Worked hard on those 1,000 pieces and want to frame your newly completed jigsaw puzzle? Today I’m going to show you how to frame a puzzle without using any puzzle glue!
While we’ve been stuck at home during the Pandemic, one of the best ways for us to pass the time has been working jigsaw puzzles. I found these vintage poster puzzles titled “The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady” by Edith Holden. They are the prettiest botanical puzzles I’ve ever seen!
There were four in the series- Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. The puzzles feature different flowers, birds, bees, and butterflies for each season, painted in watercolors by the British artist Edith Holden around 1906.
Here is a closer look at all of the puzzles in this set.
Shop for your own puzzles:
- Cobble Hill 1000 Piece Puzzles – Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady: Winter
- Cobble Hill 1000 Piece Puzzles – Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady: Spring
- Cobble Hill 1000 Piece Puzzles – Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady: Summer
- Cobble Hill 1000 Piece Puzzles – Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady: Autumn
I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.
Y’all know that I’ve been a fan of old-lady style decorating since way before the term “grandmillennial style” was ever invented, and these beautiful vintage botanical prints called to me. I HAD to get them.
Let me just say that these were THE HARDEST puzzled I have ever assembled. My mom and I started working on these things back in November, and it’s taken me six months to get the entire puzzle collection completed. They are 1,000 piece larger puzzles, and the amount of green and beige pieces makes them super confusing to figure out.
My mom and I had a lifelong dedication to solving puzzles, and these were quite a challenge. Separating them out into similar colors helps, but wow they were frustrating to figure out! So, once I got them assembled I knew that I NEVER wanted to have to work these puzzles again. Framing them was an easy choice for me.
Can you Frame a Puzzle without Glue?
Some people might wonder, is framing a puzzle tacky? Let me say, as a lifelong lover of all things interior design– do what YOU LOVE. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. These puzzles make me so happy and remind me of all the great memories I made with my mama before she passed away. There is nothing tacky about that. I made this video to show you how I framed this whole puzzle without using any puzzle glue, but the short answer is yes– USE PACKING TAPE!
Yes, I used packing tape! Just lay your puzzle upside down on a flat surface, then apply a single layer of strong adhesive tape over the entire back side of the puzzle. I was able to easily flip it over and maneuver it around to get it in the frame. Don’t put tape on the front of the puzzle- that would look weird. You could use a piece of foam board to support the back if needed, but I was able to create a framed puzzle pretty easily with this quick method.
Watch The How-To Frame a Puzzle Video Here:
How to Frame Puzzles With Glue
If you are wondering which glue to use for puzzles, I highly recommend Masterpieces puzzle liquid glue with an applicator. This method is a bit of a mess compared to tape, but it is effective! This glue has excellent reviews on Amazon! You simple spread this on the back of the puzzle and allow to dry completely. This is a more permanent solution to keep your puzzles framed. They also make a puzzle glue with a sponge applicator. Here is a step-by-step guide:
How To Properly Apply Puzzle Glue
From the Masterpieces website:
- Coat both sides for added strength.
- For Glow In The Dark puzzles, apply glue to back side of puzzle.
- Allow at least an hour for drying.
- To clean applicator, wash with soap and water.
Notice it doesn’t say to apply a second coat? One application should be enough durability. I would recommend hanging your puzzle out of direct sunlight and nowhere that moisture can seep in.
What can I use instead of Puzzle Glue?
Some folks use Mod Podge. Some have used Elmer’s glue. I’ve also seen spray adhesive mentioned. I’ve never personally tried either of these, so I’m hesitant to recommend gluing your puzzles with them. Have any of you done it? If so, leave me a comment!
What are some good gifts for Puzzle Lovers?
Anyone who assembles puzzles often would love a dedicated puzzle board for their table. This 1500 piece puzzle holder has 6 drawers and it rotates on a lazy susan so you can get a different perspective! It’s also a great price for gift giving.
Another great accessory for puzzlers is this roll-up puzzle mat! This allows you to keep your puzzle in tact but still portable.
It’s time for Thrifty Style Team!
Head on over and see what all my Thrifty Style Team friends have made for you this month! Visit their blogs here:
Redhead Can Decorate – Sun Clothespin Wreath
The Painted Hinge – How to Make Paperback Books Look Vintage
DIY Beautify – DIY Weathered Wood Pedestal
2 Bees In A Pod – Thrift Store Planters – Thrifty Style Team
Postcards From The Ridge – Tiered Tray Decor Ideas with Thrifty and Vintage Finds
The Creek Line House – Ten Plants to Grow for Home Decor
The How To Home – Upcycled Berry Basket
The Tattered Pew – How to Easily Recover an Old Footstool
Unskinny Boppy – How to Frame a Puzzle without Puzzle Glue
Sweet Pea – DIY Patriotic Vase
What Meegan Makes – Thrifted Mirror Gallery Painted with Homemade Chalk Paint
I Should Be Mopping The Floor – Ethan Allen Console Table Makeover
Don’t forget to PIN IT for later!
Beth – you are a genius! AND these puzzles are absolutely gorgeous. Framing them is such a smart idea. Thanks for sharing your fabulous idea!
Thanks so much ladies!! I appreciate your sweet words!
They became such a tactile experience after the tape was added, I just wanted to bend and play with them. They look beautiful after months of tedious work. It was fun opening a new one and having four year old Caroline help find the straight edges and then sort the colors. She was also great at finding the pieces we dropped under the big table! They were the most difficult puzzles I’ve ever attempted and will always remind us of quarantine 2020.
We have worked many a puzzle together over the years, but we will never forget these puzzles, that’s for sure!
First, I love the design of the four puzzles that you’ve completed and they are going to look great hanging on your walls. Second, you are so clever to think to use packing tape to secure the pieces for framing. So many people are doing puzzles right now and are thinking about framing them. Your post is going to be super helpful to many!
Thanks Paula! I sure hope it helps someone out there. It was a big “AHA” moment when I was trying to figure out how to hold it together without any glue on hand (and no craft stores open to buy any!)
This is genius, Beth! Puzzle glue can be such a mess. Off to find my packing tape…we’ve been puzzling all season! xoxo
Thanks Kristi!! I know a lot of folks are puzzling right now without much else to do during quarantine!
Beth! You just saved the day! I actually braved Walmart yesterday *gasp* for groceries just to try to snag some puzzle glue. And… they were out! I was so disappointed and the 1000 piece puzzle Is lying in wait to be torn apart by two busy bored boys! Thanks for sharing!!!
Andrea
Well, HOORAY! Glad I could be of help to you! My 4 year old kept sneaking away with pieces of my puzzle so I’m glad to get them all framed and off my dining table! 🙂
You cracked me up with your term “grandmillenial” style! I love it and can relate. You should read the actual diary because it’s wonderful. I’m definitely going to buy these.
I didn’t coin the term- apparently it’s the newest trend?? I just call it “my style”! LOL.
Seeing your tutorial and your beautiful puzzles has encouraged me to get out my puzzles and use as art in my home. Thanks for sharing some lovely pieces, Beth.
Happy Mothers Day.
Thanks Meegan! I’ve never been a huge fan of framed puzzles as decor but I realized that I just hadn’t found the right puzzles yet. 🙂
You are so smart! I love this tip and I must say, the puzzles are GORGEOUS! I want those in print form because my family would never put a puzzle together….never. OY
LOL!! I’m sure you can find some prints somewhere. 🙂
I love this Beth! I love Edith Holden’s work and this is a beautiful way to display her puzzles. I love that you got all four seasons so you can switch them throughout the year! So happy to be part of this super-fun hop with you!
Thanks so much Michelle! I had never heard of Edith until I found these beauties and now I’m kinda obsessed.
Well this is simply genius! I would have never thought to use tape. Thanks for the tip!
Thanks Kelly!
Love it! Thank you for posting this. I may have to get some puzzles. 🙂
Sandy
Thanks Sandy! These particular puzzles have scratched my itch for a long time but they are definitely addictive and soothing. 🙂 A GREAT escape from the phone!
Great job! I love it.
Such a great video! Thank you so much!
The way to frame the puzzle you share is quite simple and effective. I appreciate your approach!
Currently, the content on your website is of the best quality. Undoubtedly, a small number of people engage in such an activity. due to your precision and effective implementation of the strategy. Your time and work in sharing such a large amount of knowledge about this subject is simply impressive.