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Making Wooden Puzzles

Puzzles have been part of our entertainment culture since the 18th century, when an engraver from London introduced the first jigsaw puzzle. A jigsaw puzzle is a series of odd-shaped pieces that, when assembled, produce a complete picture. Jigsaw puzzles are so named because the pieces are cut with a jigsaw. Most jigsaw puzzles are cut from cardboard, but more expensive puzzles can be cut from wood.

Drawing and Painting
- Design your puzzle on paper. Sketch a general idea first. If you're exceptionally good at drawing, you might want to consider drawing your design straight onto the wood you'll be cutting your puzzle from. You can use any type of wood you want, but pine or plywood works best. The size of the wood you use depends upon the size of the puzzle you want to create, but keep the thickness at least 1 to 1 1/2 inches.
  
  Start by drawing the picture or design of your puzzle first in pencil. Be sure to leave an inch around all sides of your drawing for a border that will help seat your puzzle pieces. The border shape will be determined by the shape of the puzzle pieces you remove.
  
  Once you've finished the drawing, use acrylic paints to add the color. Finish your puzzle by applying a clear protective coating.
Puzzle Piece Design
- Break your puzzle down into pieces using a thin black marker. Draw the lines you'll need for the pieces. The size of the pieces will be determined by how complex you want the puzzle to be. A more complex puzzle will require you to cut your image into smaller (and more) pieces.
  
  For beginners, consider making your puzzle pieces larger so you have less to cut. You might want to limit your first project to between 15 and 20 pieces. The puzzle will be simple, but it will be easier to do and allow you to get accustomed to working with the jigsaw.
Cutting Your Puzzle
- Use a handheld or machine-operated jigsaw to to cut your puzzle pieces. A handheld jigsaw is less expensive than a machine-operated jigsaw, but it requires a steady hand to use. Secure your puzzle before you begin cutting the pieces. Place your puzzle on a flat surface and use a metal clamp to hold it in place. This will prevent slipping.
  
  Remove the pieces as you cut them. The finished puzzle pieces will fit back together perfectly.

Jigsaw Puzzles