9 small puzzles = 1 very long essay + 3 digressions; a review of the nine taster puzzles that StumpCraft released in 2023. (about 7600 words; 25 pictures)
Thanks, I've been waiting to learn more about the StumpCraft puzzles. Of the nine minis, I believe I like "Larch Valley" best. The aluminum canisters are pretty cool, and I bet each of those would make a nice Christmas gift for a youngster (or oldster). The approximate number (70) of pieces per mini seems very good to me. By the way, I get a kick out of the term "flights" being used for a batch of small sampling-sized puzzles, à la samples in a brewpub.
The concept of whimwhams is impressive, though I'm not sure I'd have the patience to properly appreciate actually assembling puzzles that include them.
I'm not surprised that StumpCraft had to make use of more-or-less standard-sized aluminum canisters and wasn't able to save you 2 cm. of storage space per mini. I've run into similar situations myself with a number of things I wished I could store in exactly perfect-sized containers. I know your concern isn't frivolous because I know you have many fine hobbies, and they all compete for space in your apartment.
Your comparison of MDF vs. plywood persuades me to cast my vote for plywood, though I can understand that there are pros and cons for both of those materials.
I'm glad you stuck with it in your photographic efforts to provide us with an illustration of what you've called the 3D effect. Thanks particularly for that.
The StumpCraft figural pieces do look especially good.
Will you be taking a mini-puzzle with you on your next airplane flight?
Re: the Liberty Puzzles part of your review, I really like the picture displayed for "How the West Was One," and the bison skull among its whimsies.
Thanks Bill! Incredibly thorough and well written as usual. :)
If there's an overarching design theme to our 2023 releases, it's definitely the whimwham (or alternate solution). I've played around with this idea in smaller forms for a few years as far back as our Malediction Puzzle (it contains a secret Frankenstein). Bursting Blooms contains flower bouquets and vases, and Badlands to the Bone contains a secret ammonite.
The intent behind these designs was to add an additional element of exploration to the puzzle solving. We're also deliberately pushing the artistic edges of the puzzle medium too. The discovery of these alternates by solvers in the past was often accidental, as many folks don't read our Deep Dives where I outline some of the behind-the-scenes designer notes.
I totally understand that some (perhaps even many) people won't find or solve for the alternates. They do add an extra layer of difficulty because of the appearance of "false fits". These metaphorically highlight the fact that often there is more to life than what appears at first blush.
Perhaps in 2024, I'll explore the simpler side of puzzle design. 🙂
Oct 25, 2023·edited Oct 25, 2023Liked by Bill Huot
Fantastic write up and an enjoyable read as always! And to answer your question about who designs for Liberty, as far as I know, they have only one designer -- Lynon Aksamit. He was there during the AGPI factory tour in 2019, and was neat to see a bit of his methods, especially using a grid to show scale! On a computer screen you can often zoom in to 25000% percent, which makes it hard to tell if your puzzle piece drawings are too tiny to work. Seeing Lynon use a grid helped me to tackle that problem in my own puzzle cut designs.
"We are the Lotus Kids" was my first "research" purchase for my puzzle business, and I chose it for exactly the reasons that you list -- the beautiful and flowing puzzle cut designs, and the bright and colorful art work.
P.S. thank you for the cat Christmas song! My response email may have gone to your spam, but I love it!
Dear Bill,
Thanks, I've been waiting to learn more about the StumpCraft puzzles. Of the nine minis, I believe I like "Larch Valley" best. The aluminum canisters are pretty cool, and I bet each of those would make a nice Christmas gift for a youngster (or oldster). The approximate number (70) of pieces per mini seems very good to me. By the way, I get a kick out of the term "flights" being used for a batch of small sampling-sized puzzles, à la samples in a brewpub.
The concept of whimwhams is impressive, though I'm not sure I'd have the patience to properly appreciate actually assembling puzzles that include them.
I'm not surprised that StumpCraft had to make use of more-or-less standard-sized aluminum canisters and wasn't able to save you 2 cm. of storage space per mini. I've run into similar situations myself with a number of things I wished I could store in exactly perfect-sized containers. I know your concern isn't frivolous because I know you have many fine hobbies, and they all compete for space in your apartment.
Your comparison of MDF vs. plywood persuades me to cast my vote for plywood, though I can understand that there are pros and cons for both of those materials.
I'm glad you stuck with it in your photographic efforts to provide us with an illustration of what you've called the 3D effect. Thanks particularly for that.
The StumpCraft figural pieces do look especially good.
Will you be taking a mini-puzzle with you on your next airplane flight?
Re: the Liberty Puzzles part of your review, I really like the picture displayed for "How the West Was One," and the bison skull among its whimsies.
I never mind your digressions, Bill.
Thanks for today's posting.
Thanks Bill! Incredibly thorough and well written as usual. :)
If there's an overarching design theme to our 2023 releases, it's definitely the whimwham (or alternate solution). I've played around with this idea in smaller forms for a few years as far back as our Malediction Puzzle (it contains a secret Frankenstein). Bursting Blooms contains flower bouquets and vases, and Badlands to the Bone contains a secret ammonite.
The intent behind these designs was to add an additional element of exploration to the puzzle solving. We're also deliberately pushing the artistic edges of the puzzle medium too. The discovery of these alternates by solvers in the past was often accidental, as many folks don't read our Deep Dives where I outline some of the behind-the-scenes designer notes.
I totally understand that some (perhaps even many) people won't find or solve for the alternates. They do add an extra layer of difficulty because of the appearance of "false fits". These metaphorically highlight the fact that often there is more to life than what appears at first blush.
Perhaps in 2024, I'll explore the simpler side of puzzle design. 🙂
Fantastic write up and an enjoyable read as always! And to answer your question about who designs for Liberty, as far as I know, they have only one designer -- Lynon Aksamit. He was there during the AGPI factory tour in 2019, and was neat to see a bit of his methods, especially using a grid to show scale! On a computer screen you can often zoom in to 25000% percent, which makes it hard to tell if your puzzle piece drawings are too tiny to work. Seeing Lynon use a grid helped me to tackle that problem in my own puzzle cut designs.
"We are the Lotus Kids" was my first "research" purchase for my puzzle business, and I chose it for exactly the reasons that you list -- the beautiful and flowing puzzle cut designs, and the bright and colorful art work.
P.S. thank you for the cat Christmas song! My response email may have gone to your spam, but I love it!