Classic London

Brand: Pintoo (Showpiece XS)
Pieces: 253
Size: 18.3cm x 8.8cm
Product Code: P1169

A couple of my friends are visiting the UK at the moment, to take part in their friend's wedding, and so I decided to use that as a reference for my puzzle-posting today. 

This puzzle is from the wonderful Asian company Pintoo. I have done several of their puzzles in the past. While they also create flat puzzles, they have a lot of 3D-style ones too (like vases, lanterns, flower pots and screens). 

This one is a flat one, but it comes with an easel-type stand to display it on. As far as I know, all of their puzzles are made from the same thick plastic, and the quality is fantastic.

This puzzle was no exception. 

The pieces fit together snugly to produce a perfect little picture of London- the famous Tower Bridge and an iconic bright red phone booth. 

I will definitely continue to purchase from this brand.

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

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. 

Minnie Mouse In Stained Glass

Brand: Tenyo
Pieces: 266
Size: 18.2cm x 25.7cm
Product Code: DSG-266-754

As mentioned in the previous post, this puzzle would be perfect for anybody who loves Disney. This Minnie Mouse version ties in nicely with the Mickey Mouse one. 

Mickey Mouse In Stained Glass

Brand: Tenyo
Pieces: 266
Size: 18.2cm x 25.7cm
Product Code: DSG-266-747

I'm always on the lookout for different styles of jigsaw puzzles, and will often buy ones that differ from the usual. These Japanese Tenyo puzzles are quite different, in that the pieces are made of a non-opaque thin plastic- making the 'stain-glass' look more authentic. This puzzle was quite enjoyable and reasonably quick to do. The colours are vibrant and the pieces fit together well, actually clicking into place. When the puzzle is complete, it's possible to lift it up without everything falling apart. There are many other Disney characters in this series, and they'd make the perfect little gift for a Disney-loving, jigsaw puzzle fan.