Puzzling Preliminaries

Assembling a jigsaw puzzle might appear to be a straightforward activity – open the box, dump the pieces, and begin. However, optimizing the process can significantly enhance your enjoyment and lead to a more satisfying outcome. Strategic planning, from puzzle selection to workspace setup, can transform a casual pastime into an enriching experience.

Preparing for a Smoother Puzzling Experience

Choose Your Puzzle Wisely

The puzzle you select is the cornerstone of your enjoyment. Consider the following:

• Size: Critically assess whether your chosen workspace is large enough to accommodate the full size of the completed puzzle. This includes not just the puzzle itself, but also ample space around it for sorting and manipulating pieces. Most puzzle boxes will indicate the finished dimensions. For instance, a 1000-piece puzzle typically measures around 20" x 27", requiring a workspace of at least 3 to 5 feet to lay out pieces comfortably.

• Number of Pieces: Be honest about your skill level. Beginners should stick to 500 to 1,000-piece puzzles to build proficiency. Attempting a 2,000 to 3,000-piece puzzle prematurely can lead to frustration and abandonment.

• Quality of Construction: Remember the adage, "you get what you pay for." Cheap puzzles often come with compromises: pale colors, thin pieces, a poor fit where pieces don't interlock snugly, pieces that aren't fully cut, or low-quality illustrations. Investing in a better-quality puzzle can significantly improve the assembly experience.

• Quality and Subject of the Image: The visual attributes of the image profoundly impact difficulty and enjoyment. A fuzzy image that has barely visible lines or has large areas of similar, monochromatic colors will be significantly harder to piece together due to the lack of distinct visual cues. Choose an image that is clear, vibrant, and visually engaging to make the process more enjoyable.

Have an End Plan

Before you even begin assembling, decide what you intend to do with the puzzle once it's finished.

• Disassembly: If the puzzle is to be disassembled and returned to its box, less pre-planning is needed.

• Gluing and Framing: If your goal is to glue and mount the puzzle for display, you should learn about the gluing process before you start. Gluing can be messy, so pick your work surface accordingly. It is highly recommended to assemble the puzzle on a piece of cardboard that is 2 or more inches larger than the finished puzzle size on all sides. This facilitates the crucial step of flipping the puzzle over for gluing, saving significant effort later on.

Choose Your Workspace Carefully:

The right workspace is paramount for a smooth puzzling experience.

• Undisturbed Area: Select an area that will not be in the way of daily routines and will remain undisturbed. A low-traffic area or a dedicated flat surface is ideal.

• Portability for Shared Spaces: If using a multi-functional surface like a dining room table, invest in a puzzle mat, a large piece of sturdy cardboard, or another portable surface. These allow you to move the puzzle safely when the table is needed for other activities. You can even find specialized puzzle mats that roll up to keep the puzzle intact or portable cases that include both a work surface and sorting trays.

• Size and Organization: Ensure your workspace is large enough to accommodate the full size of the jigsaw puzzle, plus additional space to organize loose pieces as you progress. If space is limited, sorting trays or containers are invaluable for keeping pieces organized and preventing them from getting misplaced. Remember, puzzle pieces can be "sneaky little devils" and easily disappear.

• Surface Material: For optimal piece manipulation, consider assembling on a vinyl surface. This material reduces friction, allowing pieces to slide more easily and faster, which is why it's often the surface of choice in puzzle competitions.

Final Thoughts

Preparation will make the assembly progress much smoother.