It’s time to give your puzzle pieces their moment in the spotlight. Sure, completing a jigsaw puzzle and finally seeing the big picture brings its own satisfaction, but what about those lonely leftover pieces—ones from mismatched sets or puzzles that have already told their story? Puzzle pieces are way too cool to stay forgotten in a dusty box when their creative potential is endless! Leftover or missing pieces from puzzles can be creatively repurposed into fun and engaging activities, transforming potential waste into unique crafts, decorations, and gifts.

From making stylish accessories to adding a touch of craftiness to your home decor, a single puzzle piece can open up a world of DIY possibilities. Wooden puzzles also offer great potential for unique crafting projects, allowing for personalization and imaginative play. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY pro or someone just getting started with crafts, these 10 projects are fun, simple, and perfect for transforming puzzles into something spectacular. Bonus? These ideas work best with unique puzzles, like Odd Pieces, where the designs are as vibrant and unexpected as your final creations.

1. DIY Puzzle Piece Ornaments

Turn those mismatched pieces into charming ornaments for any occasion. Whether it’s for the holidays or everyday decor, ornaments made from puzzle pieces add a unique touch to your space. These ornaments can also make a great gift for holidays or special occasions.

Materials & Steps

• Gather leftover puzzle pieces and paint them with your favorite colors.

• Create festive shapes like stars, snowflakes, or wreaths by gluing the pieces together.

• Seal them with a protective varnish to ensure durability.

• Add a ribbon or string to hang them wherever your heart desires.

Tips

Use pieces from a story puzzle like those from Odd Pieces for added flair. Their artistic detail brings a magical touch for your ornaments.

2. Puzzle Piece Necklace DIY

Make a quirky fashion statement with a puzzle piece necklace! It’s an easy-to-make, eye-catching accessory that’ll get everyone asking, “Where did you get that?” For a more rustic and unique look, consider using pieces from wooden puzzles.

Materials & Steps

• Drill a small hole in a puzzle piece (or two).

• Add a jump ring and hook it onto a necklace chain.

• Customize the pendant by painting it, adding glitter, or using decoupage techniques.

Pro Tip

Use puzzle pieces with distinctive designs—just like those from cool puzzles by Odd Pieces—for a truly standout look.

3. Puzzle Piece Keychains

Keychains are practical, personal, and easily customizable. Why not craft one using missing pieces from old puzzles? These keychains not only serve as a functional accessory but also as a creative reminder of the fun times spent completing those jigsaw puzzles.

Materials & Steps

• Attach a puzzle piece to a keyring with a small metal loop.

• Personalize with initials, short quotes, or doodles using paint or markers.

• For extra charm, combine a few puzzle pieces into a mosaic design!

Variation

Showcase the unique colors and patterns from fun puzzles while keeping your keys in style.

4. Home Décor: Wall Art or Collages

Turn your puzzle pieces into a gallery-worthy creation for your walls. For a more textured and durable piece of wall art, consider using wooden puzzles. Think silhouettes, abstract art, or colorful collages to brighten up your living space!

Materials & Steps

• Arrange puzzle pieces on a canvas to form shapes or designs.

• Secure them with strong adhesive, then paint or glaze for your desired effect.

• Play with different textures and layers for a three-dimensional masterpiece.

Creative Twist

Using vibrant puzzles like Odd Pieces elevates your final artwork. Their distinctive shapes and prints bring an artisanal vibe to your decor.

5. Puzzle-Adorned Picture Frames

Give old photo frames new life with a playful puzzle twist, even if you have missing pieces! By incorporating puzzle pieces, you can transform an ordinary frame into a vibrant, eye-catching piece of art.

Materials & Steps

• Paint puzzle pieces to match your desired color palette (or leave them mismatched for a quirky charm!).

• Glue the pieces along the edges of a picture frame for a colorful border.

Purpose

This works perfectly for framing memories of game nights or family get-togethers—because puzzles and photos both tell stories.

6. Coasters or Placemats

Protect your table in style with handmade DIY puzzle piece coasters or placemats. For a more durable and stylish option, consider using wooden puzzles. These coasters not only serve a functional purpose but also add a touch of artistic flair to your dining space.

Materials & Steps

• Arrange puzzle pieces into your desired shape (circle, square, or rectangle).

• Glue them together and seal with resin or Mod Podge to make them waterproof and durable.

Pro Tip

Use puzzle pieces from a story puzzle to tell a visual tale in every coaster.

7. Magnets

Turn missing pieces from puzzle sets into unique magnets. These magnets are practical for organizing notes and add artistic flair to your fridge. With distinctive colors and patterns, each magnet becomes a tiny masterpiece, blending functionality with aesthetics. This craft is perfect for recycling old puzzles into something beautiful and useful, and it can be a fun family activity that teaches kids about creativity and sustainability.

Materials & Steps

• Glue puzzle pieces onto small magnets or magnet strips.

• Customize your designs with paint, foil, or glitter.

Optional Variation

Create an interactive mini puzzle that assembles on your fridge or a magnetic board for an added layer of fun.

8. Decorative Garland or Bunting

Puzzle piece garlands are a playful and creative decor option, perfect for parties or kids’ rooms. Using wooden puzzles can add a rustic touch. Customize them to fit any theme, whether it’s bright colors for a birthday or pastels for a baby shower. Involving kids in the process allows them to choose pieces and colors they like. These garlands not only add visual interest but also provide an interactive element for guests. Plus, using pieces from old or incomplete puzzles is an eco-friendly way to recycle

Materials & Steps

• Punch small holes in puzzle pieces and string them together with twine or ribbon.

• Paint and decorate the pieces to match your theme.

Brand Tie-In

Leftover pieces from unique puzzles like Odd Pieces look especially striking strung up as garland. Their intricate patterns stand out beautifully.

9. Upcycled Journals or Scrapbooks

Add missing pieces from incomplete puzzle sets to notebooks, bookmarks, or scrapbook layouts for a creative boost. These puzzle pieces not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a tactile element that makes your journals and scrapbooks unique. Transform a simple notebook into a creative masterpiece, giving it character and charm. Experiment with different arrangements and patterns, using the puzzle pieces to frame photos, create borders, or add dimension. Perfect for those who love to personalize their stationery and enjoy turning old puzzle pieces into something exciting.

Materials & Steps

• Use strong adhesive to attach puzzle pieces to notebook covers or bookmark cards.

• Layer pieces for added texture or coordinate them by theme or color.

Benefit

Turn ordinary journals into keepsakes that are as personal as the thoughts they hold.

10. Craft 3D Sculptures or Models

Feeling adventurous? Create miniature sculptures, figurines, or even letters using puzzle pieces as building blocks. For a more textured and durable sculpture, consider incorporating wooden puzzles into your design.

Materials & Steps

• Use strong glue or a hot glue gun to assemble pieces layer by layer.

• Paint or glaze to bring your creation to life.

Pro Tip

This project is perfect if you’ve collected lots of leftover pieces—you’ll never look at jigsaw puzzles the same way again.

Unleash Your Puzzle Creativity

These 10 DIY crafts with puzzle pieces prove just how versatile jigsaw puzzle leftovers can be. Whether it’s creating personalized home decor, quirky accessories, or thoughtful gifts, the possibilities are endless. These personalized puzzle piece gifts make a great gift for any special occasion.

And if you’re looking for your next source of inspiration, check out Odd Pieces’ collection of cool puzzles and mystery puzzles. They’re guaranteed to spark fresh ideas and offer story pieces that bring a unique flair to every project.