Make a Puzzle Out of a Picture with Your Cricut Maker

[@lynneparker4136]

I've watched various videos on how to make the puzzle with my maker 3 but you explain the best.. Thank you Angie, I feel confident to do it now.

[@olivertwist00]

Angie thank you so much for your videos. I am learning so much from you and starting enjoying my cricket machines since. I just ordered some materials to make some puzzles for our ladies here at Mount St. Joseph. I also starting making mugs with our logo and staff and family members are thrilled. THANK YOU.

[@AngieHolden]

Wonderful!

[@lindagrant1647]

I have the 2mm Cricut chipboard. Have only used it once. Didn’t realize they have the 1.5. I’ve been wanting to make puzzles but because so many passes required have not attempted. You make everything seem so doable……….thanks for your videos.

[@AngieHolden]

The 2mm would work as well! It will take longer to cut though. The 1.5 for me is the best of both worlds. Thick enough for a project but not too long to cut.

[@juliasnider5905]

Thank you Angie! These will make awesome gifts for my Grandchildren 💞

[@AngieHolden]

Wonderful!

[@kathrynwiford874]

THANK YOU for this Tutorial!!!! I subscribed to your channel about a year ago and your are THE BEST! I learn so much from you, and follow along with your video as I do my projects. I made a family pic as large as I could for my granddaughter. I used Sticker Paper bec it was thicker, and gave it 3 coats of clear acrylic spray before cutting, and 2 additional coatS over the individual pieces to 'seal' the edges. I thought this would make the pieces a bit more durable for 2-yr-old play. I also cut the solid back out as well, and used E6000 to adhere the 'frame' onto the back, so she could work it like her store-bought ones. THANK YOU!!!!!!!

[@AngieHolden]

Awesome!

[@fatinhajervis1961]

Awesome!! Thank you so much for the video and instructions 🙏🏻

[@AngieHolden]

You are so welcome!

[@toniculp]

Great video and great instruction. Thank you for sharing. I am loving it that the Cricut Maker can make awesome gifts.

[@AngieHolden]

You are so welcome!

[@HustleNinjas]

That was great!

[@janelandry6584]

This is so helpful! Thanks!!

[@AngieHolden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ssharp11]

Thank you for the wonderful tutorial. This is such a fun project. Wishing you and your wonderful family a super week. Hugs Susan

[@AngieHolden]

Thank you! You too!

[@scrappingrrl]

fun idea!! Thanks

[@AngieHolden]

Glad you liked it!

[@jenloleit]

Thank you for sharing!

[@AngieHolden]

Of course!

[@sallylignitz3327]

Great video.

[@AngieHolden]

Thanks!

[@brennandaniel8809]

This is when I wish I had a maker. Maybe if they start discounting the original even more I'll pick one up!

[@AngieHolden]

Things like this are the reason I love mine!

[@brennandaniel8809]

@@AngieHolden Update, I ordered one because of Michaels having them at 279!

[@redlover5088]

Excellent instructions. One question, is printable vinyl the only way to get the picture onto the chipboard? I thought there was a way to sublimate the picture onto the chipboard. Anyone know?

[@AngieHolden]

Try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2eoiXWqibSWbtk

[@katieisweird]

How did you know I needed this video? :) Perfect timing ! I just bought the materials wanting to do this but not knowing how to do this, then you posted this! Thank you for the great video!

[@AngieHolden]

I'm so glad!

[@themixguy]

Can I use a generic brand of 1.5 mm chipboard? Any preference for sticker paper over vinyl sticker paper?

[@AngieHolden]

You can use a generic brand. I think any sticker paper would work here.

[@janeidsmo7669]

When you send the picture to the printer I get lines on my photo what am I doing wrong

[@AngieHolden]

Choose best quality and turn off any high speed printing. Also picking a matte paper setting often helps with this.

[@donnat4895]

Hi Angie, thanks for this video! I tried to do this multiple times. The first couple of cuts went well but then the cuts weren’t lining up and the chipboard was being almost shredded. I had it taped down well. I even tried a smaller puzzle pattern with bigger pieces. It called for 12 passes. I had zero luck 😢. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[@AngieHolden]

First make sure you move the star wheels so they do not run on the material at all as the drag can cause the cuts to be off. Then try a new mat to make sure it is stuck down well.

[@ggtuggle]

What about the explore model?

[@AngieHolden]

Not with this project.

[@chanmeida1726]

Thanks. Looks nice. How big can the puzzle be. Can we make up to 200pcs of puzzle?

[@AngieHolden]

The maximum print then cut size is 6.75x9.25. You will want to be careful at how small you get your pieces. 200 pieces would probably be too small.

[@a.jimenez844]

Can you make this with Circuit Explore

[@tammyscraftspace]

Can you use cardboard with the deep cut blade on the Air 2?

[@AngieHolden]

I saw someone suggest magnet and I think that would work on the Explore Air 2. You could cut really thin cardboard on the Air 2 and stack it up and glue it maybe?

[@tammyscraftspace]

@@AngieHolden Thanks, I think I'm going try it. You never know unless you try it.

[@rosalieleonard874]

Hi Angie, I have the Maker3. I was wanting to know will the knife blade work with any house swapping or does it have it's own? Thank you

[@AngieHolden]

It has it's own housing.

[@bettynipper6473]

So if I don’t have a sublimation printer, I can’t do the photo cups and puzzles? Very good tutorial as always!!!

[@AngieHolden]

This puzzle uses a regular printer on printable vinyl. You can buy sublimation puzzles but that is not what I am using here. The photo mugs I don't have another alternative. You would need a sublimation printer.

[@Shecraftee]

Are you using printable vinyl or sticker paper?

[@AngieHolden]

Printable vinyl.

[@mollieruffing5093]

hey! this is so helpful! I am having issues when printing though. I dont have the two separate cuts like you do. It's showing both the image and the puzzle as 'print then cut'. in my design the puzzle is 'basic cut' and the image is 'print then cut' and i attached them as you did. do you have any ideas what the issue is?

[@AngieHolden]

You want one to be a basic cut and one to be print then cut.

[@taraufford2138]

I know y'all are going to think this is a stupid question, but what type of printer are you using to print on the vinyl?

[@AngieHolden]

Just an Inkjet printer works fine. Nothing special!

[@chicacasada43]

I love it, I try to make 1 but my machine don't read the photo. what can I do?

[@AngieHolden]

A few things - did you use white sticker paper? Second, is there any gloss on the paper you used? If so, cover the black box with matte tape and tray again. Third, adjust the lighting in your room to dimmer or brighter and see if those make any difference.

[@chicacasada43]

Ok thank you so much. 😊

[@daisy-bs8rt]

As usual you explained perfectly. going to make a couple for my 95-year-old mother-in-law who lives in a different state. I was trying to think of something else to fill the box of goodies I'm going to be sending her, this will be perfect. The vinyl that you used? had the sticky back correct? I wonder how many passes the cricket 3 will take? Also last question,😁 Do you have a discount code that we can use when ordering from cricket to get the additional 10%? THANKS and you have a fabulous day

[@AngieHolden]

Yes printable vinyl has a sticky back. The Cricut Maker 3 will cut this material the same as the original Maker. And yes you can use code CCC2021 for 10% off on material orders over $50!

[@daisy-bs8rt]

@@AngieHolden Thank you so much for getting back with me so fast! Will use your code for now on, I get the best detailed instructions from you always.

[@janeidsmo7669]

My puzzle is off on the side by an inch I taped like you said any suggestions as to what happened

[@AngieHolden]

I am not sure! Did you put it on the mat in the same way as it was showing on the screen in Design Space? You didn't mirror the print did you?

[@sarah28681]

couldnt this be done on the explorer with the deep cut blade? because you can cut chipboard on the explorer as well.

[@AngieHolden]

That chipboard is WAY thinner than what I am using here. You could do it and cut like 8 to 10 sheets and stack them and glue them I guess.

[@tamiharvey1631]

You sopped at 8 passes. Can you go to 12 just to make sure?

[@AngieHolden]

I stop and check to see if it is cut through so as not to damage my mat. If you go too far, you can cut all the way through your mat.

[@saracrawford6453]

My picture shattered on the chipboard. I picked 1.5 for the weight but the chipboard when I got it, didn’t have a weight. Do you think it may be the chip board? I used default as when I used more, it did the same thing. If I use less, I doubt it will go through the chipboard as it hardly goes through now.

[@AngieHolden]

I am not sure what "shattered" would be? Not quite understanding what happened?

[@kishanimatadial7678]

HI Angie, I followed all your instruction but when I get to the window to print my image. I see the puzzle lines and also multiple images as part of my puzzle. How can I fix this issue? Please let me know.

[@AngieHolden]

I would say you flattened something to the puzzle that you shouldn't have. Go back out and maybe remove those extra images?

[@lynnepalumbo4218]

Does is have to be printable vinyl? I have sticker paper I believe. Great video, thanks

[@AngieHolden]

That should work too!

[@kathrynwiford874]

Why did you choose printable vinyl over sticker paper?

[@AngieHolden]

I just like it better.

[@fatimadalal4211]

Hi Angie Can I use a printed photo? I have an 8 x 11 that I would like to learn with - is that possible? If so, I will be making lots of these for my grandkids & family...please advise ( or please make a tutorial using photographs) TIA

[@AngieHolden]

The issue is putting the photo onto the surface. I don't like any glue on photo paper. Just my experience with trying it and failing.

[@funalicious1000]

I just purchased my first Maker and it is in the process of cutting a chipboard puzzle. It was definitely not cut all the way through after the original 24 passes and I think I am close to 30 passes now. It is still not cut all the way through so I am wondering if this is normal. It's an intricate puzzle, about 7x7 but with 121 pieces. I purchased the knife blade from Amazon and it was manufactured in 2018, so I am wondering if that could possibly be the problem.

[@AngieHolden]

It is probably the small details. Those are going to be really tough with the knife blade. It is intended to be used for larger cuts.

[@funalicious1000]

@@AngieHolden Thanks! Maybe I will try the kraft board instead of the chipboard.

[@lynneparker4136]

Just a thought, I have the cricut heavy 2mm chipboard but was wondering, does anyone know if craftboard would work too?

[@AngieHolden]

I think kraftboard would be way too thin.

[@darlenevenus4398]

HI, I am trying my hand at making puzzles. I printed the design several times and each time I put it in my machine to cut, it tears the paper. What am I doing wrong?

[@AngieHolden]

What brand of printable vinyl are you using? Maybe it is not stuck down well enough on the chipboard? Is your blade dirty?

[@darlenevenus4398]

@@AngieHolden I am using cricut printable vinyl

[@AngieHolden]

Hmmm...well that is what I use. Did you go over it with a brayer to stick it down before cutting? The only thing I can think of is that it is lifting.

[@jordanaschreiner3794]

My photos are printing so dark when I print them on the cricut vinyl. I can print them on regular paper and they are just fine. Any clue to how to fix this?

[@AngieHolden]

Try picking a matte paper setting on your printer.

[@AngieHolden]

Try picking a matte paper setting on your printer.

[@stacygumbsbutler7461]

I have tried this, but my paper keeps 🤔tearing up, can you tell me what I am doing wrong.

[@AngieHolden]

Hmmm....maybe your blade is dull or damaged? Or even dirty?

[@Artiquecraft]

Can I make puzzle with cricut explore

[@AngieHolden]

You could do one from thinner chipboard. I would probably cut multiple ones and glue them together to make it thicker.

[@Artiquecraft]

@@AngieHolden can I use 1.4mm(800gsm)

[@nananjdz]

I just did made a puzzle following your tutorial and i noticed that each puzzle piece has little ridges instead of a smooth cut. Any recommendations?

[@AngieHolden]

I haven't noticed ridges specifically and we have worked the puzzle half a dozen times or so. Are they along the entire cut or just the curved areas? Did you make it the same size or smaller? What thickness of chipboard?

[@nananjdz]

@@AngieHolden it's along the entire cut, they are not smooth. I adjusted the heart puzzle to fit the picture. I used Cricut's 1.5 chipboard thickness.

[@AngieHolden]

I guess maybe mine has what you would consider small ridges? They don't both me so I didn't really notice?

[@nananjdz]

@@AngieHolden I purchased a replacement blade even though I have only used my current one about 5 times. I will give it another try :)

[@nananjdz]

Yep! That was it, I replaced the blade and the puzzle looks a lot better. Thanks.

[@flipmcintyre]

Why would you stop the cut and check to see if it cut all the way through after so many passes? Can’t you just let it do all the passes? Or would it cut through your mat?

[@AngieHolden]

It can cut through your mat. I prefer to stop and look instead of ruining my mat.

[@yeseniamiranda985]

Where do you get all the material?

[@AngieHolden]

There are links in the description below the video.

[@tb45405]

I just tried to make a puzzle. The first time I tried the vinyl got stuck together. It was horrible. So I tried again. This time I got the vinyl on the chip board. It is cutting out now but the vinyl is being torn as it cuts. I think I should have left the vinyl to dry a lot longer because it is being ripped from the chip board.

[@AngieHolden]

What brand are you using? Did you press it down really well onto the chipboard?

[@tb45405]

@@AngieHolden I used everything you used. I think when I printed the pic I printed on high quality. I think it was to much ink. I should have waited until the next day. I reprinted the pic on standard print quality. I am going to try it again. I also calibrated the knife. So lets hope for the best. :)

[@tb45405]

@@AngieHolden I did it and it worked great. I did let it go the full 12 passes. :)

[@MORTONRICK]

Confused! I thought the max size was 6.75 x 9.25 ?? Your image is is larger than you originally showed in Design.

[@AngieHolden]

It is not larger. It is the maximum size.

[@beckymills9284]

You can't do this on the explorer?

[@AngieHolden]

Not with chipboard. Someone on IG mentioned making the same thing with magnet sheets and that would work on the Explore.

[@judimecham7320]

What am I doing wrong. My puzzle outline prints on picture…and my picture looks grainy. I tried 2 different pictures of different sizes…both bad…I used high quality photo glossy paper setting. I need help 🤪. Thank you. 💕

[@AngieHolden]

With the outline, sounds like you are flattening the puzzle image to the picture? Or slicing all of the pieces from the image not just the outside piece. I would do my settings as high qualiy and matte paper if you are using printable vinyl.

[@starlit-hw6523]

What if you want your puzzle 8 X 10

[@AngieHolden]

The maximum you can do a print then cut on the Cricut is 6.75x9.25.

[@a.jimenez844]

Can you do this with Circuit Explore

[@AngieHolden]

Not this thick of material. You could do a thinner material and try stacking and gluing together.