name puzzle

[reads2kids]

A friend has asked me to make a name puzzle for her daughter, and I have a few questions for those of you that make these.

I would like to use a font that looks like proper handwriting (normal a and g). The fonts that I have preloaded aren't quite right. What font should I use and where can I download it safely?

Also, what wood should I use? I was planning on using 1/4" Baltic birch, because I have some. One piece for the backer and one for the top/letters. I would use craft paint for the letters and then a clear coat spray over the works.

As far as size. I thought about 6" tall and as long as needed for the name. Does that sound right?

I'm a little concerned because the name has an "i" in it, and I don't want it to be a choking hazard. I will tell her that if the child is playing with it, she should be supervised or to use it as decoration until she is old enough not to mouth it.

Is there anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks, Patty

[wood-n-things]

When you cut it out leave the dot above the I attached to the frame area...or glue it in place..or make them all capital letters for young ones..
6" high letters are pretty big but if that is what you want to do go for it..I assume you are making a tray style puzzle?

I'd go to this site and download hobo I like it for signs.

Quick Font Search: Hobo Ex Medium

if you use acrylic paint no need to clear coat it after it dries..

Hope that helps

[wood-n-things]

That site is a pay for font site..sorry I'll get you a link for a free site..

[reads2kids]

Yes, this would be a tray puzzle. The 6" would be the overall height of the tray, with the letters probably around 4". What size would you recommend?
Patty

[wood-n-things]

That would work out fine...perhaps incorporate some figures, like a boat or a kite or whatever..just to jazz it up a little and perhaps do a number of their address so she will know the numbers to where she lives...

Have you done a tray puzzle before?

[reads2kids]

No, I haven't made one before. I've done a lot of the standup puzzles but that's it for puzzles. I thought about adding some basic shapes, to jazz it up a bit.

[wood-n-things]

Place your 2 pieces of bb together and cut them so they match in size.

Sand them to a good finish.
wipe clear all dust.
lay out your pattern for the name/numbers etc.
cut around the perimeter leaving about 1-2 inch border it can be irregular.
Now take the top piece you just cut around and glue it to the backer board and weigh it down,.

While it is curing go ahead and cut out your puzzle pieces.

then when you are all done it will fit perfectly.
I like a #3 blade for tray puzzles. If I know It is for a young person I will use a #5 0r #7 for a thicker kerf...

You can remove the pattern like always...

Hope this helps and we would like to se some pics.

Like this..

Monkey Jigsaw Puzzle - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Photo Gallery

[wood-n-things]

Be sure to sign inside and date it...leave you www. addy or contact information other parents will see it..

Hope that helps..

I might just add. I have had really good success with covering pictures with Mod Podge. It wipes off real well after sticky fingers have played with it...

[Chris "The Wood Artist"]

A good free font site that isn't all fonts though has them is: www.dafont.com

[wood-n-things]

That's the one..Thanks Chris..