Chinese Calendar

Brand: Eurographics

Pieces: 1000
Size:  48.89cm x 67.63cm

Product Code: 6000-5694

As the Chinese New Year has just begun, I have decided to put up this puzzle in celebration of the event. 

This puzzle, designed by Lucia Heffernan, features all twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac. As I have mentioned previously, I enjoy looking at designs that feature this kind of theme, and the Chinese version is no exception to the rule. The colours in this puzzle were vibrant and the puzzle was quick to do when you sorted the pieces into the 'panels' - it was almost like doing twelve individual little puzzles. 

Are you interested in designs like this, as I am? If you enjoy zodiac-themed puzzles, does that interest extend towards Oriental zodiac-themed designs such as the Chinese New Year? 

Be Mine

Brand: Cobble Hill

Pieces: 500
Size:  67.6cm x 48.9cm

Product Code: 45079

Today is Valentine's Day, and whether you 'celebrate' it or not, there's no doubt that there is going to be a lot of 'love-themed' stuff going around. This is my addition to the mix.

The above puzzle, which was designed by artist Barb Tourtillotte, features a whimsical love bird and floral design and is very romancey (for lack of a better word). The pieces in this puzzle were random cut, which added to the interest of completing it, and made it just that little bit more challenging. This design was a little bit out of the ordinary for me but I still enjoyed putting it together. 

Are you tackling any jigsaw puzzles specifically for Valentine's Day?

Wonderland

Brand: Magnolia

Pieces: 1023
Size:  60cm x 60cm

Product Code: 3013

Today's puzzle delves into the strange and unusual world of Wonderland, with various characters and scenes from the Lewis Carroll story depicted in this older Magnolia design. 

I'm not sure why, but I seem to have accumulated a few puzzles with an Alice In Wonderland theme, and this puzzle is one of them. It was a pleasure to do, and was a little challenging with the backgrounds behind each of the illustrations. 

Is there a literary theme that you have followed in your puzzling adventures, like my Alice one? I'd love to hear what it is!

Koala By Pete Cromer

Brand: Five Mile

Pieces: 500
Size:  52cm x 38cm

Product Code: -

I love a good illustrated puzzle and the above design- created by Australian artist Pete Cromer- is no exception. Based in the Colac Otway region of Victoria, Cromer is wonderful at creating images of Australian wildlife with a colourful and unique-looking twist. His home area was recently affected by the Victorian bushfires, and so I have decided to decided to put up an image of one of his puzzles as a sign of solidarity. 

The above puzzle may look a little tricky to do with the blocks of colour, but there was a slight gradient to the blue, which made it easy enough to complete. 

Have you done any puzzles like this one that may look harder to do than they actually are?

Great Ocean Road Trip, Vic, Australia

Brand: Karen McKenzie Art

Pieces: 500
Size:  50cm diameter

Product Code: -

Last week was a terrible one in Victoria for bushfires, with half of the state in flames. But in typical Victorian fashion, within a few days (and while some bushfires were still burning), some Victorian towns experienced severe flash flooding! These towns were situated along the Great Ocean Road and several cars were swept out to sea as a result. I've watched video footage of this, as well as the helicopter recovery of these cars during the week and it's absolutely insane to think that all of this happened on our doorstep. 

The Great Ocean Road is a relatively short drive from Geelong, and I've travelled it many times. It's a beautiful coastal drive, and even if you have a problem with windy roads and car sickness, it is still a pleasure to see the views that are afforded to you, and to visit the lovely towns along the way.

Karen McKenzie has captured the scene perfectly in her illustrated puzzle depicting the drive. I'm not completely sure why Luna Park (in St Kilda) features, but the rest of the design is a wonderful representation. I saw this puzzle in her online store and purchased it because of its familiarity. She has also created designs of heaps of other regional Australian towns which is pretty cool. The puzzle pieces are sturdy, colourful and of good quality.

Have you got any puzzles that represent the place you live?

Disney Frozen Anna

Brand: Yanoman

Pieces: 70
Size:  10cm x 14.7cm

Product Code: 97-70

I'm on a fairly tight schedule today so I didn't have much time to decide which puzzle to post- that's where the child comes in! Her choice? Anna from Frozen. 

Luckily I had a little puzzle photo on standby which I was able to grab from my collection. I purchased this mini puzzle on a visit to Japan, and bought a few others from the series at the same time. They're cute little time-fillers and, evidently, photo choices for busy mums who are trying to do their weekly blog!

The Brown Beauty

Brand: Magnolia Puzzles

Pieces: 1000
Size:  68cm x 48cm

Product Code: 1717

With the new release of Magnolia Puzzles' latest designs- and another collection from popular artist Romi Lerda- I have decided to post a photo of one of their previously released puzzles, which I had the pleasure of doing last year. I think I have bought most of the puzzles from their previous collaborations, and I look forward to collecting the next lot too. 

Featuring big-eyed pretty faces, the collections are made up of both recognisable and original characters. The above is one of the original girl designs, and it was fantastic to piece together, with just enough of a challenge to keep it interesting.

Do you enjoy this art style and these puzzles? Have you got any in your collection?