Fierce Loyalty

Brand: Crown & Andrews Super 3D Prime 3D

Pieces: 500

Size: 61cm x 46cm
Product Code: -

I've decided to put up something a little bit different this time around- a lenticular '3D' puzzle! 

This is the first time I have ever completed one and it was quite an experience. It all depended on the way I looked at the pieces, or the way that the light reflected off them, which determined how quickly I was able to put it together. For a 500 piece puzzle, it took me quite a while! But the design was also quite dark which also made a difference. 

This design is from the Anne Stokes Collection, and has been adapted to this lenticular format. I thought it was pretty cool although it is much harder to take photos of puzzles in this style! 

There were only a few problems with this puzzle quality- a couple of bubbled spots where the image raised from the backing and showed on the design but there was nothing that could be done about this. Otherwise, I quite enjoyed this one- it felt good to tackle something slightly different.

And how fierce is the image?! Divine! :) 

Derjen- Dancing Girl (Showpiece Lantern)

Brand: Pintoo
Pieces: 192
Size: 9cm x 9cm x 13.8cm
Product Code:  Q1040

If you've been following this blog, you will have noticed that the puzzles I tend to post up are usually 2D in format. I occasionally like to do 3D puzzles (if the designs interest me enough), however I am more of a fan of traditional 2D jigsaw puzzles. 

For this particular post, I have decided to show one of the Pintoo Showpiece Lanterns that I have completed. I have made up several of their 3D puzzles over the years- they have vases, flowerpots, screens and lanterns in their range, all made up of sturdy plastic pieces in pretty designs. 

This particular Showpiece Lantern- Derjen- Dancing Girl, features four pretty images which you piece together in a box style. Included with the puzzle are extra plastic pieces- the base (which holds a battery compartment and switch) and a topper to hold the lantern together, I haven't put any batteries in (it uses 3x AAA batteries, which you need to unscrew the base of to insert), but I imagine that when the lantern is switched on,  the slightly opaque plastic would give off a lovely yet dim glow. 

Pintoo have released some gorgeous designs over the years and it felt right to put another of their offerings up in today's post. Hope you like it!

Close up of side 1

Close up of side 2

Close up of side 3

Close up of side 4

Japanese Doll

Brand: Pintoo
Pieces: 160
Size: 11x11x27.4cm
Product Code:  S1010

Last year I put up an edited picture of a Pintoo 3D puzzle vase that I had completed- The Dragon And The Phoenix- A Good Omen. The image was made up of four pictures, each showcasing a different side of the vase. Having completed yet another one of Pintoo's pretty designs, I have decided to post the photos from this puzzle in a similar way. 

This puzzle, titled Japanese Doll, features images of Kokeshi dolls (which are traditional Japanese dolls and widely collected) in a bright manga style. The rim and base of the vase are bright pink to complement the cheerful colours in the design, and the vase comes with an accompanying black stand for display. This design is very girly, and would suit anybody who likes the bright and quirky side of Japanese popculture. 

Mucha - The Precious Stones (Puzzle Screen)

The puzzle from one side

The other side of the design

Brand: Pintoo
Pieces: 462
Size: 45.3cm x 22.9cm
Product Code: Q1031

Every now and then, I like to stretch my boundaries when it comes to puzzle completion and do one that's a little bit different. Pintoo usually meet that criteria for me, with their range of 3D-style puzzles. I have already completed several of their designs,and this mini-screen that they have created fits the bill perfectly if you want to do a pretty design that isn't too challenging but still has that wow factor. 

Featuring artist Alphonse Mucha's beautiful illustrations, this screen is made up of the four women he has used to personify the precious stones of emerald, amethyst, ruby and topaz. Double sided, and made of a solid plastic, the pieces fit together perfectly to create eight different panels (two of each woman- the original artwork image and a close up). The panels are joined with hinged puzzle pieces and the entire puzzle sits within a plastic folding frame. 

A close-up of the hinged puzzle pieces

This is a different style of jigsaw puzzling and makes a great display piece. 

The Dragon And The Phoenix- A Good Omen

Brand: Pintoo
Pieces: 160
Size: 11x11x27.4cm
Product Code: S1002

This is the first time I have ever attempted to do a 3D puzzle vase, despite having seen a few at my local puzzle store. 

The vibrant colours and design were quite appealing, and I couldn't help but buy it! I have taken photos of the various sides of the vase (as it has different images all the way around) so that you can see exactly what it looks like. 

Assembly-wise, the vase was quite easy to do- the back of each piece was numbered and had an arrow to indicate where each piece went next. The pieces are also made of a firm plastic, so there's no danger of accidentally snapping them. Each puzzle box comes with the black stand (for displaying purposes), a coloured base, a coloured rim (for the top of the vase to give it a neat finish) and a little container that is placed inside the base of the puzzle (for holding water if you want to actually use the finished piece as a vase). 

This is a cute and practical puzzle, and something a little bit different if you want a change from the standard 2D jigsaw puzzle.