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| Showing rough back of cut puzzle, and on right, finished bits |
About the maker
I have been making puzzles for a few years now, but
as they have been my hobby rather than a business, and I have only made them in my spare time, my output has not been great.
I have a studio/workshop (it's a shed) in the garden, but in winter when it becomes cold and damp out there I migrate
to the kitchen. .
Making the puzzles
The puzzles are cut using a 13" or 15" scrollsaw. The basic wood
used is 4mm plywood - I do experiment with other wood occasionally. 3D puzzles use either solid wood or layers
of plywood.
Printed puzzles are made using laser copies of paintings or photographs. Original painted designs are drawn directly
on to the wood, sometimes cut first, then painted, or alternatively a first paint coat is applied before cutting.
All puzzles are cut freehand, and each piece is sanded and finished by hand.
Each puzzle is numbered. In most cases a particular
picture can be repeated, but the puzzle won't be quite the same as each one is cut individually.
Putting them together
Doing
a wooden jigsaw puzzle is quite a different experience from doing a flat cardboard one. In the first place, a wooden
one is more - obviously - solid! It is satisfying to handle. It doesn't bend - you have to position the piece correctly
or it won't fit. You can't slide it into place.
As you will see, the puzzles
are not often cut in a very regular pattern. They are sometimes more difficult than a regularly-cut puzzle.
I try to make them as hard as possible!
Boxes
Unless it fits in a tray, each puzzle is supplied
in a strong cardboard box - see picture. Puzzles in trays are sent in plastic sleeves.
Commissions
If you would like me to make a puzzle from your own photograph or picture, please contact me.
You could have a family gathering, your favourite holiday photo, a special occasion....or simply a picture you like.
The pictures which make the best puzzles are usually ones which are quite "busy" - ones with lots of plain space are less
interesting to do. The selected picture should also be of good quality, if it needs to be enlarged.
