, your user will impact the sort of image or collection of images you choose for the puzzle.

• Choose the image you would like to use to create your puzzle.  You also might find it fun to create a collage of images for your puzzle.  Think about what makes a puzzle fun, what makes puzzle challenging yet possible to complete.

• Gather all needed images.  Save all the images you will need for your puzzle in your MAKE folder in your Google Folder. I recommend using canva to to make your puzzle image (think a collage). 

• Print your puzzle image.  Use the Design Den laser printer to print on paper your puzzle image.  Make sure you have the appropriate size paper. MEASURE THE FINAL SIZE!!!!!!!! You need this to cut accurate pieces. 

• Open InkScape software.  Watch this video for instructions on installing the jigsaw extension. After watching the video in its entirety, watch it again and follow step by step.  

• Now it's time to import your puzzle image into Inkscape. Watch this video.  Watch it again and follow along step by step. 

• Upload your puzzle .pdf file to your Google Folder 

• 
  Resize and print your puzzle image for the top of your box.  Measure the area on the top of your box (not including the tabs).  Use these measurements to correctly size your puzzle image file to fit on the lid.  A small version of the puzzle image goes on the lid as a clue for your user to assemble the puzzle.

• Print the image for the box lid in color on the Design Den laser paper printer.

• Deliver your printed and trimmed images to your instructor for laminating.

• Glue the larger of your images to Masonite to become your puzzle.  Use the spray adhesive to lightly coat the masonite with glue.  Be sure to cover the entire area that your puzzle image will occupy.  Gently press your image onto the masonite be careful not to wrinkle your image. The glue will need to dry thoroughly before cutting.

Cut Your Puzzle:

• Work with a teacher to turn on and set up your puzzle file for cutting.  Your puzzle should be saved in your MAKE Google Folder.  Download and then Open the .pdf file on the laptop that runs the laser.  Position the laser over the image for cutting.

• Cut the puzzle. 

Assemble Your Box:

• Use wood small dabs of wood glue on each tab to glue the box together.  User rubber bands to help hold the walls in place while they dry. DO NOT GLUE your lid on your box.

• Use the spray adhesive to glue the image on to the lid.

• Once cut, place your puzzle pieces in the box.