Steve’s mom made a nativity puzzle just like this years and years ago and it has become a favorite holiday decoration for the grandchildren. When my sister-in-law mentioned last year that she wanted the puzzle – I immediately knew I wanted to re-create it for their family this year when the family gift giving rotation had us giving to them (we won’t give to them for another 8 years!)
This gift has been on my mind most the year. I figured I’d purchase a scroll saw sometime this year which would make this puzzle a breeze. But I didn’t buy one. So I looked to use someone else’s. I couldn’t find anyone. The other problem was trying to find the pattern. The original pattern was out of print and try as I may, I couldn’t find it. By October, I was starting to think of new ideas for gifts. But I couldn’t let this great gift idea go.
In November, I found a laser cutting facility in the area, Phoenix Custom Lasering. They were great to work with and totally affordable. I took a picture of the puzzle and created a pattern from it using Illustrator and they cut it up for me – I figured if I was going to the trouble I might as well make two so we could enjoy one.
I’ve never tole painted so it was a little daunting. But I painted and painted…and painted some more.
For three whole weeks our kitchen table looked like this:
There was sheer panic when my sister-in-law was stopping by and this is how the table looked. We threw it all in a box and put it in the back room!
I finished it with 18 hours to spare! Painting it wasn’t necessarily difficult – just very detailed and time consuming. If I never tole paint again…it will be okay!
Like the Lego costumes of Halloween…the puzzle was a lot of work that I won’t do again – but still totally worth it.
That is darling! Would you be willing to share your pattern?
you are AMAZING!
I love all your posts and projects! I second please share your pattern!
amschafer.blogspot.com
You did a fantastic job wiht the puzzle. What a treasure of a gift!
Would love to buy that nativity puzzle if you ever decide to do another! Amazing!
I'm going to have to let time cloud my memory before I embark on such a journey again!!
I'm amazed that you made these. My husband's uncles made like 30 of these for all the grandkids about 5 years ago at Christmas. They're almost identical to yours (I think your's are painted cuter).
You've got to be kidding, 30 of them?? I thought painting two was going to kill me. I've never known anyone else to have this puzzle, it's a small world!
I made one of these years ago and really want to do it for my kids to have in their homes. I borrowed the pattern and have been searching for it. I know it is Tole Temptations Pattern # 40-45439 by Nancy Farrow from Provo Craft Publications but can’t find any place to buy it. Help!!! Can I buy a copy of yours? Where did you get it? Anything will help.
Finding the pattern seemed impossible and I searched high and low. I ended up taking my mother-in-laws puzzle and making a pattern from it. I used that pattern to cut the wood as well as paint each individual piece. Not sure that helps you or not!
I love this puzzle and have one that my mom bought over 30 years ago! We are missing the piece in the upper right hand corner. By any chance would you be able to make that one piece as a replacement that I could buy? Thank you!
I wish I could. I’ve seen so many renditions of this puzzle over the years, in so many different sizes. Your best bet would probably be to contact someone locally who can measure off your exact puzzle. Good luck!