Puzzle Coasters

Dear visitor:

In the last few years I've decided that it is far easier to make money than raise it.

I've been trying to fund an environmental youth organization through traditional philanthropic means. At the same time, I was designing puzzles and fine graphics for friends, family and business colleagues. Then I hit on this great idea... Puzzle Coasters... a game, functional art, utilitarian entertaining item... with a messege.

Ecoguild's Puzzle Coasters are to be marketed as eco-party gifts. The product is intended to be both decorative, challenging [game], informative and utilitarian. As a graphic art piece, it is a unique aesthetic design. The coasters are designed to fit together in only one correct way. It is a unique puzzle. Pictured designs inform about environmental issues, endangered species, etc. Accompanying written material promotes environmental education, conservation and sustainable resource-use. Utilitarian value of Puzzle Coasters is as table-top protective "coasters" for drinks.

The ecoguild name and likeness (frog on globe and frog mandala) are copyrighted.

My Rainforesst frogs puzzle coasters are a set of full 4 color process graphics, laminated on heavy coaster stock. Future versions may be printed on recycled plastic as well as a smaller version on refrigerator magnet sheets.

Puzzle Coaster sets are sealed and packaged in a sturdy box, with detailed hang-tag, wrapped in raffia ribbon.
Pricing: $19.95 retail.

A ceramic tile version is in the works. These will be 4 1/4" square, brilliantly painted and high fired so that they can function as a hot plate when put together.
Pricing for the ceramic version will range from $26 to $46.

Below are some notes from the "hang tag" that comes with the puzzle, which describes "why frogs, and more".

clues to solving the puzzle

ok!........ here's the clue.... only two of the nine central tiles are alike, they go in the upper right and lower central positions, two other pieces have frogs of the same color climbing across, these go orange above green under the upper right corner tile... so now you have the right side and the bottom center of the puzzle done.. from there its easy...

frogs........ princes in disquise. singing, croaking, and hopping their way into our hearts and hands. Don't worry.... you cannot get warts from frogs, althouh some indeed are dangerous, with poison skin used by forest cultures for arrow and dart tips.

frogs in myth and legend the world over have played key roles as guiding spirits and founders of creation.

frogs are also very valuable.... just where they are..... As natural pest controllers they do a superb job at keeping insect populations down in the garden and yard. But they are sensitive little creatures, breathing and taking in nutrients directly through their skin. This is why they are such good indicators of water and environmental quality. Look for frogs, and you will find healthier waterways.

... and what would frogs say if they could speak? Well curiously, they have been silent. They have dissappeared from most of their former ranges, and scientists have found populations all over the globe crashing. The causes in many cases are poor habitat and loss of habitat as humans move in and develop wetlands.

even frogs deep in the heart of the Amazon rain forests are vanishing. Scientist believe that ozone depletion is causing frog babbies and eggs to get sunburned. Most eggs simply do not hatch. Other problems include acidic and otherwise toxic waters.

Solutions to environmental problems begin with individuals.

If this product begins a dialog, follow it. Find what you believe you can do to help. Encourage others to think of the animals they respect and cherish. Frogs are my favorite personally. Do what you can.... then do a little more...... Support research and conservation projects, especially those that respect indigenous peoples rights to work with the land....... Its up to us to ensure that our childrens' children grow up to hear the song of frogs, birds, and all the wonderfully diverse life we have known...... Enjoy the puzzle and think about it?

Sincerely,
Scott Michael Graves: ecoguild, inc.

Puzzle Coasters are sold as eco-party gifts, functional and aesthetic; a great conversation starter and game.

Net proceeds from sales are directed toward environmental research, education, and conservation.

For much more on frogs, visit the following web sites:

the froggy page at yale.

I got the rest of this list from a guy named "Harrison" on the net. I down loaded his text but lost his URL. Harrison has great stuff on frogs, and I want to recognize his work. Where are you Harrison?

Reptile Rescue

Michael Fry has created a Reptile Rescue page. You will find listings of animals looking for good homes. Be sure to visit if you have additions.


Chameleon Information Network

The Chameleon Information Network is a great source of information. The magazines feature different species, notes on captive care, and breeding information. Each issue also has articles about some aspect of chameleon- keeping, including lighting, raising feeder insects, and more.

Write to:

Chameleon Information Network
13419 Appalachian Way
San Diego CA 92129

The editors are Ardi Abate (CHAMNET1@aol.com) and Ken Kalish (CHAMNET2@aol.com). Subscriptions are $12 for one year, $22 for two years. Published quarterly.


More Herpetology-related Links

I hope you like my puzzle designs, and will help me make money for some very worthy projects. Please drop me a line: address e-mail to sgraves@ecoguild.com