Puzzle Art: Turning Your Completed Jigsaw Puzzle into A Piece of Wall Art

Jigsaw puzzles have been a beloved pastime for generations. They not only offer an enjoyable and engaging challenge, but they also provide a sense of accomplishment when completed. Once the final piece clicks into place, the puzzle often becomes more than just a collection of pieces; it transforms into a visual masterpiece. But what if your puzzle could take on a new life, becoming more than just a completed game? What if you could preserve it and turn it into a stunning piece of wall art for your home? This article will explore how to turn your completed jigsaw puzzle into a beautiful and lasting decoration, adding a personal and creative touch to any room.

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Step 1: Complete the Puzzle

The first step in creating puzzle art is, of course, completing the puzzle. This part is essential because your finished puzzle will serve as the foundation for the art piece. Choose a puzzle that appeals to you, whether it's a landscape, a work of art, or an abstract design. It’s important to select a puzzle that resonates with your aesthetic or personal taste because it will be displayed in your home for a long time.

While assembling the puzzle, take care to ensure that all the pieces fit together perfectly. If you're looking for a challenge, consider working with a more intricate puzzle, such as one with many small pieces or a unique shape. The complexity of the design will add to the overall visual interest of the final piece of wall art.

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Step 2: Prepare the Puzzle for Framing

Once the puzzle is completed, it’s time to prepare it for display. The next steps are crucial in ensuring that the puzzle retains its integrity and looks its best once framed.

Preserving the Puzzle

Before framing, you’ll want to preserve the puzzle so that it doesn’t fall apart during the process. There are several methods for this:

1. Puzzle Preserver Sheets: Puzzle preserver sheets are adhesive sheets that can be applied to the back of the puzzle to hold the pieces together. These sheets are easy to use and ensure that the puzzle stays intact during framing. Simply place the sheets on the back of the completed puzzle, press down firmly, and then peel off the backing to expose the adhesive. The puzzle will now stay together as one solid piece.

2. Puzzle Glue: Another option is to use a puzzle glue or puzzle preservation kit. This is a liquid adhesive that is applied to the back of the puzzle and spreads across the surface. The glue dries clear, ensuring that it doesn’t affect the image of the puzzle. Apply the glue evenly to avoid any uneven areas, and allow it to dry completely before handling.

3. Clear Contact Paper: For an alternative approach, some people use clear contact paper to secure their completed puzzle. Lay the contact paper on the back of the puzzle, press it down gently, and trim away the excess. This will hold the pieces in place while providing a clear, glossy finish.

After applying the adhesive, carefully flip the puzzle over to check for any gaps or pieces that may be loose. Once it’s secure, you can move on to framing.

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Step 3: Choose the Right Frame

Choosing the right frame for your puzzle is essential for both aesthetic appeal and protection. When selecting a frame, consider the following factors:

• Size: It’s important to choose a frame that fits the dimensions of your puzzle. Many puzzle manufacturers offer frames that are specifically designed for certain puzzle sizes, such as 500, 1000, or 1500-piece puzzles. However, if you’re working with a custom-size puzzle, you might need to get a frame custom-made or opt for a larger frame with a mat to fit your piece properly.

• Material: Frames come in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. Wooden frames often add a classic, warm touch to the decor, while metal frames can lend a modern, sleek look. Consider the style of your room and select a frame that complements your existing decor.

• Style: The frame style should match the theme and tone of the puzzle image. If you’ve completed a serene landscape puzzle, a simple, elegant frame might be best. For more vibrant or playful puzzles, consider a frame with more bold or colorful accents.

• Matting: Adding a mat to your puzzle frame is an optional but effective way to enhance its visual appeal. A mat creates a border between the puzzle and the frame, making the puzzle image stand out more. It can also provide some extra space around the edges to ensure the puzzle is properly centered in the frame. Choose a neutral color for the mat, such as white or beige, to allow the puzzle’s colors to shine.

• UV Protection: If your puzzle features bright or delicate colors, it’s worth considering a frame with UV-protective glass. UV-resistant glass will help prevent the colors from fading over time due to sunlight exposure, ensuring that your puzzle art remains vibrant for years to come.

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Step 4: Framing the Puzzle

Once you’ve chosen the perfect frame, it’s time to have your puzzle professionally framed or frame it yourself.

Professional Framing

If you want to ensure that your puzzle is framed to the highest standard, consider taking it to a professional framing shop. A professional framer will have the expertise to handle the delicate process of mounting and framing your puzzle properly. They’ll also offer a variety of framing options and materials, allowing you to choose the best combination for your puzzle art.

DIY Framing

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, framing the puzzle yourself can be a rewarding experience. Lay the puzzle face-up and carefully place it in the frame. Use framing clips or puzzle mounting boards to secure the puzzle in place. Ensure that the puzzle is positioned correctly and centered within the frame before securing the backing. If you’ve used puzzle glue or preserver sheets, this step should be relatively easy.

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Step 5: Hanging and Displaying the Puzzle Art

Now that your puzzle is beautifully framed, it’s time to hang it and enjoy your new piece of wall art. Consider the placement of the puzzle in your home. You may want to hang it in a living room, hallway, or even a home office to add a personal touch to your decor.

When hanging the puzzle, use a sturdy nail or picture hook to ensure it is securely attached to the wall. If the frame is heavy, you might consider using multiple hooks to evenly distribute the weight. For larger puzzles, it’s important to hang them at eye level for the best visual impact.

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Step 6: Maintain and Protect Your Puzzle Art

To ensure that your puzzle art stays in excellent condition, there are a few things you can do:

• Keep it out of direct sunlight: Excessive sunlight can cause the colors to fade over time, so try to hang your puzzle in a shaded area or use UV-resistant glass for protection.

• Dust regularly: Dust can accumulate on the surface of the frame, so use a soft cloth to gently clean the frame and glass without damaging the image.

• Avoid humidity: Avoid hanging your puzzle in areas where there is high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens, as this can weaken the glue or cause warping.

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Final Thoughts

Turning a completed jigsaw puzzle into a piece of wall art is a wonderful way to preserve a cherished memory or showcase your puzzle-solving skills. By following these steps—completing the puzzle, preserving it, choosing the right frame, and properly displaying it—you can create a stunning piece of art that reflects your personal style. Whether you choose to display it as a reminder of a fun family activity or as a beautiful decor piece, puzzle art adds a unique and creative touch to any home.

Buy your jigsaw puzzles online in Dublin Ireland at Jigsaw Puzzle Haven