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DIY Puzzle Frame

Working a puzzle in a frame makes it easier to keep the puzzle intact when playtime ends. The frame keeps toddlers from jostling pieces of the puzzle as they work, which prevents frustration. Puzzles in frames resist crushing and require less storage space than puzzles in boxes. The frame also provides strength and support when you wish to send a puzzle in the mail. Frames also make it easier to work puzzles while traveling, keeping children entertained.

Things You'll Need

Measuring tape
Completed puzzle
Craft foam
Corrugated cardboard
1/8-inch wood laminate
Artist's utility knife
Miter box and backsaw
Medium paper clamps
Yardstick
Contact cement
Paper towels
Paint, stain or clear acrylic sealant
Carpenter's tri-square

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the length and width of your completed puzzle.
- 2
  Cut a sheet of craft foam, 1/8-inch wood laminate or corrugated cardboard 2 inches longer and 2 inches wider than your puzzle to serve as the back of the frame.
- 3
  Place a carpenter's tri-square against each corner of the back piece, one at a time. Verify that all four corners of the back piece create 90-degree angles.
- 4
  Note whether or not the edges of the corners fit snug against the arms of the tri-square. Cut a new back piece if the angles vary by more than one degree from true.
- 5
  Cut four strips, 1-inch-wide, from craft foam, wood laminate or corrugated cardboard, the same length as your puzzle. Cut a four more 1-inch-wide strips to your puzzle's width.
- 6
  Miter each end of each strip to a 45-degree angle to create four framing strips. Fit the mitered ends of the four framing strips together on top of your back piece, forming a square or rectangular frame.
- 7
  Adjust the positions of the four frame strips until all corners and outer edges lie flush with the corners and edges of the back piece.
- 8
  Pinch open the paper clamps and apply one to each side of the puzzle frame to hold the framing strips in position. Measure the diagonals from outer corner to outer corner. Adjust the positions of the framing strips until the diagonals are equal.
- 9
  Test the fit of your frame by working the puzzle in it. Make any necessary adjustments in the position of the framing pieces.
- 10
  Lay the frame with the short sides on the left and right and one long side facing you. Remove the clamp on the side facing you.
- 11
  Apply contact cement to one side of the framing strip and fit it into its original position. Reapply the first clamp.
- 12
  Remove the right-hand clamp and apply contact cement to one side of the right-hand framing strip. Fit the strip back into position and reapply the second clamp.
- 13
  Repeat for the third and fourth framing strips. Check the diagonals one more time to ensure they are still equal. Check all four outside corners of the frame with the tri-square to ensure they equal 90 degrees.
- 14
  Wipe away any excess adhesive with paper towels.
- 15
  Allow the adhesive to dry overnight. Paint, stain or seal the frame as desired.

Educational Toys