Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces Through the Years

Jigsaw puzzles generally were considered a typical rainy-day project, but now are a beloved activity for the entire family. Jigsaw puzzles have evolved through the years from their early start as paintings on wood, to the digitally-created puzzles printed from your home printer using your favorite picture. Jigsaw puzzles are not just a pastime; they can serve as educational tools and assist in your mental health and wellbeing.

The evolution of the jigsaw puzzle pieces

Early jigsaw puzzles were created by painting an image on wood and then the wood was cut into pieces with a jigsaw. Consequently, the cut image was dubbed the "jigsaw puzzle." It is said that jigsaw puzzles were first marketed by a mapmaker from England. Modern jigsaw puzzle pieces are now primarily crafted from cardboard. However, advances in technology have directly impacted the look of the modern jigsaw puzzle.

Jigsaw puzzles of today

The modern jigsaw puzzle are crafted out of wood, cardboard, paper, pictures and building blocks. Walk though a children's bookstore and you can find a vast array of interesting puzzles which have evolved from the earliest jigsaw puzzles. Look for three-dimensional puzzles to piece together the London Bridge, the Empire State Building or the Washington Monument. You can even create a customized jigsaw puzzle with your own photo or message.

How the jigsaw pieces are actually crafted

Jigsaw puzzles are mass-produced, with machines cutting the pieces. Although many puzzles may have different themes, puzzles from the same manufacturer have the similarly-shaped pieces. Technology has offered different ways to process puzzles using water-jets and lasers, but some argue that these processing techniques have some undesirable side effects which make the pieces fit together too loosely.

The benefits of jigsaw puzzles

Aside from the great social and entertainment aspects of jigsaw puzzles, jigsaw puzzles may have certain educational and health benefits. Young children naturally love wooden puzzles that teach them the alphabet, shapes, colors, numbers and about their environment. Studies have shown that jigsaw puzzles increase the brain's ability to learn, remember, comprehend and encourage the brain to move into an active state. Jigsaw puzzles allow for a natural, focused state and may induce meditation and relieve stress, anxiety and bring about a sense of calm.

Although the jigsaw puzzle has advanced with technology through the years, the benefits remain the same. Jigsaw puzzles are a form of educational entertainment for all ages, infancy through advanced age, bringing the entire family together.