Posts Tagged ‘wood jigsaw puzzle’
History of Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaws were first introduced to the world around 1760. They are accredited to , who worked as an engraver and mapmaker in London. His first puzzle was said to be a painting done on a rectangular piece of wood. The wood was then cut into intricate and interlocking pieces with a jigsaw, creating a basic wood puzzle. An extremely maneuverable and fine detail saw, the jigsaw obviously offered the puzzle their name.
Since their inception, jigsaw puzzles have since been moved from wood to cardboard. Cardboard is obviously an easier and cheaper option for these mass produced puzzles. The assortment of pictures and images available with puzzles is practically limitless. There are, however, common picture themes, and that includes nature scenes, repetitive designs, or skylines. Jigsaw enthusiasts can also pick up a variety of accessories such as tables and rollup mats in order to transport a half-finished puzzle.
Nostalgic Wood Puzzle Memories
When I was little, I was what most people would refer to as a “nerd”. Although I enjoyed traditional childhood entertainment, like action figures and cartoons, my favorite activities included reading, doing puzzles and solving math equations. This may seem a little unnatural for a young boy, but my parents encouraged these habits by purchasing me educational toys and games.
One of the first toys that they bought me was a wood puzzle that featured various dog breeds. I loved the puzzle because one of the dogs looked just like my canine, Barney. Although the puzzle was relatively easy, I never got tired of solving it. Last week I was cleaning out my closet and found the old toy, still complete with all of the pieces.
Piecing Together a Great Summer Day
For many American children, summer means a vacation from school. It means plenty of free time to ride bikes, swim in a nearby lake or stream, and reconnect with seasonal friends who visit on holiday. It’s not unusual for parents to struggle to keep track of their small kids – the outdoors beckons, and their energetic feet answer the call.
But not every summer day is suitable for outdoor play. A lightning storm can put a cramp in a kid’s style, but it’s only temporary; sometimes being confined to the house reminds them of other pastimes. For example, wood jigsaw puzzles offer hours of fun for a pair of friends or the whole family to enjoy together. The pieces are solid and substantial enough that they won’t be bent like cheap cardboard puzzles. Once in a while, a day indoors is just as rewarding as an outdoor adventure.