"Jeremy's Journey" Puzzle

[Scrolling Days]

I cut this puzzle for my son, Jeremy, for his upcoming 7th birthday. "Jeremy's Journey" has 254 pieces with 33 Figurals and 7 Picture Elements. It was cut from 1/4" Cherry plywood. I decided to give the puzzle an elongated octagon-shaped border for added interest and difficulty.



In the artist's painting, a ship sails through a forest, occupied and surrounded by inhabitants of fantasy, lore and simple children's fiction.

Standing atop the main mast, Jeremy waves his sword bravely, as he challenges any Snoots, Froogles or Grumpkins which might come his way.



The mighty ship may be held afloat by the magic of dream and story, but Buff the Magic Dragon has come along to blow some wind into it's great sails.



Nearby, a unicorn watches the happenings, while some Woodland Fairies discover that the vessel's anchor has been cast aside and left behind. There is, after all, no slowing the power of imagination!

[Scrolling Days]

With the strong Fall colors in the painting, I was not surprised to find many Autumnal Leaf Figurals blow into the puzzle. There are exactly seven of them, each representing one year of Jeremy's age.





We often call my son "Monkey," so several primates have come swinging into the puzzle as well, including this ape hanging off the aft sail support. Jeremy's monogram is embossed upon the ship's stern.

His endless youthful energy and play has even drawn Peter Pan to come pay a visit. Who says everyone has to grow up?



In a nearby tree, Jeremy has climbed up high and carved a heart into it's bark. Each time he assembles the puzzle, only he will know the name of the person it is meant for. As with all boys, the name will probably change countless times as he grows through the years!

[Scrolling Days]

Some gulls circle the Crow's Nest, high up in the air, while it's inhabitants try to see what lies ahead.





A young Huck Finn Figural sees no reason why he shouldn't try catching some fish. This is a boat after all!




The only thing biting, however, might be that wolf Figural!

[Scrolling Days]

Here, a man of magical ability tries to conjure up something really good....



....How about a flying horse?!



A frequent visitor in many of my puzzles is Trevor the Turtle. This little guy always finds himself in the darnest places! I hope he's careful on that rope!



And speaking of being careful, these mice had better watch out! That cat looks very interested in them as they work on climbing that ladder!

[Scrolling Days]

Here, Excaliber has been driven deeply into this rock. Only a person of great strength and purity can pull it from it's imprisonment and use it to lead nations. A sprite Figural has flown into the puzzle and can be seen guarding it from individuals of less well-meaning intent.



This shows some of the placement of other Figurals and Picture Elements.



One of the great things about Figurals is seeing how they will occassionally pick up color variances from the underlying painting to add to their definition, sometimes in very interesting ways. I love how the texture of the leaves work for creating a unique coat of hair for this unicorn, and how the dark wood of the ship's rudder colors it's tail.



Thanks for looking! Clear sailing ahead!

[Arcy]

Hi Shawn,

Looks lovely from a quick scan, but I'm not going to look at what you did very closely yet, even though I always love the stories you tell with your figurals. I have this same picture ready to paste up and I am looking forward to seeing how different my version is from yours.

--Rob

[KtownScroller]

Your the man Shawn! Very nice.

[HuckD]

Wow - that's amazing!
Huck

[sawdustus]

Happy birthday Jeremy. Your dad made you an amazing puzzle.

george

[Scrolling Days]

Thanks, guys!

Sorry for the flood of pictures. It didn't seem like that much when I was typing the thread last night at 1 AM.

Hi Shawn,

Looks lovely from a quick scan, but I'm not going to look at what you did very closely yet, even though I always love the stories you tell with your figurals. I have this same picture ready to paste up and I am looking forward to seeing how different my version is from yours.

--Rob

I look forward to seeing yours, Rob! I'm sure it will be great!

[Wood Dog]

Sweeeeeet cut.....must be something in that hat you wear, it sure keeps your brain very sharp.
Happy Birthday to Jeremy.....ah to be 7 again! Love the story line included, thanks for posting pictures.

[jim_mex]

Happy Birthday Jeremy!

Hi Shawn - You're a natural storyteller and the way you weave them around your great puzzles is delightful. There can't be too many pictures for me pal.

I hope you spend many puzzling hours together with Jeremy working on this superb present

Cheers pal!

[wood-n-things]

Really well done and I too enjoy your stories. Happy Birthday Jeremy!

[Firedkm]

Shawn you just amaze me with your talent to "see" these figurals ahead of time. Awesome looking puzzle and I am sure Jeremy will Love it!

[Okie_Arkie_Wood_Cutter]

It is real treat to get to see one of your puzzes. You done did good, as we say in the hill country.