Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are fun and challenging! But are they collectible? Are they considered to be paper ephemera?
They are made (today) from cardboard, a paper product! So, technically, they could be considered paper ephemera. So, that's what we will do here on our site! Vintage puzzles (and old board games too!) can be collected much like any other paper collectible.
Some early puzzles may be worth a considerable sum of money! Like anything, the condition of the puzzle (and the box) is critcal to it's antique value! Though, even an old dirty puzzle may be worth something, if it is indeed rare! Piecing it all Together
He was a London mapmaker in the mid 1700's. As the story goes, his intent was to develop a way for school children to make learning geography fun. How? He took one of his maps, attached it to a wooden board, and carefully cut out the pieces. Of course, this method was very crude and not efficient enough to become mass produced. At least, not in the terms we think of in modern day. Nonetheless, this educational concept continued to slowly grow and develop. Later on, changes in technology and machinery allowed this concept to crossover into the entertainment world, as well. Finally, towards the end of the 1800's, and (mainly) the early 1900's, the more modern boxed cardboard puzzle was introduced. Milton Bradley jumped in! And later on...the Parker Brothers. The race was on and a large variety of puzzles were soon mass produced. They gradually became more, and more affordable; enough for the average person to purchase. The subjects were still very simple; mostly nature scenes and the like. But they were a popular form of entertainment then, and remain so, to this day!
Today's PuzzlesToday, there are upwards of 100 puzzle manufactures! Many of the more popular names include: Buffalo Games, Kodacolor, Hallmark, Viking, Parker Bros., Ravensburger, and of course Spilsbury. (Go figure!)Today's subjects have no limits! You name it! It's all out there! In fact, you can even make your own puzzle (we have...several times). Check out this link! Jigsaw2order Personalized Puzzles Jigsaw2order makes it easy for you! And the possibilities are endless! Use your imagination and creat a special keepsake for you or someone else!
You simply download, or send them a photo, and they do all of the rest. But...What Do You Do With Them, After Your Finished?Glad you asked! There are a couple of things that you can do...and a few things that you should do!You can display your puzzle! How? Again, there are a couple of options here! Check out this page on...Displaying Jigsaw Puzzles. Framing a colorful jigsaw puzzle can be as attractive as a fine piece of art! And...it's fun to do! Learn more here...Framing a Jigsaw puzzle! Or, glue it! We'll show you how... Gluing Jigsaw Puzzles Now, as far as what you should do...first of all, do you want to keep that puzzle? Really? Okay then... Carefully take apart your puzzle and put it in a "sealed" bag. Throwing those pieces loosely back in the box is a "No-No!" You will, almost assuredly, lose a piece somewhere along the way! If you are not interested in keeping your puzzle, donate it! Give it to Goodwill or any other donation center. Or, stop by a local "senior center". It's a nice idea...say hello...and drop off a few puzzles! Recycle your puzzle! Here Are Some More Examples of Modern PuzzlesHere's a tough for you! We recently came across this very unique puzzle and just had to try it! It's labeled as the World's Smallest 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle! Wow!
Anything that helps sell puzzles is a bonus for puzzle manufactures. Large, small, round, or a collectible tin! C'mon! A collector Superman tin with a very cool 1000 piece puzzle inside! Very Cool!
Who doesn't like the Peanuts comic strip by the late Charles Schulz. Once again, Peanuts was one of our favorites as kids, and now! Putting together these puzzles brought back a lot of fond memories!
Now, here's a good example of something we picked up at a Goodwill store for $1.00! The box is pretty beat up, but something about it made us buy it! Once home, we put it together and it turned out to be a spectacular puzzle...beautifully done! It's high-gloss finish made this puzzle shine! (Totally opposite from it's outside cover!) By the way, this 500 piece puzzle was called "A Great Prince's China Set: Porclein Into Marble" it was made by Springbok company in /around 1968.
Famous paintings are also a favorite subject of many puzzles. This one is 2000 pieces, made by Buffalo Games. It was originally painted by Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze in 1851. Of course, we Americans easily recognize it as Washington crossing the Delaware River.
This 529 piece puzzle was made by Fine Art Jigsaw Puzzle. It was originally sold in the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming. The original painting was by Edgar S. Paxson in 1899.
This entire group of 7 puzzles was purchased at a Goodwill store for less than $4.00! We're talking about hours of fun here, for literally pennies. There is nearly 11,000 pieces in all...and they all need to be put together; one piece at a time! There is no need to buy expensive brand new puzzles, all of the time. Of course, we still do that too! Health Benefits, you say...?Can putting together puzzles actually be a healthy hobby? Some people think so!How, you ask? Well, for one, finger dexterity can improve! Picking up 1000's of tiny pieces can actually "nimble-up" those aging fingers.
But, one of the biggest benefits is actually quite simple - relaxation. As you calmly sift through the pieces, you body gets a chance to "rest, regroup, and recharge"!
We found this out by putting together those many, many puzzles. There's no rush! No time limit! Complete it at your pace! And when you do, the satisfaction will be all yours! Random Notes...
Are you tense, anxious, nervous? (about anything?) Well, we have a solution for you...it's very simple and cheap too! You don't need a fancy health spa! You don't need to win the lottery! All you need is a puzzle!
Our Advice?
Obviously, we're not talking about completing a 1500-2000 piece puzzle in one sitting. We're talking days, weeks, and for some of you...months! The ultimate concept here is completion! Keep at it! We think that you will come away from this experience with a whole new outlook on puzzles. (one way, or another!) Return from Jigsaw Puzzles to Paper Examples
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