How to glue up a puzzle without a backer board | Tutorial

Most jigsaw puzzles I take back apart when I finish them, so that I can do them again another time. This one was particularly difficult though, and the image is from one of my favorite painters, so I decided to hang it on the wall.
I've seen people frame puzzles or glue them onto a backer board, but I really wanted to see if I could glue just the pieces together. That way it's really just a puzzle that's hanging on the wall. You could even hang it in the middle of a room as a sort of room divider, and still be able to see the back of the puzzle pieces.
Turns out, all you need is a little (okay, a lot) of decoupage glue and some oven paper!
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DISCLAIMER
Even though my videos are set up as tutorials, I'm not professionally trained in any of these crafts. The tools that I use can be dangerous. Don't try a craft if you are unfamiliar with the tools and the necessary safety precautions. Be safe!

[@FigmentsMade]

I had no idea you could do this without a backer board. I really like how it seems to hold together by magic when you hang it on the wall!

[@CraftsWithEllen]

I kinda want to hang it in the middle of a room so you can see both sides 😍

[@haydenwilliams458]

The most fascinating part to me was how you hung the puzzle. Never thought of using clips in that way. Awesome!!

[@faith4390]

What kind of clips are those and where do I get them? I have about nine puzzles I need hanging.

[@russell5078084]

The problem with those clips is they bend the puzzle where they are placed and leave an impression.

[@malgozata1875]

Ellen, I have now seen a few other tutorials and yours is best; most complete and detailed, a sign of a professional solution. You look quite experienced at this puzzle gluing. thank you. Very helpful.

[@InfinityGroupTV]

Your method was the simplest, most straightforward process. Love it. Some folks with their measuring tapes, and gadgets, and special glues. wow! Love this - you're brilliant.

[@codym9653]

Very cool! My wife does a lot of puzzles, but she likes to scramble them and pass them on.

[@lindamitchell8733]

Thanks for your gluing tips!! I also like the hanging idea....much cheaper than a frame when in a pinch!

[@katedevlin9425]

My puzzle is now successfully glued and hanging on the wall! Thanks so much for teaching me how to do that.

[@faxida8915]

Mind telling me What glue did you use ?

[@nunabisness7191]

I would also like to know which glue.

[@andrerodriguez2472]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I just started doing puzzles and I was worried my kids would ruin them . Ur a lifesaver! 👍🏼

[@Dani-wb6hd]

Ahhhh old adult ahhhh

[@elvonette]

Wonderful! I've already glued my puzzles but not the backs so I'll go back and add extra coats front and back. I'm so relieved that i don't have to buy big frames but can use tiny bulldog clips instead! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@veronicagutierrez7454]

Really simple video and with added information about glues and techniques etc. Thank you

[@sueyyness3642]

Thank you. We have quite a few puzzles done since COVID and now we can glue and display them.

[@rivesolider2092]

Should you get a glue that’s intended for the jigsaw puzzle or any glue can work fine?

[@russell5078084]

Puzzle glue for the front and something stronger like elmers on the back.

[@RegalRegex]

Delightful video, thank you for your hard work in sharing this!

[@gamecraftgaming2418]

So handy!!! Re did all of my puzzles for the fun but also just for the flush look with no backer..!!!!!!

[@lindalrb3864]

Love this. For 38 years I've been doing this but here's how I do it. I put white glue or Elmer's on the front and spread it with my hand. Then I repeat on the back. I do circle puzzles. Blessings

[@SarcasmIsMySecondName]

Wow this is so neat and helpful! Thank you! Now I know how to glue and preserve my two-sided jigsaw puzzle ❤

[@hopefuls3976]

I love it, too👍😊 The easiest one yet, can wait to start and finish mine, thanks for sharing😊👍

[@mymthegreyful]

Thank you ! This is perfect ; short and direct to the point. It helped us .

[@sandradedon2022]

You are a genius! Thank you for this simple and economical solution!

[@Lesliestevens92.1fm]

Simple and easy thank you for sharing this now I know how to do this. I appreciate you.

[@RememberingAnita]

Really nice video. I love that you’re to the point. I also enjoyed the background music.

[@rickvaiBBB]

I did as instructed and it worked fine, thanks for making the video.

[@JohnMadeit]

That's cool the way you hung it up.

[@chestnes1]

This was really helpful. Thank you 💓

[@BOBBYPINZZ]

Wow 😮 Thank you for making my life so much easier

[@peiaw]

thank you for making this video. i will definitely follow your instructions.

[@farnazbahari]

Thank you very much! This video was really helpful👍🏼

[@lindsey777]

So cool! Thank you for sharing!!

[@sgsax]

I remember doing this when I was a kid, except we used newspaper for a backing. Seems like it wasn't even necessary. Thanks for sharing!

[@CraftsWithEllen]

Ohh I like the idea of using newspaper too. Will give it some extra stability without adding any bulk. Good idea if you expect a bit more wear and tear to occur 👍

[@kelleysdiy7345]

Great instructions!! I love your puzzle, who is the artist!

[@luciar6207]

I'm surprised no one has asked this, but how do you take the excess glue off so that the image is not ruined?

[@gt6225]

it dries clear

[@502opz346]

@@gt6225 i doubt that...

[@lunareagle4746]

@@502opz346 it does. Especially modge podge brand.

[@stinkline875]

That's what gave me anxiety working so hard on a puzzle and having the glue all over 🥴

[@lunareagle4746]

@@stinkline875 yeah same here.My son and I tested it on a small puzzle this morning and it looks great. Dried clear. I think thinning it out a bit will probably help how smooth the glue dries so it doesn’t show brush marks if you use a brush, but it’s clear and hold the puzzle very nicely.

[@raiha98]

Nice. The cheapest and easiest way. Thanks for sharing

[@karlstrausside107]

Thank you, this was a big help

[@nada3122]

Great video, thank you

[@melissapont7165]

I’ve done this twice now and love it. Looks fantastic. I love your puzzle in the video. What’s it called. I’d love to buy the same one

[@garagemonkeysan]

Nice video. Had no idea they sell glue for this. Mahalo for sharing! : )

[@thesecretworkshoppropstore7914]

What a good idea!

[@cyndiclark9657]

Thank you! Very clever, I have 3 large puzzles to glue

[@Bevlyn20]

Thank you, that is a wonderful help to me.

[@gogogagetfingers]

Nice tutorial 👍

[@reforzar]

Great idea. 👍🏻

[@russell5078084]

I use puzzle glue on the front and elmers or something similar on the back. I think that makes the back stronger. Also makes a 2nd coat on the front or back unnecessary. Although a 2nd coat on the back as a precaution isn't a bad idea. Also you can get adhesive strips for the back to hang them instead of using clips which can damage the puzzles by leaving impressions.

[@LINERIC44]

Just wondering if I can apply the second coat on the front when it's dry and then flip it once and do 2 coats on the back?

[@eoLithicDorifto]

Hi Ellen, me and my gf think to do some puzzles but we are new to that stuff and we don't know which glue to use. Can you suggest us some good glue which our puzzle will last forever and wont fall apart in future ?

[@ruthgomes9820]

Olá parabéns paisagem linda,onde consigo comprar? amei obg

[@batmanfanizationreborn6055]

I want to start a new hobby with putting puzzles together and frame them like this so good tutorial how to do it

[@jimstuart1104]

I love the using the clips idea. you don't have to put a nail through it.

[@iramusman]

Thanks for the video, I have a question that can we use school glue/ Elmer's school glue?

[@Puzzlerfromsweden]

So good. :)

[@ingra888]

Thank you!

[@drewg4364]

Can I glue smaller sections of the puzzle until I finish the puzzle or does it need to be glued all at once when I'm completely finished with?? Thank you guys!

[@soda3065]

Thank you!!

[@everythingkaye]

Thank you 😊💕

[@flatpedalswinmedals7274]

If you notice any pieces you need to press down, just use a toothpick or something. Dont make a mess poking it with your finger. The glue or modge podge will cure up nicely on its own. The better you prep and less you tamper the better 👍

[@megerich1355]

HOw long did you wait for glue to dry before adding the next layer and how long before you flipped to do the back? Thank you!

[@ViperStrike]

I do also glued on a frame but it looks grated! But luckily looks better than my the 1000 pieced I done last year.

[@berndscharge5045]

TollerTip!!!❤

[@gabriel.hongkong]

Question. After applying the glue and allowing it to dry, do you wipe down the white glue residue or does it clear up by itself?

[@amylam563]

It should clear up on its own!

[@mariyakulyk7217]

Hello Ellen, thank you very much for such a nice tutorial! I had no idea that you can glue puzzle together without a backer board. Please can you tell me how many pieces does this jigsaw puzzle have? Thank you. :)

[@brainbubble5523]

I know that I am not Ellen but I think it is a 1000 piece puzzle. Within the first 8 seconds of the video, she showcases the box which says that it contains 1000 pieces. I hope this is helpful and that you have a lovely day!

[@CraftsWithEllen]

Yess, it's 1000 pieces. Thanks for the assist.

[@noman12310]

Thank you for sharing your work idea ...sooo helpful

[@berniceriebler-4225]

I use Puzzle Glue or make or buy Modge Podge it's the best to use. If you want to try this way thinning the glue with a bit of water will help spread the thicker glue. From SA

[@franzrogar]

0:25 The "special" puzzle glue is nothing of "special". It's just "methyl-cellulose", which is (clean) "paper powder". Basically, you're putting a thin paper layer on top of the puzzle, so thin it's almost transparent. The "normal" glue will yellow in time with the sunlight, so I wouldn't recommend using it.

[@Brownstone31]

I'll have to remember this for when I finish Jackman Works wood shaving puzzle. If I ever do.

[@CraftsWithEllen]

Oh yes, that is definitely a one-time-only puzzle 😬

[@markogle1949]

If I could ask what did you hang it with? I like the ungraded look!

[@ViperStrike]

I do also glued on a frame but it looks grated!

[@adnankananovic9753]

THANKS ❤❤❤❤

[@MaltandMake]

I bet that would be great for 3D jigsaws!

[@CraftsWithEllen]

Ohhh yes!

[@Kkuts37]

Cool!

[@nancymoore8025]

Thank you.

[@queenapple9012]

Omg thank you this is perfect! Do you have to wait to flip it over ?

[@bluemoon5766]

Thank you

[@aureliebombardier5133]

merci! tres belle technique ! je vais faire de meme

[@maankawas5957]

Excellent video! Does the glue affect the colors?

[@NatalieWiltshire]

Dies it glue bith sides or do u have to apply glue to both sides it putting it in the wall??

[@DeatherG]

Can you just tell us do you need to clean the clue on the surface, or just leave it there, it will become like a transparent protection film?

[@aleaana9930]

Doesn't the image change in shape or become less clear? If I only do several back layers and no front layers, will it work? I am thinking of using stick glue sheets, do you recommend it? Sorry I asked a lot of questions

[@idadere4777]

Awesome

[@suetaylor5159]

❤😊 very helpful

[@kanideal6540]

do you need to remove the residue of the dried glue from the front part of the puzzle?

[@CraftsWithEllen]

No, it dries clear and you can just leave it on!

[@kanideal6540]

@@CraftsWithEllen thank you!!

[@rebeccagaudino470]

Where can I buy this glue? I used a different one and my puzzle curled!!

[@faith4390]

What kind of hooks are you hanging it on the wall with?

[@ondrys5844]

Hello, great video and tutorial. But I read somewhere that a piece of hard paper is also put from the bottom because the puzzle tends to twist over time, is that true? Can I hang it on the wall without a base?? I have a round puzzle, planets, so I want to be sure. thank you for answer

[@CraftsWithEllen]

Mine is still fine a couple years later. The glue coating stops any moisture getting in. But of course it can't hurt to add some thick paper to the back if you want to :)

[@LilLaitho]

What is the type of glue that you used?

[@TheGreatMadWarrior29]

Will regular Elmers glue work?

[@DrKuebel]

Just in Time for the upcoming Puzzle season! Jan // #DrKuebel

[@kevbrix9686]

This is definitely one of of the most anxiety driving videos I have ever seen in my life!

[@juliuscaesar1039]

Can I use fevicol and food wrapping paper?

[@juanete69]

Why do you use glue for the front side? Many people don't use it at all.

[@esraayousef5643]

Can you reuse the puzzles after? can you dissemble the big picture and use it again?

[@CraftsWithEllen]

No, the glue is permanent and the puzzle can not be taken apart again

[@squirrelmummy]

Don't do what I did and, when glueing the back, let it drip over the edges 🤦🏻‍♀️It leaked under the front and totally messed up the puzzle. I tried to remove it by peeling it off but it only made it worse.

[@julievanschyndel550]

Is oven paper the same as parachment paper?

[@shannonkelly8552]

Yes! Parchment or wax paper is the same stuff as oven paper! I believe different countries just call it different things.

[@m.a6724]

But wouldn't the puzzles have those white color/patches from the glue?

[@AndyCPugh]

Very nifty!

[@CraftsWithEllen]

Thanks Andy!

[@CloverMajula02]

How long does it take for the glue to dry?

[@Dani-wb6hd]

10 minutes keed

[@zivilebaubliene1275]

I have glow in the dark puzzle i can use glue like this?

[@kirikomori7874]

HI ENNA!!!!!!

[@CrudeButEfficient]

Cool! But I did hold my breath when you turned it over for the first time... 😬

[@CraftsWithEllen]

Haha yes, that was a bit nerve wracking 😳

[@margaretworth9862]

What glue is it please ?

[@JoseLopez-bd2ft]

Which glue does she use?

[@omarayman1315]

how to clean the glue on the surface ??

[@carolinalopes9560]

can we use a hairdryer to speed up the process ??

[@Afnan370]

Can I use wood glue