Barbie: Fashion Icon!

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 1000
Size:  70cm x 50cm

Product Code: 175185

I thought I'd put up this beauty today - a workspace devoted to Barbie and her various fashions. 

It features blueprints and photos of Barbie and her clothing throughout history, and was really enjoyable to do. 

I had to purchase this one from a UK-based website, as good Barbie puzzles for adults are unfortunately really hard to come by in Australia. There is such a market for them though! I sold it straight away when I attended a puzzle sale day.

I'm hoping to find some more over time, but for now I'll have to curb my puzzle spending and complete some of the ones I have in anticipation of the next puzzle sale (next month, to be held in Melton). 

Pisces

Brand: Cobble Hill

Pieces: 500
Size:  67.6cm x 48.9cm

Product Code: 45022

Once again, I'm running behind in the posting of my zodiac puzzles, even though I have actually planned ahead and done some of them in advance. 

This time I've posted it two days after the new one has begun, so I suppose it's not so bad, but I'm going to have to work on my timings to get them up in the timeframe they're meant to be in!

So yeah, this one belongs to last month (considering today is the 22nd of March). I'll try and put the next one up within the next few weeks. 

Sorry I haven't got much to add today- just busy trying to sort out and complete puzzles so I can get them ready to sell at an upcoming event that will be held next month in the Melbourne suburb of Melton. A little closer to home than the previous one in Blackburn, but hopefully just as (if not more) successful for the de-stashing of some of my many puzzles.

Enjoy your weekend and I'll talk to you next week!

Boho Camper

Brand: Magnolia

Pieces: 99
Size:  10cm x 14cm

Product Code: -

I'm putting this post up a lot later than usual, because I had a little computer trouble this morning, and then I had a hairdresser's appointment. But here it finally is - better late than never!

The above puzzle is from Magnolia's micro-puzzle range, and was a pleasure to do. This tiny puzzle is the perfect snack-size and of the highest quality. There is so much detail packed into it, and the box size is very cute (pocket size, so easy to smuggle into the house if you don't want anyone to see another purchase haha). 

There are quite a few micro-puzzles in their range- all reprints of their larger piece count puzzles- so you're sure to find one that grabs your attention. 

Do you like doing mini and micro puzzles? Which brands do you enjoy doing?

Run Like A Girl

Brand: Educa

Pieces: 500
Size:  34cm x 48cm

Product Code: 19249

I'm not sure if you've ever experienced this... You see an image and for some reason just can't get it out of your head. It crops up now and again and, each time, your thoughts on the image are renewed and you once again want to get a hold of it. 

This was the case for the above illustrated puzzle by Esther Gili. 

I'm not sure what it was about the design that made me want to purchase it and complete it so much but every time I saw it, it would end up in my cart. One day, I just bit the bullet and decided to buy it.  

This image gives me such Stranger Things vibes - not a bad thing!

The above puzzle was a lot more challenging than expected, due to the watercolour illustration aspect of the design. Once I had completed the image of the girl, it took the process of elimination to work out most of the background and border. While the pieces were quite loose (you could not do that pick-up test with this puzzle, it would fall to pieces), they at least fit properly and so there were no false fits. It was an experience of trial and error to get the background done. But how stunning is it when it's finally finished?! 

Have you got a puzzle like this that keeps calling to you? Will you eventually cave and buy it? Or has it already happened and you've finally completed it?

At The Bookshop

Brand: Thames & Hudson

Pieces: 1000
Size:  48.6cm x 68cm

Product Code: -

I have to admit that I love book-themed puzzles. I've grown up with books, and have always loved them. I was introduced to the library from a young age and even worked at a bookstore for over 10 years. My great childhood dream was to become an author and illustrator (that obviously never happened but I studied and majored in literature at university (as well as journalism) so I got partway there I suppose). 

Anyway, this love has extended to puzzles with literary themes, which is probably why I love Reverie Puzzles so much (they have a new design drop today in case you were wondering and I've already spent way too much on more of their beautiful designs). 

Of course, other brands release puzzles that follow the theme and they also end up on my radar- like the above puzzle illustrated by Kim Siew. This puzzle references so many literary motifs and if you're an avid reader, you're sure to recognise a lot of them. I loved the sneaky references to book titles within the illustration, and if you're not as sure about some of them, they are listed on the box so you can look them up. 

This was a fun one to do, with lots of things to look out for, and which I fittingly found at a book store when I was searching for a particular novel- best add-on sale ever!  

Aquarius

Brand: Cobble Hill

Pieces: 500
Size:  67.6cm x 48.9cm

Product Code: 45021

So much for trying to keep up to date with series images as they happen! 

I was planning to put up each of these horoscope puzzles within the dates that they are suited, and I've already missed the second one by a few days! I realised on the day of the switch over (I should have put this one up last weekend) but oh well, better late than never I guess!

I'll try to keep with it as the year progresses but no guarantees I'll be on time haha

I'm really liking this collection- do you usually collect the whole sets of puzzle designs when they're released? I have a whole load of collections but unfortunately, not the time to do them all. I really need to sit down and dedicate some time to completing a set or two...although it doesn't help when new puzzle collections are released so often! 

What do you think is the best way to tackle this dilemma? I'd love to hear from you!

Puffinry!

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 500
Size:  49cm x 36cm

Product Code: 167593

So it turns out I am less organised than I thought, or at least, more forgetful. 

The puzzle sale I mentioned last week is actually being held tomorrow (on Sunday) and not today as I originally thought. So that means I have one more day to prepare for it (and I am able to put up a post this morning!)

Which puzzle to put up? I was hoping to go with a love theme today for Valentine's Day (which was yesterday). I even completed a cute puzzle by Cobble Hill called Be Mine for the occasion, yet I never got the chance to take a photo and it's way too dark right now to take one and be happy with posting it. That photo might have to wait for another day, but please know that I did attempt to get it done (and the actual puzzle was completed in time!) 

Instead, I'm going to put up the above puzzle (cos it sort of looks like the puffins are having a close and romantic moment (or is that pushing the theme a little too hard?)) Whatever the case, the image (illustrated by Ailsa Black) is cute and cheerful. I enjoyed putting together this design and it was a little more challenging than I expected, which is always a good thing. 

I'm glad I was able to put up a post today, and will aim to be more organised photo-wise next time. 

Also, if you're around the suburb of Blackburn in Melbourne tomorrow (Sunday 16th February) between 9am and 12pm, we'd love you to visit the second-hand puzzle sale at Blackburn Bowls Club. It looks like it will be great fun and you could pick up one or two amazing bargains!

Mickey And Friends

 

Brand: Crown

Pieces: 300
Size:  61cm x 46cm

Product Code: -

Just quickly putting this one up here today cos I have a four-year-old's party to prepare for! This one seemed fitting cos it looks as though all the characters are in celebration mode!

I don't know what the likelihood will be of doing a post next week either, because I will be travelling early in the morning to a puzzle sale event. Fingers crossed I can sell most of my completed puzzles second hand. 

I hope your next few weeks are great- keep puzzling!

Beauties Of Chinese 56 Ethnic Groups

Brand: Taiwang

Pieces: 1000
Size:  50cm x 75cm

Product Code: TW-1000-009

It's Lunar New Year, and since I don't have any puzzle images of snakes (of which this is the year), I have decided instead to put up a puzzle that I completed several years ago and which has been sitting in my puzzle photo vault for all that time! I won this puzzle through a Facebook competition back then, and it was such a beautiful image to complete. 

There are a couple of puzzles I have in my collection that would be perfect for this Lunar New Year and I hope to complete them soon so that I can show them to you. In the meantime, take a look at the one above!

I hadn't done this brand before and have never seen it available in Australian stores (or even online for that matter) but the design is beautiful and I remember the quality being exceptional. 

Have you got any puzzles in your collection where you've never tried the brand before but the image drew you in and you're raring to complete them?

Happy Plants

Brand: Mudpuppy

Pieces: 500
Size:  51cm x 51cm

Product Code: -

This weekend is a long weekend! Woohoo! 

Despite all the controversy and drama of the last few years regarding Australia Day and it's place in the Australian calendar, the public holiday is still continuing. 

I had plans to put up an Aboriginal art puzzle, but then I realised that I still haven't had the chance to do the ones that I bought from Yarn, and so I've put up this cute plants one instead. 

When I saw the above image I loved the kawaii style of the illustrations. It was pretty quick to do, although the white background and borders definitely had to be done towards the end. 

I love plants and flowers but unfortunately I tend to kill most of the ones I have growing so fake plants and images (like the above puzzle) are the way to go for me!

Capricorn

Brand: Cobble Hill

Pieces: 500
Size:  67.6cm x 48.9cm

Product Code: 45020

A while ago, I came across these zodiac puzzles from Cobble Hill. 

There is one for each star sign and each has a beautiful illustration, as well as all the 'essential' information for that particular sign. 

Although I am fascinated by this sort of thing, I generally don't believe in their 'reality'. In a similar vein, I love crystals and collect them, but only because they are really pretty rocks, not because of the 'mystical qualities' they are supposed to evoke. 

I have decided to try and get each of the star sign puzzles completed within their 'dates' and put them up throughout the year, and Capricorn is the first off the rank. The pieces are irregularly shaped, but the quality is good so they come together quite quickly. 

Do you believe in star signs and horoscopes? Or are you like me, with a fascination of astrology but no keen interest in believing it? 

Whatever the case, the subject matter can produce some very pretty puzzle designs!

Tropical White Sand Beach, Thailand

Brand: Puzzlebug

Pieces: 500
Size:  46cm x 28cm

Product Code: -

Have you ever been to a jigsaw puzzle-specific second-hand sale?

Through Facebook, I have recently found the opportunity to take part in one that will be held in Melbourne in February and I am so excited! Even though it will be an early start and a relatively long drive, it will also be a great opportunity to sell some of my puzzles and meet like-minded puzzle enthusiasts. I'm really hoping I can clear some of my finished stash and make some much-needed room in my house haha. Depending on the success of the day, I would be more than happy to participate in other sales like it.

The above puzzle is one of the ones that I hope to sell (probably as a mini bundle cos I have a few and they were so cheap). I put it up today for its calm, beachy vibes and the relaxing atmosphere it evokes. The actual puzzle itself was OK to do, although the quality was as expected for the Puzzlebug brand. 

What puzzling adventures are you getting up to in this new year?

Fun Flair

Brand: Galison

Pieces: 500
Size:  50.8cm x 50.8cm

Product Code: -

Happy New Year! Can you believe that 2025 is now here? I haven't really got much planned for today's post- I barely even knew which puzzle I was going to put up! That's why I settled on the above one. It was bright, fun, and relatively quick to do. 

I'm going to try and put up more relevant images to the times of the year in future (I know I've said that before but I'm going to try harder this time round). If you have any suggestions for puzzle designs you would like to see, please shoot me a message and I'll see what I can do.

In the meantime, enjoy your holidays (if you're lucky enough to still be on them) and I'll look forward to posting more puzzle images throughout the new year.