How To Make Puzzle Christmas Cards
Create Original Cards to Keep Kids Occupied for the Holidays
Dec 13, 2008
Creating Christmas cards that contain a puzzle inside is not only a great way to surprise the recipient, but will keep him entertained as well. Thought, and a series of good templates, will ensure the production of a variety of cards that are unique, original and entertaining.
Who Will Make Puzzle Christmas Cards?
To keep the kids busy on Christmas day, adults could make these cards for them. Be sure to include web links inside or on the back of the card, so that the children know where to go to find more puzzles.
However, if the purpose of this activity is to occupy the children with fun activities in the lead up to Christmas, this activity will:
- give them something worthwhile to do
- stretch their artistic innovation
- save them (and their parent) money while being innovative about creating gifts and cards
- teach the children that the value of gift giving is in the love of preparation and the time and care it takes
- work with them on the project as a way of bonding
- impart a love of word games and word crafting to the children
Who Would Enjoy These Hand Crafted Christmas Cards?
Children will love these cards and find them even more challenging and rewarding if the card is liberally sprinkled with web links so that they can find more puzzles. Perhaps the card could be accompanied by a gift subscription or game software.
Many adult people would love the cards as well, especially
- adults in hospital who may need to while away the time
- adults who are lonely at Christmas
- word buffs who make word games their passion
Christmas Puzzle Card Art Project
A class project of original puzzle cards could be sent as a bundle to a children’s hospital. Hospitals or refuges are also places where the patients would not only benefit from the activity but also be cheered by feeling some one cares.
How To Make Word Game Christmas Cards Fun and Exciting
The cards can be as simple or complex as required. Here are two sample ideas;
- Cut a window in the front pane of the card. Feature the words Happy Christmas in the centre of the word search puzzle. These become key words from which other 'word finds' are emanating. Paste this key wording on the card behind the cut out panel so that the key words show through to the front of the card.
- As a way of introducing the idea that there is a word puzzle inside the card, create a cartoon comic strip as a border. Have the strip move toward the edge of the card. If the cartoon critter is a kangaroo imply that the kangaroo will jump over the page and into the puzzle. The kangaroo could be saying “hop into this puzzle I made for you.” Have the kangaroo land in the centre of the puzzle.
Steps to Making a Christmas Puzzle Cards
- Locate templates on sites such as Kids Creativity Portal. There are instructions with the puzzles
- Think of a Christmas theme. For example the kangaroo comic might relate to a natural bush theme
- Make the puzzle and be sure to work out the solution. It will be pasted upside down on the back cover
- Pitch the puzzle to the appropriate age
- Work out the layout of the card. When using the window effect make the word search first, locate the key words, paste them in place and cut out window second
- Once the card is made and centred – add embellishments and words
- List website links to word game
- Make an envelope and even a stamp to match the card
Children will have fun making these original cards, they might even want to make an accompanying word search booklet. This gift would make a good stocking stuffer and both the making and receiving of the puzzles should bring fun to Christmas.
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