Preserving Puzzles Like A Puzzle Queen

Many people enjoy puzzles in different ways. Some like to start building the frame/edge pieces first, others will start with whatever will connect together, and some won't build a single piece until it's all sorted.

Those are a few ways we start a puzzle, but what do we do when we're finished? Well, we've seen some people tell us that the first thing they do is run their hands over the entire puzzle.  They don't just do this to make it smooth, but they like to feel the puzzle, as if it's a reward for their well earned accomplishment. And then what? Some immediately tear it down and box it back up to be sold or given away to a thrift store, friend, or family member. Others will glue their puzzles together to be enjoyed for years to come, and some take it a step further and frame it!

There are also those who take pictures of their puzzles when it's completed so that they can both take it apart, while still "preserving" it to look back on. Our friend in Hawaii, "Auntie Lillian", is a wonderful puzzler. She has assembled many, many Cobble Hill puzzles, as well as other great brands.  

We have many wonderful photos of her finished puzzles from over the years, but this is the first time we've seen them captured this way! We're sharing a few fun photos from a thoughtful photo book that was created for "Auntie Lillian Queen of the Puzzles"! We thought this was such a sweet way to preserve the memories of a pastime that was thoroughly enjoyed and can be looked back on with fond feelings. 

Photo album cover of Auntie Lillian completing Cobble Hill Koi Pond.

Great way to celebrate a map puzzle!

Nice grouping of dog and cat puzzles!

That's the owner's in-laws on the left! They're all very sweet too!!

Fun caption for this White Mountain Broadway puzzle! She's a star!

What do you think about keeping a photo book for preserving your puzzle memories?

We didn't ask where this exact photo book was made, but we know that you can order these through Shutterfly or MixBook (there are probably many other options too, those are just most popular - no affiliate here). We hope you have fun making memories, and preserving them! Have a great day!

Barnhouse's "Big Red" Inspires Recollections of Local Culture

by Elmer Prather, guest blogger

This is the 34th Cobble Hill puzzle that I have had the pleasure of putting together. It is a 1000 piece puzzle titled Big Red by Dave Barnhouse. This is the second of his puzzles I have put together. The first was titled Evening Services. I was drawn to his second puzzle by the great colors and friendly, homey setting. It shows a building that houses a Kinney Kone ice cream store and the Richmond Bros. Trucking Company. This is a combination that you do not often see. I enjoy traveling and have been to just about all of the towns in Georgia. I have seen many trucking companies and many ice cream shops but not both in the same building. The big red semi with all the shiny chrome accessories sitting out front is beautiful. It is no wonder that they titled this puzzle Big Red.There is another semi sitting under the covered area of the building.

"Big Red" by Dave Barnhouse. Assembled and photographed by Elmer Prather.

As I visit small towns in Georgia I am always interested in the local culture. It is fascinating to drive and walk around these old towns. Many of them have store buildings that once housed many different kinds of businesses but are now vacant and boarded up. When I find a town that is still alive and thriving I am excited for the folks who live there.

When General Sherman swept through Georgia, on his way to Savannah during the Civil War, he destroyed and burned almost every town he and his soldiers went through. The old towns not destroyed and the antebellum homes that are still there are a pleasure to see. Some of the old antebellum homes offer tours. Two good examples of towns that were not destroyed during the Civil War are Lagrange, Georgia, a hour south of Atlanta and Madison, Georgia, a hour east of Atlanta. These two towns are still alive and thriving. This puzzle reminds me of some of the old buildings in these towns that are still utilized after all these years.

As I travel and see these old buildings I try to learn the history of some of the more interesting ones. Things like who built it, what businesses were located in it since it was built and what architectural changes they have undergone down through the years.

I have been accused of "soaking up the local culture" when I travel to new places and I am proud to say that this is true.

Big Red 1000 piece puzzle by Dave Barnhouse

Available at your local retailer or favourite online store.

On the USA and Canada Cobble Hill website, search item code: 80188