Spooky Cuties Block Puzzle by Thienly Azim

Cube puzzles have been loved by kids because it’s simple and fun. Why not create your own customized puzzle? Follow these step-by-step instructions and you’ll be creating puzzles with your kids instead of buying them.

SVG Collections Used

Rockin and Rollin SVG Kit
Spooky Cuties SVG Collection
Big Boutique Boxes SVG Kit

Supplies Used

• AC Cardstock
• Patterned Paper – Echo Park Chillingsworth Manor
• Glittered Paper – red
• Acetate
• Exacto-knife
• Decoupage – Mod Podge (Matte)
• Foam Brush
• Buttons
• Scotch Quick-Dry Glue

Dimensions

Instructions

1. Open die.svg, resize, break apart and delete all the circles. Cut and assemble.
2. Cut all the pieces from Spooky Cuties SVG Collection.
3. Cut out 6 pieces of 6.0” wide square using various background papers. On each, adhere the pieces from Spooky Cuties to create a picture.
4. Using an exacto-knife, CAREFULLY cut each of the 6.0” square into nine 2.0” squares.
5. Adhere each of these squares onto the nine blocks. Make sure you do not adhere more than one square from each picture onto the same cube. Repeat for the other 5 pictures.
6. Decoupage each of the sides, allowing time to dry before doing another side. Thin coat is sufficient.
7. Resize the sides.svg height and then cut out box pieces and assemble. Adhere the acetate from the inner side, finishing off with an inner top lid liner.
8. If desired, you may make box labels to add interest. I used Copperplate Gothic Bold BT at 0.80” high for the side letters, 0.55” high for the top lid letters to negatively cut from a rectangle strip. Black cardstock was used for backing.
9. You may also want to create a reference sheet of all the puzzle and pictures. This can be done easily by using the images from the Print and Cut section of the kit and printing them out. I made one and adhered it to the back of the box. (see diagram)

Design Tips

Thienly - SVGCuts Design Team Artist

• If you decide to change the puzzle pictures, keep them simple. Too many pieces will add to the layers when cutting with your exacto knife.
• When gluing down each piece, apply glue evenly everywhere as some parts may become loose after cutting with an exacto knife.
• Distressing or inking the edges can add to the spooky, vintage look. Furthermore, when using the same color on top of each other, inking the edges can bring out the pieces.
• This is optional, but you may fill the boxes with rice, beans, beads or any other items that can make noise. This adds to the fun for smaller kids.
• To get a perfect circle for Cuties’ eyes, you may either cut on your machine or use eyelet punches/hole punch circles (which I did).
• When adhering the squares onto cubes – you can control the complexity. By designating each block for a certain spot, so that all one needs to do is to find the correct side, it would be easy. To make it difficult, you can place the squares in the random cubes.

By having the basics of making a cube puzzle, possibilities are endless. You can use the Christmas Cuties instead to create Christmas gifts this year, or perhaps, you may want to use some sides to recap some of your favorite family photos. It’s a fun project to make and will definitely be enjoyed by the recipient. Hope that you were inspired by this project!