Barbie: Global Style Icon Since 1959

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 500
Size:  52cm diameter

Product Code: 120014942

Although puzzle availability has become a lot better in Australia over recent years, there are still some puzzles that are only released exclusively overseas, meaning it can be difficult to get a hold of them without spending a fortune in shipping fees. 

The above puzzle is one such title. I found this Barbie illustrated puzzle on a UK-based website and made a relatively big order of this and other puzzles to justify the shipping costs. 

While the design was wonderful to do, I did however come across one problem- the puzzle was missing a piece! You can see in the photo (on the right hand side) that there is a little gap where the piece should be. Unfortunately, I was unable to get a replacement because Australia's Ravensburger branch doesn't stock the puzzle, and they weren't able to help me from any of the overseas branches because I am not in the country that the puzzle was purchased from. How disappointing! The people I messaged were lovely however, and I'm not terribly concerned as it isn't that noticeable. I'm grateful I was ale to get the puzzle in the first place!

Have you ever had a problem similar to mine where a replacement piece/puzzle wasn't an option? What did you do?

Barbie: Fashion Icon!

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 1000
Size:  70cm x 50cm

Product Code: 175185

I thought I'd put up this beauty today - a workspace devoted to Barbie and her various fashions. 

It features blueprints and photos of Barbie and her clothing throughout history, and was really enjoyable to do. 

I had to purchase this one from a UK-based website, as good Barbie puzzles for adults are unfortunately really hard to come by in Australia. There is such a market for them though! I sold it straight away when I attended a puzzle sale day.

I'm hoping to find some more over time, but for now I'll have to curb my puzzle spending and complete some of the ones I have in anticipation of the next puzzle sale (next month, to be held in Melton). 

Barbie: Paris Fashion

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 500
Size: 49cm x 36cm

Product Code: 165001

I finally got the chance to watch the Barbie movie last night! Yes, I know, it came out ages ago and I had every intention of seeing it with some of my friends but then I went overseas, and we had people cancel, and time just slipped away from us... 

But that's OK because I can finally say that I've seen it. And I really enjoyed it! It was very tongue-in-cheek, had some great little jokes throughout, but also was quite inspiring. It brought home a lot of truths about the patriarchy and women's often contradictory roles in the world, and I'm glad I finally got the chance to see it.

Anyway, I have decided to put up a Barbie puzzle for just that reason. This puzzle is a lot more muted than some of the other Barbie ones I have done- it's very classic and elegant fashion as opposed to the usual hot pink fashionista Barbie that is usually the norm but I enjoyed doing it. 

I bought this one online from the US and it cost me quite a bit but totally worth it for the rarity (and prettiness) of it. The quality was typical Ravensburger and it was quick to complete when you worked in sections.

Is there a movie you really want to see, that may have an accompanying puzzle to it?

Barbie: Girl Power

Brand: Crown

Pieces: 300
Size: 61cm x 46cm

Product Code: 19691

I was in the mood for Barbies and nostalgia for today's post, so here it is!

In recent months, I have located quite a few Barbie-branded puzzles (although mostly from Ravensburger) to add to my collection. I just love the memories the images invoke, plus they're so pretty!

This one was just a cheap one from Aldi but still turned out to be okay quality for a quick puzzling fix. Sometimes you can get some little gems from shops like this! This puzzle had thinner cardboard pieces and the pieces were quite large but it still came out alright. 

Do you have a favourite childhood toy that you would love to see immortalised in puzzle form?

Barbie's 60th Anniversary

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 500
Size: 49cm x 36cm

Product Code: 150199

Today is my baby girl's 2nd birthday, so I'm gonna keep this short and sweet so I can get everything organised before she wakes up. 

She has recently started to enjoy playing with my old childhood Barbie dolls, and now has a couple of her own too, so I thought this was a good choice for today's puzzle. 

I have recently purchased a few Barbie puzzles that have become available and love them for nostalgic reasons! This one celebrates the 60th anniversary of their creation (although I think it's a couple of years older now). It was relatively quick to do (working in colour blocks) and I love how vibrant the colours are.

Like I said, I have purchased a few Barbie puzzles lately and can't wait to get to them. I'm so glad they're becoming available again. I'm even more excited about the actual Barbie dolls and how they've changed so dramatically to include all skin and body types to make them more inclusive for the kids playing with them!

OK, best be off now... birthday celebrations await!

Vintage Barbie

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 1000
Size: 70cm x 50cm

Product Code: 150212

Last week was Easter and sadly, I realised that although there was plenty of chocolate eggs in the house, I had no Easter-themed puzzles to put up. I didn't even have any of a rabbit in my collection! How sad. It got me to wondering, are there really that many puzzles around with an Easter theme? I am only aware of a few- they are nowhere near as prolific or popular as Christmas-themed puzzles... 

On Monday is ANZAC day, and I don't even have any puzzles to commemorate that! No poppies, no soldiers, nothing. I don't know if there is even any that exist! Oh well...

Today I have decided to put up a pretty Barbie puzzle- just because.

This one was from Ravensburger and I had to purchase it online from America because it's not available here in Australia. It was such a nostalgic and pretty puzzle that I had to have it! I also purchased a couple of other Barbie ones at the time- it was a Barbie order- but I haven't had the chance to complete them yet. 

I used to love Barbie when I was younger (being the only girl in the house, I had quite a few). I still love her, and love how she's now inclusive of all skin colours. I even saw one with more realistic proportions a few days ago- love them bigger thighs! Its great how they're trying to cater to more different looks nowadays. And about bloody time too! 

 

Fashion Fabulous Barbie

Brand: Buffalo
Pieces: 1000
Size: 68cm x 50cm
Product Code:  11660

It was hard to decide which puzzle to put up today. 

I wanted it to be something fun and pretty- cos it's my birthday!! 

It's also quite possibly the last puzzle I will be putting up for a while because I am scheduled for surgery this coming Monday and I'm not sure how my recovery will go (or whether I will be able to do many of the things I ordinarily do). Hopefully that isn't the case but you never know!

So.... Pressure's on!

Here's the choice- Fashion Fabulous Barbie...

Reminiscing to my childhood days, Barbie was one of my favourites- maybe because she looked the complete opposite to me, and was so stylish and pretty. When I discovered this puzzle I just had to buy it- it's not often that you see a favourite childhood toy immortalised in a puzzle design for ADULTS! All the Barbie designs I have seen before this (and since) have been aimed at children, with extremely low piece counts. 

This Buffalo puzzle was a joy to do- the pieces fit snugly, the design is bright and busy and the imagery is wonderful. 

So I think it's fitting that this is my birthday and 'sayonara for now' puzzle.

Hopefully my recovery will be smooth and I'll be able to continue on with this blog (and my instagram). Just know that as soon as I am able, I will get back to it!

Cheers!