Puzzlers, unite! You’ve spent hours (or days) piecing together that intricate jigsaw puzzle, and now you’re left with a stunning, completed masterpiece. But what to do with a finished puzzle? Don’t just break it apart and shove it back into the box. Here are some creative and fun ideas for what to do with completed puzzles, ensuring that your hard work gets the recognition it deserves.
Frame It and Hang It
One of the most popular answers to the question "what to do with a finished puzzle" is to frame it. This is especially true for puzzles with beautiful artwork or sentimental value. Here’s how you can turn your puzzle into a piece of art:
- Glue It Together: Use puzzle glue to keep the pieces in place. Spread the glue over the surface of the puzzle with a brush, ensuring it gets into the cracks.
- Find the Right Frame: Choose a frame that complements the colors and style of your puzzle. Many craft stores offer frames specifically designed for puzzles.
- Mount and Display: Place your glued puzzle in the frame and hang it on your wall. Voilà! You’ve got a unique piece of art to show off to guests.
Create a Puzzle Tabletop
Ever thought of transforming your puzzle into a functional piece of furniture? A completed puzzle can make for a unique tabletop:
- Select a Table: Choose a table that you’d like to revamp. It could be an old coffee table or even a side table.
- Attach the Puzzle: Glue the puzzle onto the tabletop surface, making sure it’s centered and smooth.
- Seal and Protect: Apply a clear epoxy resin over the puzzle to protect it from spills and wear. This creates a glossy, durable finish.
- Enjoy Your New Table: Your once-standard table is now a conversation starter!
Puzzle Coasters and Placemats
For smaller puzzles or leftover pieces from a larger one, consider making coasters or placemats:
- Choose the Pieces: Pick sections of your puzzle that feature interesting designs or colors.
- Cut to Size: If necessary, trim the pieces to fit the size of your coasters or placemats.
- Laminate for Durability: Laminate the pieces or apply a clear coat of resin to protect them from moisture and stains.
- Add Backing: Attach a cork or felt backing to prevent scratches on your furniture.
- Use and Admire: Set your drinks and dishes on your custom puzzle coasters and placemats, and enjoy the compliments from your guests.
Turn It Into a Puzzle Book
If you’re a dedicated puzzler with numerous completed puzzles, why not compile them into a puzzle book? Here’s how:
- Photograph Your Puzzles: Take high-quality photos of your finished puzzles.
- Create a Scrapbook: Arrange the photos in a scrapbook, adding notes about each puzzle – where you got it, why you chose it, and any memories associated with completing it.
- Share Your Collection: This puzzle book can serve as a personal keepsake or a gift for fellow puzzle enthusiasts.
Donate or Trade
If you’re running out of space or just want to share the joy of puzzling with others, consider donating or trading your completed puzzles:
- Local Community Centers: Many community centers, libraries, and schools appreciate puzzle donations. It’s a great way to give back and ensure that your puzzle continues to bring joy.
- Online Puzzle Swaps: Join online puzzle communities where you can trade puzzles with other enthusiasts. This way, you can enjoy new puzzles without constantly buying more.
- Puzzle Clubs: If you’re part of a puzzle club, suggest a puzzle exchange event where members can swap completed puzzles.
Create Puzzle Art
For those with a crafty side, turn your finished puzzle into unique artwork:
- Puzzle Collage: Use pieces from different puzzles to create a collage. Glue them onto a canvas or board in a pattern or random arrangement.
- Puzzle Sculpture: Stack and glue pieces to form 3D sculptures. This could be a simple geometric shape or a more complex design.
- Puzzle Jewelry: Turn small puzzle pieces into jewelry. Paint them, add some varnish, and attach them to earring hooks, necklace chains, or bracelet links.
Reinvent and Reuse
Finally, give your puzzles a second life by repurposing them in creative ways:
- Gift Tags and Cards: Cut pieces to use as unique gift tags or to embellish greeting cards.
- Magnets: Glue small magnets to the back of individual pieces for quirky fridge magnets.
- Ornaments: Turn pieces into holiday ornaments by adding hooks or ribbons.
Conclusion
So, what to do with a finished puzzle? The options are endless! From framing and furniture to crafts and donations, your completed puzzles can find new life in various forms. At Odd Pieces, we believe every puzzle has the potential to be more than just a pastime – it can be a piece of art, a functional item, or a cherished memory. Get creative and let your finished puzzles shine!
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