When you plan a hiking excursion with your family, it becomes much more than a fun post on your Instagram. Do you want to remember this occasion differently? If so, transform the hiking memories into a DIY jigsaw puzzle. The process will give you much more than a tangible keepsake of your outdoor activity. In fact, it will also promote your creativity and build fond family bonds. 

A hiker on a trail in front of a mountain

Why create a puzzle for your hiking trip in place of an image?

In today’s digital era, beautiful outdoor photos can easily get lost. Statista, in 2023, revealed that a person clicks more than 1000 images in a year. Hence, if you convert your hiking photos into jigsaw puzzles, the memory of this outdoor experience will last longer. Puzzles instantly bring back the memory of an event compared to framed images. 

 Understanding the benefits of jigsaw puzzles 

A jigsaw puzzle is entertaining, engaging, and fun! Also, they boost your brain power. Yale University, in one of its studies, revealed that these puzzles enhance visual-spatial reasoning and problem-solving capabilities. When adults and children engage in a jigsaw puzzle made from their personal photos, they are more drawn into the task because of the personal connection to the pictures. Therefore, it is satisfying both emotionally and cognitively. 

Easy steps to create your DIY nature puzzle

Are you wondering how to create your jigsaw puzzle using family hiking and nature pictures without much hassle? If so, here are a few easy steps to get it done:

  • Choose an image

Find the picture that appeals to you most for this DIY project. Make sure to pick a high-resolution image of a forest trail, family image, or mountain view. Choose an image that is evocative with multiple expressions of people, natural landscapes, and colors, which will create a fantastic final product. 

  • Print the image

There are many online shops to print your photo on cardstock specifically for puzzles. You can print your image on heavy cardstock or adhesive photo paper if you want to attach it to the cardboard or wood surface.

  • Mount the image

Use a cardboard piece and glue the image on it. If you have chosen a cardboard, create a strong piece by pressing the image evenly on the surface of the board. This will ensure there are no air bubbles. 

  • Cut the pieces

Grab your scissors or craft knife and cut out the pieces into any shape design you choose.

Therefore, in very simple steps, you can create a DIY jigsaw puzzle from a family hiking picture. Other than being a team activity, the activity stirs up fond conversations and memories about the hike. Adults and kids can relive the best moments of seeing wildlife and other scenic views. Today’s kids spend over 4 hours on their mobile screens, according to Common Sense Media data in 2022. This activity will be a fresh and healthy diversion for them. 

Final words

It’s both fun and creative to think about making a DIY jigsaw puzzle from a family hiking experience. Other than proving to be a new source for spiking your creative thinking, it also helps you recall the fond memories you’ve made. Not only does it help adults feel connected by solving problems, but even kids develop sharper mental faculties through it.