Elms & Fathom, 251 pieces. This is a collaboration, replicating a Fathom laser-cut puzzle in hand-cutting. I can't believe I'm saying this, but the Fathom puzzle is so well-optimized to be laser-cut that I don't actually think the hand cutting makes it a better puzzle. It is a very good puzzle, unquestionably! But I ended up even more impressed by the Fathom design for laser-cut. 4/5
About my ratings
Perhaps because of my day job, I'm a tough rater. Everything 3/5 and above I consider worth the time and money. If I purchase on Etsy or a similar platform and the puzzle is as expected, I will give a top rating on the platform because of how seller ratings work, but here "as expected" is probably a 3/5 in most cases.
Friday, October 16, 2026
Bloomin' Plumage (hand-cut)
The one big difference: it can be picked up and flipped with minimal piece loss:
Stocking Stuffer
Stave, 100 pieces. Three exclamation point Tormentor--plenty of fun and the rating seems right. I like how it's mostly interlocking but with tiny dropouts scattered throughout for a bit of extra challenge. 7/10
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Yosemite United Airlines
Liberty, 554 pieces. Really nice wilderness whimsies--I particularly like the multipiece trees and the snake-and-arrowhead combo. 4/5
Friday, October 9, 2026
Midsummer's Eve
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)




































