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Instructions to Make a Picture From a Puzzle

Puzzles are fun to build and beautiful when finished. You can turn that puzzle into decoration for your living room wall or give it as a unique gift. There are several different ways to make your puzzle into a picture. Puzzles can be preserved by gluing or adding an adhesive backing. Complete this exceptional keepsake with creative framing and matting. Here are a couple of simple methods you can use to make a picture from you favorite puzzle.

Gluing
- Build the puzzle on a plastic or non-stick surface. Use a plastic sheet from the craft store or plastic sheeting such as a painting drop cloth. Lay the plastic flat under your puzzle. Smooth out any wrinkles. Once you build the puzzle, brush on a thin coat of puzzle glue, covering it completely. Let the glue dry for 20 to 30 minutes. Apply a second coat of puzzle glue and let it dry for at least one hour. The puzzle will be firm enough to move. If the puzzle sticks to the plastic, gently loosen it to free the puzzle. Your puzzle is ready to frame
Puzzle Tape
- Flip your finished puzzle over. Measure the puzzle and cut two pieces of stiff cardboard or foam board to the same dimensions. Build your puzzle on a piece of cardboard or foam board. The Adhesive backing comes as a kit, such as Puzzle Presto, with easy-to-remove tape. After you build the puzzle, use the easy-to-remove tape around the edges--apply the tape only to the front of the puzzle--and across the puzzle to hold it together while you flip it. Place the second piece of cardboard or foam board on top of the puzzle. Tape the cardboard or foam board edges together, hold them firmly and flip the puzzle over. Remove the tape holding the cardboard or foam board together and remove the top piece. Apply the adhesive sheet by peeling off the protective paper and pressing the adhesive sheet to the back of the puzzle. Repeat this process until the entire back of the puzzle is covered. Use your hands or a rolling pin to gently secure the adhesive sheet to the back of the puzzle. Remove the tape. Your puzzle is ready to frame.
Framing
- Measure the dimensions of the puzzle. Buy a frame that is the next size larger than your puzzle. For example, if your puzzle is 8-inches wide by 10-inches long, the next larger size frame would be 10 inches by 12 inches. Buy a mat board to fit the frame in a color that will accent your puzzle picture. Glue the puzzle to the mat board, and carefully place the puzzle in the center. If you plan to give your puzzle as a gift, personalize the mat board with a greeting or creative designs. Use a standard frame or a frame made specifically for framing puzzles.

Jigsaw Puzzles