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Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Puzzled

TOF loves putting puzzles together. I have quite a collection of preschool puzzles acquired from garage sales and the thrift shop, where they run 49 cents or 1/2 off on Monday. Most of the puzzles I've purchased are like new. I guess some kids don't like puzzles as much as we do.

Somewhere online, most likely someone's blog, I read about an idea for jigsaw puzzles (and please forgive me, but I DO NOT remember where, so if I got this idea from your blog, leave me a comment and I will certainly link you up.) So this idea was for a jigsaw puzzle made out of a place mat. INGENIOUS! This weekend, while waiting for the pictures to print at the studio from hell, we took a quick run to Joann Fabrics. Where I persuaded Augie Dawgs to spend a ton of money on fabric for a new duvet cover, but sorry, I digress. I spent very little on 4 lovely Christmas place mats, 79 cents each to be exact.

While the sweet boy napped I did this.


and this


Here's a good picture of the individual pieces.
I just drew puzzle shaped pieces on the back of the place mat
and then cut on the line with scissors.


A Gingerbread Boy


And Ho Ho Ho


I store all of our puzzles in these awesome lingerie laundry bags that I purchased for 3/$1 at the Dollar Store. This takes up much less room than storing them in the original boxes. Several bags then fit nicely in a Rubbermaid container.

The possibilities are only limited to the type of place mats you find.

P.S. Go vote for my bloggy friend Soxy Deb who is in a joke contest here.
Then go here and vote for tree #2. Vote or else! Thank you to all the wonderful people who already voted, don't forget to go back daily. What? My Uncle Al said, "Vote early and vote often"
And don't forget Angie today for Wordful Wednesday!

32 comments:

  1. What an awesome idea! My daughter LOVES puzzles too. They always get bent up and torn from so much use. I think this is a fantastic idea.

    Thanks for sharing!

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  2. That is soooo cool. I love this idea and the storage bag. So smart of you!

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  3. I tried to vote again but it said it already counted my vote...I guess from yesturday

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  4. I love this idea! I am doing this one for sure. Thanks for sharing:)

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  5. How fun! I love the idea, although my own kids are too old. However, I certainly will store it in the brain for future grandchildren!

    I also love the top commentators widget...I may have to add one of my own!

    Hugs...

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  6. If you don't beat all!! You are so crafty!

    I voted AGAIN today! I've had about 6 replies to the emails I've sent out that they went and voted. I'm hoping I'll get more replies today. I WANT you to win! :)

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  7. What a wonderful idea.....and look at your great puzzle pieces.....

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  8. You are the bomb! What a fabulous idea!!!!!!!!

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  9. My Bestie would LOVE this idea...oh and I just voted your up to 67 votes now not to far behind the leader YAY I hope you win!!!

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  10. That is an AWESOME idea. Really cool!

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  11. Found your blog through the Blog Stalker this morning. What fun! I love using lingerie bags. They make my life easier. Never thought they might be a multi-purpose item, though. Thanks!

    Also loved all of the great coupons.

    -Francesca

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  12. Terrific ideas!! and look at your new widgets! how fun!

    Now I wanna see the new duvet! ;o)

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  13. Great idea! (and, since you threatened (not sure what 'or else' is, so, I'm going to vote:)

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  14. I voted!!! For both of us!

    That is a great little idea you have there. Just makes me wish (again) that I had little ones here.

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  15. well now that is a great idea and a very cute one too. My son loves puzzles. I am so going to have to try it.

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  16. WHAT A FANTASTIC IDEA!!!!!!!!!!!

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  17. Great idea! I love it! El goes ga ga over puzzles!

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  18. OMG that is SUCH a cool idea! I swear you are like Martha Stewart, but way cooler and without all the jail time.

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  19. THAT is such a cute idea! I love it!

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  20. You are a genius!!! I am so honored to know you! Seriously, what a great idea! Love the storage idea too...

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  21. That is a seriously good idea! And you can find ANY picture on placemats!! THANKS! I am so using this one!!

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  22. Holy cow!! That's awesome! I never thought of using lingerie bags to store puzzle pieces. I AM SO GOING OUT TO BUY SOME!

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  23. Cute puzzles.

    I tried to vote for your tree twice but it would'nt let me:(

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  24. GENIUS! (and that gingerbread boy is TOOOO cute!)

    What a clever, clever idea!

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  25. You need to beg and plead for more votes, as of right now you are only 23 votes behind Karmella.

    Hey I love the puzzle thing. Thats a great idea. ONLY you would do that AND come up with a great storage solution.

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  26. Oh, the gingerbread man is my favorite! He's so cute!

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  27. What a great idea! And your cutting skills are simply amazing.

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  28. That is awesome! What a great idea! You're so creative!

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