July 12, 2022

How to frame a puzzle: our instructions!

How do you store a puzzle once it's finished? Ah, the big question after spending hours solving this giant puzzle... How to store it in its box? What an injustice! No, it's unthinkable! Why should I deprive myself of contemplating my precious creation, again and again? Alas, unless you live in a castle (and if you do, invite us and we'll bring the puzzles 😉 ), there comes a time when you have to free up a little space.

But what to do with a finished puzzle then, and how to continue admiring it every day? Simple: frame your puzzle! And to make sure your superb work doesn't tumble off the wall in pieces, follow our steps carefully. From glue to support and frame, we tell you everything you need to know to make your puzzle the star of your home!

@ginacie

1- Select the perfect support

Let's get started! The first step is to find the perfect substrate for the durability you're aiming for. From simple cardboard to canvas to wooden boards, the most important thing is that it provides a solid base for gluing. So good-bye, cardboard: we don't want your pieces to get out of hand!

Make sure the base is flat, clean and large enough. And don't forget to pamper the surface of your puzzle when you've finished assembling it. Clean with love, because every little piece counts... You wouldn't want to see little pieces of cardboard in the middle of that sublime illustration when you've hung your puzzle on the wall, would you?

Yes, it may be tedious, but after all, why settle for anything less than perfection? Especially if you're going to frame the biggest puzzle you've ever made... You deserve the best, and so does your work!

👉 Also read: Tips and tricks for making a puzzle

2- Gluing the parts... or not

To glue or not to glue ? That is the question ! Bear in mind that any gluing is irreversible... so if you're tempted to redo your puzzle, don't worry! There's a clever solution: you canframe itwithout gluing it. Some frames feature rods to enclose the pieces.

And if you're more budget-conscious (or environmentally responsible...), Laetitiaco-founder of Jour Férié, shares her secret technique with us:

" I prefer to frame my puzzles without having to glue them, in case I get the urge to do them again. I start assembling directly on the bottom of the frame, and once I've finished, I just clamp it tightly between the glass and the back of the frame. If there's not enough pressure, it could slip off and no longer be properly centered! When you buy one, whether at a flea market or in a store, be sure to check the fastenings on the back. "

However, if you're a cephaloclastophile or the kind of person who wants to preserve your hard work, you might as well glue your puzzle before putting it in a frame. Just the thing for you!

👉 Also read: How to fix a puzzle without puzzle glue?

3- Turning over a puzzle...or not

So, do we apply the glue to the front or the back of the puzzle? That depends on whether you're reluctant to turn it over. But beware: if the pieces threaten to come loose, all those hours of hard work will melt away! In this case, opt for a special glue applied directly to the front. Some glues are formulated without solvents, and help preserve the colors of the image.

However, if you prefer adrenaline, try your luck... With care, of course! Liquid glue or spray glue, the choice is yours! The important thing is not to use too much of it, to avoid over-wetting the elements. Too much moisture could cause them to warp and drown your creation...

And what about the self-adhesive sheets? Obviously, we don't recommend them, because at Jour Férié, we're committed to the fight against pollution with our puzzles. 0% plastic . But it's up to you! Discreetly, we're revealing a little more economical trick: self-adhesive plastic film to protect books. Hush, that's between us...🤫

4- Frame to preserve a puzzle

Why frame a puzzle ? Glass frames aren't just pretty, they also keep nasty specks of dust at bay. Practical, isn't it? For the best of the best, look for a frame with anti-reflective glass. All the more so if you're holding one of our magnificent illustrations, like L'orée du matin, for example!

@oursweethomebb

How big is the frame for your puzzle? Put on your magnifying glasses and examine the side of the box. No indications? Ah, it's not an original Holiday puzzle ! Too bad, now all you have to do is get your tape measure. For our products, we recommend a minimum size of 50 x 70 cm for the 1,000 pieces and 35 x 45 cm for the 500 pieces.

And if you have a penchant for oversize, choose a larger frame and add a marie-louise. What's that? Well, it's a cardboard frame placed around your puzzle, which will literally sublimate it... Might as well go big, right? Especially if your average puzzle-making time is measured in years... 😉

5- Hang your puzzle on the wall

Hanging your puzzle on the wall- ah, at last, the long-awaited step! Now all you have to do is find the perfect place to display your work of art. Do you want your work to be admired by everyone, or just by you? This is your moment to shine, so take your time. Just one last word of advice: avoid areas directly exposed to the sun, as this could alter the colors over time.

Once you've found the perfect spot, get out your trusty hammer. Check that the puzzle is correctly positioned under the glass, then secure the frame to the wall with hooks. If you prefer to display it without a frame, simply nail the support in place. Now your wall is ready to shine with 1000 lights!

Shall we start again?

👉 Read also: World puzzle records