Information/FAQ and How To Order

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Checks, and Money Orders.

Please review the Q&A page before ordering.

It will give you a better idea of what our capabilities are and may spark your imagination for your own personal Wooden Block Picture Puzzle!!!

Questions  The Artist  Pricing Guide  How to Order

Questions 1.(a) I have more than six photos that I would like on a puzzle, can you combine photos to create a collage? (b) How many photos can I use in a collage, is there a limit? (c) I've got old pictures with ripped edges, missing pieces, water stains, can these be used? (d) I've got pictures with objects or people in them that I would rather not see in the finished puzzle. (e) Can you add type to a picture? 2. Can you create a puzzle from printed images, such as calenders or artist prints? 3. What about using photographs, do some images look and work better than others? 4. What size photographic puzzles do you make? 5. How is your “aging process” done? 6. How do I care for and store my puzzle? 7. How do I display my puzzle? 8. Is there any one solution to change from picture to picture on my puzzle? 9. How did you think of such a clever thing as wooden block puzzles? 10. Do I have to give you 8” x 10” photographs if I want an 8” x 10” puzzle? 11. Can I send you pictures via e-mail? 12. How long does it take for you to make one puzzle? 13 .How long after I send you my images can I expect to receive my puzzle? 14. Have you had any clever ideas from your customers about presentations of the puzzles? 15. Shipping Charges - How do you ship the puzzle?

1. Q:

I have more than six photos that I would like on a puzzle, can you combine photos to create a collage? How many photos can I use in a collage, is there a limit? I've got old pictures with ripped edges, missing pieces, water stains, can these be used? I've got pictures with objects or people in them that I would rather not see in the finished puzzle. Can you add type to a picture?

A:

This is where our ability to customize your puzzle gets really interesting. Because we convert your photos to digital images before printing to paper (your photos are returned unharmed), your images can be altered by using the latest in computer software imaging techniques. My husband Jack performs all the computer design work on the personal puzzles. In most cases, your photo images are cleaned up (scratches, paper tears, stains, discolorations, red eyes, small imperfections) and enhanced for better color / contrast at no charge. Jack also developed a “block grid overlay ” that he uses during the sizing of your images, to arrive at the best possible placement of your images when glued to the birch blocks. This technique assures that important features, such as peoples eyes are not placed on the grid (edges of blocks). This problem is sometimes unavoidable in group shots but the “block grid overlay ” does allow the best possible positioning as determined by your photos. For an additional charge, Jack can : *Combine 2 to 5 photos (5 is the maximum!!!) to create a collage for one side. This is the most common request in that it allows more than 6 images per puzzle. Photos are generally blended / vignetted into each other so that the edges of the combined photos are not visible in the finished image. *Delete objects or people (take out those strange people in the background of your favorite vacation photo). * Add type to your image (a favorite poem or special saying can create a very personalized gift). * He can even make you thinner! The charge for this service is based on complexity and /or difficulty of creating the desired image.

2. Q:

Can you create a puzzle from printed images, such as calenders or artist prints?

A:

Yes! This is a very common question. All manor of printed images can be integrated into our wooden block puzzles. Use your 6 favorite calendar pictures. Some of the most wonderful puzzles can be made from wall or engagement calendars. Many of my customers have calendars of their favorite artists that they collect every year. They pick out their favorite 6 scenes and I make a puzzle with them. Or they find a calendar that they really love and have me make a puzzle with them. The busier the art prints are, the more challenging that puzzle will be to play with and change from picture to picture. Smaller puzzles can be made from greeting cards, just find 6 cards as close to the same same size as possible, and from postcards and small books. Since I use the original art prints that are supplied, the size of the prints will dictate the block size used and the finished puzzle size. I have a very large assortment of calendars and cards in every theme imaginable to choose from if you don't have your own. E-mail me for ideas.

3. Q:

What about using photographs, do some images look and work better than others?

A:

Use photographs that will have a lot of meaning to the ones that will be receiving the puzzle. Anniversary photos, depending on the dates, can be older B/W photos mixed with color photos; vintage photos mixed with contemporary photos or any pleasing combination. Our "aging proces" is what allows you to combine different era photos, which gives the images a continuous look. The puzzle will also be more challenging to play with if you mix vertical and horizontal format photos. Dark photos don't show our “aging process” as well and can be very difficult to play with.

4. Q:

What size photographic puzzles do you make?

A:

I make wooden block puzzles on these 3 size blocks: 1”, 1 1/2”, and 2”. However, I only recommend doing photographic puzzles on 1 1/2” or 2” blocks. Because a lot of the photographs I receive have people in them, 8” x 10” is the most popular size puzzle I make using photographs. It contains 20 - 2” solid birch blocks, and with the matching tray, measures the same size as a standard ladies magazine. This gives you a good idea of scale for tabletop use. The next most popular sizes are 6” x 8” on a 2" block, 6 “ x 7 1/2” on a 1 1/2” block and 4 1/2” x 6” on a 1 1/2” block. I don’t recommend the 4 1/2" x 6” puzzle size if the photographs contain a lot of people because the faces will be small and hard to read.

5. Q:

How is your “aging process” done?

A:

Of course I can't divulge all my secrets of our “aging process”, but I will tell you that it takes approximately 12 wet / dry steps for me to achieve just the “crackled finish” that you see, add to that the gold leaf edging and antiquing, and by the time I've finished with our “aging process” , this is what makes each side of each block look as if its been handpainted. I have no control over how a print will “age / crack”, sometimes the paper produces a fine, tiny crack and sometimes it makes a large crack. This “aging” can vary from side to side and block to block, however, these variations are what characterize your puzzle as a one-of-a-kind, original, functional piece of art.

6. Q:

How do I care for and store my puzzle?

A:

Treat your puzzle as you would any fine piece of art or fine furniture. The clear finish on the puzzle is susceptible to heat and moisture. Please do not leave in the direct or hot sun, especially in the car, for long periods. Do not store in a damp basement or in a hot attic. If puzzle must be stored for long periods, provide a cool, dry, well-ventilated area . Lightly wrap in tissue paper and store in closet or drawer.

7. Q:

How do I display my puzzle?

A:

Your puzzle can be displayed sitting at an angle by using a display easel ( a plate stand won't work), but it truly is meant to lay flat on a tabletop so it can be played with. It is such a conversation piece on a coffee table or end table and will be the center of attention at almost any gathering. The matching tray has felt dots to protect your table. The puzzle cannot be hung on a wall however -- all the blocks would fall out -- wouldn't they!!!!!!!

8. Q:

Is there any one solution to change from picture to picture on my puzzle?

A:

Yes and no! There is a method to my madness, however, there is no rhyme or reason to the way the blocks are individually flipped, turned, spun, or manipulated ! You can not turn ALL the blocks to the left, to the right, up or down to change to a new picture. However, ALL the blocks that you find on a horizontal row in a puzzle will always stay on that row, but the blocks could go back anywhere on that row, and not necessarily back into the spot you removed them from. But for the greatest challenge, dump all the blocks out of the tray and ENJOY!!

9. Q:

How did you think of such a clever thing as wooden block puzzles?

A:

I wish I could take credit for inventing wooden block puzzles, but they originated in Germany in the late 19th century. They were children’s toys and were usually fairy tales, nursery rhymes or barnyard animal scenes; were about 6” x 6” on a 1 1/2” block, and in a little chipboard box with hinged lid. I read an article in a January 1951 “Arts & Antiques” magazine entitled, “Children’s Toys of the Past”. It had two or three paragraphs about wooden block puzzles and it just stuck in my mind. My husband Jack and I worked and worked on perfecting our “aging process” and I introduced the puzzles at Powers Crossroads, a nationally recognized Arts and Crafts Show, in September 1992.

10. Q:

Do I have to give you 8” x 10” photographs if I want an 8” x 10” puzzle?

A:

No! You can give me any size photos or an assortment of sizes, because Jack will digitally scan each photo and reduce / enlarge as needed, then print on the appropriate grade of paper. Most of my customers provide me with 3” x 5” or 4” x 6” snapshots that they have taken themselves. I can use copyrighted professional studio photographs ONLY if I am given a written release from the photographer. NO copyrighted photos without the photographers written release. I've never had a photographer refuse to sign a release. A signature on his/her letterhead will be fine. Also, no slides or negatives can be used unless you have a print made first.

11. Q:

Can I send you pictures via e-mail?

A:

While Jack prefers to work with your original photos, you are welcome to send them via e-mail to: kjpuzzles@mindspring.com Digital photos can be sent via e-mail as long as the file types are supported by Photoshop (JPEG, TIFF, EPS, PSD). The problem with this method is they need to be sent with a high resolution (150 Pixels Per Inch) and as close to the desired finished size as possible to avoid loosing detail in the image. This is further complicated by the fact that the finished size of your image is usually dependent upon the how the grid lines will be placed over your image. This simply means that your image is often enlarged, shifted left or right, up or down and cropped to achieve the desired placement within the grid lines. The result is that you may loose detail in your final image, especially if your digital image has to be significantly enlarged. Example: 3" x 5” photo must be scanned at 150 ppi and enlarged so the 3” width becomes 8.5” (this is to match the width of the 8.5” x 11” paper that your image will be printed on). In this example, the 5” height of your photo will be 14.25” in height. The file you send will be 8.5” x 14.25” in size. The extra image area is often needed for proper placement on the puzzle.

12. Q:

How long does it take for you to make one puzzle?

A:

If I make one puzzle from the beginning to the end of the process, it would take about 3-4 days. But I try to work on 4 puzzles at a time; remember my “aging process” takes about 12 steps, then the prints have to be cut up, applied to the blocks, antiquing and gold leaf edging applied, and then the final finish. Here’s a bit of trivia for you...one day I decided to figure out how many times ONE block is handled, by that I mean turned, flipped, rotated or spun in the making of a puzzle. ONE block!! Between the “aging process”, cutting up the image, applying it to the block, antiquing and gold leaf edging to the block and the final finish steps, ONE block was handled 152 times. Now multiply 152 by the number of blocks in a puzzle! For example an 8” x 10” puzzle contains 20 - 2” blocks. So 20 blocks x 152 times manipulated = 3040 times! 3040 times!!!! Can you believe that? Kinda makes my eyes cross!!

13. Q:

How long after I send you my images can I expect to receive my puzzle?

A:

Plan on 6 to 8 weeks after I receive your material to receive your puzzle. It really depends more on the time of year than anything else. Check out my show schedule elsewhere on this website. My cutoff date for puzzles for Christmas is usually around the end of October or the first of November. Additional time should be considered if shipping outside of the United States.

14. Q:

Have you had any clever ideas from your customers about presentations of the puzzles?

A:

I have had two customers do something very similar with their puzzles. One family had a puzzle made for their parents 70th wedding anniversary. They picked great, meaningful pictures and had two sides done in collages. They mailed one block along with an invitation to the anniversary party to friends and relatives, inviting them to the party and reminding them to bring their block. They had to attend the party or send their block by someone else. After everyone arrived, each came up and took a look for a few seconds at the solution print/sheet. They then tried to put the puzzle back together. The “row theory” no longer worked since all the blocks had been removed from the tray. A fun time was had by all!!!!! Another customers' husband boasted there was no puzzle he couldn't do...so she bought him a 25-block Civil War battle scene puzzle, individually hand wrapped each block and put them in his Christmas stocking. He had no idea what the puzzle looked like and since all six sides were battle scenes, it was extremely challenging to put back together.

15. Q:

How do you ship the puzzle?

A:

I generally ship the puzzles UPS or Federal Express. I don't rely on the US Post Office unless specifically requested because they don't have a tracking system . The puzzles usually range in weight from 6-9lbs when packaged. I try to ship on Mondays and Tuesdays so they don't sit in a warehouse over a weekend.  Shipping charges generally range from $ 15.00 to $ 20.00 for one puzzle. Shipments outside the US require additional S / H.

The Artists

Karen and Jack met at Auburn University in the fine art program in 1978, graduated and married in 1980. They worked together in advertising/marketing for about 12 years. Karen managed the studio that employed Jack's talent as a commercial artist. Leaving the Atlanta concrete jungle and hectic pace of advertising behind, they moved to the lush green landscape of a small rural Georgia community called Roscoe, outside Atlanta. Here, they reside on about 14 acres with 2 horses, 5 dogs, 3 cats and 1 peacock. Karen is an active volunteer for CORRAL, which is a therapeutic horseback riding program for the mentally and physically handicapped. She helped start the program in 1987 and also supports several animal rescue programs, like the Newnan Coweta Humane Society’s Shelter Rescue Program and the Georgia Equine Rescue League. Jack performs all the computer design work, and builds, paints, and "ages" the trays that hold the wooden block puzzles. He solved many of the technical problems of creating a durable, finished puzzle . He is currently painting a series of Native American subjects and also is the inventor of a patented "saucer shaped" aircraft design. Go to www.geobat.com to see his website. The invention was published in the April '97 issue of Popular Science. This design is so unique that three engineers from the Department of Defense traveled from Washington D.C. to Newnan GA to take a close up look at his flying invention. A Japanese university is now developing robotic aircraft based on his design. Toys are also being developed in Japan. The latest news is the develepment of a full-scale aircraft by a SouthWind Aviation located in Cartersvile GA.

Pricing Guide Personal Puzzles Copies of your photos are applied directly to the blocks. Lets start with a standard 8" x 10" personal puzzle using your own photographs: (The examples shown throughout this web site are all 8" x 10") 8" x 10"puzzle on a 2" block is $175.00 (20 blocks) 6" x 8" puzzle on a 2"block is $165.00 ( 12 blocks) 6" x 7 1/2" puzzle on a 1 1/2" block is $160.00 (20 blocks) 4 1/2" x 6" puzzle on a 1 1/2" block is $125.00 (12 blocks) Additional charges for collage sides are: $ 25.00 extra for each collage side Lamination of 8.5"x 11" solution print: $6.00 Other digital services: (see Q: & A: #1) General quotes will be e-mailed upon request. Final quotes e-mailed after I've received your images. kjpuzzles@mindspring.com  Standard Puzzles You supply your own prints or calanders. Your original print or calender images are "aged" and applied directly to the blocks. The size of your original art prints will dictate the size of the blocks and the finished puzzle. Prices range from: $85.00 for a 3” x 5"puzzle on a 1” block (15 blocks) to $185.00 for a 10”x 12” puzzle on a 2” block (30 blocks)   The most common sizes using calendars are: 8" x 10”on a 2" block $ 150.00 (20 blocks) 10” x 10” on a 2" block$ 175.00 ( 25 blocks) Other sizes available and priced accordingly. E-mail for a quote on custom features: kjpuzzles@mindspring.com

Ordering Instructions

1. Find six photos (these can be an assortment of sizes, from wallet size to 8" x 10", B/W or color). Photos will be copied and enlarged / reduced to appropriate size for puzzle ordered. Send signed release with copyrighted photos. 2. On a piece of paper, write the following: a. Name, address, phone number (daytime/nightime number as secondary contact only). b. Shipping address. c. Date needed (allow 4 to 8 weeks). (Christmas deadline around end of October for Christmas delivery.) d. E-mail address (VERY IMPORTANT) as this is my primary way of contacting you). e. Size of puzzle ordered. 3. Enclose photos and information in an envelope (use cardboard for protection) with payment. Group collage photos together in a seperate envelope. 4. Payment Methods: Check, Money Order, MasterCard, Visa (Include expiration date & signature). Don't forget shipping / handling!! (See Q: & A: # 15) Georgia residents add 7% sales tax. If additional shipping charges apply, an e-mail bill will be sent before shipping order. Additional shipping charges apply to orders shipped outside the US. 5. Send To:  Karen Jones  872 Jim Starr Rd.  Newnan, GA 30263  Phone: 770 251 1799

Please e-mail with any additional questions.

kjpuzzles@mindspring.com

Close up view of a 2 inch block

Finished 8x10 puzzles

Sample and Gift Idea Page