Creative Uses for Finished Puzzles

After working on a puzzle for countless hours, it’s a shame to take that puzzle apart and put the disassembled pieces back in the box. You can’t possibly glue, frame, and hang every puzzle you ever put together, so what can a person do with all of those finished puzzles? There are a number of creative uses for finished puzzles, and after learning about these creative uses for finished puzzles, you’ll want to begin your next puzzle as soon as possible.

The following creative ideas for finished puzzles will enable you to decorate your home and furniture in ways you’ve never thought of, and these creative puzzle ideas are not only decorative, but they are also practical and extraordinarily useful. Next time you finish a puzzle, instead of brushing it with puzzle glue and putting it in a frame, consider trying one of these creative ways to use your finished puzzle.

Puzzle Place Mats

Finished puzzles are wonderful place mats when they’re covered with clear contact paper. Consider finishing appropriate size puzzles of a common theme, and cover both sides with clear contact paper. Leave about an inch of contact paper around the edges so the place mats are completely waterproof and washable by hand. Your puzzle place mats are sure to be the most original and creative place mats you could possibly display, and you’ll put your finished puzzles to good use.

Table Covers

Do you have a table that would benefit from a protective covering? Do you have a table that has seen better days? Cover the table with a finished puzzle! Cover both sides of a finished puzzle with clear contact paper, and be sure to leave a one-inch contact paper border extending beyond the edges. Your new table cover will protect the surface of your special table, or your new table cover can hide the worn finish of an old table. Whatever table you cover, your finished puzzle is sure to add a decorative and unique touch to any room. This is by far one of the most creative and beneficial uses for your finished puzzles.

Pet Bowl Mats

Does your dog or cat make a mess beneath his food and water bowls? Consider making very unique pet bowl mats using finished puzzles. Choose puzzles to match a particular theme, or choose puzzles that match your pets. Better yet, consider taking pictures of your pets that can be made into puzzles. Although your pets probably won’t realize they’re the stars of their special mats, they’ll get a lot of use from their mats while your floors stay clean and free from paw prints and grime.

Puzzle Play Mats

Kids love to pretend, and play mats can help kids pretend while playing with their favorite toys. Make your kids a set of very special play mats from finished puzzles. Choose your kid’s favorite character theme puzzles or other puzzles that would make great mats to play upon. Cover both sides with clear contact paper, leaving about an inch or more extending beyond the edges. Your kids will love playing with their puzzle play mats, and you’ll be pleased you found a creative way to use your finished puzzles.