I 'yoinked' this puzzle off the thrift store shelf as soon I noticed that the pieces were made of 'thick, easy-to-handle wood-like pieces made of upson laminated wood fibre board' because one of the few things I know about vintage puzzles is that really old puzzle's pieces were commonly made of wood - and for $1.49 how could I go wrong?
This puzzle has 'over 350 Triple-Thick Interlocking Pieces' and is made by Tuco Deluxe. The subject is "Suspense - Painting by Clair V. Fry".
A bit of research suggests that this puzzle was made after 1957 as that is when the painting was completed according to this site. Tuco has an interesting history according to this site...
"Tuco was a subsidiary of The Upson Company which originally produced
3/16” wallboard for home construction. During the Depression when the
home construction industry plummeted, The Upson Co. came up with the
idea of producing cheap picture puzzles using the unused pieces of
wallboard. The newly formed Tuco brand sold its puzzles for 69 cents at a time
when its competitors were selling their products for over $3. Tuco’s
extra thick picture puzzles proved extremely popular and by 1933 the
company was shipping over 50,000 puzzles every day. It is said that the
company survived the Depression period by cutting and marketing picture
puzzles."
The owner of this site is super helpful, in case you have troubles identifying your Tuco puzzle!
This puzzle was a pure joy to put together. Even at 350 pieces, this puzzle was engaging and challenging to put together - as not all of the pieces are classical interlocking. The photo is beautiful as well. I also really loved how thick the pieces were. I will definatly be snatching up any other Tuco puzzles I find.
Details: Springbok 'Wish You Were Here' postcard themed 500 piece puzzle. PZL4168
Difficulty: Easy
Done: 6 Feb 2014
Cost: $1.99
Obtained: Thrift Store
Missing Pieces: None - but there were three extra pieces in the box.
Size: 18 x 23 1/2
I love when puzzles overlap with my other holidays. Check out my postcrossing profile here.
Details: White Mount Puzzles Item #268 Farm Stand. There is bits of informational writing about the various fruits and such.
Difficulty: Easy
Done: 8 Feb 2014
Cost: #3.99
Obtained: Thrift Store
Missing Pieces: None
Size: 24x30 inches (Almost didn't fit on my puzzle table!)
Six Geisha Girls - All stitched with a three inch embroidery hoop and left over floss ends. Not sure what I will do with them. Want the pattern?
Details: Sun's Out, 500 piece puzzle, "Northern Lights" by Graeme Stevenson
Difficulty: Easy, but super enjoyable.
Done: 5 Feb 2014
Cost: $3.00 (brand new)
Obtained: Thrift store
Missing Pieces: no
Size: 19x19 round
I've been eyeing this pattern since it first came out in JUNE 2009! Well, I finally stitched this up while marathon-ing the really horrible tv show 'Suits'. I did it in various shades of brown except for three light blue stitches between the eyes, and of course the yellow pupil. I have plans of doing a whole wall of owls in my study (ie. above my desk) - get it? Owls in the study? Smartie pants!
There are two major reasons I've been embroidery more lately.
1. I figured out how to transfer patterns. For years I've avoided embroidery because I couldn't figure out an easy, cheap, no special equipment way to transfer patterns. I use tissue paper! I trace the pattern onto tissue paper (tracing paper). Then the pattern is tacked down with spare thread to the fabric. Simply stitch through the tissue paper and follow the easy to see lines! When the pattern is done, remove the tacking thread and gently pull the tissue paper away from the design. This takes a while, especially on a pattern like this owl but it's not hard. Voila!
2. I gave up trying to learn the french knot and now use the colonial knot! Super easy!
Here is the link if you want to stitch up your own! Link
Details: Bits and Pieces, 500 pieces, Chocolate Dreams - No. 48127
Difficulty: Easy
Done: 3 Feb 2014
Cost: $1.99
Obtained: Thrift Store
Missing Pieces: None
Size: 41 x 51 cm
A pleasant fun puzzle.
