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How to Make a Dot to Dot Picture

Connect-the-dots puzzles can pass the time on a long car ride while teaching young children how to follow a number sequence and draw with a pencil. Though connect-the-dots books are readily available in bookstores and newsstands, you can surprise a child with a puzzle featuring a favorite pet or other favorite subject. You can create your own puzzles with a few supplies and minimal artistic experience.

Things You'll Need

Tracing paper
Copy machine or scanner

Instructions

- 1
  Draw a simple line-art illustration on a regular sheet of paper, or select a photograph or magazine drawing.
- 2
  Place a sheet of tracing paper over the drawing or photo.
- 3
  Draw dots onto the tracing paper following the outline of the drawing or photo underneath. Space the dots about 1 cm apart. Number the dots in chronological order as you draw. Keep the design straight and simple, and only draw the outline of the object -- for example, if tracing a photo of a pet, do not draw dots around the outline of eyes and mouth; only follow the body's outline.
- 4
  Trace details inside the dot outline, if desired. If making a dot to dot of a pet, this is the time to draw the eyes, nose, mouth, and other features. Draw the details as you would in a normal picture -- do not outline them with dots. Adding details will make the finished puzzle easier to interpret, and therefore more rewarding.
- 5
  Place your tracing paper face-down on a scanner or copy machine and place a sheet of white paper over it. This will make your puzzle easier to see when you make copies. Most public libraries have copy machines and/or scanners.
- 6
  Print out or copy your puzzle and give it to a child.

Kids Games