Framing a Jigsaw Puzzle...from start to finish...Here's a step by step example of how to frame a jigsaw puzzle. Yes! You can do it!
What we're going to do here, (on this page)...is take you through the various steps it takes to complete a nicely framed puzzle! Uh-huh! We know! It sounds simple...and mostly, it is! But, we thought that you might like to see the entire process, so let's get started!
From The Beginning...
Okay, here we go! We went to several stores, looked at many puzzles and frames, and finally...decided on this one! This jigsaw puzzle is from a painting by Thomas Kinkade, a favorite artist of ours! As are all of his paintings, it is quite colorful, beautifully done, and ready to frame!
Next, we found this frame. It's a nice looking, dark-wood toned frame. It matches the dimensions of our puzzle perfectly! And, it was on sale for $24.00. Not Bad! The puzzle was $8. So together, (including tax) our total cost is under $35! We're off to a good start! We have our puzzle and we have our frame! More importantly, we kept our costs to a minimal amount of money! So now what...well, it's obvious, isn't it?
This is the fun part of this project! Lay out all of your pieces, turn them all over, and separate the edge pieces first to form your frame. PUZZLE TIP! Separate your edge pieces as you flip over the pieces. It's a whole lot easier than trying to find them all later on... (Did you know that the edge of your puzzle makes up nearly 20% of your entire puzzle?)
Here's our puzzle at around 50-60% complete! (No, we didn't actually do the math!) We're well on our way and the end is not far away! Start thinking about where you may want to display your finished project! But not yet! We still have a little more work to do! (We apologize for this picture quality, but for obvious reasons, we can not "re-take" this photo!)
Puzzle Completion!
The first step is to flip your puzzle over. Why? Because you want to create 1 really, large piece instead of the 750 pieces in which it came! So, here goes...
One thing is for certain...you'll want to take your time when sliding a jigsaw puzzle from one surface to another! Next, you'll need another solid piece of board. (Actually two pieces of foam board works quite well. It's light, cheap, and easy to handle!) Or, if the back support piece that came with your frame is solid enough...use that! Place it on top of the puzzle...hold it tight...and simply flip it over! Once again, you are not tossing a pizza here, you are flipping over a 750 jigsaw puzzle...so, take your time! Invite a member of the family to help you, if you are intimidated by this "flip". But really, one person can do it, just fine...just hold the boards tight together! Now, slide the "flipped" puzzle back onto the table! Here, you can apply an ordinary sheet of contact paper over the back of the puzzle. This will hold those 750 pieces together well enough to form one solid massive piece. You should now be able to pick up the entire puzzle and place it in the open frame! Sometimes, there is a quicker way! Many puzzles fit together tight enough, after completion, to simply pick them up off of the table. See! This is one of them!
In any case, the goal here is to get your jigsaw puzzle in the frame!
Are all of the pieces fitting flat against the glass? Have you positioned your backer board (came with the frame) properly and securely! Tighten it down good! AND NOW...now, you can flip over your frame! ...To The End
But, why did we do all of this, anyway? Well, we wanted to show you a way to display those puzzles that you have stored away in your closet. It doesn't have to be a brand new puzzle either. If fact, framing a vintage jigsaw puzzle would be a very cool idea! Why not give it a try...you may be pleasantly surprised at the beautiful results that you can achieve! Random Notes...Hopefully, this "step-by-step" page will ease your mind when it comes time for you to put your puzzle in a frame. It's not hard, and it gives your puzzle a "new" life! You will find that it will become the topic of conversation in almost any room! Try it! Also, don't forget to check out our page on jigsaw puzzles. and displaying jigsaw puzzles and gluing jigsaw puzzles. Puzzles are one of our favorite paper collectibles! Can you tell? Our Advice?
As mentioned before, on a previous page, pick a jigsaw puzzle company that is well known for their quality. Not all puzzles are alike in color tone, finish, and construction! Believe this to be true! There are reasons why that $15-$20 puzzle costs as much as it does. Take our word here...if you are looking for a puzzle to frame...buy a nice quality puzzle! The end result will be worth it! Here's another piece of advice to consider. If you intend to display your framed puzzle in a room with many lights, consider buying some non-glare glass. This glass is more expensive, but it will virtually eliminate all of your reflections from the bright lights! Return from Jigsaw Puzzle Framed to Paper Examples
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