Packaging Finished Puzzles

[Arcy]

Fantastic presentation. The thought that goes into it really helps elevate the work and should set the receivers expectations that they're opening up a piece of art.

--Rob

[wood-n-things]

I make my own boxes and cover them (inside and out) with colored, textured cardstock paper.

What do you make your boxes out of Shawn.

Your presentation would make any one proud to be a recipient of you puzzles. Nice added touch making your friends feel that special.

[Scrolling Days]

Hi, Mike. Actually, looking at that post of mine in quotes, I think it was a little misleading. I did a lot of trial and error, and actually did make my own boxes from scratch (out of firm foamboard). That kind of became really time consuming, and I'd rather be making puzzles than making boxes. I really wanted something which was strong/rigid/not collapsable. I searched online for a lot of box manufacturers, but it is really expensive buying empty rigid boxes of the type I wanted (without having to commit to, say, 1000 of them).

I still make some of my own from scratch, especially if I need one which is a hard size to find, but what I usually do now is (if I can find them) buy empty gift boxes when I see them in the store. I then wrap them up in the cardstock paper and glue them up. It get's a little tricky, and the cardstock is expensive, and it takes a bit of time, but I think it's worth it in the end. I usually make a few up at a time, maybe on a rainy day, or if nothing else is going on.

By the way, Mike, when are we going to get to see your next puzzling creation? Are you still experimenting with monkeys and Mod Podge?

[wood-n-things]

Shawn,
I wasn't intending to put you on the spot so to speak...(smile) but thanks for the feedback. I'm continually looking in my little town for gift box ideas, and like you don't want to take the time of making boxes, even though I could jig up and do them I don't enjoy mass production.

By the way, Mike, when are we going to get to see your next puzzling creation? Are you still experimenting with monkeys and Mod Podge?

Thank you for asking. I have done a couple more, (not monkeys lol) but forgot to take pictures of them...They were gifted to a couple of places in town for kids to have some fun. I did use MP and will continue to do so.

I am in the process of getting back out to the shop and have 3 puzzles (names thanks for the idea Rick {trekinator I think is his right handle}) for my grand daughters in the works. I'll post pics soon of those and my WIP on my froggie...yep I have him started but not a clue what I'm doing--- with the eyes especially.

I still am dealing with some issues with the concentration and safety so I'm feeling a little down in the mouth about lack of sawdust time..However my wife and I are working on landscaping our new home, and I am getting some satisfaction out of that. Not the same as woodworking but all in all it has it's rewards.

I apologize..... mini pity party....I'm better now...LOL

I so enjoy seeing your work ( and others of course) keep sharing your talent.

[Scrolling Days]

I know what you mean in regard to the landscaping. We just ordered 6 yds of mulch a few days ago and have been busy hauling that around. I'm putting in a new shade garden in the back and building it up from scratch, so that's taking a lot of the mulch.

The kids were excited when the dump truck came and that day began building a "fort" out of the mulch pile (kind of like what we used to do with snow piles). I've been scalloping mulch from the sides and currently their "walls" are about 3-4 feet high but getting pretty thin. I'm figuring the next stiff breeze (or next shovelful) will get it to collapse, then I'll have a couple grumps on my hands.

[wood-n-things]

Dang Shawn...That's more work than a person should have to do in a season let alone a weekend.....LOL

[JohnB]

G'day Shawn, Ripper presentation for a bonzer puzzle.
The three P's of Marketing Presentation, Position, Price> In our line I feel that quality is much more important than price, so you have 2 of the 3 covered.

[jigsue]

Hi Shawn

I just love it, although as Johns says you have not considered price (time is money when you are trying to sell things). As you are giving them away as gifts, they have just got to be extra special, I agree.

I collect boxes at work. When things are delivered, I make it known that I want the box. I keep them under the stairs and can usually find one to fit any given ptoject.

My grandchildren get their jigsaws in drawstring bags. I buy pieces of fabric here, there and everywhere, so than I can use the apposite patter (as you did). Our toy cupboard has hooks on the back of the door to hang jigsaw bags.

Keep up the good work.

Sue

[Scrolling Days]

Thanks, John and Sue!
Sue, I love your drawstring idea, and having special hooks for them even more. That's a really original idea and your kids must love them. Thanks for sharing!

[trekinator]

Hey Shawn...
Want I really want to know is this.....

How do I get on your Christmas List?????

That is so excellent I am at a loss for words.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful info you do such a great job.

Rick