Jigsaw puzzles have become a popular pastime for people of all ages, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when many were looking for engaging activities to do at home. The industry has seen significant growth, with a wide variety of puzzles available on the market, offering different themes, shapes, and levels of difficulty. This surge in interest has led to various creative ways to repurpose old puzzles, whether they are complete or missing a few pieces.
One creative way to repurpose old puzzles is by turning them into framed artwork. By applying puzzle glue and attaching foam board as backing, you can transform a completed puzzle into a unique piece of art suitable for display in your home.
Another fun idea is to use puzzle pieces to create magnets. By adding magnet tape to the pieces, you can make decorative magnets for your fridge or magnetic boards. Covering the pieces with resin can enhance their durability and allow for customization with paint or embellishments.
For book lovers, turning puzzle pieces into bookmarks is a charming way to mark your reading spot. By attaching a puzzle piece to a paper clip or sealing a cut puzzle piece with Mod Podge, you can create personalized bookmarks for yourself or your kids.
Repurposing old picture frames with puzzle pieces can also result in interesting decor pieces. Whether you cover the frame with assorted puzzle pieces or create a modern design using pieces of the same hue, this DIY project can add a playful touch to your living space.
If you’re feeling crafty, consider transforming puzzle pieces into a decorative bowl. By layering the pieces on cardboard and painting them with acrylic paint, you can create a unique bowl for holding keys, sunglasses, or other essentials.
For those with a love for geography, using puzzle pieces to create a world map-themed artwork can be a fun project. By gluing puzzle pieces onto a canvas based on continent outlines, you can craft a unique and colorful representation of the world.
Repurposing completed puzzles as painting canvases is another creative idea. By painting over the puzzle with a solid color background and adding vibrant designs on top, you can turn a simple puzzle into a striking piece of art to display in your home.
During the holiday season, consider using puzzle pieces to create festive ornaments or seasonal decor. Whether you shape the pieces into candy canes, wreaths, or other holiday-themed designs, these DIY ornaments can add a whimsical touch to your Christmas tree or gift packages.
Turning old puzzles into functional items like clocks, placemats, coasters, or mirrors can also be a fun way to repurpose them. By incorporating puzzle pieces into everyday items, you can infuse your home decor with a touch of creativity and nostalgia.
Finally, if you have old puzzles that you no longer use, consider donating them to places like senior centers, libraries, hospitals, or shelters. Sharing the joy of puzzling with others can be a rewarding way to give new life to your old puzzles and bring happiness to those who receive them.