Challenge 2000-31 asked you to assemble and solve picture puzzles without knowing the picture. This Challenge is asking you to do something similar yet different. Let's practice a concept that William J. J. Gordon wrote about in his books MAKING THE FAMILIAR STRANGE and MAKING THE STRANGE FAMILIAR.

Begin by opening 5 different puzzles that use the same sized traditional puzzle die-cut designs. Then divide each set of pieces into five separate piles. Then combine one pile of pieces from each puzzle together and then put them into separate boxes, bags or jars.

Monday

Empty one of your containers onto a table or counter space on cardboard with all the picture surfaces face down.

Then put as much of the puzzle together as you can in 15 to 20 minutes.

Once your time is up turn over the completed portion of puzzle.

Examine it.

Then write down your reactions to it. What does it look like? Does it appeal to you? What can you learn from it? What can you learn from this experience.

Tuesday thru Friday

Choose another container of puzzle pieces.

Then put as much of the puzzle together as you can in 15 to 20 minutes. Think about different strategies you are using or you could being using. Start with edges. Start from the interior. Work in a circle, a square, create shapes out of the puzzle pieces.

Once your time is up turn over the completed portion of puzzle.

Examine it.

Then write down your reactions to it. What does it look like? Does it appeal to you? What can you learn from it? What can you learn from this experience.

Have a creative week.

© 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006 Robert Alan Black, Ph.D. CSP