How To Frame A Puzzle & Cute Framed Puzzle Ideas
Looking for a way to decorate that’s just as fun to make as it is to look at? Framing puzzles is the latest decorating trend – now you don’t have to break apart that hard-earned jigsaw masterpiece.
Read on for tips on how to frame a puzzle and remember it forever. You’ll also find some inspiration on which puzzles to start off with.
How To Frame A Puzzle
The first step is to make sure you complete your puzzle on a piece of cardboard or flat surface. This way you can move it around when needed. It also makes it easier to flip over and move around when it comes to gluing it down.
How To Glue A Puzzle
There are a few different ways to frame a puzzle, each with its own charms. All of these methods begin with gluing the puzzle down. It’s best to use a liquid glue to make sure you can spread it evenly.
- Squirt glue from a tube or gun in a criss-cross pattern onto the puzzle, then use a wide brush to spread it out across the back.
2. Be especially careful to make sure every single piece of the puzzle has glue. Otherwise, you risk pieces falling out once you hang it up, which will ruin the overall effect.
3. Once you have glue everywhere, press down a thin piece of cardboard to the back. This will keep your puzzle together, acting like a backbone for the picture.
4. To be extra safe, you can also reinforce the back with duct tape. This will give it extra stability and strength when moving on to hang it.
Do You Glue The Front Or Back Of A Puzzle?
Make sure you plan ahead before gluing. You need to make sure you glue the back of the puzzle – or you’ll never see the wonderful picture on the front!
How To Hang A Puzzle Without A Frame
Many people decide to put their puzzles in framing, but it’s certainly not a requirement. You can simply attach command hooks or double-sided tape to the back of your puzzle. Then, just press it firmly onto the wall.
Make sure you have enough glue and plenty of duct tape on the back. This way, the puzzle should be stable enough to hold itself together without a frame.
What Size Frame Do I Need For A 500 Piece Puzzle?
Of course, if you do decide you want a frame, you need to make sure you get the right size. 500-piece puzzles will usually range in size from 18.3″ x 13.3″ and 19.3″ x 14.3″. However, size varies, so it’s best to measure your puzzle once it’s completed to ensure you get the right size. Trying to cram a puzzle into a too-small frame might end up damaging it or disrupting the adhesive.
What Size Frame Do I Need For A 1000 Piece Puzzle?
The most common sizes for 1000-piece puzzles are between 26 x 19 inches and 27 x 20 inches. However, the same rule shared above applies. It’s always wise to take exact measurements for your puzzle.
Some puzzles can be shaped differently than the standard ratios, such as panorama puzzles and so on. Wait and see how your puzzle turns out before you commit to a frame.
Cute Ideas for Inspiration
Now you know the ins and outs of how to frame a puzzle, why not get some inspiration? Here are some of my favorite hanging puzzles.
A Favourite Location
Remember your hometown, favorite vacation destination, or current home in a map puzzle of the area. In this case, the larger puzzle sizes give it a chunky, 3D feel.
The New Yorker
The New Yorkers’ iconic frontpage is artwork enough for us all. This puzzle looks dynamic and vintage, perfect to frame and hang as a statement art piece.
Disneyland Magic
Thie vintage, illustrated map is perfect for any Disney fan who is always planning their next trip. This large puzzle also looks like it would be just as much fun to do as to hang, so you’ve got two activities in one here!
Favorite Literature
This one’s for the bookworms! I love all the vintage book covers here, it’s the perfect way to make art from some of everyone’s favorite classic reads.
Puzzles to Get You Started
Ready to get started? I’ve found some gorgeous puzzles that would look stunning on your wall.
- Assorted Cupcakes Jigsaw Puzzle 500 Pieces
- Buffalo Games – Darrell Bush – Canoe Lake – 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
- Springbok’s 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle It’s Showtime!
- Sung Kim Art – Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 Piece for Adults (Coastal View II)
Check out related posts
Feeling extra crafty? Once you’ve finished hanging your puzzle, you can crack on with these other craft projects:
- Mother’s Day Gift for Grandmas: DIY Framed Footprints
- Color Blocking Craft Ideas – Painting Utensils in 10 Minutes
- Easy DIY Essential Oil Candles
Tania Griffis is an accomplished writer, blogger, and interior designer with a Journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma. She started her popular blog, Run to Radiance, in 2011, demonstrating her design expertise through the personal remodeling of six houses to millions of readers across the globe.
Tania also owns The Creative Wheelhouse, a respected ghostwriting agency for bloggers, further showcasing her talent for creating engaging and informative content.
