a jig - saw puzzle work board having a frame with a recess formed in one lateral surface of the frame . the bottom of the recess forms a work surface for the assembly of the pieces of a jig - saw puzzle . a padding of resilient foam material is provided which has dimensions permitting the padding to be removably fitted into the recess with a snug fit . a surface of the padding engages the puzzle pieces and applies them against the work surface . a lid retains the padding in the recess of the frame . the lid is removably affixed across the recess - provided surface of the frame by a novel arrangement of velcro material and complementary velcro material .