What to Do with Completed Jigsaws: Creative Ideas & Storage Solutions

So, you've finally pieced together that intricate jigsaw puzzle, and the sense of accomplishment is undeniable. But now, you're left with a completed puzzle and the question: what to do with it? Here are some creative and practical ideas to help you make the most of your completed jigsaw puzzles.

Firstly, let's consider that jigsaw puzzles are not just fun pastimes; they're also works of art. Many puzzles feature stunning images, and once complete, they deserve to be appreciated and displayed. But how can you do that without damaging the puzzle or cluttering your space?

Preserving and Displaying Your Completed Puzzle

One of the most popular methods of preserving and displaying completed jigsaw puzzles is by framing them. This not only protects the puzzle pieces but also turns your puzzle into a beautiful piece of wall art.

However, framing a puzzle can be expensive, especially for larger puzzles. A more budget-friendly option is to use puzzle glue and a piece of poster board or foam board. Simply arrange your puzzle pieces on the board, apply the glue, let it dry, and then display your puzzle on a wall or shelf.

Preserving with Puzzle Glue

Puzzle glue is specifically designed to preserve jigsaw puzzles without warping or damaging the pieces. It's easy to use and dries clear, making it a great option for preserving your puzzles.

To use puzzle glue, you'll need to arrange your puzzle pieces on a flat surface, apply the glue evenly, let it dry, and then carefully trim any excess pieces. Once dry, your puzzle will be preserved and ready to display.

Framing Your Puzzle

Framing a jigsaw puzzle is similar to framing a poster or photograph. You'll need to choose a frame that's large enough to accommodate your puzzle, and then carefully secure the puzzle inside the frame.

Many craft stores sell puzzle frames, or you can have a custom frame made at a local framing shop. Framing a puzzle can be more expensive than using puzzle glue, but it's a great option if you want to display your puzzle as a piece of art.

Repurposing Completed Puzzles

If you're looking for a more creative way to use your completed puzzles, consider repurposing them into something new. This can be a fun and unique way to extend the life of your puzzles and add a personal touch to your home.

One popular way to repurpose puzzles is to turn them into coasters. Simply cut out individual puzzle pieces or small sections of the puzzle, apply a sealant to protect them, and then attach felt pads to the bottom to prevent scratching surfaces.

Creating Coasters

Making coasters from your completed puzzles is a great way to repurpose them and add a unique touch to your home. Plus, it's a fun and easy DIY project that anyone can do.

To make puzzle coasters, you'll need to choose a section of your puzzle that you want to use, cut it out, apply a sealant to protect it, and then attach felt pads to the bottom. You can also mix and match different puzzle pieces to create a set of coasters.

Other Creative Ideas

In addition to making coasters, there are many other creative ways to repurpose your completed puzzles. Some ideas include:

• Using puzzle pieces to create a mosaic or collage
• Turning puzzle pieces into magnets or ornaments
• Creating a puzzle wreath for your door
• Using puzzle pieces to decorate a picture frame or piece of jewelry

With a little creativity, the possibilities are endless!

In the end, the most important thing is to enjoy your completed puzzles and find a way to appreciate them that brings you joy. Whether you choose to preserve and display your puzzles, repurpose them into something new, or simply enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a puzzle, there are countless ways to make the most of your completed jigsaws.