Bunnings Warehouse 2020

Brand: Mr Bob Puzzles

Pieces: 141
Size: 40cm x 30cm

Product Code: -

I know this puzzle is titled with the year 2020, but really, not much has changed when it comes to the glorious Australian hardware store mecca that is Bunnings Warehouse. Mr Bob Puzzles released this puzzle as a limited edition and I was able to pick up a copy via Facebook Marketplace. I only really bought it for the chance to say that I have owned and completed it!

This puzzle is wooden and the quality is excellent as expected from this wonderful Australian small business. 

Mr Bob Puzzles are cut and created in Western Australia, and are produced to the highest quality standard. They feature whimsy pieces relevant to the subject matter (in this case, handyman tools) and the colours and fit are excellent. I was extremely happy to be able to get a hold of this puzzle. 

Renewal

Brand: Hardie Grant

Pieces: 1000
Size: 68.5cm x 49cm

Product Code: -

This week we are embracing NAIDOC Week, which is an Australian observance that runs from the first Sunday in July to the following Sunday. NAIDOC is an acronym that stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee, and this week is used to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of people with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. 

I have decided to put up this puzzle to commemorate the event, which features the artwork of Lakkari Pitt (Gamilaroi Yuwaalaraay). Her work is so beautiful and I love the vibrant colours, even if they aren't the traditional colours of Aboriginal artwork. 

This puzzle was a pleasure to do, and quite challenging in parts. I'm disappointed my photo isn't able to capture the full vibrancy of the design (unfortunately it was a bit dark when I took this photo). I also have a few other 'modern' Aboriginal design puzzles which I can't wait to tackle at some point. Have you got any puzzles in your collection which follow a similar style?

The Whitsundays, QLD

Brand: Ken Duncan Images Of Australia (Crown & Andrews) -The World's Most Beautiful Jigsaw Puzzles
Pieces: 504
Size: 64cm x 24cm
Product Code: -

I wasn't sure which puzzle to put up this morning, so I decided on this tranquil scene of The Whitsundays in Queensland. I thought it would be a nice reminder that there is peace in the world (particularly following the news that Russia has declared war on Ukraine). 

This is a photo by Ken Duncan, a photographer whose puzzles I have featured quite a bit. I love his imagery of some of Australia's most beautiful landscapes. He is able to capture so much beauty through his lens- something pleasant to reflect on when times are dark. 

Despite all the different shades of blue, this puzzle was a pleasure to work, and I would love the opportunity to visit the place one day...

100 Aussie Icons

Brand: Mr Bob Puzzles

Pieces: 101
Size: 40cm x 30cm

Product Code:  -

It's Australia Day this week, and the public holiday will fall on a Wednesday, so I'm excited to get a mid-week day off work! 

But besides that, I think a lot of the public favour for the day has gone sour. 

While a lot of people celebrate the day, there are just as many people who are disgusted by it and have renamed it 'Invasion Day'. I personally feel for the Aboriginal people that this day has affected and would be happy for the day to be renamed or even for the date to be changed so that it has less negative connotations. 

But even though I feel this way, I couldn't let the day pass by completely unrecognised, so I have posted up a picture of a fantastic wooden puzzle that I purchased from small Australian company Mr Bob Puzzles. They design and cut all their own puzzles in Western Australia, using quality products and including whimsy pieces. 

The artworks are incredible and the overall quality is amazing. You definitely need to check out what they have on offer. This puzzle celebrates 100 Aussie Icons and is designed by artist Jim Tsinganos. It includes whimsy pieces such as the Sydney Opera House, a kangaroo, an Australia outline and much more. This would be perfect for wooden puzzle collectors or even as a souvenir of the country. 

The Australia Edition

Brand: Journey Of Something

Pieces: 1000
Size: 70cm x 50cm
Product Code:  -

Since Covid-19 took over the world, there has been a huge influx of puzzle brands coming onto the market so people can while away their 'stay at home' time with activities such as puzzle assembly. So many companies sold out of their designs with this unprecedented demand, and a whole new audience grew. 

Because of this, a lot of regular puzzlers had trouble locating designs from their favourite brands, and it meant having to either do ones already in their collection which had been put off for others (I'm guilty of this) and also trying new brands (also guilty). 

One of the new brands I decided to try was not necessarily new- Journey Of Something has been around for quite a few years already- but it was new to me (in that, I hadn't purchased from them before. I had always admired their artist-based designs but couldn't justify the cost. Even though they are only a small business, their prices seemed way too expensive compared to the usual $30 or so I usually spend as maximum. For your reference, their puzzles cost over $50 each for a 1000 piece puzzle. But when they had a sale, I decided to take the plunge and just buy some. Their Australian-owned and I thought I'd do my bit to support local.

I'm glad I did.

The designs are expensive (as I said) but that said, I know they have to cover the costs of manufacture, copyright for artists, shipping, promotion, etc, and still make some money at the end of it. All of the designs are carefully curated and beautiful. The pieces come in a fabric bag inside the box, whose lid lifts up and is held with ribbon. Presentation is perfect. 

I chose the above puzzle and two others, and thought I'd put up this one first because Australia Day (a public holiday which has become very controversial over the last few years- 'aka Invasion Day') is this Tuesday and I needed something Australian themed to display. 

Extremely good quality and very pretty. I loved the landmarks, illustrations, and overall design of this Australian map. If you get the chance, check out their website and see what goodies catch your eye. 

Flinders Street Station, VIC

Brand: Ken Duncan Images Of Australia (Crown & Andrews)- The World's Most Beautiful Jigsaw Puzzles
Pieces: 504
Size: 64cm x 24cm
Product Code:  -

Over the last few months there have been many people critical over the way the Victorian Government has handled the corona virus. The state of Victoria was in major lockdown, with the city of Melbourne hardest hit- I think I heard somewhere that Melbournians were facing some of the toughest lockdown restrictions in the world! 

But those months of restrictions and sacrifices are now over! Yay! Victoria has recorded over 28 days of virus free living! Those who complained can now see the proof that what was done to eradicate the virus was successful. Of course, it's not completely eradicated (it can always be reintroduced by travellers once all the state borders open and international travel begins properly again) but for now we're on a high!

We're in a much better position than the pain and horror that many overseas countries are facing right now- the USA and some countries in Europe are facing hundreds of thousands cases a day! Crazy! Hope they start to see some recovery soon...

To celebrate Victoria's success, I have put up a puzzle featuring Melbourne's iconic Flinders Street Station. It's such a beautiful and recognisable piece of architecture, which will be super busy again in no time as people freely begin to travel again. 

Jenny Sanders: Green Clubsport At Huskisson Hotel

Brand: Blue Opal
Pieces: 1000
Size: 70cm x 50cm
Product Code:  BL02034

I was trying to decide which puzzle to put up today and thought 'Hmm.... it's been a while since I put up a car one' so here we are!

I guess it's sort of relevant- my husband has recently become interested in classic cars and would like to some day purchase one to do up. Luckily he has a few friends who love that sort of thing- including one who is absolutely obsessed and owns about 10 cars that he has bought and fixed up over the years. His collection, and his enthusiasm, make him the perfect person to help in the car hunt. I think he's more excited about the whole thing than hubby! 

While the car in this puzzle can't really be considered a classic, it is still a quite iconic Australian car, as most of Jenny Sanders' illustrated cars are. This was a beautiful quality puzzle as always and just one more from the vast collection I have of her work. Maybe the next car one I do can be a classic one, just for the boys :)

Kakadu Dreaming, NT

Brand: Ken Duncan Images Of Australia (Crown & Andrews)- The World's Most Beautiful Jigsaw Puzzles
Pieces: 504
Size: 64cm x 24cm
Product Code:  -

Well it's Anzac Day today, and in typical 'me' form, I have no offerings featuring soldiers, poppies or anything that can especially be linked to this commemorative day for all of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who have defended our countries. 

Honestly, I don't even know if such puzzles exist, but I have tried to redeem myself by putting up a picture of an Australian nature scene, created by an Australian photographer, Ken Duncan.

I have never been to Kakadu, or the Northern Territory for that matter, but I think this is a wonderful scene of the area, and something that the soldiers would have fought to defend in our amazing country. 

I have done many puzzles from this brand and all have been high quality with beautiful imagery (hence the sub-branding on the puzzles I guess!)

They really open up your eyes to another side of Australia- the more natural and idyllic side that most people don't often see. This is as close as I'm likely to get to this part of Australia at this point so I love that we can enjoy nature through the puzzle photography. 

Millaa Millaa Falls, QLD

Brand: Ken Duncan Images Of Australia (Crown & Andrews)
Pieces: 748
Size: 31cm x 83cm
Product Code: -

Even though the current bushfires that are ravaging Australia are located mostly in New South Wales and Victoria. I thought I would put up an image of a puzzle where Queensland's nature is the focus. This place looks absolutely beautiful, and although I had never heard of it before I found the puzzle, I would love to visit this lush and tropical-looking paradise. 

Ken Duncan is such a fantastic Australian photographer and is able to capture natural scenes perfectly. I am so glad that he has a range of puzzles to his name, even if the boxes can be obscenely large for the size of the puzzle 😂. That said, the puzzles are usually of strong quality, with a nice fit and good colour. 

I will continue to purchase and do them as I see them in store.

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 :)

Jenny Sanders: Picnic At Lake Tabourie

Brand: Blue Opal
Pieces: 1000
Size: 70cm x 50cm
Product Code:  BL01908

I may have mentioned before that I love the Blue Opal releases of Jenny Sanders' iconic classic car artwork. 

Here is another one from my collection that I thought I'd post up today. 

While I love the colours of this car, it took me a while to realise what was wrong with the image... Can you work it out?!

Yes, the car is disproportionately too big compared to the size of the people! This has nothing to do with the depth of the image because they are not that far in front of the rest of the scene- the image of the car is just absolutely too big compared to everything else! I'm not sure what happened here but the artist has definitely made sure that the car is the main focus! 😂

Other than that slight, I loved this puzzle for the usual reasons- the colours were vibrant, the pieces fit well together and despite the slight sizing mishap, the illustration was spot on.

Oh well, can't win 'em all! 

Desert Oaks, Uluru, NT

Brand: Ken Duncan Images Of Australia (Crown & Andrews)- The World's Most Beautiful Jigsaw Puzzles
Pieces: 504
Size: 64cm x 24cm
Product Code:  -

Happy Australia Day!

Today is January 26th, a national holiday where we celebrate the arrival of Britain's First Fleet on Australian shores in 1788. The day has been steeped in controversy over the last few years, with people wanting to change the date to one that is less 'offensive' to native Australians, some of whom call the day 'Invasion Day'. 

I'm really not fussed if the date is changed, as long as we still get to celebrate a public holiday!

To me, Australia Day is a chance to catch up with friends, have a BBQ and relax. It's a chance to celebrate the things that make Australia great. It's a chance to enjoy a day away from work and just chill out on a hot summer's day.

The puzzle above was the most Australian I could find in my collection- I haven't had the opportunity to do much puzzling lately so I had to use an image from my backlog which I hadn't put up yet! What could be more iconic and Australian than Uluru!

The quality of the pieces was terrific, the image- taken by Ken Duncan- was of course, spot on, and the colours were vibrant. I've done plenty of his puzzles and will continue to do so. You just can't go wrong!

The Man From Snowy River, Vic

Brand: Ken Duncan Images Of Australia (Crown & Andrews)- The World's Most Beautiful Jigsaw Puzzles
Pieces: 504
Size: 64cm x 24cm
Product Code:  -

Well, this is my last post for the year 2018- I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Christmas and that 2019 is full of all the good things for you! 

It's been a wonderful year in regards to puzzles- I have tried many new brands, put together many new designs and managed to consistently post up each week on this blog and my Instagram (which has happily continued to grow in followers, so thank you!).

Next year I hope to continue on with this and share even more wonderful brands, designs and collections with you!

I think last year, around this time, I also mentioned that I hoped to do a puzzle of fireworks to bring in the new year. Well, I have the puzzle, but I just haven't had the chance to do it, so that might have to wait for another year! Oops, sorry!

In the meantime, as my last post for the year, I have decided to post up a picture of The Man From Snowy River, Vic. It;s the closest puzzle I have at this time to a camping theme, which is what I will be doing from today and into the New Year with my friends. Part of Ken Duncan's Images Of Australia series, this panoramic puzzle was a pleasure to do, and quite quick. I suggest you check out his works at some point if you want a lovely snapshot of rural Australia in puzzle form. I have done quite a few of his puzzles and will continue to do them as long as they are around!

Have a safe and happy remainder of the year and I'll see you in 2019!

The Twelve Apostles, Vic

Brand: Ken Duncan Images Of Australia (Crown & Andrews) -The World's Most Beautiful Jigsaw Puzzles
Pieces: 504
Size: 64cm x 24cm
Product Code: -

I'm lucky enough to live near one of Australia's popular natural tourist attractions- The Twelve Apostles. Located along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, this natural formation along the coast is slowly eroding away but still draws thousands of tourists every year who stop along the roadside to view the picturesque sight.

I have decided to put this puzzle up today in association with an event that is running at the moment- although admittedly there's a little bit of a stretch. As you head towards the Great Ocean Road, in Bellbrae, there is an amazing place called The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. 

Now, I've never been there but I have many friends and family members who vouch for the place and insist on me going there at some point. I absolutely want to but I need to find the time! Anyway, at the moment, they're holding a Hot Chocolate Festival and it sounds amazing. If you end up going along the Great Ocean Road to visit the Twelve Apostles and other landmarks, then you should definitely make a stop at the chocolaterie on the way!

Sooo, plug over- back to the puzzle! This puzzle is of a panoramic image taken by Ken Duncan- a renowned Australian photographer. The colours and quality of this puzzle were outstanding, and the image is a truly beautiful representation of Australia's natural wonders. 

I have a few other puzzles from this collection which I hope to do soon- the images are just so vibrant- making these into perfect reminders of travel memories, or enticing additions to a travel bucket list. 

Jenny Sanders: Running On Empty

Brand: Blue Opal
Pieces: 1000
Size: 70cm x 50cm
Product Code: BL01905

I'm not sure why, but I really like these collections of puzzles by Blue Opal that feature the artworks of Australian artist Jenny Sanders. I have already posted up quite a few of them and have plenty more in my collection to do. Not only is the quality of the pieces great, but the designs are just perfect representations of classic Australian cars in 'their natural environment' (whatever that means, haha). 

I have always admired old, done-up cars, although there is no way I would be able to maintain or drive them myself. While a few of my friends have restored some in real life, the closest I think I'll be getting to them (besides being a passenger in one) is to do these puzzles!

This one features a lovely old green Holden (I don't know what kind of make it is but I'm sure someone could tell me!) in front of an old-school cafe (seemingly in the middle of nowhere). The colours are vibrant and the design layout made it pretty easy to piece together- the only challenge really came in the colours of the sky but even the gradual shading in the colours made it less difficult than it could have been.  

There will be more of these Jenny Sanders car puzzles on the way in this blog so if you're not a fan of them (as I am) then you'll probably be a bit disappointed! C'est la vie!

Australia Day, Sydney Harbour, NSW

Brand: Ken Duncan Images Of Australia (Crown & Andrews) - The World's Most Beautiful Jigsaw Puzzles
Pieces: 504
Size: 64cm x 24cm
Product Code:   -

Yesterday, January 26, was Australia Day- a public holiday! 

It's meant to be a day when Australian's celebrate the anniversary of the First Fleet landing on Australian shores in 1788, thus paving the way for colonization of the country. 

But in recent years, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the day- particularly for indigenous Australians who have renamed the day 'Invasion Day' and want Australia Day celebrations to fall on a more inclusive day for everyone.

At the moment, things are still up in the air about the future of Australia Day, but until then, it will continue to be a day filled with Aussie flags, barbecues and a day off with family and friends (if you're lucky enough to get time off work). 

Above is a puzzle that I found by renowned Australian photographer Ken Duncan, featuring a scene on the Sydney Harbour from Australia Day in previous years past. This panoramic puzzle was quite easy to do, despite all the yachts and boats dotted throughout the picture, and the quality was wonderful. 

It's rare that I can find a puzzle that fits perfectly with a day's theme- so I was happy to find this one to put up from my collection! 

Lockey's Oyster Shed

Brand: Blue Opal Deluxe
Pieces: 1000
Size: 69cm x 49cm
Product Code:   BL01707

This weekend is the Portarlington Mussel Festival, which is held in Portarlington (obviously), a suburb on the Bellarine Peninsula not too far from my own. Tourists and locals alike- who have a taste for these edible molluscs- flock to take part in this celebration and enjoy the local produce. I for one have never really been a fan of mussels, but good on them for enjoying something different. 

In saying that, I have decided to put up a puzzle featuring Jenny Sanders' artwork Lockey's Oyster Shed. I know mussels and oysters are entirely different, but it was the closest comparison I could find! Renowned for her paintings of classic Australian cars, there aren't actually any oysters featured in this picture (just the location name), but I thought the summery vibes given out by the image were more than adequate. 

As with all of the puzzles featuring her work, this was a pleasure to do. The colours are vibrant and the quality of the pieces wonderful. I'm determined to work my way through all of the designs in this series, and any others that pop up over time...

Jenny Sanders: Red Monaro

Brand: Blue Opal
Pieces: 1000
Size: 70cm x 50cm
Product Code:  BL01904

Today is the birthday of one of my brothers, so I was trying to find a puzzle that would be symbolic of the things that he likes, to put up today- easier said than done!

Although he is a cyclist and big Pokemon Go fan, I had trouble finding puzzles along these themes that I could do, besides the ones that I have already posted! 

So I decided to put up this Blue Opal puzzle of a red Monaro. It's only a little bit relevant, but it'll do! When we were younger, we sometimes attended the Motor Shows that were held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, where car companies showcased their newest models to the public. While they didn't often show older models (unless they were revamped), I will always remember admiring the new (in the 90s!) version of the Holden Monaro, and fighting with my brother about who got to keep the free poster we were given of it! (We eventually got a few free posters, so that solved the arguments!).

This puzzle is a reproduction of an artwork by Australian artist Jenny Sanders, who specialises in painting older models of well-loved classic cars. The puzzle pieces are of a high quality and the images bring on a sense of nostalgia for an Australia of old. 

The are plenty of other old cars featured in Jenny Sanders'  Blue Opal collection- I have previously put up Yellow Sandman- and I will continue to do these puzzles as I come across them. The images are wonderful and the quality is outstanding!