Handmade Jigsaw Puzzle Art
Meet the maker
Holyoke Puzzles grew out of Barbara Bitgood’s hobby of crafting unique hardwood jigsaw puzzles for friends and family. As requests for puzzles started to come in, Barbara decided to turn her pastime into a business in 2013. She created Holyoke Puzzles to share her custom designed, hand crafted puzzle art with a wider audience. Barbara designs, hand cuts and finishes each original wooden jigsaw puzzle in her home workshop in Massachusetts.
Specializing in designs that stand up as sculptural works of art when assembled, she begins by drawing a pattern. Whether an animal, mythical beast, machine, building or landscape scene, Barbara carefully selects hardwoods that will enhance the design and give it texture and presence. Maple, oak, walnut, shedua, padauk, poplar and leopardwood are just some of the materials that she works with. Barbara then cuts the puzzle on a scroll saw and individually sands each piece. Puzzles receive a non-toxic finish and whimsical touches, including crystal eyes and wire antennae. The challenge of working with new designs and materials keeps the creative process forever fresh and exciting. Holyoke Puzzles’ product line includes simple child-friendly designs, puzzles to challenge adults, wedding guest book puzzles, event commemorations, and educational geographic puzzles. Barbara carefully sources her wood from reputable suppliers to ensure that it is sustainably harvested. She prefers vegetable-based SafeCoat oil and mineral oil, ensuring that each puzzle has a beautiful, non-toxic finish to last for many years. Holyoke Puzzles products can be purchased on our online store. |
What sets Holyoke Puzzles apart?★ Original designs. Each pattern was created by Barbara and can’t be found anywhere else.
★ Each puzzle is hand cut. ★ Every piece is individually sanded on all sides for a finish that is pleasing to the touch. ★ Made of quality hardwoods so they will last for years with heavy use. ★ Finished with non-toxic materials. ★ Sustainably sourced wood. Barbara cares about the world that we will leave for our children, so she only purchases wood from suppliers who meet U.S. Department of Agriculture standards for sustainable forestry and importation practices. ★ Creative use of unusual materials such as crystal and jewelry wire to add spark and whimsy. ★ 100% commitment to making YOU happy! |
