When initially investigating our January blog about how to survive the long cold winter months, all we could think about were the negatives of winter, the cold long, dark winter. Then we spoke to some of our avid puzzlers and we realised we were asking the wrong question. It’s not about how to survive the winter, it’s about celebrating what winter can bring to you, your home and your friends and family.
The first jigsaw puzzle was created by a map engraver called John Spilsbury, in 1762. He mounted one of his master maps onto wood and then cut around the countries. He gave it to children in the local school to help them with their geography education. And in that act jigsaw puzzles were invented. It was an instant hit and the concept was soon copied by others and expanded into other educational images other than just maps, such as farms and religious scenes. At this time all jigsaw puzzles were created from wood, but also at this time they weren’t called jigsaw puzzles, they were called dissected puzzles. The term jigsaw comes from the special saw called a jigsaw that was used to cut the puzzles, but not until the saw was invented in the 1880’s.
If you’re lucky enough to get the gift of a jigsaw this Christmas, this is the perfect guide to help you get puzzling! We all have our own little tactics when piecing our puzzles together but here are a few ideas that might help new jigsaw enthusiasts and a few tips that might even help you puzzle pros! If you are going to create one of our extra difficult cut jigsaws, then the following might also be useful.
A good wooden jigsaw makes for the ideal gift for the grandparent who appreciates a quality made product. The perfect activity to complete either as a family or as an individual, these puzzles make for a challenging, inspiring activity.
Puzzling is a past-time that gently stimulates the mind and allows the aged loved one in your life to while away the hours in a relaxed way.
We’ve collated some of our favourite puzzles to give as gifts to our grandparents.
