Step 1: Choose A Work Area That Fits The Puzzle
Most jigsaw puzzles will show the finished size on the puzzle box. It's important to choose a proper area that will not be in the way of daily routines. While a kitchen table is an excellent place to assemble a puzzle, it might not be the most practical place for your adventure. Look for a card table or another flat surface that might not be disturbed easily. Look for a low-traffic area or flat surface that will hold the size of the puzzle and be undisturbed.
Step 2: Turn All Puzzle Pieces Picture Side Up | Sorting and Grouping
EXPERT TIP: To help save time and a mess, lift the puzzle pieces out of the box by hand to avoid any dust from manufacturing. Empty the dust in the trash and use the box for sorting. At The Missing Piece Puzzle Company, we make sure that our puzzles are as dust free as possible.
Step 3: Assembling The Border
Step 4: Assembling The Center
All puzzle pieces have what I call hooks or knobs. Now that you have sorted the pieces by color, texture, or shape, you can begin placing them together based on whether the hooks and knobs will line up. Many times it's obvious when they will (or won't) line up. Once you complete a little section its time to place it within the framework of the puzzle. Try to place it in the area that it will be when you have completed the puzzle. Be sure to work on a small section at a time for best results.Step 5: Keep Working On It And Don't Give Up
Puzzles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and difficulty levels. At times you might need to step away from the puzzle and take a break from assembling. Puzzling should be a fun experience and should not be frustrating. Whether it is taking more time than you allotted, just know that this is a common occurrence. The more you puzzle to develop your skills, the easier you'll find puzzling and the better you'll become.
Step 6: To Frame Or Not To Frame
Congratulations on completing your puzzle. Now it's time to decide if you will be framing your masterpiece or crumbling it back up to put in the box to share with another, or to redo the puzzle at a later time. If you decide to frame your puzzle, we have some expert tips and advice on using glue, or not using glue. Check out the blog on GLUING A PUZZLE or NOT GLUING A PUZZLE.
I hope that you enjoyed these suggestions and that they help you assemble even the toughest puzzle with skill and ease. If you think you're now ready to host a jigsaw puzzle competition, check out our Blog on HOW TO HOST A SUCCESSFUL JIGSAW PUZZLE FUNDRAISER.
You can START HERE on designing and making a custom photo puzzle. It's easy, fast, and will arrive at your doorstep in days. Made In America.