I Made....

I made….A PUZZLE!!

Remember when I posted a poll on my story asking for your favorite design?? Well, this is what it was for, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you! This idea started as a little spark of inspiration one day, and I can hardly believe it’s come to life. This puzzle (and possibly future puzzles!) will be part of my “fundraiser” for building my studio. Every purchase will literally help me build the space where I create, and I couldn't be more thrilled.

Puzzles have always had a special place in my heart. During holidays from school, I remember sitting around the dining room table, piecing together colorful, fun designs. Food and candy-themed puzzles were always a hit in our house—after all, I did have cats named Skittles and Snickers! But anything vibrant and colorful would catch my eye in the puzzle aisle.

Although I never got to experience it firsthand, my mom and aunt often tell me stories about my Great-Grandma, who always had a puzzle on her table. She was an avid reader and loved both jigsaw and crossword puzzles. I might not have inherited the reading gene, but I definitely got the puzzle bug! When my Great-Grandma (GG) and my grandma lived together, they would talk about how, if one of them passed away, the other would receive a sign to let them know they were at peace. After my GG passed, my grandma decided to renovate the house by painting the walls, removing the carpet, and reconfiguring the kitchen. When the work was done and she was walking through the house one day, she came across a single puzzle piece resting on the floor. Since puzzles were GG’s passion, my grandma instantly knew that was the sign—her mom was okay.

In recent years, life has pulled me in a thousand different directions, but this past New Year, I brought a couple puzzles on vacation, and it reignited my love for them. Then, one day, while browsing a local flower boutique, I stumbled upon 5 or 6 gorgeous floral puzzles. Suddenly, it hit me: I need to create my own puzzle. Or maybe a whole line of puzzles?!

So, I dove in. I started designing, and it didn’t take long before I was hooked on the idea. I shared it with a few people, and their excitement fueled mine. After much searching, I found the perfect manufacturer and placed an order for a sample. When that box arrived... I was in awe. I made a puzzle! It looked like it belonged on a shelf at Target, and I couldn't stop smiling.

This whole journey has been a true labor of love. The effort it took was more than I imagined, but the joy I feel seeing it all come together? Absolutely worth it.

The puzzles are in production now, and they’re expected to arrive by mid-late April. The exact date will depend on the manufacturer and shipping timelines. I’ll have a limited number to start, and if there’s enough demand, I’ll open up preorders for a second round! I’m also working on new designs that I think will be a fun addition to my little puzzle collection—imagine Andrea Lynn Puzzles in stores! How many side jobs can one person juggle? Cake decorator by day, potter/puzzle creator/woodworker by night!

Just to be clear—puzzles and woodworking aren’t taking over my pottery! Pottery will always be my main focus, but these side passions are a way for me to expand my creativity, and this studio is the heart of it all. It’s the place where all of my ideas—whether they’re pots or puzzles—will come to life.

I can’t wait to share more updates with you next week. Make sure you sign up for my newsletter at www.andrealynnpottery.com so you don’t miss a thing about the big launch!