Lakeside resident started initiative after discovering puzzle passion in lockdown
A JIGSAW swapping group has been set up in Lakeside with a view to expanding across the city.
Once residents have finished with their jigsaw, they can exchange puzzles with other members to stop them gathering dust on the shelf.
Kathryn Gonzales, 43, who lived in Lakeside for seven years, set up the group last month after she became jigsaw-obsessed during the Covid lockdowns.
She said: “I discovered my love of puzzles during the lockdowns. I’m not very good at painting so this is my stab at creating something and I really do get a lot of pleasure from it.
“I like the natural setting ones, especially featuring dogs as I love dogs.”
No two puzzles are the same and they alternate in difficulty not only because of number of pieces but also due to their colours.
“The most difficult one I have done was of a sunset which was mostly black. That was really tricky,” she said.
Kathryn set up the group with an aim of recycling puzzles due to the expensive nature of jigsaws which saw a sharp rise in price during lockdowns.
She said: “They can be quite pricey. You do them once and they’re wonderful temporary art, but you end up giving them away to charity shops.
“This group is a way of sharing the love, to maintain this hobby is costly.”
The benefits of completing jigsaws can also be related to the mind too, Kathryn believes.
She explained: “Creating things, even if only temporary, can be really soothing for the human brain especially in the world we live in today.
“It teaches patience, personally for me it has helped me when times have been tricky. It really can help with people who are lonely or those stuck at home.”
Although it is only in the early stages, the idea has had a positive reception from Cardiffians.
“It’s a brilliant idea. I don’t like jigsaws, but my mum has loads piling up in her dining room,” said Claire Scannell, 47, of Heath.
Currently there are eight members, but Kathryn hopes the group can go on to grow wider.
“The offer is Cardiff-wide. If anyone is willing and interested, they are by all means welcome to share used puzzles that I’ve done and likewise,” she said.
If you’re interested in finding out more about ‘Swap n Share’ or would like to join, you can find a link to the group on Nextdoor here.
