What to Do with Jigsaw Puzzles Once Finished

Congratulations, you've just completed your jigsaw puzzle! The sense of accomplishment is immense, and you're left with a beautiful image and a puzzle box full of tiny pieces. But now, you might be wondering, "What do I do with my jigsaw puzzle now that it's finished?" This article will guide you through various options, from preserving your artwork to recycling the pieces.

Firstly, let's consider the fact that jigsaw puzzles are not just games; they're pieces of art. The images on them are carefully selected and designed to captivate and challenge puzzlers. So, it's only fitting that we treat them with the respect they deserve even after they've been put together.

Preserving Your Puzzle Artwork

One of the most popular options is to preserve your puzzle as a piece of art. After all, you've spent hours putting it together, and it deserves to be displayed.

One way to do this is by using puzzle glue and a puzzle board. You can find these at craft stores or online. The process involves applying glue to the back of the puzzle pieces, placing them on the board, and then weighing them down until the glue dries. This turns your puzzle into a framed piece of art that you can hang on your wall.

Framing Your Puzzle

Another option is to frame your puzzle. This is a bit more expensive than using a puzzle board, but it provides a more professional look. You can take your completed puzzle to a framing store, where they can cut a mat and a frame to fit your puzzle. They can also add glass to protect your puzzle from dust and damage.

If you're feeling crafty, you can also frame your puzzle at home. You'll need a frame, a mat, glass, and puzzle glue. Once you've glued your puzzle to a piece of cardboard or foam board, you can cut a mat to fit around your puzzle and place it in the frame. Add the glass to protect your puzzle, and you're done!

Displaying Your Puzzle

If you don't want to permanently preserve your puzzle, you can still display it. Some people use puzzle stands, which are designed to hold a completed puzzle upright. Others use puzzle displays, which are like picture frames but designed specifically for puzzles.

You can also take a photo of your completed puzzle and use it as your desktop wallpaper or share it on social media. This way, you can enjoy your artwork even after you've taken the puzzle apart.

Repurposing Your Puzzle Pieces

If you're not interested in preserving your puzzle as art, there are still many ways you can repurpose the pieces.

One option is to use the pieces for craft projects. Puzzle pieces can be used to make greeting cards, jewelry, or even mosaic art. The possibilities are endless, and you can let your creativity guide you.

Making Greeting Cards

To make greeting cards, you can glue puzzle pieces onto cardstock or construction paper. You can then decorate the card with markers, stickers, or other embellishments. These cards are perfect for any occasion and are a great way to recycle your puzzle pieces.

You can also use puzzle pieces to make gift tags. Simply glue a puzzle piece onto a piece of cardstock or construction paper, punch a hole in the top, and write your recipient's name on the back.

Creating Mosaic Art

Another way to repurpose your puzzle pieces is to use them to make mosaic art. You can use the pieces to create a picture or pattern on a canvas or a piece of wood. Once you've arranged your pieces, you can glue them down and grout the spaces between them.

You can also use puzzle pieces to make coasters. Simply arrange the pieces on a piece of ceramic tile, glue them down, and grout the spaces between them. Once the grout has dried, you can seal the coasters with a clear sealant to protect them from spills.

Recycling Your Puzzle Pieces

If you're not interested in repurposing your puzzle pieces, you can always recycle them. Most puzzles are made from cardboard, which is recyclable. However, before you toss your puzzle in the recycling bin, make sure to remove any plastic bags or other non-recyclable materials.

You can also check with local craft stores or schools to see if they would like your puzzle pieces. Some craft stores sell puzzle pieces by the pound, and schools may use them for art projects or other educational purposes.

Donating Your Puzzle Pieces

Another option is to donate your puzzle pieces to a local charity or community center. These organizations may use the pieces for art projects, games, or other activities. You can also check with local hospitals or nursing homes to see if they would like your puzzle pieces. Puzzles can be a great source of entertainment and cognitive stimulation for people who are ill or elderly.

If you're not sure where to donate your puzzle pieces, you can also try posting them on a local online marketplace or social media group. Someone in your community may be interested in repurposing them.

In the end, what you do with your jigsaw puzzle after it's finished is up to you. Whether you choose to preserve it as art, repurpose the pieces, or recycle them, there are many ways to ensure that your puzzle doesn't end up in the trash. So, go ahead and celebrate your accomplishment, and then decide what's next for your beautiful artwork.