Obama Jigsaw Puzzle

Name of Model: Obama Mosaic

Created by: Todd Webb

Found at: http://www.top40db.net/Other/ToddWebb/Lego-ObamaMosaic.shtm

Details: Here's another interesting way of building LEGO mosaics - building "jigsaw" puzzle pieces. The challenge here is that the top layer of plates must create the mosaic design, but you need to have the structural integrity built into the "pieces" you build with some additional layers of plates. While this is still a relatively new way of building mosaics, it's gaining traction as an interesting new building challenge. Personally, I think it's important to keep the piece size small in order to make it feel like a real puzzle. Impressively, this puzzle manages to make the parts just three plates (one brick) tall. Sticking with our attempts to make these posts a bit more topical, I decided to feature this puzzle (which I do believe is the first such mosaic puzzle) today since it is State of the Union Address day.

LEGO Remake of Classic Knot Puzzle

Name of Model: Wooden Knot

Created by: Maarten Steurbaut

Found at: http://users.skynet.be/maarten.steurbaut/Knot.htm

Details: The webpage is clear and concise for this one, so here's a comment in the creator's own words: "During October-November 2006 I designed some more LEGO-versions of existing interlocking puzzles in MLCad. I intended all these puzzles to be tan, but when I disassembled my Cube I discovered I had just about enough elements to create the easiest puzzle (the "Wooden Knot") in old brown. I don't have to wait until my order (lots of tan bricks, plates and tiles) comes in to make the first and smallest puzzle! Remark: I only use bricks, plates and tiles to make all the pieces and there's no visible top or bottom of a brick/plate." Don't forget to check out his building instructions so you can try this one out yourself!