Run Like A Girl

Brand: Educa

Pieces: 500
Size:  34cm x 48cm

Product Code: 19249

I'm not sure if you've ever experienced this... You see an image and for some reason just can't get it out of your head. It crops up now and again and, each time, your thoughts on the image are renewed and you once again want to get a hold of it. 

This was the case for the above illustrated puzzle by Esther Gili. 

I'm not sure what it was about the design that made me want to purchase it and complete it so much but every time I saw it, it would end up in my cart. One day, I just bit the bullet and decided to buy it.  

This image gives me such Stranger Things vibes - not a bad thing!

The above puzzle was a lot more challenging than expected, due to the watercolour illustration aspect of the design. Once I had completed the image of the girl, it took the process of elimination to work out most of the background and border. While the pieces were quite loose (you could not do that pick-up test with this puzzle, it would fall to pieces), they at least fit properly and so there were no false fits. It was an experience of trial and error to get the background done. But how stunning is it when it's finally finished?! 

Have you got a puzzle like this that keeps calling to you? Will you eventually cave and buy it? Or has it already happened and you've finally completed it?

Red Poppies

Brand: Sure-Lox Puzzler's Collection
Pieces: 500
Size: 48.26cm x 35.56cm
Product Code:  -

I wrote last week that I didn't really have a reason for posting up a photo of my biggest completed puzzle to date. Is it possible to create a reason for it now? It turns out that last week was my 200th post on Instagram, so it seems kind of fitting to claim it now as the reason why I put that puzzle up!

I was amazed at the amount of people who showed love for that particular puzzle, but I don't think that will continue so much into this week... oh well! This week's puzzle is one that I have had in my collection since childhood but had never done. I think it may have been a cheap one that I got from Kmart or Target and liked the design of. I've never really seen this brand since! The factory seal on the bottom of it was still intact and I had to cut through it to open it. I decided to put this one up as I thought it would be relevant to Remembrance Day which is in 2 days- the red poppies have a significance!

This puzzle was quite quick and easy to do and there was virtually no puzzle dust. It's a pity it took me a few decades till I got around to completing it!

Kuri Kumi: Summertime

Brand: Ravensburger
Pieces: 500
Size: 36cm x 49cm
Product Code:  146871

It's been getting quite dark and chilly in the early mornings, particularly with the onset of winter in the southern hemisphere. So to brighten the mood, I thought a cute puzzle depicting cotton-cloud meadows and a cheerful cyclist would be spot on. 

This design, produced by Santoro for Ravensburger, features a delightful female character and her little rabbit companion as they cycle through an almost cloud-like meadow. With her cheerful basket of flowers, she looks like she is having the time of her life. 

In typical Ravensburger fashion, the pieces fit well together, making this puzzle a pleasure to do. I thought the design may have been a little challenging, given all the different shades of blues and greens, but it was easy enough to differentiate between the hues once you worked out where each particular blue and green in the design was. 
This would make the perfect puzzle for fans of Santoro's designs.