In my “Bronco Buster” post, I mentioned some scrap pieces that might be useful for making follow on puzzles.
The skinny scrap was used to make a puzzle for a customer that wanted something to remind her of the beach. So, I made a template of a beach sandal (flip flop depending on where you are from).
Next was to cut the outline.
And, finally, cut the puzzle.
This puzzle has 49 pieces. The customer has received it and is happy with it.
With the second scrap, I attempted to cut a bird’s eye view of a flower. I am not really happy with the results. I do not really like “push fit” puzzles in general but thought I would try one. This was not even really visually appealing.
However, if it is flipped over, it looks better. Imagine the flower petals stained or painted with different colors. Then imagine the scrap from the scrap trimmed and glued to a backer board. This now turns into a roughly six-inch diameter 56-piece push fit tray puzzle. You’ll have to imagine your own stain or paint as it sits right now. I can pretty much guarantee this little puzzle will take an inordinate amount of time to assemble.
It is not yet completed. I need to peel the sunset image from the original puzzle off the backside and mount the outer tray to a backer board. And then I need to decide how to finish it: painted or oil stained. If it is oiled, that will leave the wood grain as an aid to assembly. If it is painted, wow! Very challenging, I think.
This has taken a back burner to some commissioned puzzles and getting ready for the 2024 Puzzle Parley puzzle exchange. I was considering this as a prototype for the puzzle exchange but decided against it. I want people to look forward to my puzzles, not dread them! I will get around to finishing this probably later in the summer.
Happy Puzzling!
Bob