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What do you do when you have yet to complete your jigsaw puzzle, but you find yourself in a pickle,   temporarily needing the space of your dining room table? You don't want to undo all of your hard puzzle work, so storing the partially-finished puzzle becomes a necessity. But where, and how? With limited space, it's time to get creative.

First, place your puzzle on a sturdy base. Here are some ideas:
• Puzzle mats (you can buy 12x12 sized pieces at any super store)
• Foam core (20" x 30" single pieces available at Staples and other office and craft stores)
• A large, low-walled box (such as the type that cases of soda can be purchased in)

Something to cover and protect your puzzle is necessary, so it does not get damaged or grimy. Any of the above can also be placed over your puzzle to protect it. As long as your puzzle is resting in a space safe from activity or potential harm, you could instead use a large piece of heavy paper or kraft paper weighted on the edges, a folded sheet or towel, or a section of an old yoga mat large enough to cover the puzzle.

Places to temporarily store your puzzle
Some flat, larger spaces that might not get a lot of play are a great potential puzzle-layover places:
• On top of the fridge
• On a top shelf in the pantry, kitchen or storage room. Since the puzzle itself is light in weight, it will be safe on a high shelf, provided the air up there does not knock it around.
• In a flat file. Flat files can be found at Ikea or architectural and art supply shops. These days, you can probably find some at craft shops as well! And don't forget to try craigslist.
• Under a couch or bed

Buy Jive Cats puzzle

Congratulations! You finished your puzzle! Now it's time to put your puzzle away for next time.
• Here is a short ehow article on ideas for ideas for safe long-term puzzle storage. There are some good tips here, just make sure to skim over the sponsored links.
• Here's a short, tip-laden article on Helium.com

For more cool options for storage and transporting, check out:
• Portapuzzle
•the Puzzle Store

Enjoy your puzzles!

Looking for my puzzles? You can buy them here:
Witches' Wardrobe puzzle
Community Bridge puzzle
Jive Cats puzzle

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YAY! Big news... Popcorn Park is complete! Here are a few little snippets for your enjoyment. This is a large illustration with a lot of detail and a lot going on. I am learning to walk the fine line between having lots of detail and lots to look at, but not at the expense of building the special connection with the viewer. In other words, I want you to delight in the details and the story easily, but also comfortably—no magnifying glass needed. (I think that I have achieved that balancing act well here!)


Want to see the entire thing? Popcorn Park is available as an art print in various sizes and on a few choice, super cool items in my Society 6 shop. It's also the only place where the entire piece can currently be seen. (Sooo... have I enticed you enough to take a look at the bigger picture?)


If you do check it out, and if you like it, please Tweet it, Pin it, Like it, share it with your doggie-loving friends in whatever way you prefer —there are share buttons right on the page in the shop. :D  Hey, I'd love to do many many many more of these, and, if you'd love to see more of them too, I'd love your help to get the word out! As always I am extremely grateful for your support, interest and enthusiasm for my work. I can't tell you how much it means to me. :D Couldn't do it without you!
XO Kathy

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Here is one more tease at this big doggie scene! There is even a hint in this tease as to what the title is. Ok I'll spill - it's called Popcorn Park! I should have the final up soon! And... Yes! It will be available as a print and more in my Society 6 shop.

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Here is another peek at the Town Tails big scene work in progress I have been working on. (This is also doing double duty for Illustration Friday this week! The word this week is CARRY.)

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The original sketch takes time, because you are working out the entire art scene and composition from scratch. The final art takes time, because 1- it is so large. 2- there are SO many more details to be added at 3x the size of the original art. 3- it's a full color, finished illustration, while the original is a pencil sketch. So basically, what I'm saying is, no matter how you slice it, it takes time!
:D

Jogger detail- pencil


Jogger detail- ink (Rapidograph)



Jogger detail- final art