We are happy to announce that the 2026 PEPE Coordinator is Terra Rodgers of Chestnut and Hemlock!
Important Dates
Applications for 2026 will be posted on January 15, 2026 ✅
Application are due on February 15, 2026.
Acceptance emails will be sent out by March 1, 2026
Application are due on February 15, 2026.
Acceptance emails will be sent out by March 1, 2026
Exchange Puzzle Making Guidelines
Puzzle Makers of all levels are encouraged to participate. Learning from each other's creative cutting techniques and sharing that knowledge is one of the best parts of participating -- pushing the art of puzzle making forward is at the heart of the Exchange! Puzzle enthusiasts love to collect our Exchange puzzles! Keep in mind that making extras to sell can help offset your generosity with this trade.
New to the Exchange or Puzzle Making? Send your questions and puzzle ideas to the PEPE Coordinator to get more insight into what being part of the Exchange is like, and what is expected.
Each participant must cut up to 12 of the substantially the same puzzle design. "Same" means the same image, size, and cutting style, and possibly series, and pieces do not have to be interchangeable. Designs must be pre-approved.
Puzzle Requirements
Consult the PEPE Coordinator with any questions about whether your planned puzzles fit the Exchange standards, especially where they are different from the guidelines above
Completing the Details for your puzzle :
New to the Exchange or Puzzle Making? Send your questions and puzzle ideas to the PEPE Coordinator to get more insight into what being part of the Exchange is like, and what is expected.
Each participant must cut up to 12 of the substantially the same puzzle design. "Same" means the same image, size, and cutting style, and possibly series, and pieces do not have to be interchangeable. Designs must be pre-approved.
Puzzle Requirements
- Size: Around 6" x 6" (36 sq. in.). A slight variation in size is acceptable if the effort is comparable.
- Pieces: Ideally 60+ pieces, though a little less is fine.
- Hand-cutting, laser-cutting, and water-jet cutting are all allowed. Die-cutting and subcontracting are not permitted.
- Quality: Each puzzle must be of heirloom quality. One copy will be preserved in a museum
- Packaging: Must be sturdy and long-lasting (archival-quality box or container). Shrink wrap is not acceptable
- You must use your own artwork or secure permission to use any image that is not yours. Proof of permission may be requested.
Consult the PEPE Coordinator with any questions about whether your planned puzzles fit the Exchange standards, especially where they are different from the guidelines above
Completing the Details for your puzzle :
- Label - Please use the following guidelines (See photo below for example)
- Puzzle Title
- Maker’s name & contact info
- Artist’s name (if applicable)
- Size and piece count
- The phrase: “Created for the 2026 Pagey Elliott Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange.”
- Photos - Each participant must provide at least 5 high-quality photos of their puzzle. Use a contrasting background and even light (a cloudy outdoor day works well). A phone camera is fine.
- Requested angles:
- Front view (straight down)
- Back view (straight down)
- Figurals or signature piece(s)
- Detail or angled shots
- Requested angles:
- Maker's Note:
- A short write-up (one page or less) about your process — art choice, cutting style, challenges, or creative decisions.
- At the PEPE presentation, you will be given 3-4 minutes to speak about your puzzle and your creative process
- The museum copies of the puzzles will be displayed during Puzzle Parley for attendees to see and assemble. Attendees love reading your labels and Maker’s Notes while puzzling.
- Puzzler’s Choice Community Voting: Everyone at the Parley gets to vote for their favorite Exchange puzzle! This has become one of the most enjoyable parts of the Puzzle Parley — it brings the community together, sparks conversation, and lets puzzle makers see how their creativity connects with others.
- One complete set of puzzles will be added to The Strong Museum of Play’s permanent collection.
A Pagey Elliott Puzzle Exchange Puzzle Label example
Detail Thingamajigsaw puzzle
