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A jigsaw puzzle is a tiling puzzle that requires the assembly of numerous small, often oddly shaped, interlocking pieces. Each piece has a small part of a picture on it; that when completed, produces a complete picture.
Popularity
Jigsaws have been and remain so today, one of the worlds most popularly undertaken home pastime puzzles, A non competitive activity of equal interest to both male and female, that can be pursued alone or in pairs.
Location
Jigsaws are best done at home, where they can be completed leisurely over an unspecified time. Jigsaw solving is an activity that can be pursued while having a friendly conversation, an activity that often becomes the centre of the conversation.
Age
Jigsaws can be found to satisfy people of any age or ability. Children's jigsaw puzzles come in a great variety of sizes, rated by the number of pieces and ease of recognition and assembly. (one of the first learning toys a baby is given).
Ability
Jigsaw solving is an activity needing concentration, re-cognitional skills and patience, but there is a range of jigsaws that will satisfy, suit and develop all abilities of these skills.
Description
Many puzzles are termed fully interlocking. This normally means that adjacent pieces are connecting on all four sides, with the exception of the edge pieces that have one side that is either straight or smoothly curved to create the overall boarder shape. Some jigsaws include individual recognisable shaped pieces within the puzzle (wimsey's) to increase interest. Any kind of picture can be used to make a jigsaw; some commercial companies offer to turn a personal photograph into a puzzle.
Dedication
Jigsaw puzzles were originally created by cutting into pieces with a jigsaw, (hence the name).a painted wooden backed picture. Most modern jigsaw puzzles are made out of cardboard, since they are easier and cheaper to mass produce.
Potential
Jigsaw solving is an activity of patience and recognition, often frustrating, but very satisfying when that final piece is put into place. A very dangerous activity as a completed jigsaw often leads to the attempt at an ever more challenging puzzle.
Closely
Related Activities
There are many types of puzzle that closely resemble picture jigsaws. Picture jigsaws are a puzzle of patience and recognition, where as other puzzles, (even when resembling a jigsaw, without any picture), are a puzzle of patience and deduction.
Cost
Modern mass produced jigsaws can cost (depending on the number of pieces) in cardboard from around £5, in wood from around £12. Where as the equivalent hand crafted version can cost up to a £100. There are many jigsaw libraries where jigsaws can be borrowed for nothing, (often part of the library service).
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
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Legs
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Sight
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Hearing
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Speech |
Learning |
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