There's a project I've been working on for some time.
I referenced it in this post.
I received a few emails asking me what it was I was working on.
Well, here it is!
It's the world's largest puzzle...framed! (technically there is one larger that just debuted in early 2008 - but this one was in the 2007 Guinness Book of World Records)
Friday we had a special event at the shop. It was a family-gathering of sorts.
Lucene Harstine, the woman who spent 2 years assembling this puzzle saw it framed for the first time. Her family had secretly contacted me months ago and commissioned me to frame it, as a gift AND surprise to Lucene.
(Lucene, in turquoise coat, seeing the framed puzzle for the first time)

(Lucene & her eldest son, Dan - she was in shock and very emotional and that was BEFORE she realized all the family that was there too!)
Lucene is a local teacher and started doing puzzles when her kids were young (she has 8 children!) to keep them busy during Christmas Break each year.
It became a game for the kids to search out bigger and more difficult puzzles to complete.
After they were grown and left home, Lucene continued doing puzzles.
Two years ago her eldest son and his wife bought this puzzle from FAO Schwartz as a "gag gift" for Lucene.
They never thought she would complete it.
So this is a big thing for their family!
(Lucene, in green blouse, greeting family who drove in from Ohio)

(There were reporters there to interview Lucene as well - it was a busy night!)
The family brought in hors dourves, drinks and I think the last bunch of them left around 9:30pm!
The gathering that night ended up including 7 of her 8 children and 13 of her 14 grandchildren!
It was beautiful - the pride everyone was beaming with, the family ties and love all around!
Everyone was so delightful and fun! The kids were even good - and there were A LOT of them!
They were just so darn proud of their Grandma!
(the kids loved hanging out in the front window with the puzzle)
The job was a challenge but an honor at the same time. They entrusted me with this prized possession, and that's never something I take lightly. Whether it's a large puzzle or a small child's drawing; I take good care of your pieces.
So, if you ever wondered how large an item can be and still be framed: 9.75 ft. X 7 ft.
So far...