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How to Make a Finger Puzzle

Finger puzzles trap the fingers of unsuspecting victims inside a small cylinder that tightens as its prisoners try to escape. They are traditionally made of bamboo due to its inability to stretch, but ribbon or paper also work well. Clever puzzle solvers will discover the trick to escape is using free fingers to push the ends of the trap toward the center, which will enlarge the openings and allow the imprisoned fingers to wiggle free. Children can complete this craft project with adult supervision and create their own party favors.

Things You'll Need

Colored card stock
Scissors
White glue
Scotch tape
Dowel rod
Super Glue

Instructions

- 1
  Cut four 1/2-inch wide strips of card stock from one color. Glue the ends of two pairs together to create two 22-inch long strips. Tape the ends of two strips together at an 80-degree angle. Repeat the process with card stock of a different color.
- 2
  Attach each colored pair to the end of a dowel with tape.
- 3
  Braid the four strands together around the dowel to create a lattice appearance and continue until you reach the end of the dowel or exhaust the lengths of card stock.
- 4
  Cut the tape holding the paper to the dowel and slide the woven braid off the dowel. Secure the ends to each other with a small application of Super Glue. Allow the glue to dry completely before testing the puzzle, or your fingers may be trapped permanently!

Kids Games