The other day we were watching this French TV series called Astrid & Raphaelle. In one of the scenes, they were playing this tangram puzzle. Immediately I wanted to get one, but I couldn’t find anything online to my liking for 2 players. So, I made one myself! This is a tutorial on how to build a wooden Tangram puzzle set for 2 players. And I even created a detailed guide with drawings, 3D view and images to help you build yourself.
psst… It is also a perfect gift item! Build and gift it to your loved ones!
Before getting into the build, here is a little info on what a tangram puzzle is.
WHAT IS A TANGRAM PUZZLE
A Tangram is a seven piece puzzle that originated from China. The objective is to rearrange the pieces to form the shape on the picked card. It can be an alphabet, number, animal or just general objects. This puzzle is for all age ranges and depending upon the difficulty level you can pick the shape cards.
This will make an amazing item to gift someone and here is why. Solving tangram puzzles improves intelligence, hand-eye coordination, improved IQ level, perception, releases your work pressure and also prevents decline in memory for the elderly.
When two or more people play, it’s about who finishes the shape first and it is super fun and competitive!
Be sure to watch the full video below to get some extra details and I also have DIY build plans for the puzzle set available if you want to build your own.
Before we get started, make sure to follow me on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram to keep up with all my latest builds!
Here is what you will need for this project.
MATERIAL LIST
- 1/2 x 6 wood – 3ft long – 2 nos. for the box, tray & puzzle
- 1/8-inch-thick ply for the tray
- 3/8-inch-thick ply for the bottom panel
- 1/8-inch-thick Transparent acrylic for the lid
- Black Foam
- Thick fabric or felt sheet
TOOL LIST
- Measuring tape
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Speed Square
- Miter saw
- Table saw
- Sanding block – 120 grit & 220 grit sandpaper
- Router (optional)
- Paper cutting tool or Utility knife
- Polyacrylic clear sealer
- Tack cloth
The guide has all the cut diagrams, dimensions and detailed instructions to build the puzzle set. The steps are explained with images, 3D views and drawings.
DISCLOSURE: We only recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions are our own. This post may contain some affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we earn few pennies at no additional cost to you. It helps us to keep ‘The Nomad Studio’ alive. Thanks for support!
How to build the puzzle set?
There are four major steps to build this set.
- Puzzle pieces
- Puzzle tray
- Shape Cards
- Box
Puzzle pieces
This is the classic tangram puzzle pattern with seven pieces. You can find this easily online. Each shape has to be formed using all 7 pieces. In this DIY project, the size of the puzzle is 5-1/2″x 5-1/2″. Since we are cutting the pattern on wood, it is important to remember the blade kerf thickness and cut the shapes without loosing its size. So, I have detailed drawings and steps to illustrate the cut in my guide.
Build the tray
Shape cards
I bought the shape cards from an Etsy seller – Megi Design Studio. The bundle has 200+ cards with three difficulty levels. This is a perfect bundle for all age ranges. Since, I built this tangram set for adults, I printed only the hard version in color of my choice.
For buying the digital version of the pattern and shape cards, use the code THENOMADSTUDIO10 at check out to get 10$ off of your purchase.
How to build the box with sliding lid
This box is one of my favorite build. Its just the right size to accommodate two puzzle sets and 80+ shape cards with a sliding transparent acrylic lid. It looks so cool and most importantly not too hard to build. Get the complete guide with step-by-step instructions for this DIY project here.
If you build one, let me know on the comments section below or Tag me in Instagram or Facebook
