Categories: Decorating & Design

Homemade Jigsaw Puzzle Piece Decor

Sometimes the redecorating bug hits you when you simply don’t have the funds to make it happen, right? Instead of brooding get busy! Cardboard and some paint is all you need to give a room in the house a whole new look. This whimsical design is perfect for kids’ rooms or even a den. If you save recyclable materials, like cardboard, this project is perfect for you. Get out the thick cardboard and you’ll make some fabulous new decor in no time.

A fresh coat of paint on the walls is a great way to start a redecorating project. Fresh paint will make this project look the best it can. You’ll be cutting giant jigsaw puzzle pieces, and mounting them to the walls – or other areas of the home.

Cut giant jigsaw puzzle pieces, out of cardboard, freehand or using a pattern. Paint the cardboard pieces a solid, striped or patterned design. Use double-sided tape to easily mount the pieces to most any wall. The tape allows you to later pull the pieces off and redecorate again.

Another technique for the cardboard puzzle pieces is to paint an image or design onto the cardboard, then cut the pieces, and mount them. This way, each piece has a partial image. Keeping the image simple will allow visitors to get the gist of the original full picture, even though the pieces are scattered across the room.

The jigsaw puzzle pieces are great for other projects besides walls. Cut small pieces to attach to a basket or lampshade, or medium size pieces to attach to a dresser or large mirror. There’s no limit to the designs you can do, and where you can place them.

Thick cardboard is recommended for this project. Thinner pieces don’t make the jigsaw designs stand out as much as the thicker cardboard. Make sure that you use the same thickness for each piece you cut unless the pieces are used on various surfaces. For example, you’ll want to use the same thickness for every jigsaw piece you hang on the wall, but you can probably use thinner pieces for a matching lampshade.

To create your patterns scan and copy a few different shapes of real jigsaw puzzle pieces. Use your computer to enlarge the paper pieces. Make patterns of different sizes and shapes so you’ll have patterns for small or large projects.

If you have the cardboard to work with you can complete a room for the price of the paint. It doesn’t take a lot of work to complete the look, either. Mount a few pieces of the puzzle on the walls, make a matching lampshade, or make some mini pieces for a matching picture frame.

The puzzle pieces can be attached to doors, baseboards, furniture pieces, trash cans, door knobs, hampers, headboards, footboards, and many other areas. Give these items a punch of color, by brightly painting the cutout pieces, or just add a whimsical touch by creating a picture then cutting it into pieces.

Need help creating the images? Cut up posters, product boxes or magazine pictures and decoupage them onto the cardboard before cutting it into pieces. You’ll enjoy this project which is fun and easy. Get the cardboard and a sharp knife and you’re in business!