Turning wooden jigsaw puzzles into wall art can be a fun and rewarding project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help adults transform their completed puzzles into beautiful wall decorations:
1. Choose the Right Puzzle
- Theme and Aesthetic: Choose a puzzle with an appealing design or theme that matches your décor, whether it’s abstract, nature-inspired, or artistic.
- Size: The puzzle should fit the space where you intend to hang it. Measure the area beforehand to ensure the puzzle isn’t too large or too small.
2. Assemble the Puzzle
- Put the puzzle together on a flat, clean surface.
- Work slowly to ensure that all pieces fit snugly.
3. Prepare to Preserve the Puzzle
- Puzzle Glue: Once the puzzle is fully assembled, use a clear puzzle glue to bond the pieces together.
- Spread the glue across the front of the puzzle with a brush or plastic spatula, ensuring the glue gets between the pieces.
- Let the glue dry completely (usually a few hours or as per the instructions on the glue bottle).
4. Mount the Puzzle
- Mounting Board: Use a sturdy mounting board (like foam core or cardboard) for the backing. This provides stability and ensures the puzzle doesn’t warp.
- Cut the board to the exact size of the puzzle, or slightly smaller if you don’t want the edges to show.
- Adhere the Puzzle: Once the glue on the puzzle is dry, flip it over and apply glue to the back, then attach it to the mounting board. Press it down evenly to prevent bubbling or gaps.
5. Frame the Puzzle
- Choose a Frame: Pick a frame that complements the puzzle’s design and your room’s style. You can choose a shadow box frame, standard frame, or have it custom-framed.
- Glass or No Glass: Decide whether to frame it with glass. If you want the natural wood texture of the puzzle to shine, you might opt for a frameless look or frame it without glass. Glass can add a polished look but may create glare.
6. Add Hanging Hardware
- If the frame doesn’t come with hanging hardware, attach D-rings or wire to the back of the mounting board or frame. Make sure the hardware is securely attached and level for easy hanging.
7. Display Your Puzzle Art
- Choose a spot that showcases the puzzle and fits its theme. For example, nature-themed puzzles might look great in a living room, while abstract designs can add personality to an office or hallway.
- Ensure the puzzle is hung at eye level and is well-lit to emphasize its beauty.
Extra Tips:
- Puzzle Piece Arrangement: For a creative twist, you can glue individual puzzle pieces around the frame as an added design element.
- Puzzle Collage: Combine multiple small puzzles into one large frame to create a unique collage of different themes or colors.
- Protective Finish: Consider spraying the puzzle with a clear protective coat to enhance its durability, especially if you opt not to use glass.
This process turns a simple puzzle into a unique, personal piece of art that can add a touch of creativity to any room.