DIY Puzzle Framing and Puzzle Art
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no cost to you. Full affiliate disclosure.
February 5th 2024
Are you searching for a way to decorate the walls in your home with meaningful art that you created yourself? You might want to learn how to frame and design your own puzzle!
Here, we’ll learn how to frame a puzzle to hang on your wall. We’ll also explore where to design your own puzzle and uncover puzzle art ideas.
As a person who loves Italy, I chose to assemble and frame a puzzle of the Amalfi coast (see below).
Follow these instructions to frame a finished puzzle
Pro-Tip: Assemble your puzzle on a piece of cardboard so you can flip it directly into your frame of choice when it’s assembled. OR you can use an adhesive on your puzzle, so you can slide your puzzle all in one piece into your frame.
Prepare Your Puzzle
Ensure that your puzzle is fully assembled and that all pieces are securely connected. Check for any loose or disconnected pieces.
Clean the Surface
Gently wipe the surface of the puzzle with a clean, soft cloth to remove any dust, fingerprints, or debris. This ensures that your puzzle looks pristine when framed.
Measure the Puzzle and choose Frame
Measure the dimensions of your finished puzzle to determine the appropriate size for the frame. This helps you choose a frame that accommodates the entire puzzle.
Secure the Puzzle
To keep the puzzle intact, you can use puzzle glue or adhesive sheets specifically designed for puzzles. Apply the adhesive to the back of the puzzle, following the product instructions.
Place the Puzzle in the Frame
Once the puzzle is secured, carefully place it into the frame by placing the frame on top of the puzzle and flipping the puzzle onto the frame with the cardboard it was assembled on. If you did not assemble your puzzle on a piece of cardboard, you can paint the puzzle with Mod Podge using a sponge brush and carefully drag the puzzle into the frame once the Mod Podge has dried. Here is a video tutorial from YouTube that may help: How to Frame a Puzzle. Ensure that the puzzle fits snugly and that there are no gaps between the puzzle and the frame.
Add a Mat (Optional)
If you prefer a more polished look, consider adding a mat between the puzzle and the frame. Mats can provide a border, enhance visual appeal, and protect the puzzle from direct contact with the glass.
Insert the Backing
Place the backing board (often included with the frame) behind the puzzle. Secure it in place using the tabs or clips provided by the frame. Make sure the puzzle is centered within the frame.
Seal the Back
Seal the back of the frame to prevent dust and debris from entering. Many frames come with backing paper or dust covers that can be secured in place.
Attach Hanging Hardware
If your frame doesn't already have hanging hardware, attach D-rings or sawtooth hangers to the back. This ensures you can easily hang your framed puzzle on the wall.
Hang Your Framed Puzzle
Find the perfect spot to display your framed puzzle. Use appropriate hardware to hang it securely on the wall, and enjoy your completed puzzle as a piece of art.
Discover websites that allow you to turn your favorite photos or designs into personalized puzzles
Shutterfly
Shutterfly offers personalized photo puzzles in various sizes. Simply upload your chosen image, customize the puzzle features, and order a high-quality, custom-made puzzle.
Personalization Mall
This platform allows you to create custom puzzles by uploading your photos. You can choose the puzzle size, piece shape, and even add a personalized message for a unique touch.
Portrait Puzzles
Portrait Puzzles specializes in turning your photos into custom jigsaw puzzles. You can select the puzzle size, piece count, and even customize the puzzle box with your image.
CreateJigsawPuzzles.com
This website enables you to design your own puzzles by uploading images. You can choose the puzzle size, number of pieces, and even add text or a background color to enhance your creation.
Walgreens Photo
Walgreens Photo provides a simple online tool for creating custom puzzles. Upload your photo, choose the puzzle size, and have it conveniently delivered to your doorstep.
Vistaprint
Vistaprint offers custom puzzles that you can design with your own images. You can choose from different sizes and piece counts to suit your preferences.
PuzzleYou
PuzzleYou allows you to create personalized photo puzzles. Upload your image, select the puzzle specifications, and receive a custom-made puzzle delivered to your door.
Collage.com
Collage.com offers customizable photo puzzles. You can select your preferred size, piece count, and add personal touches to make your puzzle one-of-a-kind.
Zazzle
Zazzle is a platform where you can find customizable products, including puzzles. Upload your image and personalize the puzzle to your liking.
Tips for assembling your puzzle
Sort Pieces
Description: Begin by sorting the puzzle pieces. Group them by edge pieces, color, or patterns to make the assembly process more manageable.
Find Edge Pieces
Description: Identify and assemble the edge pieces first. This creates a frame for the puzzle and serves as a helpful starting point.
Focus on Colors and Patterns
Description: Pay attention to colors and patterns in the image. Group pieces with similar colors or distinctive patterns to make it easier to connect them.
Work in Sections
Description: Divide the puzzle into smaller sections based on different elements in the image. Assemble each section separately before connecting them to the larger puzzle.
Use Reference Image
Description: Keep the puzzle box or a reference image nearby to guide you. Refer to it when you're unsure about the placement of a particular piece.
Trial and Error
Description: Don't be afraid to try different pieces in various positions. Sometimes, trial and error is the key to finding the right fit.
Build Outward
Description: Once the edges are complete, work inward. Extend from the edges, connecting sections and building towards the center.
Rotate Pieces
Description: Rotate pieces to explore different orientations. Sometimes, a piece might fit perfectly when turned in a different direction.
Focus on Detail
Description: Pay attention to small details within the puzzle image. Pieces that contain unique patterns, textures, or colors can often be identified and placed more easily.
Take Breaks
Description: If you find yourself getting frustrated or stuck, take short breaks. Stepping away and returning with fresh eyes can make it easier to spot connections.
Involve Others
Description: Puzzle-solving can be a social activity. Involve friends or family members to collaborate and share the fun.
Celebrate Progress
Description: Celebrate small victories as you complete sections or find challenging pieces. Acknowledge your progress to stay motivated.
Have Adequate Lighting
Description: Ensure you have good lighting to clearly see the details on the puzzle pieces. Proper illumination can make the process more enjoyable.
Explore personalized puzzle image ideas
Family Photo Collage
Compile a collage of memorable family photos. Each piece can feature a different family member or a special moment.
Pet Portraits
Showcase the furry members of your family with a puzzle featuring adorable pet portraits. This is perfect for pet lovers.
Travel Memories
Use images from your travels to create a puzzle that captures the beauty of different destinations. It's a wonderful way to reminisce about vacations.
Special Occasions
Commemorate special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or weddings by turning pictures from these events into a puzzle.
Personal Artwork
If you or your family members are artistically inclined, turn personal artwork into a puzzle. It could be drawings, paintings, or digital art.
Custom Illustrations
Hire an illustrator to create a custom illustration or caricature of your family. Transform it into a fun and whimsical puzzle.
Baby's Firsts
Document your baby's first moments – first smile, first step, or first birthday – and create a puzzle that captures these precious memories.
Favorite Quotes or Messages
Overlay your puzzle with favorite quotes, messages, or inside jokes. It adds a personal and meaningful touch to the experience.
Collaborative Art
Involve multiple family members or friends in creating a collaborative art piece. Each person contributes to the image before it becomes a puzzle.
Personal Achievements
Celebrate personal achievements, such as graduation or a career milestone, by turning related images into a puzzle.
Seasonal Themes
Create puzzles that align with different seasons or holidays. Use images with festive decorations, costumes, or seasonal activities.
Favorite Hobbies
Showcase individual hobbies or interests within the puzzle. Whether it's sports, music, or gardening, let each piece represent a unique passion.
Memory Lane
Take a trip down memory lane by combining old and new photos in one puzzle. It's a nostalgic way to reflect on the passage of time.
Custom Maps
Craft a puzzle featuring a custom map. It could be the location of your first home, a special vacation spot, or a place that holds sentimental value.
Discover art you can make using puzzle pieces
Mosaic Art
Glue puzzle pieces onto a surface to create a mosaic. You can cover various objects, such as vases, frames, or even larger surfaces like tabletops.
3D Sculptures
Assemble puzzle pieces into three-dimensional sculptures. Use glue or other adhesives to stack or connect the pieces, forming intricate and abstract structures.
Jewelry
Turn puzzle pieces into jewelry by attaching them to earring bases, pendant settings, or bracelet links. Paint or decorate the pieces for a personalized touch.
Coasters
Glue puzzle pieces onto cork or wooden bases to craft unique coasters. Seal the pieces for durability and protection against moisture.
Collage Art
Create collage-style artwork by arranging and gluing puzzle pieces onto canvas or heavy paper. Incorporate other materials, such as paint or paper, for added texture.
Greeting Cards
Use puzzle pieces to embellish handmade greeting cards. Glue them onto cardstock and combine with other decorative elements for a charming and artistic touch.
Photo Frames
Decorate plain photo frames with puzzle pieces. Glue the pieces around the frame's border, creating a distinctive and personalized look.
Wreaths
Form wreaths by attaching puzzle pieces to a circular base. Paint the pieces in various colors and arrange them for a festive and decorative wreath.
Wall Art
Glue puzzle pieces onto a wooden or canvas board to craft unique wall art. Create patterns, shapes, or even three-dimensional effects for an eye-catching display. A colorful puzzle tree, with puzzle pieces as the leaves could make for a fun project.
Ornaments
Craft ornaments for holidays or special occasions by painting and stringing puzzle pieces. These ornaments can be hung on a tree or used as decorative accents.
Bookmarks
Create whimsical bookmarks by attaching puzzle pieces to a sturdy base. Decorate with paint, markers, or other embellishments.
Puzzle Jewelry Tray
Craft a small jewelry tray by gluing puzzle pieces onto a shallow dish or tray. Seal the pieces for a glossy finish and use it to hold small items.
Thank you for visiting today!
