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!
Pssst…It’s also time for May’s Thrifty Style Team post, so be sure to check out all the other great ideas my blog friends have for you at the end of this post!
While we’ve been stuck at home, 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.
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:
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 them all completed. The amount of green and beige pieces makes them super confusing to figure out.
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.
How to Frame a Puzzle without Glue
I made this video to show you how I framed these puzzles without using anyone puzzle glue, but the short answer is this– USE TAPE!
A lot of people use Mod Podge on their puzzles, but I didn’t want to wait on all the glue to dry and make a huge mess.
My friend Susan at Between Naps on the Porch has a post all about how to use Puzzle Presto Peel and Stick Sheets, so check out her review if you need more info about that.
Instead, I used packing tape! Just a single layer of tape over the entire back of the puzzle, and I was able to easily flip it over and maneuver it around to get it in the frame.
Watch The How-To Video Here:
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!
Vicki and Jenn says
Beth – you are a genius! AND these puzzles are absolutely gorgeous. Framing them is such a smart idea. Thanks for sharing your fabulous idea!
Beth at Unskinny Boppy says
Thanks so much ladies!! I appreciate your sweet words!
Barbara says
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.
Beth at Unskinny Boppy says
We have worked many a puzzle together over the years, but we will never forget these puzzles, that’s for sure!
Paula@SweetPea says
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!
Beth at Unskinny Boppy says
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!)
Kristi Dominguez says
This is genius, Beth! Puzzle glue can be such a mess. Off to find my packing tape…we’ve been puzzling all season! xoxo
Beth at Unskinny Boppy says
Thanks Kristi!! I know a lot of folks are puzzling right now without much else to do during quarantine!
Andrea Hall says
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
Beth at Unskinny Boppy says
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! 🙂
Tammie N. says
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.
Beth at Unskinny Boppy says
I didn’t coin the term- apparently it’s the newest trend?? I just call it “my style”! LOL.
Meegan says
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.
Beth at Unskinny Boppy says
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. 🙂
Mary Beth says
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
Beth at Unskinny Boppy says
LOL!! I’m sure you can find some prints somewhere. 🙂
Michelle @ The Painted Hinge says
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!
Beth at Unskinny Boppy says
Thanks so much Michelle! I had never heard of Edith until I found these beauties and now I’m kinda obsessed.
Kelly Radcliff says
Well this is simply genius! I would have never thought to use tape. Thanks for the tip!
Beth at Unskinny Boppy says
Thanks Kelly!
Sandy says
Love it! Thank you for posting this. I may have to get some puzzles. 🙂
Sandy
Beth at Unskinny Boppy says
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!
Rebecca Payne says
Great job! I love it.
Robyn Kushner says
Such a great video! Thank you so much!
vex 3 says
The way to frame the puzzle you share is quite simple and effective. I appreciate your approach!