Instant Art Straight From a Thrifted Puzzle

Welcome, Walter, to the Decor Hacks family! Walter is an illustrator and artist, runs a successful Etsy shop and also blogs at Mod Podge Rocks. He will be blogging with us regularly featuring pretty and practical tutorials like this instant art from a puzzle.

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I came across this faded wooden puzzle set of the USA at Sal’s Boutique. The pieces were all there, but the West Coast had obviously gotten too much SUN. I immediately got the idea to create a piece of “instant art;” art that anyone can create!

I made this with the following supplies:

• Wooden map

• Old kitchen door

• Satin black paint (for the door)

• Flat White spray paint for the puzzle

• Hot glue gun

• Picture hanging brackets (optional)

Step 1: Paint the Puzzle

• Wipe any foreign matter off the puzzle, let dry.

• In a well-ventilated area (preferably outdoors), lightly spray paint the puzzle (flat white) and let it dry according to the manufacturer’s suggestions.

• Give the whole map a second coat.

Step 2: Prep the Kitchen Door

•Wipe any foreign matter off the kitchen door and let dry. While it’s drying, set up for the next step.

Step 3: Paint the Door

• Coat with satin black and let dry.

Step 4: Paint Again

• Paint on a second coat and let dry.

Step 5: Assembly

• Layout the painted puzzle pieces onto the painted kitchen door.

• Turn the hot glue gun on and start gluing the pieces into place.

Step 6: Display!

• Lean on a mantle, or

• Attach picture hanging hardware to the back.

There are endless possibilities with this project. Use any puzzle shapes to your liking and paint them in your favorite colors. Have fun and hope you enjoyed this project.