Sunday, October 24, 2010

SO......YOU WANT TO MAKE A PUZZLE ?

Of course you do, I heard you say so just the other day. And making a puzzle is easy. There are many ways to do this but this is how I made mine. Begin with a piece of Masonite board cut to whatever size you want. I chose a piece that is 12 X 14 inches to accommodate the image I wanted to use.
And speaking of the image, I used this painting I created several years ago, of a lady turtle traveling the world. I used Mod Podge to adhere the image to the board, after I spray painted the edges a bronze metallic. After it was completely dry, I covered it with two coats of water based polyurethane to seal it. I also spray painted the back side of the board a dark green. Then it was off to Roy's shop. I felt it was necessary to put his brand new scroll saw to use! I had drawn random lines on the back for him to follow in making the individual puzzle pieces. It worked great! (what a sweetie he is).
The pieces are shown here in a random assortment. Then I had to put it together. Not that easy! Even though I painted the image and designed the puzzle, it was hard. In my defense, I don't really enjoy the adventure of jig saw puzzles. I made this one as a Christmas gift so I don't ever have to put it together again, right?
The next step is to sew a draw string bag to put the pieces in. I think it might also be a good idea to print off the image on fabric paper and adhere it to the front of the bag. If not, it might never get assembled!
So, go forth and make a puzzle. If you don't have a scroll saw, find a friend or neighbor who does. Perhaps a plate of cookies will get your puzzle cut for you!

4 comments:

Carol Shoemaker said...

Good choice of subject/picture. I've noticed that the trickiest puzzles have similar colors and patterns spread throughout the picture.
P.S. Wanna bag for Christmas?

Carol Shoemaker said...

Good choice of subject/picture. I've noticed that the trickiest puzzles have similar colors and patterns spread throughout the picture.
P.S. Wanna bag for Christmas?

KB in BR said...

OK, so technically, there was only one comment before i arrived, not 2. Well I love the puzzle idea! -& the bag. I think the special value in THIS puzzle might just be the mystery of the unknown image. I like it better this way. This really becomes a more intriguing toy. It's not like Roy cut out 500 pieces. Don't you think we spoon feed the kids too much anyway? Give 'em a challenge! Luv it!

Anonymous said...

Oh I agree! But, I felt really stupid trying to put the damn thing together! (not a puzzle person).
Jude