Hobbies And Interests
Cork Backing and Sealant
Unroll a sheet of cork and carefully place the finished puzzle on top. Trace around the edge of the puzzle with a pen two or three inches from the edges all the way around and cut along the line with a sharp utility knife to make the cork backing larger than puzzle. Carefully remove the puzzle from the cork and spray the middle of the cork backing with spray adhesive. Center the puzzle on the cork backing and press together. Wait 12 hours for the spray adhesive to dry, then brush on a coat of decoupage medium or puzzle sealer. This method works best with puzzles smaller than 12-inches wide, since it is difficult to pick up a large puzzle without it coming apart.
Mat Board and Contact Paper
Assemble a puzzle larger than 12-inches in width or length on a piece of foam board used for matting artwork. When the puzzle is finished, measure and mark three inches from the edges of the puzzle all the way around with a tape measure and T-square to make even, 90-degree angles on the corners. Mark the lines all the way around with a pencil and cut the line through the foam board with a utility knife or a foam board cutter. Make sure the puzzle is centered and tape the edges down all the way around with masking tape. Smooth a sheet of clear contact paper over it to protect the puzzle.
Foam Board Frame
Measure the width and height of the puzzle on the backing to which you've attached it and mark these dimensions on a piece of matting foam board. Cut out the foam board at these measurements. Measure one to two inches inward from the edges of the piece you cut out and use a T-square to help you draw a straight line at this point all the way around and create 90-degree angles in the corners. Cut along this inner line to cut out the "window" of the frame. Run a line of hot glue along the edges of the puzzle and the edges of the backing mat board, align the edges of the frame with the edges of the puzzle or backing and press it down. Wait 30 minutes for the glue to harden.
Wooden Frame
Measure the width and height of the backing to which you applied the puzzle and cut pieces of wood that are 2-inches-wide and 1/4-inch-thick to these lengths. Assemble the pieces with the short sides parallel to each other and the long sides parallel. Measure a 45-degree-angle on each corner with a drawing compass where the pieces meet, so they will fit together neatly. Cut these angles with a jig saw and glue them together with woodworkers glue. Wait eight hours and glue the back of the frame to the backing with the glue, with the edges aligned.