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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. When I have completed the puzzle,
I use a thin colour wash to go over the joins between the pieces, so that they do not show up white and the puzzle looks more
like a picture. Finally the puzzle is given a coat of varnish to enhance the colours.
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.
