A Conversation with Thom Spencer

This is the first in what I hope will be a long series of conversations with wooden puzzle makers and collectors. Thom was gracious as always in his willingness to be my guinea pig in this endeavor. (Italics and mistakes are mine.)

Thom, what is your first puzzle memory? I grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia but my uncle had a “cabin” about 9 miles outside of Hendersonville, NC that we used to visit some summers. I think I was 8 or 9 when we stayed there and I found a couple of jigsaw puzzles. My mom and I would spend time putting them together. It is a memory that has lasted over the years. The cabin didn’t have electricity or telephone. Water came from a spring up the mountain from us and we used kerosine lamps to see the puzzle.

Thom didn’t have a favorite puzzle growing up but did help adults working on a puzzle. He first learned about wooden puzzles in a magazine article about Stave. The first wooden puzzle he worked was one he cut. Thom is a master puzzle cutter, but only assembles small puzzles occasionally.

Which came first, working with wood or deciding to make puzzles? It all started when I was digging up “bushes” in the front yard. The wood smelled like cedar. I decided to whittle a branch and sand it. Fun. I then moved to trying my skill at carving and sculpture. This didn’t last too long as chisels are sharp and my left hand was an easy target. It was at this point I decided there must be something much safer.

I purchased a table saw and a band saw. I was never comfortable using the table saw and the band saw was too big and heavy. Both took up too much room so I sold them. For Father’s Day, I received a Craftsman scroll saw. The requirement of pinned blades meant starting puzzles with big holes. I didn’t cut too many puzzles with it. Dremel (scroll saw) was next, then the Dewalt, which now lives at our home in Colombia. I use a Seyco at home in Maryland.

What does your work space look like? A garage with a bunch of stuff to support my cutting Mainly, the saw (Seyco) and a table nearby. Lots of shelves for storing unsold puzzles.

Thom taught himself to cut puzzles about 25 years ago. His first puzzle was 1” pine polygons. He now prefers to cut difficult “fancy” puzzles with medium to small interlocking pieces that he paints or stains. They take awhile to cut, however. He also cuts acrylic puzzles and Artbits. You may be familiar with the clear acrylic starfish puzzle that has traveled the US and is now tormenting people in Europe. He does not use a signature piece.

Where do you get your images when you use them and how do you affix them to the wood? Heat press. A lot have been my photographs, a couple were placemats from restaurants in Colombia, the others from the public domain or sent to me by the person requesting a puzzle. Also, computer or phone apps to make fractal images

What size puzzle do you like to cut? Artbit size. An artbit is a 2-piece doodle or puzzle. It is practice an to challenge myself. They are fun and quick. For a real puzzle, 7” square or round, Like the Pagey Elliott Puzzle Exchange puzzles (above), but not the same thing over and over again!

Anything you want to share about your family? My wife, Gloria, is from Colombia. She is the best! Aleli is her dog. She is a chihuahua and has been the subject of a puzzle. I live in Frederick, Maryland, a beautiful little town with an abundance of art. I play pickle ball every other day. Love it. I used to play video games and will do so again when winter arrives.

Do you sell your puzzles? Yes. Mainly by posting them on Facebook but I have used eBay. I did a lot of small craft shoes in the past. These shows are good for selling puzzles for $75 or less. As I look through my folder of puzzle pictures, I’m amazed at the variety of things I’ve done. I once cut a 4’ crescent moon tray puzzle. that one was delivered to someone in Washington, DC. The biggest puzzle was a commission, 851 pieces. 15×20”. Here is a commission piece that I really liked.

Do you make custom puzzles? I have, but I don’t like to.

How can people buy your puzzles and do you ship internationally? People can contact me through the Facebook page “Jigsaw Art by Thom Spencer” or email: [email protected] or [email protected] Yes I do ship internationally.

What I’ve been doing

I just finished cutting a very puzzled bear illustration by Sarah Noble Ives in honor of Fat Bear Week. In addition, I’m cutting several orders (thank you) and a creepy doll puzzle for an Instagram giveaway that some friends are doing. My wait list is currently running about 6 weeks, so keep that and shipping time in mind if you need to order any holiday gifts.

But most importantly, it has FINALLY gotten cool enough to eat soup! Tomato soup and grilled cheese was first up to bat and I suspect potato soup will be on this weekend’s menu.

I didn't even make it one newsletter cycle before finding something for my empty large ceramic pot. I found a 7’ ficus at the farmers’ market this week. I’ve wanted one for over 20 years but not only have I not had a place for it before this house, I haven’t seen one at any of the nurseries I visit. Cross your fingers it does better than the Australian tree fern did.