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:

Don’t forget to PIN IT for later!