Sunday, 30 December 2012

Adding that finishing touch to your wood puzzle

Just completed your 3D wooden puzzle?
Consider adding a finishing touch to your wood puzzle using lacquer spray paint.
Lacquer can add a layer of smooth glow to your wood puzzle (see image below).

There are many different brands and types of lacquer spray paint in the market, so you should not have much problem getting one.  More importantly, it is the process of how you put on the lacquer that needs attention.

Things to note when using lacquer:

  • Some lacquer paints come in colours such as white, brown or black.  Unless you specifically want to change the colour of your model, go for the clear lacquer to retain your model's original wood colour.
  • Follow the instructions on your spray paint with regard to drying time.
  • Always apply multiple layers of thin spray rather than one thick one.  
  • Wait until the lacquer is absorbed by the wood and feels dry when touched.  This may take about half an hour.
  • Apply the lacquer in a open environment.  This helps to diffuse the smell and any residual paint easily when spraying.  
  • Apply the lacquer in a clean and non-windy environment.  This helps to make sure that you do not have unwanted stuff (dust, insects, etc.) getting stuck to your paint when spraying or leaving it to dry.
Try it and share with us your finished model.


Friday, 28 December 2012

Noah's Ark [XY618]

This model is based on the classic bible story of Noah's Ark.  God asked Noah to build a large ark for his family and a whole lot of animals so as to protect themselves from the mighty flood and he did.





This puzzle is approximately 39cm(L) X 17cm(W) X 30cm(H) when done.
The puzzle pieces are quite easy to handle and kids should not have much problem handling them.

Here's a Youtube video on the story of Noah's Ark that you can use with your project:


Here are some activities that you can do with this project :

Thursday, 27 December 2012

How a 3D puzzle is made


Here's a video from "HowThatIsMade" showing you the production process for 3D Puzzles.


Wednesday, 26 December 2012

2013 Chinese New Year Lucky Charm (Part 1)

Usher in 2013 with this beautiful 3D wooden model symbolising good luck and prosperity!
Lucky Dragon and Pheonix
[JH6010]

Known as 龙凤呈祥 (pronounced as lóng fèng chéng xiáng) in Chinese.

It is a representation of the congregation of all things good and the presence of this symbol or picture in the house symbolises harmony and good luck.


【出处】汉·孔鲋《孔丛子·记问》:“天子布德,将致太平,则麟凤龟龙先为之呈祥。”
According to ancient Chinese tradition, the dragon is the mystical animal representing the king of the beasts.  It also has the power to control of the weather, especially lighting, fire, cloud, etc.

The phoenix on the other hand is the mystical representation of the flying species such as the birds and other migratory animals. It is commonly known as the king of the birds.  It represents elegance, purity, dignity and majestic splendor.

The Lucky Dragon and Pheonix model shows the meeting of the dragon and the pheonix, dancing in a ring of clouds, symbolising a beautiful relationship of great harmony, serenity and elegancy.


Head over to the online store for more information today!

Tuesday, 25 December 2012

The Three Little Pigs [XY631]


This puzzle is approximately 56cm X 29cm X 28cm in size when completed.

The puzzle is easy to assemble due to the large size of the puzzle pieces.

Enjoy your 3D puzzle with a read along online version of "The Three Little Pigs" Click here to launch.

This other version on Youtube includes the song "Who is afraid of the big bad wolf?"


Learning resources
If you would like to take your kids' learning process to the next level, here is a great site that provides some fun and activities worksheets around the story of "The Three Little Pigs".

Feel free to share with us your final model and any experience that you may have.

Have fun!  And don't forget to visit us again at LionCity.

Sunday, 23 December 2012

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

It's the time of the year to spread the festive mood!
The time to reflect on the year that has past (or going to pass) and look forward to a brand new year in 2013.  

Christmas is the time for sharing and here's a wonderful idea from Sherri Osborn on how to recycle your old puzzle pieces and turn it to a candy cane ornament to usher in your brand new year :

How to Make a Candy Cane Using Puzzle Pieces

From all of us at LionCity, here's wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2013.