Do you have jigsaw puzzles lying around that have pieces missing? Don't throw them away--turn them into really neat things with a little glue and a little paint. Let your imagination run wild.







IMPORTANT NOTE: For these projects, you can use the jigsaw pieces as they are, using random color combinations or grouping related colors together, or you can spray paint the pieces ahead of time, or you can assemble the item and spray paint it after it is done. I recommend using the pieces in their natural state or spray painting (with enamel paint) the project after it is completed. If you want a shiny finish, brush the project with a good coat of Tacky glue or Elmer's glue and let it dry. It will dry clear and shiny. Or use a spray-on or brush-on commercial finish product.







Hair Barettes

Materials needed:

jigsaw puzzle pieces
hair barette bases (from craft store)
Tacky glue

Glue a row of puzzle pieces end-to-end to the barette base. Use plenty of glue. When the first row is dry, glue on another row of pieces over the first row, overlapping and covering the spaces where the base shows through. If desired, add a third row, overlapping the spaces in the previous row. Use plenty of glue and allow plenty of time to dry.



Picture Frame

Materials needed:

jigsaw puzzle pieces, natural or
painted the desired color(s)
cardboard picture frame mat
piece of cardboard, cut to the same size
as your mat but without picture opening
ribbon for hanging
Tacky glue

Cover the cardboard mat with a single layer of jigsaw puzzle pieces, glued as close to each other as possible. If the puzzle pieces stick out over the edges a little, that is fine. Use plenty of glue, and let dry. Glue another layer of jigsaw pieces over the first, overlapping the spaces of the first row. If desired, glue a third layer over the second, again overlapping the spaces in the previous row. Use plenty of glue for each layer and give it sufficient time to dry. Attach the solid piece of cardboard to the back of your frame by gluing it on three sides to the back of the mat. (Leave either the top or one side open to slip the picture inside.) Glue a loop on the back for a hanger.







Christmas Wreath Ornaments

Depending upon the size wreath you want and the size of the puzzle pieces, lay 6 to 10 jigsaw puzzle pieces on the table, end-to-end, in a circle. Put a generous amount of glue on the backs of the same number of pieces, and position them on top of the first row, end to end, overlapping the ends of the pieces in the first row. A third layer may be added, overlapping the ends of the pieces in the second row. Use plenty of glue and allow time to dry thoroughly. When the glue is completely dry, glue on a ribbon bow and, if desired, add small dots of red paint to represent holly berries. Glue a loop of ribbon to the back for hanging.

Experiment with different sizes. If desired, for a larger wreath, a circle of cardboard or a plastic container lid with the middle cut out can be used as a base. Just cover whatever base you use with a layer of puzzle pieces as close together as possible. Add a second layer, overlapping ends and spaces of the first row. Add a third layer if desired, overlapping the spaces and ends of the second row. Be sure to use plenty of glue and give your project sufficient time to dry before handling it. Add a bow and whatever other decorations you wish.

Try adding a pin back to the back of a small wreath to use as a pin instead of an ornament.







Other Ideas

Desk Accessories: Cover empty soup cans and tuna cans with jigsaw puzzle pieces as above, to use as pencil holders, paper clip holders, etc. Cover the outside of a small box with puzzle pieces to use as a holder for note paper.



Make a decorative base for a pillar candle by gluing several layers of jigsaw puzzle pieces around the bottom of the candle, overlapping spaces and ends of previous layers.



Dressing Table Accessories: Glue several layers of jigsaw puzzle pieces around the edges of a plain mirror to make it more interesting. Use the desk accessories ideas above to make containers to organize clips, bobby pins, etc.