Great Ocean Road Trip, Vic, Australia

Brand: Karen McKenzie Art

Pieces: 500
Size:  50cm diameter

Product Code: -

Last week was a terrible one in Victoria for bushfires, with half of the state in flames. But in typical Victorian fashion, within a few days (and while some bushfires were still burning), some Victorian towns experienced severe flash flooding! These towns were situated along the Great Ocean Road and several cars were swept out to sea as a result. I've watched video footage of this, as well as the helicopter recovery of these cars during the week and it's absolutely insane to think that all of this happened on our doorstep. 

The Great Ocean Road is a relatively short drive from Geelong, and I've travelled it many times. It's a beautiful coastal drive, and even if you have a problem with windy roads and car sickness, it is still a pleasure to see the views that are afforded to you, and to visit the lovely towns along the way.

Karen McKenzie has captured the scene perfectly in her illustrated puzzle depicting the drive. I'm not completely sure why Luna Park (in St Kilda) features, but the rest of the design is a wonderful representation. I saw this puzzle in her online store and purchased it because of its familiarity. She has also created designs of heaps of other regional Australian towns which is pretty cool. The puzzle pieces are sturdy, colourful and of good quality.

Have you got any puzzles that represent the place you live?

Gremlins VHS

Brand: Aquarius

Pieces: 300
Size:  25cm x 36cm

Product Code: VHS-015

Another filler post today - I'm heading to Melbourne for an overnight stay today because my husband is competing in the Melbourne Half Marathon early tomorrow morning (it was going to be the Marathon but he's downgraded to Half because of injury - go figure lol). Because of this, and because I'm trying to get my Geelong Show entries complete, it means that no puzzling is happening in the coming few days. 

This is unfortunate cos I have a local puzzle comp coming up next Saturday and it leaves me much less time to practice, but there's not much I can do with these time restraints. Oh well...

Anyway, I have decided to put up the above puzzle as my filler for today. I thought it would be fitting with the Halloween season approaching, even though I haven't actually seen the film.

This puzzle took a little bit of time to complete despite the piece count- this was due to all the white spaces, but the pieces fit together well so it wasn't too much of a hassle compared to what it could have been. 

I have quite a collection of 'movie poster' style posters, in a wide range of brands, and while some have been easier to complete than others, most have been a joy to do. 

Have you got or done many puzzles with this theme?

Lunarly: The Twelve Moons

Brand: Buffalo

Pieces: 300
Size:  54cm x 38cm

Product Code: 2580

I've just been going through my computer and looking at some of the older puzzle images I have taken- there are so many that I have done and not yet put up! 

The above is one of them. 

I bought this puzzle when Puzzle Warehouse was doing one of their 'Buy 2, Get 1 Free' Promos. The design drew my attention, and being a 300 piece puzzle, it was fairly quick to do. I love artsy type illustrations like this, and can't help but be drawn to them when I see they're available. 

Is there a particular design style you gravitate to? Do you tend to buy puzzles of a similar type?

Noongar Six Seasons Collage

 

Brand: Mr Bob Puzzles

Pieces: 40
Size: 16cm x 10cm

Product Code: -

Two days ago we had the public holiday for Australia Day (also known as Invasion Day and Survival Day). Whatever you call it, there is a lot of tension surrounding the date of January 26 nowadays. 

I want to keep this page as politically neutral as possible, so I'm not going to give my thoughts on the matter. The main point of this blog is jigsaw puzzles- so that's how it will stay!

Today's puzzle is a small wooden one from Australian company Mr Bob Puzzles, designed by Kevin Bynder. This one was part of their first mini series, but is available to purchase in a larger piece count, if you so prefer. You are also able to buy each of the six seasons (separated by colour) individually. This one was a cute little snack puzzle, which still featured a few of Mr Bob's signature whimsy pieces. 

Also, Happy National Puzzle Day (for tomorrow)! I hope you enjoy piecing together some of the beauties in your collection! 

Happy Dawgs

Brand: Cra-Z-Art

Pieces: 1000
Size: 69cm x 51cm

Product Code: -

My husband's cousin got a brand new puppy during the week and so I couldn't help but want to put up a dog-related puzzle image! 

I did this puzzle (design by Dean Russo) a little while ago and it was more challenging than I anticipated. 

I think it was the multiple colours that got me. Dean Russo's artworks are very similar in style but I enjoy doing them. They always look very striking, and the best thing is, so many companies have produced his work, so you can always find a great design by him. This one is from Cra-Z-Art but I have also done puzzles featuring his artwork by Aquarius (and probably others, which I just can't think of at the moment). 

Do you have a favourite artist whose puzzles you always try to get and complete? Dean Russo isn't my favourite, but he would have to be in my Top 10 at least!

The World Of Frida Kahlo

Brand: Laurence King Publishing

Pieces: 1000
Size: 68cm x 48.5cm
Product Code:  39521

I am an admirer of art (even if I don't know a lot about it) and have to say that I am quite fascinated with Frida Kahlo and her works. Popular within all of the 'feminist' circles and 'women power' movements, I think Kahlo has really gained prominence over the last few years (even more so than she used to have). I have definitely noticed a lot more puzzles available that feature her anyway.

This puzzle, illustrated by Laura Callaghan, features lots of different details from Frida Kahlo's most popular paintings. It was quite interesting to do- so many aspects were involved in the artwork and you came across something new every time you looked or put another piece together. It's also bright and draws your attention- the way I like a lot of my puzzles! 

After doing this puzzle, I'm curious about the woman within the design- looks like I'll be reading up about this artist very soon...

The Hendrix Edition

Brand: Journey Of Something

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

Have you ever done a puzzle subscription?

I've been keen to do one for quite a while but considering how many puzzles I have bought and own (and still need to do!) I haven't been able to justify adding even more to my pile! Also, I don't know how I'd be able to keep them hidden from hubby if they started coming once a month! 

But there are some awesome ones out there if you're interested. While a lot of them that I'm interested in don't ship internationally, there are a few Australian ones around...

Puzzlepost.com.au have some pretty good offers, and Journey Of Something (where the above puzzle comes from) has just started a 12-month subscription plan. They're not making it easy for me to avoid temptation!

I've done a couple of puzzles from Journey Of Something, including the one above. The illustrations/artwork are awesome and the quality of the puzzles is pretty great too. They would look fantastic framed and displayed on your walls so if you're into that kind of thing, you should check them out. 

I was in a musical kind of mood this morning, hence I have put up the above Hendrix-themed puzzle which uses lyrics from one of his songs... love it!

Dancing With Colors

Brand: Anatolian
Pieces: 500
Size: 33cm x 48cm
Product Code: 3554

When I first saw this Anatolian puzzle, I fell in love with the image. I haven't done many puzzles from this brand before because they are a little harder to get in Australia- there are only a few stockists that I have been able to find so if I really like a design, I'll get it from them. 

The collage-style artwork really stands out for me, and the colours are amazing- a bit hard to capture in a photograph! This puzzle was surprising- some parts came together really quickly while I spent a bit more time on others. But I love the overall image :)

Great Painters: Vincent Van Gogh

Brand: White Mountain Puzzles
Pieces: 1000
Size: 61cm x 76cm
Product Code: 900S

So today I was in the mood to post a puzzle that felt arty. And what better way to represent an arty puzzle than to go to one of the masters of art- Vincent Van Gogh?! 

Unfortunately, I missed out on visiting the National Gallery of Victoria when his exhibition toured in Melbourne last year. But from all accounts (including that of my in-laws), it was a wonderful experience. Instead, I have had to enjoy his paintings through a different medium- a thousand cut out puzzle pieces of some of his most famous paintings! 

This was the first time that I had done a design from the White Mountain Puzzles brand, and I wasn't disappointed. The pieces fit well together and the colours were rich in tone. I love how they do so many collage-style designs- and covering such a large range of topics too! I'm sure I will do some more of these in the future, although that is dependent on the exchange rate- it's so expensive buying internationally at the moment! 

DC Comics Harley Quinn

Brand: Aquarius
Pieces: 100
Size: 16cm x 20cm
Product Code: 61-109

I love DC Comics and Marvel- the films, the artwork that features in the comics, and the stories of the various characters. 

Being an avid reader, I have recently finished the latest installment of the DC Icons series that tells the stories of some of the main characters before they become the superheroes they 'grow up' to be. 

Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas was a great read, and introduced the character of the psychotic Harley Quinn into the series. 

Inspired by this, I have decided to post the above mini puzzle by Aquarius.

Of excellent quality, this puzzle was quick and fun to do, and is a wonderful representation of the character. 

I'm hoping that a puzzle company will one day soon take on other DC names, and create designs that feature even more of these popular characters.  They'll certainly have my business if they do!

Rosina Wachtmeister: All Together

Brand: Heye
Pieces: 2000
Size: 97cm x 69cm
Product Code: 29132

A few days ago it was International Cat Day (August 8). 

Now, I'm not a huge fan of felines, and I don't quite understand how they can have a day dedicated to them, but I had this puzzle in my collection and thought it would be fitting to put it up regardless. 

Despite my slight aversion to the creatures, I was still drawn into this design by Rosina Wachtmeister- a popular and talented Austrian artist. You've probably seen her distinctive cat artworks before- Heye  have produced quite a few puzzles from her designs. 

The quality of the pieces was excellent and I was particularly interested in the gold foil sections of the design, which really added some 'oomph' to the overall look of the finished puzzle (I tried my best to get a good photo that highlights these gold parts but sometimes it was difficult with the reflecting). 

This is one of the bigger puzzles that I have done to date, and I wish I could do more. If space wasn't an issue, I totally would! 

Queen Of Jade: Art by Nene Thomas

Brand: Sunsout
Pieces: 1000
Size: 48.26cm x 76.2cm
Product Code: 67683

I love the fantasy artworks of Nene Thomas- she is such a talented woman! Luckily, some of her designs are available as puzzles through Sunsout, which means that I am able to buy, piece together and enjoy her beautiful artwork!

I decided to put up the above puzzle because it has an Asian theme- which is quite relevant considering I will be heading off on a weeklong holiday to Japan in a few days! Because of my trip, I won't be able to post up a puzzle next week (for the first Saturday in who knows how long!), but I'll be sure to put one up when I get back after the following Monday. In the meantime, you can admire this beautiful design of the Queen of Jade...

As always, the quality of the puzzle was exceptional. This puzzle took me a little longer to do than expected, because of all the similar colours and the flowers (which were plentiful) but I think the end result makes it worth it! I have a few more puzzles in a similar style to this (also designed by Thomas) and I can't wait to do them.

I need to go organise my packing for my trip now so sayonara until next time. 

Hopefully I might be able to pick up a few puzzle purchases (from Japan) for my collection...

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!

The Scream by Edvard Munch

Brand: Wentworth Wooden Puzzles
Pieces: 40
Size: 12.5cm x 8.7cm
Product Code: 720704

I thought I'd put up something a little different this week- a puzzle of smaller dimensions, size and style than I usually do. 

This is a wooden puzzle I came across at my local store last year. It's only tiny- as you can see by the size above- and only has 40 pieces, but it was quite expensive, as each piece is cut from wood. They're not just standard-shaped pieces either- there were a few cool ones in there, representative of the 'artist', which I've included in a photo below.  

There are a whole range of artworks and artists represented in this brand, and I also bought another at the same time, although that will be on this blog at a later date. 

It's always good to branch out a little and see what else is on offer- this is it :)