Make Picture Puzzles on a Cricut (+ a Hidden Message Puzzle!)

Get my free puzzle files (and the hidden message design) (Design #122) at jennifermaker.com/make-pictur...
Learn how easy it is to make custom picture puzzles on a Cricut! I'll even show you how to make one with a hidden message that is only revealed after the puzzle is put together.
NOTE: Cricut Design Space updated shortly after I made this video. To see those updates and make the necessary changes for this tutorial, please watch • Cricut Design Space Up...
Materials List:
- Printable sticker paper (full sheet) or printable vinyl
- Light chipboard (aka a cereal box) or Kraft board
- Deep-cut blade (for light chipboard) or regular fine-point blade (for Kraft board)
- StrongGrip mat
- A way to cut your materials (I used the amazing Cricut)
- My free SVG/DXF/PDF cut files/patterns (Design #122) (available in my free resource library at jennifermaker.com/resource-li... )
UPDATES/CHANGES: Check for any updates, changes, or additional videos for this project at jennifermaker.com/updates
Have you ever received a puzzle with a picture of something really meaningful to you? I mean, usually it’s just kittens and castles and hearts, right? But imagine giving or receiving a puzzle that turns into a beautiful family photo when you’re done? Or how about one with a secret hidden message? You can do all this when you make picture puzzles on a Cricut!
Key concepts taught in the video tutorial include how to Slice, how to Align, how to Print Then Cut, how to cut Kraft board and chipboard (with the deep-cut blade and knife blade).
Learn more about The Great Maker Show and Tell at jennifermaker.com/showandtell
#cricut #cricutmade #designspace
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==========
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Blog: jennifermaker.com
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Please subscribe to my channel at / jennifermaker for more video tutorials to craft a life you love!
Credits:
Introduction: PixelBytes (my child!)
Music: Cute by Bensound (licensed, royalty and copyright free)
Videography: Jennifer Marx on a Panasonic Lumix FZ-1000 DSLR 4K camera
Design: A Jennifer Maker original!

[@melissawhitehead6361]

My husband bought the Cricut Air Explorer 2 for me on my birthday in October of this year so I am still in the learning process. I have learned so much from watching your tutorials. You are very creative! Thanks so much!

[@jennySundberg]

Thank you for posting this! I love that you showed your "fails" too. I feel like they happen to me everyday and I was nice to see an expert like yourself fail every now and then.

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! I make plenty of mistakes! As long as we are learning from them, it's what's most important! :)

[@cassietravo2032]

You are an excellent teacher! I've had my Explore for 3 years, and I am learning new things every time I watch one of your videos. Thank you!!

[@debbyyoda122]

I was so excited to see this I tried one straight away. I used stick paper, kraft board and I put a self adhesive laminator sheet over it. it turned out absolutely fantastic. You are a legend Jennifer. I have one xmas present done already. Thank you so much and God bless.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much for your kind words!! So glad you were able to mark someone off of your Christmas list!

[@susanholloway7883]

So glad I found your you tube channel Jennifer. I just got my Explore Air 2 and can't wait to try these projects. I was just thinking if you stuck your picture on the brown side of the cereal box, you would have a double puzzle.

[@kaylee06082011]

Did you try it on your air 2

[@morganarps]

I LOVE this idea! Thank your for this tutorial. I would have never thought to make a puzzle using the Cricut! Thinking I will make some for Christmas for grandparents with kids pictures. :)

[@brendalawrence6732]

This is so cool Jennifer! I love this idea and I hope Greg loved his puzzle. Hugs, Brenda

[@leondriagray3325]

I made one today following your steps. Took about 1.5 hours from start to finish. I’m new to Cricut. Used Explore Air 2 and cereal box. I am pleased!

[@JenniferMaker]

That's wonderful! This is a challenging project for a beginner. Bravo!

[@helenroberts3681]

The only issue I have run into with removing items from the mats is when I rolled my mat, after having done this successfully many times, my mat snapped in half. Now I am leary about rolling the mat. Love the puzzle svgs you made. Thank you, once again.

[@ThunderblightGanon14]

Also, for those of you using Cricut Explore Air 2, make sure you set your dial to Custom to get to All Materials menu when it is time to cut.

[@adrianaariza-jones3694]

Thank you , Thank you, Thank you so much !!! I just made mine. I used a cake box and it was perfect ! Everything went well . I am so happy !!! You are the best !!! I love your tutorials.

[@zanzibarr4122]

Adriana Ariza-Jones hi. Can you help me? When I try to get my pictures on to design space it says that the picture is unsupported file. How do I do this? Thank uuu

[@cathymiller4489]

Thank-you Jennifer! Full of great tips and ideas. Thanks for the breakdown on the chip boards. Looking forward to tomorrow because I haven't done any wood projects yet.

[@corrinem1204]

I saw on KZbin how to cut Cricut chipboard for making puzzles with sticker paper, they turned it face down so the sticker paper wouldn’t be cut on so many times. Try that and let us know if it works that way. I just love your videos and all you do for us. Thanks Jennifer

[@stephaniesmith219]

Did you ever try this? How would it work without the cricut being able to read the orientation marks on the picture itself?

[@Sasscat58]

Do you remember which video it was?

[@angeladams7921]

Definitely looking to make this. YASSSSSSS, thanks a bunch

[@aprilsurgeon4849]

O..kp0

[@amytorres3781]

Thank you so much for posting these videos. I'm a novice and needed step-by-step guidance. You're my hero!

[@adrianaariza-jones3694]

Thank you Jennifer. When I look for something that I need, I always check your channel and I know I will find it. This is exactly what I was looking for . Thank you so much. I always admire your work. You are very talented. 🤗

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much Adriana! It means so much for you to say that and reach out! So glad you are here!

[@Kittenkollection]

So my first puzzle on the maker got shredded on the cereal box. Will try on my air 2 see how that one comes out. Thanks

[@amberp1452]

same, no explore though, just a maker.

[@kealliew]

I love love love your tutorials! Can we all come over and have coffee with you? (Not really, but it would be fun to do a livestream fb sometime and we all have coffee with you.) I've now cut my puzzle three times. It still hasn't cut all the way through, not even close. I'm using a cereal box (maybe mine is thicker than Rice Krispies), I've now set the cereal box setting to 350 and x9 and clicked more. Still didn't cut though. I have a brand new deep cut blade, first time I've used it. I'm cutting the same puzzle over and over at this point until it will finally cut through, then I'll print it out fresh. Gotta have something special to send the grandkids during this everyone-stay-inside time for the Covid-19 virus. It's a picture of them, and they'll love to get it in the mail if only I can get it to cut. Maybe a setting other than cereal box? What's a little thicker? I'm not experienced enough to figure it out yet. Thank you for whatever suggestions you may have!

[@JenniferMaker]

Hi there! I'm sure your grandkids would love it! Have you tried setting your pressure to "more"? I always set my pressure to more as I find I get cleaner cuts that way. You may also want to check out my tips here - jennifermaker.com/cricut-blades-cutting-tips/ :)

[@kealliew]

@@JenniferMaker I did have "more" clicked, and I used every single deep blade material possible with increased pressure except the obviously too thin ones, like aluminum foil. Every. Single. One. I finally decided it had to be the blade. I ordered a new one and voila, a perfect puzzle! 37th time's a charm! LOL Now I'm going to get busy and make personalized puzzles to mail to friends during this quarantine time! Little things...

[@lasinmt106]

Searching for ways to make puzzles today using family photos and this is perfect. No make that PURRRRFECT. Seeing how you inserted the heart shape and hidden words is just close to what I intend to do. I want to make numerous kitty shapes throughout my puzzle as our family and husbands family are great cat and pet lovers. So of course one for dogs too is on the agenda. Paw prints across a puzzle would be fun or all around the borders perhaps. I have an older machine so not sure what I'll need to digitize and adjust all things just so but it'll be great once it's nailed because then you can remake with any future photos just following the same lay out with or without extra tweaking or slight design or personalized changes. Say someones name printed across in scrpt. Of course with my old machine that means that's a shape not able to do with a font built in like you can with the newbies on the market. Thank you for sharing these adorable puzzles plus working out all the kinks with the backboard too. (Not many cereal boxes in our house but I do eat shredded wheat and yes been saving them for a while now. My husband thinks I'm nuts cutting up not only the cereal box but the plastic like liners these days to use with intricate die cutting machine dies to help with weeding. I just cut into down the seam and cut off the seam and then roll each piece from box after box onto a thin wax paper roll saved from years ago.) Thanks again for this share. Stay safe everyone.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks for sharing that! 😃💜

[@MeeMee-gz5vp]

This is brilliant! I love how you improvise materials, like the Rice Crispy box. Sheer genius!

[@JenniferMaker]

So happy you like it! 😊🌻

[@SaraMitchell09]

I love this. It would be a fun for a pregnancy announcement (as long as the recipient actually does it!)

[@jenw240]

My friend did this! It was really sweet!

[@bmoreturah]

@@jenw240 im thinking of doing this too lol

[@jenw240]

@@bmoreturah highly recommended! And this tutorial is awesome!

[@bmoreturah]

@@jenw240 thank you. All her tutorials are great. I have a lot of catching up to do lol

[@cindymedina9448]

I had no idea cereal box was considered a material and that you could change the pressure

[@qualiteecrafts8695]

You are absolutely A-MA-ZING!!! I can’t wait to make this as a Christmas gift for my parents with a photo of my son!!! Thank you so much!!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome, Cynthia! What a fun gift for your parents!!! 😍

[@joancook8454]

WOW! I hope you can continue a weekly series similar to this. I love how you show each step, you are clear, concise and very thorough. OH! And very talented. I like how you mention both the Explore and the Maker during your instructions. I have an explore air was thinking about getting the Maker, but I’m not 🤔sure. So thank you again for this fabulous series.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you for letting me know you're interested in me doing something weekly! :)

[@joancook8454]

Jennifer Maker you bet!

[@spuracchio]

A great way to combine my 2 loves! Thank you Jennifer for making all things possible!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Wonderful!

[@burrelsandra]

Thanks for the tutorial and template, enjoy your holiday 😍😍

[@denvergigi7329]

Thank you for another great video. I love that you show what doesnt work so we don't have to waste materials experimenting. I am learning sooo much from you! I can't wait to get started on some of these!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!

[@hannahsdrawings8664]

love it to pieces ❤ love sunflowers, love the lively colours, love the idea and the precision, love the usage of cereal box - that's eco-friendly

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks for watching!😊🌻

[@mommy0306]

Thank you so so so much for sharing! This is so easy to follow! I'm planning to make puzzles for my Girl Scout Brownies for a step of a patch set we're earning! :) Using a cereal box is genius!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad it was helpful! The Brownies are going to LOOOOVE it!

[@kendellvinot3717]

I absolutely love you!!! Thank you. Thank you for showing us the possibilities with the cnc machines. I don't even own a cricut, but watch you anyway!! It would be amazing if I could use your files for the silhouette (I have two of those). Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you and let you know how much I appreciate you and everything that you do!! 🤗

[@JenniferMaker]

You are very sweet Kendell, thank you so much for your kind words! 💗 You can definitely use my files on your Silhouette!

[@shawna278]

Thank You Jennifer. Again your name was given credit in my group. I'm going to try using the Kraftboard as I had some and had no idea what to do with it. I had purchased it to make earrings.

[@JenniferMaker]

Awww... thanks so much! Glad to hear that! Best of luck with your puzzle!

[@annemareedaley3190]

Wow I love love this thank you Jennifer!!! I will be making some of these for xmas presents. I love your lessons you are so enjoyable to watch and everything I make from your tuts comes out well. Thankyou!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Yay! Thank you! I'm so glad you like them! 💕

[@casandra8175]

So cute!!!! I love it!!! Thank you so much Jennifer!!!! You are a true blessing!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Awe... thank you!

[@christennacarr2917]

What a great craft. I’m going to do this for my mom. Thanks for sharing

[@tazeenareid1187]

Miss.Jennifer your simply the best! 🥰❤ I’m definitely making these for Christmas gifts 🎉

[@JenniferMaker]

Yay! Thank you!

[@doloreslareina2492]

Thank you so much for this video. I received a text from my daughter the stores are out of puzzles (during Corona Virus 19 pandemic) I have made a two sided puzzle for my grandchildren. The back side of the cereal box had a maze game on it. The other side I used Kawaii designs. Very easy to use with my Scan N Cut DX225.

[@JenniferMaker]

Super, Dolores! Glad it worked so well! 😄

[@Sharemyworldshow]

This is such a great idea! I can use any photo to personalize a puzzle. The hidden message puzzle is awesome too! Thanks for sharing!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dianedubay1704]

OK, Jennifer. Now you've done it. I'm going to have to give up sleeping. You just keep bringing the best projects and I have to make them all.

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you, but get some sleep! 😁

[@paulabrummer1291]

I love this idea! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@jenw240]

I made a puzzle on th weekend! This tutorial is awesome! Thanks Jennifer

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@yo130686]

Amazing tutorial, thanks! I’ve been doing some puzzle for my kids and they love them!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad I could help! 🌸

[@maurahale104]

I love all of your videos, I'm a huge fan! Also excited about the giveaway ❣ You're such a kind woman. Thank you for giving away all the secrets most people won't share.

[@JenniferMaker]

Awww.. thanks for watching!

[@kymberli324]

I love you you are so inspiring and easy to follow. Thank you

[@dyane1869]

Bravo!!! Love everything you do!!! Thank you:)

[@halaelabaseery360]

This amazing! I'd like to know how to put the puzzle in a border after cutting the pieces to arrange them. Please let me know. Thank you so much!

[@tanchea1]

Thank you for adding me to the facebook group. You are amazing and thank you for the videos.

[@kellyhofeling1384]

I grew up going on Disney cruises!!! Love Castaway Key!!!

[@traineasy7801]

Awesome video. Just tuning into your channel for the first time. Looking forward to watching more. Very easy to follow along. Question: how does one go about creating/designing my custom puzzle template? Thanks for any feedback!

[@MairHughes]

First puzzle on my maker, using Cricut brand sticker paper and a cereal box was a fail. Some pieces did not cut all the way through, and the sticker paper seemed to cause problems. Second try I used Cricut printable vinyl and Cricut kraftboard and it worked a charm! I may try a third time using printable vinyl and cereal box. Thanks Jennifer!

[@JenniferMaker]

Good suggestion! Glad you figured it out!

[@Mamasage90]

Thank you for the fabulous video!! I was so excited to try this project and I was skeptical about the cereal box being thick enough but I was pleasantly surprised. The only thing is, when I took it off my mat and it had practically cut through the mat 😱maybe for next time I will change the setting to 2x instead of 3x? But thanks for the puzzle template!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes definitely change the setting next time! :)

[@Grave_Hunter_of_Aus]

Hey. Great tutorial. Who doesn’t love a sunflower 🌻 😍🇦🇺

[@JenniferMaker]

Right?! 😍

[@rachelk3054]

I’ve been wanting a custom photo puzzle! So much cheaper than having one made. Thank you!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad I could help!

[@rabbitboater4240]

Thank you, so much. Are there other puzzle patterns that you can add your photo. Also can you make yhis larger and cut the puzzle in sections.

[@JulieKnowles]

My sisters LOVE puzzles....I'm going to make them for when we meet in September....thanks!

[@JenniferMaker]

Have fun!

[@KarlyBaby09]

I recently designed my niece her very own My little pony character ( to her & her mommy's very specific requests ) for her 4th Bday in October. I think a puzzle with her Pumpkin spice pony would make a great christmas present.

[@ksue1616]

This is a great gift. Thanks for the tutorial. Oh, and cute pictures!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you like it!

[@85vzap91]

How adorable is this!?! ♡♡

[@latanyajennings1446]

I so love Jennifer Maker. She’s awesome

[@JenniferMaker]

Aww, Latanya, thank you so much for your kind words!!! 😍

[@rachaelmartinez1532]

Cant wait to make a little puzzle for toddler. Thanks!

[@empresst3084]

You are such an excellent teacher. Thanks for sharing this info. I REALLY want to try my hand at making puzzles. I have a cricut explore air 2, I've been saving cereal boxes to practice with, the only thing I don't have is sticker paper and chipboard. :-( I am so ready to try...

[@JenniferMaker]

Best of luck on your puzzle! 💜

[@nerdchick97]

hi i am trying to make this on my explore air 2 but my cricut i guess is having trouble finding the collabrations, what could it be? i had to create a custom material for cereal box, maybe thats it? but other than that it stops when its time to cut

[@dpalmer63]

I loved making this! Thank you for sharing!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Kysgallerie]

Omg, I love your channel. I have recently brought a maker and I am sooooo excited to do new projects and your channel has soooo much. I love this so much, I'm am going to be doing this NOW! ❤❤❤. So thankful for people like you willing to share with everybody else.

[@JenniferMaker]

Yay! Thank you!

[@annettecullen7843]

I made one with inspiration quotes for my friend , she loved it!

[@JenniferMaker]

That's awesome, Annette! 😍

[@casandra8175]

Wow that's so cool!!!! I been looking to do a puzzle of a picture of me and my husband wedding. And I want to do gifts for other family!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

This would be an amazing gift for your hubby!

[@lindafeldman4330]

This is a super craft idea. My brain is crowded with ideas for holiday gifts!

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes you can make so many gifts! Have fun! 💕

[@evonne52]

I just love the puzzles! Going to make some for my grandchildren. I also have a HP printer. I have Cricut printable vinyl. What printer material setting should I use to print the photo and can I use the knife blade with the cereal box?

[@annemariereyes8197]

Love these! Merry Christmas!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you! Merry Christmas to you! :)

[@cth8353]

Love this! I’m gonna try it! Thank you Jennifer!

[@JenniferMaker]

You're welcome, Cindy, I'm glad you like it! They are a lot of fun to make, and even more fun to give and play with! 😁

[@cth8353]

Jennifer Maker, what printable paper did you use on this video?

[@sulemamaciel6588]

I am so excited to make my first puzzle, thank you so much! Subscribed! (:

[@JenniferMaker]

Welcome aboard! 😍

[@AngelCastillo-fz4bh]

My hubby told me what my xmas gift is by accident(cricut maker) and im so excited to make this!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Have fun, Angel! Aren't husbands funny? 😂

[@bobbiannday5681]

Love this to pieces!

[@LGnLA]

I see what you did there lol!!😉😁😁😁

[@zekeb6579]

Found it, I can't wait to try this! Thank you!

[@JenniferMaker]

YAY! Hope you enjoy!

[@aliciacherry3406]

Another good project, I have a 9 year old that is going to love this!

[@JenniferMaker]

That is awesome!

[@LeahRich73]

I just tried this and while I LOVED how clear your directions were, I'm really sad that the blade almost cut completely through my mat! It's a brand new blade and a brand new mat. Obviously, I need to make an adjustment. Should I reduce the pressure or the number of times it cuts? Thanks!

[@cessjennie]

hello, may I ask what is the brand of the printable sticker paper did you use? thank you so much. love all your videos

[@elizabethneilly7923]

I made one!!! Thanks so much. It was very easy to do with your video. Made it on my Air 2.

[@JenniferMaker]

Yay! So glad it turned out! Thanks for watching! :)

[@tracipaige4955]

Did u use the deep cut blade or the regular one

[@pamthomas6194]

Hi Jennifer. love your tutorials. I have tried this twice with the cereal box. Both times it cut in different places on different runs. I had pieces that were at least 1/4” off. I also could not get it to come off the mat without destroying the pieces. This was supposed to be presents for our Christmas party and I’m so discouraged. I’ve calibrated and recalibrated thinking I missed a step somewhere. Thank you

[@JenniferMaker]

Sorry we're just getting back to you on this, but sometimes if it seems like it's not cutting all the way through, keep your project on your mat and loaded in your machine, and push the 'c' again. This will re-cut the image. But if you're having a problem with it mis-cutting, it's probably best to call Cricut and see if there's a fix. :)

[@cblamer36]

This was a great idea using a cereal box:) You are very clever!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@lesliewilliams2398]

I loved this project and it came out perfect using a cereal box. The only problem.. using the 3X depth cut through my brand new strong grip mat.

[@JenniferMaker]

Oh, no, Leslie! 😥 Machines do differ, sometimes, depending on their age. You must have a new, strong machine! 🥰

[@funisgood1872]

The clouds look like a flying angel.

[@Monicahh1000]

Such a fun idea! I may need to quit my job just to keep up with all these great projects!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Haha! Hard to find time to craft!

[@lorizimblis3158]

I am having a heck of a time. You make it look so easy.

[@JenniferMaker]

Aw thank you!

[@amandamurphy8438]

This is such a great tutorial! I am not very saavy with the Cricut so this helped a lot. Only problem I seem to be having is on my end and that is the printing quality and sticker paper quality. I bought HTVRont brand vinyl sticker paper (glossy) and when it ran through the cricut it left lines on the image. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this tutorial. It is amazing!! :D Edit to add: I made this comment while the puzzle was cutting. It didn't make it past the first cut. It was was going perfect until it started cutting the vertical lines. :(

[@JenniferMaker]

I hope it woks out for you.

[@AlwaysSmilingTW]

Love this so much! Thank you!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you like it, Ayesha! 🥰

[@jessicacordle88]

I googled puzzle template and picked one out download it and put it to design space can it work this way?

[@bellalunavoiceompany]

I just tried this on my cricut maker and it was going well until the last cut and then it did not line up and shredded the pieces. Any suggestions?

[@shaleeahsmith7620]

Excited to try this!

[@JenniferMaker]

Have fun!

[@heatherdefiore9573]

Really cute puzzles!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks!

[@iheartdancesongs]

Hello jennifer i was wondering what kind of printer did u use? Does a sublimation printer work better than inkjet printer with this project ?

[@celestes2746]

Amazing video! Thank you :)

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 💜

[@ysobelbarcega537]

Hi everyone, Jennifer. I am looking to get a printer to match my cricut maker, do you have suggestions?

[@sugarplumgenia4451]

Would make a cool present for sure.

[@maeoriel3907]

What kind of Kraft board can I use with my explorer?

[@pollyaitken3180]

This is a fun one for gifts for all ages!

[@JenniferMaker]

Absolutely!

[@taniasolis6459]

These look awesome!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you like them!

[@aishaaustin7818]

Hi and thanks for the tutorial. I am trying to make a puzzle for my twin nieces but I do not have the "cereal" material in my custom materials. I believe I am up to date with design space but the closest thing I have is Light Chipboard in either 0.37 or 0.55. Which would you suggest and would you still put it on 3x cutting with the deep cup blade? Any help you could offer would be great! Your tutorials are always very helpful and straight forward. Thanks!!

[@JenniferMaker]

I see the Cereal box material setting on my Maker, not my Explore, so that explains that. On my Maker, the Cereal box settings are pressure of 248, cut 3x, deep-cut blade. So either make a new custom material setting for yourself with these settings, or try the light chipboard at .55. I recommend you do a test on a scrap piece of material before you try it with your good materials.

[@dreamstreetrose318]

Very cool project, thank you for sharing. :)

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks for watching, Emily! 😍

[@joemartinez252]

THANKS!!!! i have been wanting to do this!!! thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

No problem!!

[@margaretball8835]

Very clever!