A puzzle that is missing pieces can be saved! Follow these instructions:
Step 1: Who was that masked man?
Identify the missing piece. Check the floor, behind the table, under the cat bed. You might not be missing a piece.
Step 2: Social distancing
Isolate the missing piece with a 2 piece border.
Step 3: The choice is yours
Put the isolated pieces in a separate baggie, pack up the puzzle and return the puzzle to the puzzle library. Email puzzle@kools.org to let me know.
OR read on, and try making your own substitute piece.
Step 4: We need a doner!
Find some doner cardboard as thck as your pieces. Place the cardboard underneath and trace the outline with a sharp pencil, then with a fine tip pen or marker.
Step 5: Little off the top
Rough cut the shape leaving plenty of room.
Step 6: Carefulling…
This step takes the longest: Slowly chip your way closer to the line checking for fit with the original pieces.
Step 6: May I take your coat?
Remove any coating from the side you are going to use. Sandpaper works. Using raw cardboard to start with would have been better.
Step 7: Optimus Prime
Prime the piece: you might need more than one coat. Look at the furthest background colour, and choose that one.
Step 8: Mr. Cellophone
Put cellophane over the original pieces and paint your new piece. Don’t worry about being a renaissance master, just get it close.
Step 9: Clear coat
I recommend a clear, spray, matte such as Rustoleum.
FIN: Close enough for Jazz
These pieces aren’t perfect, but I think it’s better than having an incomplete puzzle. I will be experimenting with 3D printed pieces in the future. In the meantime here are some of the missing pieces I have done:
