Come In, Red Riding Hood

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 1000
Size:  70cm x 50cm

Product Code: 174621

It's been a big week in the world of Pokemon, with the first drop of the 30th Celebration cards being released on Wednesday. But despite the many Pokemon-themed jigsaw puzzles I have in my collection, I do not have any photos of ones I have recently completed which I could post for the event! I need to get cracking!

Instead, I am putting up this totally unrelated design by Dean MacAdam, featuring characters from the Little Red Riding Hood fairytale. This puzzle has been sitting in my photo folder for quite a while, and although not relevant, is still pretty cool. I have a few of his designs and they always bring a smile to my face with their hidden little details. 

Do you have a particular puzzle design artist that you admire and/or collect?

Funny Animals

Brand: Yazz

Pieces: 1000
Size:  68cm x 48cm

Product Code: 3867

It's finally the Labour Day long weekend! 

I've been hanging out for this for such a long time - I definitely could use the break after working so many extra hours over the last few weeks. In fact, this time last week, I was unable to post because I was working my first Saturday in a very long time. But thankfully that's all done now and I can go back to regular posting and weekend activities. 

Today we have plans to visit the Werribee Zoo (because we were gifted a membership for Christmas and, well, why not?!) so I have decided to put up this puzzle of a collection of different animals. Granted, many of the animals in this design are farm animals and wouldn't be found in a zoo, but I still thought it was a cute image. 

The quality of this puzzle was fantastic and I really enjoyed putting it together.

Are you having a long weekend this weekend? If so, how will you be spending it?

Chinese Calendar

Brand: Eurographics

Pieces: 1000
Size:  48.89cm x 67.63cm

Product Code: 6000-5694

As the Chinese New Year has just begun, I have decided to put up this puzzle in celebration of the event. 

This puzzle, designed by Lucia Heffernan, features all twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac. As I have mentioned previously, I enjoy looking at designs that feature this kind of theme, and the Chinese version is no exception to the rule. The colours in this puzzle were vibrant and the puzzle was quick to do when you sorted the pieces into the 'panels' - it was almost like doing twelve individual little puzzles. 

Are you interested in designs like this, as I am? If you enjoy zodiac-themed puzzles, does that interest extend towards Oriental zodiac-themed designs such as the Chinese New Year? 

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!  

Woodland Picnic

Brand: Mudpuppy

Pieces: 500
Size: 51cm x 51cm

Product Code: -

Some puzzle designs are just cute... and this is one of them. When I saw this cute little illustrated scene, I knew I had to get it. The colours are vibrant, the animals are appealing and there is a lot going on within the design that draws your attention and makes you study the scene. And did I mention it's cute?! Haha

I timed myself doing this puzzle as practice for a puzzling competition last year. I finished it under 2 hours but it was trickier than I anticipated. 

Speaking of which, I entered a puzzling competition last week, but even though I got there on time this time around, I was unable to finish it within the two hour time limit. I had 42 pieces left. I was quite disappointed (with another 10 minutes I maybe could have finished) but was just glad I didn't have only one or two pieces left at finish (that would have been devastating to get so close). It seems that just over half of the entrants actually completed their puzzle and I was in the middle range for results. Not too bad, but next comp I want to actually finish it!

The Australian Jigsaw Puzzle Association (AJPA) has also recently announced the dates for most of their state competitions this year, and I'm hoping to enter the Victorian one once more.

Have you ever entered a puzzling competition? How did you go?

Snail Mail

Brand: Re-Marks

Pieces: 300
Size: 45.7cm x 61cm

Product Code: -

Well, it's a brand new year- we're already a week in!- yet everything feels very much the same for me. 

I'm still spending way too much on puzzles that I want to do, but probably won't have the chance to do! 

How good were some of the Boxing Day and End of Year sales? 

Once again, I bought way too many and now have over 300+ puzzles on my to-do list- all of which are currently sitting in my spare room which I was hoping to clear out sometime soon! 

I don't know how I'm going to get through them all (without the added pressure of completing ones that I'll no doubt continue to buy- I know I have a problem). Even if I complete one a day (unlikely), that's still gonna take me about a year to get through them... but hey, I'm willing to give it a shot! I'll just have to forgo other activities to get it done 😉

The puzzle I've chosen for today was one I completed a few years ago that features stamps from all around the world. I figured this one would be appropriate for the holidays, especially with all the travel that's taking place at the moment. This puzzle was bright and colourful, with lots of lovely stamp images. As someone who collects stamps, I enjoy looking at designs like this one. 

Do you collect anything other than puzzles?

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. 

Moon Dance

Brand: Eeboo

Pieces: 500
Size: 58.5cm diameter

Product Code:  -

Today I thought I'd put up a shaped puzzle- well, a round one anyway...

I purchased this puzzle during a sale because I just couldn't resist the bright colours and the beautiful design. It has such a feeling of positivity and power through nature, song and mysticism. I don't care if that makes me sound a bit hippy, that's just the way I felt at the time!

This puzzle was a joy to do- the pieces were well-made and fit together nicely. As I already mentioned, the image was enticing and drew my attention as soon as I saw it. I haven't had any problems that I can think of from Eeboo- they're a fantastic brand that always deliver. 

This puzzle is no exception and I know I'll end up doing more of them in the near future. 

Enchanted Christmas

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 500
Size: 49cm x 36cm

Product Code:  168620

A case of insomnia has me up and posting this one a bit earlier on a Saturday morning than I would like. But I figured that since I was up, I may as well do it now...

This puzzle design is another by Demelsa Haughton- I absolutely love her work! She has such pretty and whimsical illustrations, and they come across as wonderful puzzle designs. 

This Christmas-themed puzzle is no exception. She puts lots of little details into her work, and sometimes you don't see them until you're piecing the puzzle together. The characters are all very cute and I am excited that I got to do yet another of her gorgeous creations. 

This is the last weekend before Christmas! Crazy how time flies. I'll have another (final) Christmas puzzle up next week and then we'll see what happens next in regards to design posts. What will the new year bring?!

Tree-Dwelling Slowpokes

Brand: Mudpuppy

Pieces: 500

Size: 46cm x 36cm
Product Code:  -

I have been feeling so lethargic lately that no other puzzle fit as well as the one that I have chosen to display today. 

The above puzzle was quite quick to do, besides the similar colours, and perfectly represents the laziness I have been emulating over my last few days off. 

You know when you feel so tired that you just can't work up the energy or motivation to do anything? That has been me- I have done the bare minimum lately and I hate it. But sometimes you just can't get out of little funks like these. I woke up earlier today and with a bit more energy so hopefully that's the end of it and I'll be able to be a bit more productive from now. But we'll see how I go...

In the meantime, enjoy this cute Mudpuppy puzzle- they're always good quality and have a nice selection of designs to choose from. 

Pets Rock Music

Brand: MB Puzzle (Crown)
Pieces: 1000
Size: 45.7cm x 60.9cm
Product Code: -

This is the last of the puzzles that I have from this series, so I thought I'd put it up today. 

Although I can't say I'm a huge fan of the designs, I can appreciate the time spent to recreate each music icon using dogs and cats as the canvases. It is really quite clever, especially with how recognisable the animals are as the person/ band they're meant to be representing. 

Once again, the quality for these puzzles was quite good, and the ease of  putting the puzzle together was simple, when you separated the pieces according to each section/ block of the design. 

This is a cheap yet well-made brand, with a variety of designs, and I'm sure I'll be purchasing more in the future.

Princess Christmas Celebrations (Disney)

Brand: Ravensburger
Pieces: 500
Size: 49cm x 36cm
Product Code: 147786

Well it's the last Saturday before Christmas and so here is the last Christmas puzzle I have on offer for the time being- Princess Christmas Celebrations! Of course I had to finish on a high and include a beloved Disney design :)

This one features the main Disney princesses (and all the woodland animals that seem to favour them) in a wintery Christmas scene. The quality was perfect as usual and the design was appealing to anyone who loves the characters involved.

My next post will be put up in that weird holiday space between Christmas and New Year so I'll see you then for the final post of 2019! In the meantime, have a Merry and Safe Christmas!

Our Days Turn Round And Round

Brand: Epoch
Pieces: 1500
Size: 50cm x 75cm
Product Code:  15-079

If you're looking for a Japanese puzzle that is bright, fun and unique, you need look no further than offerings such as these by Epoch puzzles. This puzzle features small pieces (which I love) and a vibrant design (created by renowned Japanese illustrator Kayo Horaguchi). The attention to detail is incredible and as you do the puzzle, you will come across more and more different details that may have escaped your attention the previous time around. So far, I have done two of her puzzle designs and I hope to eventually do more. 
They're definitely stand-outs in my collection!

Bear Fairy Tale

Brand: Unknown
Pieces: 1000
Size: 75cm x 50cm
Product Code:  -

I've done a lot of jigsaw puzzles over the years. These have ranged in piece size, brand and quality- I like to shake it up rather than stick to one particular type. If I see an attractive design, I will go for, whether or not I have done something from that brand before. It's usually the design that draws me in, rather than who makes it or how long it will take to complete.

That is how I ended up doing this puzzle. 

I purchased this one from the shopping app Wish, and even though the box text is all in Chinese, I managed to work out (thanks Google Translator) that this one is called Bear Fairy Tale (or something along those lines!). I have no idea what the brand is (or much else for that matter) but I was greatly impressed by the quality. 

The pieces are cut from wood and have the alphabet printed in sections on the back to help make the puzzling process easier. The front of each piece is glossy and bright and the design is cute and well done. 

I really enjoyed doing this puzzle and will probably look at others of the same style at some point. I haven't done a wooden puzzle as big as this before so it was a nice change from putting together the usual cardboard pieces. When designs are this cute, it's great to branch out and try something a little bit different!

Disney's Christmas Train

Brand: Ravensburger
Pieces: 500
Size: 49cm x 36cm
Product Code: 147397

I know I only put up a Disney puzzle last week (which was very popular on Instagram by the way!) but I thought that considering it is so close to Christmas now- only a few days away- I should get into the spirit of it all and post a Christmas-themed puzzle!

And this is the result!

This puzzle features most of the popular characters (including princesses, animals and, of course, Mickey and Minnie) and was a pleasure to do. I love how Ravensburger is able to integrate all the favourites into a design that any Disney fan can enjoy.

It was super easy and quick to do this puzzle, especially since it was only 500 pieces.

My next post will be after Christmas so I hope you have a safe and memorable day with family and friends and enjoy yourself!

Merry Christmas!!!