Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, as nature awakens from its winter slumber and bursts into bloom with vibrant colors. As the days grow longer and the weather becomes milder, we find ourselves spending more time outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. One fun way to celebrate the arrival of spring is by engaging in some creative activities, such as solving tangram puzzles. Tangrams are a traditional Chinese puzzle game that have been around for centuries, and they are a wonderful way to exercise your brain while having fun. In this post, we’ll share some easy DIY tangram puzzles that you can make at home and enjoy with your family and friends.
Spring Tangrams
Tangrams consist of seven geometric shapes that can be arranged in endless configurations to create various figures and images. The shapes include a square, a parallelogram, two small right triangles, one medium right triangle, and two large right triangles. The challenge is to arrange the shapes in a specific pattern or shape, using all seven pieces without overlapping or leaving any gaps.
Our first DIY tangram puzzle is a fun spring-themed design that you can print out and cut into pieces. The tangram features a flower, butterfly, rabbit, and a watering can, all of which are symbols of spring. You can also color in the shapes to make the designs even more vibrant and eye-catching.
Easy Tangram Pieces
If you’re new to tangrams or want to start with something easier, we have some simple tangram pieces that you can make using paper or cardstock. Just print out the templates and cut out the shapes. You can also laminate the pieces for added durability.
These basic tangram pieces can be used to make various designs, such as animals, letters, numbers, and even people. The possibilities are endless, and you can let your creativity run wild.
DIY Tangram Puzzle
If you want to take your tangram game to the next level, you can make your own DIY tangram puzzle using wood or acrylic. This is a fun and challenging project that requires some basic woodworking skills and tools.
To make your own tangram puzzle, you’ll need to cut out the seven shapes from a flat piece of wood or acrylic using a saw or laser cutter. You can then sand the edges to smooth them out and paint or stain the pieces to your liking. Once the pieces are dry, you can arrange them in different patterns and shapes to create your own unique designs.
A DIY tangram puzzle is a great gift idea for puzzle lovers, or you can challenge your friends and family to solve it and see who can come up with the most designs. It’s also a great conversation starter and a fun way to pass the time on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Tangram Quest
For an extra challenge, you can try playing Tangram Quest, a fun and addictive app that features over 550 puzzles to solve. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and is free to download.
In Tangram Quest, you get to travel around the world and solve puzzles in different locations, such as Egypt, India, and China. Each level has a different theme and difficulty level, and you have to use your tangram skills to complete each puzzle. The app also has a leaderboard that allows you to compete with other players and see who can solve the puzzles the fastest.
Tangram Quest is a great way to challenge yourself and improve your tangram skills. It’s also a fun way to learn about different cultures and traditions, as each location has its own unique design and theme.
Tangram Book
If you enjoy solving tangram puzzles and want to take your skills to the next level, you can also check out some tangram books. These books feature hundreds of puzzles to solve and provide tips and tricks on how to improve your skills.
Some of our favorite tangram books include “Tangram Fury” by Michael Larson, “Tangram Challenge” by Jinny Beyer, and “The Tangram Book” by Jerry Slocum and Dieter Gebhardt. These books are available online or in bookstores and are a great way to keep your brain active and engaged.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tangrams are a fun and educational way to celebrate the arrival of spring and improve your cognitive skills. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned puzzle solver, there’s a tangram activity for everyone. From easy DIY puzzles to challenging apps and books, you can enjoy tangrams in a variety of formats and settings. So why not give it a try and see how many unique designs and shapes you can create? Happy puzzling!
