Community Puzzles: Instructions and Layout Ideas

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What is a Community Puzzle?

Think of it as a community quilt for adults and kids of all ages. The Community Puzzle consists of large universal puzzle pieces that go together in any order. Each person decorates their own puzzle piece in their own style, usually, but not always utilizing a common theme –
suggestions below. Any size group can participate – all that is needed is enough pieces. Our largest so far was over 10,000
pieces, but there is absolutely no limit. And remember – each piece is interchangeable, so it is not hard to assemble!

What can I use Community Puzzles For?

You can use Community Puzzles for just about any group activity and team building activity. Whether you’re working with a prechool class or a college class, colleagues, employees, fundraising initiatives and more, the community puzzle can help you achieve your goal!

Here are some ideas:

Birthday Parties
Wedding Guest Book
Team Building at the Office
Classroom Activity

How do I lay out the puzzle pieces?

Because the inner puzzle pieces are identical, they can be connected to each other in any way. We carry the standard 48 piece puzzle, as well as several expanded packs. CLICK HERE for a full list of puzzle options and layout suggestions.

Looking for the Community Puzzle Interactive Worksheet and Instruction Guide?

Community puzzle worksheet & Instruction guide

Click to view PDF

How do I preserve my Community Puzzle once completed?

Once completed, why not permanently display the Community Puzzle? To hold the pieces together, turn the completed puzzle upside down, and coat the back with a quality white glue. Don’t use too much, and try to keep the glue from leaking through the cracks to the face of the puzzle. While the glue is still wet, apply layers of newspaper, or poster board, and let dry. Trim excess paper from edges as needed. With larger puzzles, a piece of plywood for mounting may be necessary. To preserve the face, apply a UV spray protective coating available from an Art Supply Store. This will protect the surface, and cut down on fading. Follow the directions on the can. You can also use commercial puzzle coating materials sold for regular jigsaw puzzles. Be sure to test whatever materials used on the test puzzle piece mentioned above to make sure there is not an adverse reaction between the coating and the markers, crayons, or other materials used.

Suggested Layouts for Single Sets
Wedding & Party Sets

1 Set (48 Piece Puzzle)

The first layout option is six (6) pieces horizontally, and four (4) pieces vertically.

The second layout option is eight (8) pieces horizontally, and three (3) pieces vertically.

The third layout option is five (5) pieces horizontally, and five (5) pieces vertically. You will notice that there is a piece missing in the center. You may use a leftover piece from an additional set, or go the extra mile with your keepsake, and add a photo, illustration, or painted artwork to the backside to peek through!

50 Guest Puzzle (98 Pieces)

The first layout option is seven (7) pieces horizontally, and seven (7) pieces vertically. You will have one (1) leftover piece with this layout.

The second layout option is eight (8) pieces horizontally, and six (6) pieces vertically. You will have two (2) leftover pieces with this layout.

The third layout option is five (5) pieces horizontally, and ten (10) pieces vertically.

The last option for the 50 guest puzzle is to make TWO puzzles! We’ve included enough border and corner pieces to create two puzzled laid out with five (5) pieces horizontally, and five (5) pieces vertically. Additionally, you can make these puzzles into any layout found in the 48 piece puzzle section.

100 Guest Puzzle (168 Pieces)

We recommend using foam board or presentation board when building & displaying this size puzzle.

The first layout option is ten (10) pieces horizontally, and ten (10) pieces vertically.

The second layout option is twenty (20) pieces horizontally, and five (5) pieces vertically.

The last option for the 100 guest puzzle has twenty-five (25) pieces horizontally, and four (4) pieces vertically.

200 Guest Puzzle (288 Pieces)

Please note that foam or presentation board is recommended when building & displaying this size puzzle.

The first layout option is sixteen (16) pieces horizontally, and twelve (12) pieces vertically.

The second layout option is eighteen (18) pieces horizontally, and eleven (11) pieces vertically.

The third layout option is twenty-five (25) pieces horizontally, and eight (8) pieces vertically.

The last option for the 200 guest puzzle has thirty-three (33) pieces horizontally, and six (6) pieces vertically.

500 Guest Puzzle (676 Pieces)

We recommend using foam board or presentation board when building & displaying this size puzzle.

The first layout option is twenty-five (25) pieces horizontally, and twenty (20) pieces vertically. At this size, we suggest that you use a piece of plywood, or other heavy-duty material to display your puzzle.

The second layout option is thirty-three (33) pieces horizontally, and fifteen (15) pieces vertically. At this size, we suggest that you use a piece of plywood, or other heavy-duty material to display your puzzle.

The third layout option great for duality events, such as “His & Her’s”, shared events, or two-parter parties! This option is for TWO puzzles, and the layout is twenty-five (25) pieces horizontally, and ten (ten) pieces vertically.

The last layout option is for THREE puzzles! (and YES, three sets of borders are included in this set!) Lay each puzzle out with thirteen (13) pieces horizontally, and twelve (12) pieces vertically. This set is great for events and activities that require multiple puzzle designs and themes!