Halloween Kitten

Brand: Sunsout

Pieces: 300
Size:  53.34cm x 60.96cm

Product Code: 32724

As we're only a few days out from Halloween, I thought it would be fitting to put up the above image. 

I never really used to care about Halloween, and thought it mostly to be an Americanised holiday, but over the last few years I have noticed it grow massively in popularity. My three-year-old daughter is keen to go trick-or-treating this year and wants to dress up in the highly imaginative costume of a ghost- I guess we'll see what happens...

As it happens, I have picked up some puzzles over time that feature Halloween-based designs. Not only have I collected Reverie Puzzles' two Halloween Advent Calendars but I purchased this one several years ago from Sunsout. It was tougher to do than expected for a 300-piece puzzle - the black of the cat and the surrounding orange hues made it much more challenging to piece together and the irregular shaped pieces added to the challenge. But after pushing through, the end result was quite cute.

Do you have many holiday-themed puzzles? Do you try to do them in time for the event?

Paul Frank Pirate Ship

Brand: Aquarius

Pieces: 1000
Size:  51cm x 71cm

Product Code: 65-521

What a crazy start to the weekend!! 

I finally got all my stitching done and delivered to the showgrounds on Monday for the Royal Geelong Show, that was meant to take place this weekend. I was all set to attend like I usually do on a Friday night. 

But the weather had other ideas! We had torrential rains, most of the roads were flooded and the Show decided to make the unprecedented decision to cancel the show (for Friday, still waiting to hear about the rest of the weekend) because of flooding and safety concerns. 

I had to drive through what was basically a river to get home and I'm hoping my car is faring well after its ordeal (I haven't driven it since last night and I'm worried about what the water could have done to its undercarriage).

So I still don't know whether I won any homecraft events, or even if I'll get to see my work on display (the showgrounds are probably all still flooded now). 

Hence my puzzle choice for today. I decided to put up this cute one featuring the iconic Paul Frank with his friends, sailing on a pirate ship. It seems a boat's the only way to get around at the moment in these parts! This puzzle was very good quality and the bright chunks of colour made it easier to piece together, although I had to leave most of the orange sky till last (luckily it was in gradient form rather than solid colour to make piecing it together easier). 

Have you had any crazy weather encounters lately? It's probably best to stay inside and get some puzzling done when it's like this anyway...

Fantastic Animals: Flamingos

Brand: Clementoni

Pieces: 500
Size:  36cm x 49cm

Product Code: 35067

I don't have much time to write today so I thought I'd put up this quick one! I'm a bit under the pump to get my stitching entries complete for the show and I'm going to lose a lot of valuable time because we're staying in Melbourne overnight so that my husband can compete in the Melbourne Marathon tomorrow morning. 

So I've put up this puzzle I have completed of some fabulous flamingos, to remind everyone that they too can be unique, flamboyant and fun! 

Have a great weekend!

Dreamworks Family On Tour

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 1000
Size:  70cm x 50cm

Product Code: 139750

I'm finally starting to approach the end of my cross-stitching stint, which I think I mentioned in my previous posts, so that means there will soon be more, newer puzzle images on the way! In the meantime, here is one that I did a little while ago and that I absolutely loved. 

I've seen most of the films that these characters appear in, so it was a pleasure to do the puzzle and reminisce about where they come from. The quality was exceptional and I was so lucky to be able to find a copy of this puzzle on Facebook Marketplace at the time, because it can be quite difficult to come by.

Hope you have a great weekend and keep on puzzling!  

Colorful Yarn

Brand: Puzzlebug

Pieces: 500
Size:  46cm x 28cm

Product Code: -

If you've been following this blog for a while (or even if you haven't), you'd probably be aware that I have many other hobbies besides building puzzles, such as crafting, reading, collecting (and much more). Because of this, I don't s[end as much time as I'd like doing puzzles, but it also means that my interest in certain themes of puzzles is vast.

The above puzzle was a cheap quality one that appealed because of its subject matter- I love crafts and am an avid cross stitcher. Although the image depicts wool or yarn rather than threads, I was still drawn to it, and have decided to post it today because I am currently stitching madly to complete something for my local show. This is just a short reprieve until I pick up my needle again in a few minutes!

Despite the price of the Puzzlebug puzzles (and the cheaper quality) they still have designs that appeal to me and the above one was no exception. You can usually find a random design to suit the mood you're in.

Well, back to it. After all this show business is over, I'll be jumping right back into puzzling... Until then... 

Disney Mickey And Friends: True Pals

Brand: Crown

Pieces: 300
Size:  61cm x 46cm

Product Code: -

I decided to delve deeper into the puzzle photo archive for today's offering! 

I completed this puzzle in 2021 and until now, haven't posted it. I actually forgot I had done it! This one was a cheap but pleasing little purchase that I made just before the covid pandemic hit, and I completed it during that time. It was cute, quick and fun to do, and the pieces were of OK quality considering the price. I only really bought it because I liked the design.

I haven't really got much more to add at the moment but I'll soon be back into puzzling mode soon, once I have some other projects completed. Until then... keep on puzzling!

Memory Lane

Brand: Journey Of Something

Pieces: 500
Size:  55cm x 38.5cm

Product Code: -

This is just going to be a quick post today, because in less than two hours, I will be travelling to the airport for a weekend trip to Sydney! 

Because of that, I have decided to put up a simple yet interesting puzzle designed by Natalie Jeffcott for Journey Of Something. This puzzle was one of those ones that could be worked in stages because of the collage-style format of the design. Although I have to admit that I left the edges (and most of the white bits) until last to complete the puzzle!

It was a relatively quick and fun one to do and stands out for it's nostalgic toy factor.

Told you this one would be short and sweet. See you next week!

Underwater Wonders

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 100 XXL
Size:  49cm x 36cm

Product Code: 129720

We're starting to approach the end of the year and now a lot of puzzle-selling businesses are starting to offer sales on their stock in the lead-up to Christmas. Others, like Reverie Puzzles, are launching new collections.

If you're trying to be good and stop purchasing puzzles, this is an absolute nightmare! (But of the good kind, if there's such a thing)

Do you tempt fate and browse in case there's something you see that you want at a discounted price? Do you check out the new collection so that you can add to what you already own? Do you buy more, knowing that you don't even have the time or storage space required for any new additions? 

This is the dilemma I'm facing right now! 

If my husband knew that I was looking at sales and more puzzles, let's just say he wouldn't be too happy with me right now... Will have to keep it all on the down low..😐

Meanwhile, I have decided to put up the above puzzle today- because I am no longer the only one in my house who loves to put together jigsaw puzzles! My three-year-old daughter is now very much into the hobby and has tackled and completed this puzzle by herself, even though I originally thought it would be much too hard for her. She loves it! As do I, because the design is by Demelsa Haughton and who doesn't love her whimsical illustrations?!

I'm going to head off now, and try and talk myself out of looking at purchasing yet more puzzles! Have a great week! 

Alchemist's Library

Brand: Eeboo

Pieces: 1000
Size:  58.4cm x 58.4cm

Product Code: PZTAHL

Today I felt like putting up a puzzle that was both busy yet calm (if that makes sense)!

This puzzle fits the bill perfectly. 

The entire design is busy- there is so much to see in the image! Lots of little trinkets on then shelves, a little girl exploring the night sky through a telescope, an alchemist taking notes and adornments on the walls. But the colours also make it seem soothing, like a cosy little nook that would have a calming effect on whoever is working in there. I love this illustration and was drawn to it as soon as I saw it. The puzzle pieces were also of high quality, as is usual with the Eeboo brand. 

There are several puzzles in the 'Alchemist' series and I look forward to working my way through them all at some point.

Native

Brand: Kaiser Style (Kaisercraft)

Pieces: 1000
Size:  68cm x 50cm

Product Code: -

When we were on our New Zealand holiday, we went to Kiwi Park in Queenstown, where we were able to see some gorgeous (usually elusive) Kiwis and a whole range of other birds that are native to the country. I did see a 100 piece puzzle available that featured illustrations of some of these birds but I didn't buy it. So to try to make up for that little faux pas, I am putting up a puzzle today that features some native Australian birds.

This puzzle is from Kaisercraft- an Australian crafting store that has slowly moved away from their traditional card-making and crafting origins, and is now more of a gift shop. They sell a range of puzzles that feature illustrations and this is one of the ones I have picked up over time. The designs are pretty but they are on the cheaper end of the scale when it comes to quality (although admittedly, there is nothing wrong with them for the price).

Do you like to pick up puzzle mementos of places you've been to, or things you've seen/done? Or do you have regrets later (as I did) and try to find alternatives? (like my NZ birds to Australian birds puzzle expedition haha)

New Zealand And South Pacific Islands Map

Brand: Hinkler Puzzlebilities

Pieces: 500
Size:  73.6cm x 58.4cm

Product Code: -

I'm back! After 10 days campervanning around the South Island of New Zealand- from Christchurch to Queenstown- I am now back on Australian soil. We arrived back last night and although I loved our little family holiday, I am also so glad to be back in the comfort of the familiar.

While I was away, I bought one puzzle of an illustrated New Zealand map (not the one above- this is one I completed a long time ago and put up specially for this post) and I'm excited to begin it. I didn't see any dedicated puzzle shops in my travels (I don't even know if they exist in New Zealand) but I found the one I bought in a souvenir store. I also saw a few New Zealand puzzle designs that I have not previously seen from Cavalini and Co and so I'm not sure if they're just exclusive to NZ or can be purchased elsewhere. I didn't buy any cos the price was high and my husband wasn't too keen on me buying more than one puzzle but it was still interesting to note. 

I'm going to leave it here- I have a lot of unpacking and washing to do now! I'll need a holiday after my holiday!

Eiffel Tower

Brand: Toy Town Mini Puzzles (Test Tube Puzzle)

Pieces: 150
Size: 15cm x 10cm

Product Code: -

I'm continuing with the French theme this week due to the Olympics being held in Paris. This puzzle is one of those cheap, tiny test tube puzzles that I bought from Wish.com. Surprisingly, the quality is quite good, and the micro pieces fit together well to create a cute postcard-sized puzzle.

In other news, I will be away for the next few weeks because I'm going on holidays! That means I won't have the opportunity to post anything, but as soon as I get back I'll be into it again. Hopefully I'll be able to uncover some cool puzzle shops on my journey. 

In the meantime, have a great few weeks and I'll see you when I'm back!

Paris In A Day

Brand: Eeboo

Pieces: 1000
Size: 53.3cm x 71.1cm

Product Code: -

Today I have decided to put up a puzzle of Paris, to commemorate the beginning of the 2024 Olympics, held in Paris, France. This puzzle was a pleasure to do, as it depicts many special landmarks from the country and holds a distinctly 'Frenchy' feel with its colour palette and style. Will you be watching the Olympic Games on TV? What sports are you interested in following?

Speaking of following, I competed in the Vic State Puzzle Competition last week and actually got my puzzle finished within the allocated time this time round! I placed within the top 110 people so I'm happy with that attempt, especially since it was a somewhat difficult puzzle that I hadn't done before (and I hadn't practiced at all beforehand 😅) . As long as I practice before the Nationals comp I should be fine.. I think!

Anyway, I best be off, but let me know what you think I should put up for the next few weeks following the Olympics theme- Paris? Sports? I'll see what I can do... 

Dreams Can Come True (Disney Princess)

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 150 XXL
Size: 49cm x 36cm

Product Code: 128730

This puzzle image today was chosen by my beautiful little girl who just got out of bed and decided to join me. She selected it because she saw all the Disney princesses and loves Moana. I'm glad she chose it, because I was seriously unsure about which one I should put up today!

Honestly, I'm a little frazzled, because today is the Victorian puzzle competition (which I am attending and competing in) but I have not had the chance to practice at all, and the weather is disgusting out there and we still have to travel, and last year I arrived over half an hour late and didn't complete the puzzle in time! I just want to finish and get a good time, without that anxiety haha! Time will tell how I go, but wish me luck!

I haven't really got much to say about this puzzle but that the quality was perfect Ravensburger-style and the design was appealing. Sorry for the brevity. 

Now I really need to go get ready. I'll let you know next week how I went!

Tools For Creative Success

Brand: Galison

Pieces: 1000
Size: 68.58cm x 50.8cm

Product Code: -

I have to admit, I'm a huge stationery fan. Just the act of going into a store (even if it's just Officeworks) and seeing/ buying all the crisp new notebooks, colourful pens and fresh art supplies gets me excited. Haha so lame but true.

That's why I can't help but be attracted to puzzle designs such as the one above. I love designs like this normally, but to see them with a stationery theme makes them all the more enticing. 

The above puzzle was a pleasure to do- the colour palette is a gorgeous mix of pastels and brights, and the pieces fit snugly together. Even the layout of the illustrations is pleasing to the eye. 

Do you have a particular theme that draws your attention and makes you want to buy it?

The Seven Dwarfs

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 500
Size: 50cm x 50cm

Product Code: 152025

I'm back again! After two hectic weeks, I am finally able to spend a weekend at home and try and relax with a puzzle or two. 

Even better, lately my 3-year-old daughter has become engrossed in completing jigsaw puzzles of her own, and so we have spent so much time smashing out the puzzles she has in her collection. Future puzzle partner in the works? Hopefully! 

Today's puzzle was chosen by her, in fact, from my library of completed puzzle photos. 

This one, as I'm sure you're aware, is part of a collection of puzzles that has been very difficult for many to complete. I was lucky enough to get hold of the whole series when it first came out and have since sold all my copies. I know that some people are still missing one or two of the dwarves (in particular Dopey, who was the hardest to find) but I was lucky enough not to have that problem. I have gradually been putting up the photos from this collection and have probably got most of them up by now! (although I haven't looked through to confirm)

I'm not sure which puzzle I'm going to put up next. Maybe I'll leave it in my daughter's hands again! 

Until then...