DIY Jigsaw Puzzle Wall Art

Do you or your kids enjoy putting puzzles together? I’m going to show you how you can make DIY jigsaw puzzle wall art so you can display favorite puzzles in a playroom, kids’ rooms or craft room.

I normally use a jigsaw puzzle app on my i-Pad for my entertainment, but I recently found two of the cutest puzzles in the Dollar Tree that I just had to purchase. I thought they would look so fun and whimsical hanging in my craft room.

DIY JIGSAW PUZZLE WALL ART

My two puzzles are labeled for ages 9+ and contain 500 pieces I would not classify the one I used in this project as super easy, so it would be good rainy day entertainment for your kids to keep them occupied for a long time.

Once I realized that all long pieces were going to be horizontal and the smaller pieces were not, it became a little bit easier. You’ve probably heard that saying, “I was this many years old when I learned….!”

Follow along as I show you how you can display a puzzle without a frame for your wall decor.

Before we get to the instructions, it’s time again for “Under 10 on the 10th” again where I join a group of creative bloggers and we share crafty projects that cost under $10.00 to make. At the end of my post, you’ll find the links to click and view what they have created. Don’t miss out!

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

• jigsaw puzzle – Dollar Tree
• Mod Podge
• craft paint
• foam paint brush
• command strips

WHAT BACKING MATERIAL CAN BE USED TO MOUNT A PUZZLE?

WOOD can be purchased at Michael’s in a 16 x 20 size $7.99 but wait for a 50% sale or coupon. (2024 prices may have increased)

Any wood excess showing outside the puzzle can be painted to mimic a frame or if you have access to a rotary saw you can cut flush to the puzzle.

FOAM BOARD can be found at Walmart in a 15 x 20 size for $2.08. (2024 prices may have increased)

Any foam excess showing outside the puzzle can be painted to mimic a frame or be cut with a box cutter or knife (use with caution) to be flush to the puzzle. The Dollar Tree has foam board also, but I don’t know the size.

CANVAS can be found at Michael’s in a 16 x 20 size for $4.99 for a 2-pack during a 50% sale (2024 prices may have increased)

CARDBOARD is an eco-friendly option and can be cut with a box cutter or sharp knife (use with caution.)

HOW TO MAKE A JIGSAW PUZZLE INTO WALL ART

I had wood on hand that was cut 1 inch larger on all four sides than my jigsaw puzzle measures. The 1 inch border will be painted black to mimic a frame.

The Dollar Tree puzzle measures 11 x 18, so by using the 16 x 20 piece of wood you have 3 options for what can be done with the excess board portion.

1. Expand your painted “frame” past 1 inch by adding a second border in a different color to compliment the puzzle colors.
2. Another option for the left over space is to paint it all one color and then add a simple design to it, such as, stripes or polka dots.
3. If you are in the position to cut your board, cut it to measure 1 inch larger on each side than your puzzle measurements like mine was done.

HOW TO MOUNT A PUZZLE FOR HANGING

USE MOD PODGE TO ATTACH THE PUZZLE

Use a foam brush to apply the Mod Podge to the top of the jigsaw puzzle and let dry. I glued the top first because the puzzle is cheap and doesn’t stay together the greatest when transferred. I let it dry a couple of hours under a fan.

No need to paint the entire backing, just the portion that will show. Let dry completely.

Apply Mod Podge to your backing with a foam brush, then carefully slide the puzzle and position it in the center. Apply a second coat to the top of the puzzle. Let dry overnight before hanging.

AFTERTHOUGHTS:

I didn’t really like how my solid black “frame” looked after everything was done, so I decided to add some bright dots. I can’t decide if it looks good or not.

Hindsight, I should have painted a stripe of color between the puzzle and black, 1/2 inch color and 1/2 inch black. I think eventually I’ll sand the dots off and do the stripe idea. Oh well!

What subject or type of puzzle will you be purchasing for your DIY jigsaw puzzle wall art?

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YOU MAY LIKE TO SEE THESE ART PROJECTS:

EASY ABSTRACT HEART ART FOR KIDS

PAINTED RAINBOW ZENTANGLE ART

CLICK THE LINKS BELOW TO SEE MORE DIY CRAFTS UNDER $10 FROM MY FELLOW BLOGGERS!

Tammy @ Patina and Paint ~ DIY Twisted Candles / Tik Tok Made Me Do It

Terri @ Decorate and More with Tip ~ How to Make a Loganberry Patterned Dishcloth

Niki @ Life as a Leo Wife ~ DIY Tea Towel Ladder

Allyson @ Southern Sunflowers ~ (that’s me) DIY Jigsaw Puzzle Wall Art