Tiny puzzles

This was a project that we worked on over the summer, but I had fogotten about it until my guy Tobin took it out and was playing with it the other day.  This little wooden puzzle was one of my $1 purchases from the craft store that finds it's way into the craft closet {or into "mama's magic hat"} for those times when you need a new little something to give or work on...

I helped out painting this one by using a paint pen to outline the flower after Tobin had painted it.  I was not thinking about making it non toxic when we started the project and allowed Tobin to use non toxic acrylic {plastic based, not natural} paint on his project.  I left it without a clear coat because I was unsure if I would be able to get the puzzle pieces apart if I sprayed a clear coat over it?  Perhaps I'll try it on the bird puzzle?  Or spray the puzzle while it is in pieces and not together?  Either way, however you choose to paint it, I usually try to keep toys out of my kiddo's mouths {unless they are teething toys}.  Since many of our toys are wooden, aside from the toxic issue, I don't want our toys to look as if they had been chewed on by a little puppy, {we have one of those to keep an eye on as it is!}  Plus, I really don't want the babes to be in the habit of picking up toys {in our home or at someone elses home} and popping it into thier mouths!

My little schpiel aside, I couldn't help but think that this was one of those quick easy crafts to work on with little ones durning the hours when they get home from school.  They could even work on this independently at the kitchen table while you are making dinner?  Perhaps we can go on the hunt together for other random, wonderful little projects like this one?  I will surely be on the lookout!

Happy September 1st!

a.

Comments

[Tammy]

Cute puzzle! Acrylic is non-toxic as long as it is marked that way. It isn't natural, but it isn't the worst you can use either. I would spray the pieces separately, let them dry completely (24 hours), then reassemble.

[http://mysweetbabu.typepad.com]

I agree with you, spraying separately would be best...I think it would make it look even nicer!