Star Wars: Yoda

Brand: Buffalo
Pieces: 300
Size: 54cm x 38cm
Product Code: 2802

Everything is Star Wars again at the moment. The ninth and final film The Rise Of Skywalker, has come out in the cinemas and The Mandalorian has had a successful run of its first season on Disney Plus. 

Being a self-confessed nerd, I have been all over it, which is why, for my final post of 2019, I have decided to put up a puzzle of Yoda, the ultimate Jedi master! I'm just waiting for a puzzle of Baby Yoda to come out (from The Mandalorian) cos he's so cute but until then, this will have to do, 

The pieces of this puzzle were quite large, and the colours were terrific. Until this, the only Buffalo puzzles I had done were of a larger piece count, so this was a little different to what I was used to. But the final design came together nicely, and the puzzle looks amazing displayed next to the Vader one (which I will post at a later date).

I hope you have a safe and happy new year, and if you're participating in the World Puzzles Days Event, I hope you have an absolute blast. I'm really looking forward to my first one!

See you in the new year!

Princess Christmas Celebrations (Disney)

Brand: Ravensburger
Pieces: 500
Size: 49cm x 36cm
Product Code: 147786

Well it's the last Saturday before Christmas and so here is the last Christmas puzzle I have on offer for the time being- Princess Christmas Celebrations! Of course I had to finish on a high and include a beloved Disney design :)

This one features the main Disney princesses (and all the woodland animals that seem to favour them) in a wintery Christmas scene. The quality was perfect as usual and the design was appealing to anyone who loves the characters involved.

My next post will be put up in that weird holiday space between Christmas and New Year so I'll see you then for the final post of 2019! In the meantime, have a Merry and Safe Christmas!

Untitled Christmas Puzzle

Brand: Big W Branded
Pieces: 100
Size: 26.3cm x 23.2cm
Product Code: -  

When I shop in department stores, I like to look at the puzzle ranges that they stock. Sometimes they have some of the more well-known brands like Ravensburger or Blue Opal, but occasionally you also come across a no-name brand (made for the store that's selling it). This was the case with the above puzzle. I found this one in the Christmas section of Big W and I couldn't see any branding or title on it. Therefore it is now known as the Big W Branded Untitled Christmas Puzzle! 

The design was too cute to pass up, and it was only $4! Surprisingly the pieces were good quality and fit together well. A nice little Christmas treat! 

On another note, sorry about the super early post! We were meant to be travelling to Sydney again today but industrial action has meant that a lot of Jetstar flights have been cancelled or delayed. The flight my parents and brother were meant to catch tomorrow has been cancelled so they're no longer going. As for us, ours wasn't cancelled until early this morning (when we had already gotten up at quarter to four to get ready!) but we're now catching another morning flight. Unfortunately that means I'm up and awake now for no reason- no point in going back to bed now!- but it also means I had a chance to put this up. You would have had to wait till tomorrow night otherwise!! 

Oh well, c'est la vie. 

La Virgen

Brand: Ravensburger
Pieces: 1000
Size: 50cm x 70cm
Product Code:  198535

We're in December now, so I feel like it's time to unleash some of the Christmas puzzles I have done. I work in retail and for me, the Christmas season began long ago. In fact, we haven't even put up our tree at home yet cos I've already become Christmas-ed out at work and I'm trying to avoid it!! 

But puzzles are a different story, so I will be putting some up in the lead-up to the big day!

So the first one I'm posting isn't technically to do with Christmas, but at the same time it kind of is (?!)  I loved the bright and bold colours of this one, and the 'stained glass' look. It was actually a little bit more challenging than I anticipated too, which can occasionally be a good thing.

There are two more Saturdays before Christmas day so I will try to make those themed as well. Also, next week's post might be either a little bit early (Friday) or a little bit late (Sunday) cos I'm going to be interstate again. We'll see how I go!

Cuddly Love Birds

Brand: Puzzlebug
Pieces: 100
Size: 22cm x 28cm
Product Code:  -

Well, I said I was probably going to miss posting up a puzzle last week and that was absolutely true! I had a valid excuse though- the wedding of one of my brother's! He married his beautiful fiance and I couldn't be happier for them! Hence the small puzzle post this week of a pair of cute little Love Birds!

This was just a cheap, small-piece puzzle that I picked up at Kmart but the quality was adequate for what I paid and the colours were bright and clear. 

Next week I hope to put up a picture of a more substantial puzzle but we'll just have to see how I go...

Disney Frozen: Anna & Elsa

Brand: Yanoman (Petit) - Prism Art
Pieces: 70
Size: 10cm x 14.7cm
Product Code:  97-180

In the three or so years that I've been running this blog and accompanying Instagram page, I think I've only missed one or two Saturdays of posting something up. Even then, I have managed to put something up either a few days before or after, as I knew I wouldn't have the chance otherwise. 

I'm afraid this is going to be the case again next week. One of my brother's is getting married, and I'll be travelling to Sydney over the weekend to help celebrate! So my post for next week is likely to be done on Sunday night. Never fear though, I won't forget! I just thought I'd let you know so that you don't think I'm lacking! Hahaha

OK, so today, I've decided to post the above picture of a small Japanese puzzle featuring the leading ladies from Frozen! I absolutely loved the first film and am excited for the sequel which will be coming out in cinemas soon. This puzzle wasn't made of cardboard pieces- instead the pieces were a thin opaque plastic which clicked together nicely. I love the superior quality of Japanese jigsaw puzzles and this one was no exception!

Red Poppies

Brand: Sure-Lox Puzzler's Collection
Pieces: 500
Size: 48.26cm x 35.56cm
Product Code:  -

I wrote last week that I didn't really have a reason for posting up a photo of my biggest completed puzzle to date. Is it possible to create a reason for it now? It turns out that last week was my 200th post on Instagram, so it seems kind of fitting to claim it now as the reason why I put that puzzle up!

I was amazed at the amount of people who showed love for that particular puzzle, but I don't think that will continue so much into this week... oh well! This week's puzzle is one that I have had in my collection since childhood but had never done. I think it may have been a cheap one that I got from Kmart or Target and liked the design of. I've never really seen this brand since! The factory seal on the bottom of it was still intact and I had to cut through it to open it. I decided to put this one up as I thought it would be relevant to Remembrance Day which is in 2 days- the red poppies have a significance!

This puzzle was quite quick and easy to do and there was virtually no puzzle dust. It's a pity it took me a few decades till I got around to completing it!

Artistic Mickey

Brand: Ravensburger
Pieces: 5000
Size: 153cm x 101cm
Product Code:  174324

Although I have no real reason for this, I feel like it's about time I put up the biggest ever puzzle I have completed (to date). 

I felt such an achievement after completing this puzzle for the Global Jigsaw Jubilee earlier this year.

With 5000 pieces, it was the biggest one I had ever completed, and although there were a few space issues (this puzzle's dimensions were BIG), there weren't too many other problems. I think I was able to work it better because the subject (Disney characters) was familiar to me and it kept my interest. 

I absolutely adored this puzzle- it was bright, interesting and had many points of interest. The most challenging part for me was probably the dalmatians at the bottom, but I got there in the end. I was also so happy not to have lost any pieces while doing the puzzle- how disappointing would that have been!

I'd like do another larger count puzzle at some stage (maybe even bigger!?), but first I need to find a design I like (some of the wildlife ones are pretty cool), some time and a bigger working space!

Mermaid

Brand: Re-Marks
Pieces: 250
Size: 27.9cm x 35.6cm
Product Code:  -

I've always been fascinated by illustrated artworks, whether they be adaptations of familiar characters or something completely unique. That's why I enjoy doing puzzles like the one above. Although I don't know who the artist is for this puzzle (I have also done several other designs by the same illustrator), I really love the style. The colours are so vibrant and the people (or mermaid in this case) who are featured are just so pretty. 

This puzzle was one of the first I ever did from this brand and I really enjoyed it. The pieces fit well together and there was a great collection of designs available.I'm hoping to purchase and complete more over time, but it's all dependent on the exchange rate, as I've only ever seen this brand available in the USA. 

If you get the chance to try Re-Marks out, however, I highly recommend it!

Mare And Foal

Brand: Puzzlebug
Pieces: 100
Size: 22cm x 28cm
Product Code:  -

This week is the Geelong Cup- a public holiday for my area- and I couldn't be more excited to have the day off! I haven't actually been to the horse races for a long time, since my uni days in fact! But even though I won't be heading to the track, I'll still be making the most of my day. I plan to travel to Melbourne with my mum and go dress-hunting for my brother's wedding next month. Can't wait! 

Because I won't be going to the Geelong Cup, the Melbourne Cup (2 weeks later), or any of the Spring Racing Carnival in fact, I thought I would put up this picture now.

This was just a cheap Puzzlebug puzzle but I liked the simple design. The quality was as expected, and it was quick and easy to do.

Jurassic World: Yellow T-Rex

Brand: Crown
Pieces: 300
Size: 60.96cm x 45.72cm
Product Code:  018027

Isn't Jurassic Park one of the best films of all time? I'm talking about the original one from the 90's- starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum... 

While the sequels were OK and the newest ones starring Chris Pratt aren't too bad, I don't think they're anywhere near as iconic and beloved as the first one to grace the silver screen in 1993.

Unfortunately, I have never found a puzzle to commemorate this fantastic movie so a puzzle for Jurassic World will just have to do. This puzzle was produced by Crown and features everyone's favourite dinosaur- the big, bad T-Rex! (as well as some other scaly friends).

The quality of this puzzle was pretty good for the price- with the pieces fitting together well and bold colours. The design isn't too bad either ;) I have a couple more Jurassic World puzzles from this brand which I also hope to eventually put up, featuring different dinosaurs. Should be a fun exercise!

Pokemon Pokedex: Pocket Monsters No. 001- No. 151

Brand: Ensky
Pieces: 1000
Size: 51cm x 73.5cm
Product Code:  1000T-31

I've always been a fan of the original (first series) of Pokemon. 
I, along with my brothers, collected the trading cards when we were in Primary School, and we had some of the games on the original Game Boy! How's that for a blast from the past?! 

Of course, as time went on, Pokemon became less popular- until Pokemon Go was released in 2016, that is! Suddenly it was back, and although I didn't jump onto the bandwagon, I still remembered my love for the little Japanese characters. 

When I saw this puzzle of the first series (the ones I knew by heart) I knew I had to get it for nostalgia sake. It was amazing how much I remembered about each Pokemon (including name, look, type, evolution, etc)!

This puzzle is from Japanese brand Ensky and the quality was perfect. I really enjoyed putting this one together and although the character's names were written in Japanese, I didn't mind in the slightest. 
After all, it's a Japanese puzzle, the character's are Japanese and why shouldn't they be represented in that way?! 

This is a great puzzle for fans, and I'm pretty sure that if you're interested, there's a puzzle that has the next 150 characters or so. I won't be getting it though, despite the fine quality- this was the one for me, I don't recognise many more of the characters! 

Underwater Sanctuary

Brand: Cardinal
Pieces: 500
Size: 35.5cm x 27.9cm
Product Code:  -

I've always loved images of dolphins, whales and other exotic and colourful marine life. 

There is just something so tranquil about these designs, with their aquamarine water- it almost feels as though you are part of this underwater landscape, frolicking with the creatures as they swim among the brightly coloured coral. Although I know that scenes like this one are fanciful and the reality is much different, I still enjoy doing puzzles like this one every now and then.

This Cardinal puzzle had very small pieces but they fit together really well to produce this well-designed image. The vibrant colours and busy scenery made it interesting to complete- there was always something different to look at as you put the pieces together. 

I've really grown to enjoy doing puzzles from this brand- they have a wide range of designs and the quality is usually really good. 

Disney Tangled Rapunzel

Brand: Yanoman
Pieces: 70
Size: 10cm x 14.7cm
Product Code: 97-71

One of my best friends dabbles in theatre when she's not working her normal 9-5 job, and she is absolutely amazing! Each year, she performs in a production by a small local theatre company Medimime- which is made up of Barwon Health staff members and their families- and they perform a fun pantomime to raise money for Barwon Health and various wards of the Geelong Hospital. 

This year's panto will be Rapunzel, and Kate will get to don her evil garb and play the bad guy once again, so I thought it would be fitting to put up a pic of this puzzle I completed of Disney's version of Rapunzel- Tangled. This small puzzle is from the exceptional Japanese company Yanoman, and the pieces are made from a thin, partially see-through plastic that clicks together in a very satisfying way! There are several other Disney Princesses in this series, which are illustrated in a similar style. I love these designs- they're so pretty, and the colours are wonderful. 

Unicorno: Stellina (Tokidoki)

Brand: Re-Marks
Pieces: 100
Size: 25.4cm x 25.4cm
Product Code: -

I felt like putting up something bright, simple and cute today- and what better than this little gem from Re-Marks?

Tokidoki is a Japanese-inspired lifestyle brand that features a range of cute characters, including the one above. When I first saw this puzzle, I was going through something of a unicorn phase and I couldn't help but purchase it. This square puzzle is aimed at children, with large pieces and a simple colour pallet. In the cube-shaped box, there was also a poster, an adhesive sheet and a hanging tag, for displaying purposes once the puzzle is complete. 

This puzzle was quick to do and it's bold colours make it stand out beautifully. 

Haruyo Morita: Higasa

Brand: Eurographics
Pieces: 1000
Size: 48.89cm x 67.63cm
Product Code: 6000-0742

I haven't posted any Eurographics puzzles for a while, so I thought it was time to remedy the problem!

This design was adapted from an artwork by renowned and popular Japanese artist Haruyo Morita, and is one of a few that the Eurographics brand has included in their collection. I love the details in the kimono and the vibrant colours used in the background behind the geisha. In fact, all of the designs are beautiful.

I do, however, have one complaint, and it is not one I have had to make before, When putting together this puzzle, I noticed that the pieces were not cut well at all. This was the first time I ever encountered something like this and I was particularly surprised because I know that the quality of these puzzles is usually pristine. It seems as though the blades of the machine that cut this particular batch of puzzles was blunt and rather than change it, the company continued to (poorly) cut the designs. As a result, the pieces were difficult to put back together and the quality was terrible. I was lucky enough to get a full refund from the place I purchased it from after I alerted them to the problem and a replacement given. I wish I had thought to take photos of the ill-cut puzzle for you but it completely slipped my mind. 

Regardless, the design is beautiful, the puzzle was replaced with no drama and I learnt the valuable lesson that no matter how renowned a puzzle company can be, quality control can always be compromised. 

Disney Vintage Posters

Brand: Ravensburger
Pieces: 1000
Size: 70cm x 50cm
Product Code: 198740

It's been a while so we're going Disney again today!

The above puzzle by Ravensburger features a collection of vintage posters advertising various Disney films on their original release.I love the layered effect of the design, and the informative border that tells the name of each film and its release year. It's amazing how all of these films have stood the test of time and are still popular today, despite decades having passed! 

Even more amazing is the fact that some of these films are so well-loved that Disney is remaking/ has remade several as part of their live-action reboots over the last few years- inspiring a new generation of Disney lovers and dividing the rest of us about which film is better (the original or the remake!) 

Whatever your preference, there is no doubt that the films in this design are universally loved,and this puzzle is perfect for fans of each and every one of them! 

Clifton Springs, Victoria, Australia

Brand: Schmidt
Pieces: 136
Size: 32.5cm x 13.5cm
Product Code: 59367

I just thought I'd quickly shoot this one off before I get ready for a quick interstate travel today! 

The above image is of a scene very close to my heart (both figuratively and literally)- this is the old Clifton Springs pier, which is seriously just a short walk away from my home! 

I decided to put this one up today to remind myself that even though it is run-down and falling apart, it is also a source of beauty for many photographers and locals (including the fish that swim and feed around the area!)- This is especially so at sunrise and sunset, as you can see in the design.

I was so surprised when I saw this puzzle available for purchase- usually photographic puzzles feature landmarks that are known and familiar to all, not random little suburban bays. That's why I had to purchase this one straight away as soon as I saw it.

A lovely and creative reminder of home :)

Little Kitten

Brand: Puzzlebug
Pieces: 100
Size: 22cm x 28cm
Product Code: -

I'm not usually a fan of cats, but this time around, I thought I would share a pic of a puzzle I did not so long ago. 

The relevance? Well there are three points:

1. I saw the live-action remake of The Lion King last week, and, not having completed any puzzles of lions recently, thought that this was the closest option to it!
2. There are balls of yarn in this picture which relate to the loom-weaving crafts I am working on at the moment.
3. It's actually quite a cute kitten.

Yep, I know. 

I haven't had the chance to do much puzzling lately but I'm hoping to get back into it soon, especially with some of the new additions to my collection which I have recently purchased (despite an already overflowing cupboard).Can't wait to show you what's next in store!!

Hello From Around The World

Brand: Mudpuppy
Pieces: 500
Size: 51cm x 51cm
Product Code: -

Time for another cute one! 

When I first saw this puzzle from Mudpuppy, I knew that I had to add it to my collection. The cute imagery, along with the pastel colours and the 'stamp design' made it absolutely perfect! It didn't even bother me that I had to import it from the USA, as it was not available (as far as I could tell) from any Australian suppliers. 

As you would expect, this one was quite quick to complete, but I absolutely loved every minute of it- the illustrations that represent each country's stamp are just too cute!

I really enjoy the designs from this brand and will continue to buy them if I come across them in the future.

Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

Brand: Aquarius
Pieces: 500
Size: 35cm x 48cm
Product Code: 62-112

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling celebrates her birthday on 31st July, which also happens to be the same day as her famous wizarding protagonist. For this reason, I have decided to put up a picture of a puzzle I did, which features the poster design for the second of the Harry Potter films- The Chamber Of Secrets.

Although this puzzle is only 500 pieces, it took me a lot longer than I anticipated to complete! All the black in the design made it tricky at times, and I needed to have good light to be able to piece together a majority of the picture. That said, the quality of the puzzle was fantastic (as it tends to be with Aquarius) and I enjoyed the time spent putting this one together. 

Disney Dopey

Brand: Ravensburger
Pieces: 500
Size: 50cm x 50cm
Product Code: 152032

Yeah, my hopes from last week didn't happen! Once again, I have missed out on putting up a picture of a puzzle that fits a topical theme for the week. Even though I had the best intentions of putting up a puzzle of a shark to help celebrate Shark Week, it was unfortunately not to be. I'm so frustrated because I had the most perfect puzzle design for it too! Oh well...

Instead, I have put up a picture of Dopey- one of the dwarves from Disney's Snow White- because that perfectly suits how I'm feeling right now! This is one of several puzzles from a particular Ravensburger series- they have produced images of each individual dwarf and also one of all seven together. All are very cute and in my collection as we speak, and I hope to get all of them done eventually...