"It Takes A Village" Jigsaw Puzzle

[Scrolling Days]

"It Takes A Village" is a puzzle I made for a local school, and it will be auctioned off this weekend at a Gift Gala. The name of the puzzle is reflective of the theme of the gala, and of the school motto itself, in that it takes the support of a community, to raise a child.

Technically, this is one of the more complex puzzles I've cut, as it utilizes my multilayered concept and has 4 individual levels, giving the scene a nice sense of depth. The puzzle was cut exclusively from premium formaldehyde-free PureBond mahagony plywood, and has 191 pieces. It is 11" by 14" and is fully interlocking.

The artwork is all of my own, and as such I had considered entering it into the design contest, but I finished it considerably past the deadline, so maybe I'll submit it next year! I drew the scene in colored pencil, in an attempt to give the picture an "elementary school" look.

[Scrolling Days]

Here, you can see an example of all four layers......there is the background layer, the heart is a little higher, then there is a tree higher than that, and another tree even higher. Similarly, the school goes two layers (the bell tower, and then the main building) higher than the heart, making four levels total.



The photos don't show it off too well, but in real life, I think it looks really neat.






All of the letters are elevated to make them "pop" and each of the buildings have elevated embellishments to make them more fun and interesting.

In this picture, you can also see one of the several butterfly "elevated figurals" which have decided to flutter into my puzzle.






Here's the bank where people attending the gala can borrow money to "win" this puzzle!







Here, you can see some more fun little features, where I have elevated some of the "Picture Elements" such as the birdhouse and the bunny, to make them appear in front of the floral fence. All feathered and furry creatures are welcome in this village!

[Scrolling Days]

And what village worth it's salt doesn't have a neat little toy shop in it?

Can you spot my "Buff the Magic Dragon" piece?







There he is! It looks like he is leaving the bakery. He must really like the scones!







All of the buildings and trees within the puzzle are interlocking puzzles themselves. Here are a few of them.






.......where ever I felt a locking tab was necessary (including on each of the letters so they could only fit in one possible place), I was sure to design the piece so that the tab was on the bottom layer only, and would "hide" within the background puzzle when assembled.







So that's it, folks! Wish the auction well, and thanks for visiting my little village!

[wood-n-things]

You have become one of the masters..Thanks for sharing.

[Plaquerd]

Shawn
Another home run! This is what community is all about, I hope the auction goes well. You should be very proud.

[Carter-Johnson]

Beautiful and intricate. I sure would be curious as to what it will bring at auction, although the bidders might not represent the kind of demand this would generate in the knowledgeable population.

Great achievement, Shawn. Did you family put it together?

Carter

[kerfline]

Shawn, That's amazing! You are a true master...AWESOME job! I wish you the best at the auction.

Wow!

[avapilot]

masterful!....i love it....and more important, the art work is original.....your puzzle them is spot on.......love the drawing to mimic a child's picture....the multi layer effect is great......pretty soon you will be doing calendars...LOL......

great job and good luck at the auction

bob

[cpowell]

A true artist if ever I saw one. Magnificent job! Thanks for posting this, you raise the bar for all of us.

[theframer]

OUTRAGEOUS

Hi Shawn,

You are most generous to donate this incredable work of art to your community. I do hope the folks in your area can equate this puzzle with the word... PRICELESS.

Best wishes at the auction. BE WELL.

[Scrolling Days]

Thanks so much, everyone!

........Great achievement, Shawn. Did your family put it together?

Carter

Two times already, Carter! It needs to be assembled for display at the auction, and I had forgotten to count the pieces. We had to take it apart, so I could count, and then put her back together again......twice the phun!

[vgraf]

Shawn,
An amazing piece of art. Thanks for sharing.

[LarryS]

The puzzle is Great.
Words just can't describe really how great that looks

Super job

[barny35]

FANTASTIC
You bring jigsaw puzzle making to a whole new and interesting level .

[sawdustus]

Shawn, you have outdone yourself and you generosity is truly amazing. Thanks for sharing your talents with us.

george