If you’ve ever completed a wooden jigsaw puzzle so beautiful you wanted to hang it up forever, you’re not alone. Mel and Dan from Puzzled in Old Town Albuquerque generously shared their step-by-step process for framing a puzzle perfectly.
They also use a technique called “exploding” the puzzle for extra flair. In this context, “exploding” means removing a few key pieces from the main layout and placing them slightly apart when framing. It’s a creative way to highlight special whimsies or unique details that deserve their own spotlight!
Here's a photo they shared of their beautifully framed puzzle using this technique:
Tools You’ll Need:
- Razor or box knife
- Paint brushes (1” and ¼”)
- Long ruler or T square
- Elmer’s All Purpose White Glue (or any clear-drying wood glue)
- Q-tips (to soak up excess glue)
- Pencil
Framing Materials:
- Picture frame (go 2–3" larger than your puzzle if you want to explode pieces)
- Poster board (at least 1/8" thick and larger than the puzzle) in any color you like
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Assemble your puzzle on a flat board.
- Place another flat board on top and sandwich it.
- Flip the puzzle over. At this point, you can carefully remove any pieces you want to explode.
- Brush wood glue on the back of the puzzle.
- Place the poster board on top and weigh it down with wood boards or other flat weights.
- Wait at least 1 hour (they wait 2 hours for best results).
- Flip it over and center your frame on top to see how it fits.
- Use the glass from the frame to mark your cut lines on the poster board.
- Cut the board to size using your ruler and a sharp blade.
- Fit your glued puzzle into the frame. Attach any exploded pieces using hot glue or Elmer’s glue.
Let everything dry and just like that, your puzzle is ready to hang!