The Puzzle Place

The story of The Puzzle Place (previously known as WOOD MAGIC)

The Puzzle Place started in 1991 as a family business with Ian Courtney at the helm. We now have a staff compliment of four people assisting in the craft-making and in the shop.
These people have found various talents that they never knew existed and they now use these talents to contribute to the success of WOOD MAGIC.
After eighteen years in the corporate market, Ian Courtney started making kiddies toys in his garage, with his two year old daughter as inspiration. These toys were marketed via flea markets and a reputation for quality was achieved.
After the purchase of a scroll saw, the toys became puzzles as well, and through a series of progressions the Three Dimensional puzzles evolved. These puzzles proved too complex for the children and so the target market shifted to the adults and the puzzles became more challenging.
A move to the Pineville Junction Craft Village in 1993 provided a larger workshop and a shop from where to market the products. The Pineville shop was closed in August 1997 and moved to Bothas Hill. The Courtney’s operated the 1000 Hills Craft Village from May 1998. In 2009 we sold the property and so moved Wood Magic (now called The Puzzle Place) across the road to the new 1000 Hills Arts & Craft Village.

Numerous pensioners and hobbyists supply The Puzzle Place with their wood crafts ranging from candle stands and key rings to picture frames and clocks. We still have our “KRAFTY KIDS” section to cater for the children.
A visit to the Valley of a 1000 Hills would not be complete without visiting The Puzzle Place. There you will find the speciality of the house - the unique world renowned three dimensional puzzles made in various shapes, especially African animals and "Africa".
These puzzles are made from beautiful hardwoods of which our local KIAAT is the most popular. They are small enough to fit in a handbag and big enough to keep a person puzzled for hours. Ideal as gifts and mementos for the home and office, these puzzles have been sent all over the world.
The puzzles are collector’s items, often being personalized as gifts for special occasions like weddings, anniversaries and birthdays, and are treasured by people throughout the world.
Many companies realize the value of presenting their special clients and staff with these puzzles, engraved with their company logo.
There is also a large selection of "brain teasers" that make ideal small gifts that can also be personalized with logos. When you need something special, visit us at The Puzzle Place.
www.puzzleplace.co.za