Banned Books

Brand: Chronicle Books

Pieces: 500
Size:  61cm x 39.5cm

Product Code: -

Another weekend, another puzzle offering!

This week, I haven't done as much puzzling as I would have liked, despite having a fair bit of time in the evenings to dedicate to it. Instead, I have been catching up on some of my reading, because I had some library books due and thought I should tackle them first. 

So on that note, I thought I'd put up a book-themed puzzle that I have completed. I have read some of the books featured in this puzzle design and honestly could not tell you the reasons why they were banned. This puzzle was a fun one to do but I had to leave the border till last because it was somewhat challenging. I found this puzzle at the Dymocks bookstore in Collins St, Melbourne, amongst a huge range of other puzzles. I love that puzzles are so readily accessible in a variety of stores.. although it's also something of a trap!

What's the most unusual place you've found a puzzle to purchase? 

Fairytales Under The Stars

Brand: Reverie Puzzles

Pieces: 1000
Size:  50cm x 70cm

Product Code: -

I have been a keen follower of Reverie Puzzles since I first heard about them many years ago. 

Based in my hometown of Geelong, the brand prides itself on producing beautiful book-related jigsaw puzzles, with designs specially commissioned by the owner Melissa (who is an absolutely beautiful person I might add- I've met with her a few times). 

I have nearly all of the puzzle designs up to date (not including the newest launch which will be today! Eeee!) and they are ones that I intend to keep rather than sell on. 

As mentioned just above, they will be launching their latest collection today at 11am AEST and I'm so excited to add to my collection (lucky it was payday on Monday!)

If you haven't already done one of Reverie's puzzles, you must get your hands on one to try them out. While they are on the pricey side, the quality is exceptional, the artwork is beautiful and you will not be disappointed. You get what you pay for, and this is certainly the case with this brand- you can't go wrong!

At The Bookshop

Brand: Thames & Hudson

Pieces: 1000
Size:  48.6cm x 68cm

Product Code: -

I have to admit that I love book-themed puzzles. I've grown up with books, and have always loved them. I was introduced to the library from a young age and even worked at a bookstore for over 10 years. My great childhood dream was to become an author and illustrator (that obviously never happened but I studied and majored in literature at university (as well as journalism) so I got partway there I suppose). 

Anyway, this love has extended to puzzles with literary themes, which is probably why I love Reverie Puzzles so much (they have a new design drop today in case you were wondering and I've already spent way too much on more of their beautiful designs). 

Of course, other brands release puzzles that follow the theme and they also end up on my radar- like the above puzzle illustrated by Kim Siew. This puzzle references so many literary motifs and if you're an avid reader, you're sure to recognise a lot of them. I loved the sneaky references to book titles within the illustration, and if you're not as sure about some of them, they are listed on the box so you can look them up. 

This was a fun one to do, with lots of things to look out for, and which I fittingly found at a book store when I was searching for a particular novel- best add-on sale ever!  

Alchemist's Library

Brand: Eeboo

Pieces: 1000
Size:  58.4cm x 58.4cm

Product Code: PZTAHL

Today I felt like putting up a puzzle that was both busy yet calm (if that makes sense)!

This puzzle fits the bill perfectly. 

The entire design is busy- there is so much to see in the image! Lots of little trinkets on then shelves, a little girl exploring the night sky through a telescope, an alchemist taking notes and adornments on the walls. But the colours also make it seem soothing, like a cosy little nook that would have a calming effect on whoever is working in there. I love this illustration and was drawn to it as soon as I saw it. The puzzle pieces were also of high quality, as is usual with the Eeboo brand. 

There are several puzzles in the 'Alchemist' series and I look forward to working my way through them all at some point.

The Bookshop Cafe

Brand: Reverie Puzzles

Pieces: 1000
Size: 50cm x 70cm

Product Code: -

Hi all, I'm not sure if I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was going to skip a week of posting. I had to travel interstate for work and was unable to put up any photos on this blog or on Instagram. But I have a couple of weeks free before my next interstate jaunt, so here we are. Today you get the honour of seeing this amazing puzzle from Reverie Puzzles, and who knows what next week will bring!

This puzzle was a pleasure to put together. The design (like all of the ones commissioned for this brand) is gorgeous- I love the illustrations! The colours in this design are vibrant, the pieces fit together snugly, and there's just general good vibes surrounding this puzzle (I don't know how else to explain it). I own most of the puzzles from this brand and look forward to having the chance to complete them all at some point. 

Is there one puzzle brand that you absolutely love and wish to own every design from?

She Series: Pop Culture Edition

Brand: Lucky Puzzles

Pieces: 1000
Size: 48.9cm x 67.6cm

Product Code: LP-1000-002

I'm really short on time today so this will probably be one of my shortest posts. Today I'm going to be visiting the International Air Show at Avalon, but I couldn't find any puzzles that I have completed of a plane or aircraft (although I know I have at least one in my to-do pile).

So instead, I have put up this puzzle for International Women's Day which is to be held in a couple of days on March 8. The above puzzle was a pleasure to do and features many iconic and influential female characters from pop culture- movies, music and books. I enjoyed doing it, although the irregular shaped pieces made it a little challenging at some times. 

Hopefully I won't be so rushed next weekend and will be able to put up a more detailed post! Have a great weekend!

Festive Reading Party

Brand: Reverie Puzzles

Pieces: 1000
Size: 50cm x 70cm

Product Code: -

Happy Christmas Eve! 

Tomorrow is the big day but since I usually post on Saturdays, today will be the day when I send you my well-wishes for the holiday season. It is also the day when I have put up this beautiful puzzle from Reverie Puzzles most recent collection! 

This puzzle was recently part of a puzzle-along- which I only realised after I had already completed it, unfortunately. But it was such a pleasure to do that I'm not bothered in the slightest. 

Featuring artwork by illustrator Karina Syevalnyeva, this puzzle brings together all the best parts of a Christmas scene- books, cute gingerbread men and beautiful booklover decorations.

I absolutely love the puzzles from this brand and have nearly all of them in my collection. I'm so glad they produced a gorgeous seasonal design like this one!

That said, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas- my next post will probably be on New Year's Eve if my plans don't get mislaid by the occasion! 

Seasons Greetings to you all! xo

Matilda (Roald Dahl)

Brand: Aquarius

Pieces: 500
Size: 35cm x 48cm

Product Code: 62-155

Matilda has always been one of my favourite books (and films). 

So much so, that when the musical (featuring Tim Minchin's music) was shown in musical theatres, I went to Melbourne solo to watch it! 

I recently found out that they're reproducing the musical as a recorded film and I'm not sure how I feel about it. But, that said, I'm also very likely to watch it when it comes out. In the meantime, you can see what you think about the puzzle that I have put up today. 

Featuring the classic illustrations of Quentin Blake, this puzzle highlights the best parts of the story. It was a quick and fun one to do and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

There are more puzzles like this that cover some of Roald Dahl's other iconic and popular stories, like James And The Giant Peach and The BFG, but this was the one for me! 

The only thing I'm really disappointed about is that my photo is not as clear as it could have been- Oh well, it was the best I could do at the time!

Bookish Dreamer

Brand: Reverie Puzzles

Pieces: 500
Size: 52cm x 38cm

Product Code: -

Have you come across Reverie Puzzles yet? 

Based in the town of Geelong (Victoria, Australia) they feature puzzles with a booklover's theme, including the one above and some seriously beautiful licenced puzzles which feature artwork inspired by the Sarah J Maas series, A Court Of Thorns And Roses. 

I'm happy to say that I now own nearly every one of the puzzles available from this company, and unlike other brands where I usually sell/pass them on once I'm done, I'm planning on keeping these. The artwork is beautiful, the quality is perfect and although they could be considered a bit pricey, they are sooo worth it. I also love that they are local to me (being a fellow resident of Geelong), and that I can support a local business. 

Check out their website www.reveriepuzzles.com.au and see how awesome their products are. I guarantee that if you love books and whimsical pretty images, you won't be disappointed.

The Artist's Cabinet

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 1000
Size: 70cm x 50cm
Product Code: 149971

One of the reasons I enjoy doing puzzles so much is probably because of all the cool designs that are out there, through so many different brands. They are all so different, and many are appealing in their own way.

Today I have decided to put up the above puzzle, just because it's been a while since I last put up a Ravensburger!

This one was fun and also quite quick to do. It was my first Ravensburger in a while (after doing a variety of different brands) so it was nice to go back to a consistent quality puzzle brand. This design had lots of little details that made themselves obvious as you put the pieces together, and it looks as though it will be part of a new series- It said Cabinet Collection One on the box anyway. 

It's always good to go back to the old favourites :)

The Fantasy Bookshop

 

Brand: Ravensburger
Pieces: 1000
Size: 70cm x 50cm
Product Code:  197996

I've always been a booklover and so when I first saw this puzzle design by Aimee Stewart, I knew I had to do it. It appealed so much- I wish I had access to a place like the one above! Or that I owned a place like the one above! 

But as I don't, I've had to settle for a puzzle image of it instead. 

This one was by Ravensburger and is full of little details that you don't really see until you're putting the pieces together, like the little mouse hiding on the shelf. 

I really enjoyed this busy little shop design and will continue to look out for more book-themed puzzles.

Vintage Nancy Drew

Brand: Cobble Hill
Pieces: 1000
Size: 67.6cm x 48.9cm
Product Code:  80051

You have no idea how excited I am to tell you this- during the week, libraries opened up again! 
My heart is full :)

Because I work during the week and they are only operating for limited hours, I haven't had the chance to go in yet but I plan on making my first visit back today. I'm so excited! (Trust me, I know how nerdy that sounds lol).

To celebrate, I have decided to put up a puzzle that I did a little while ago of the Nancy Drew book series by Carolyn Keene. When I was a kid, I used to devour her adventure/detective stories. They were the best! And when I saw that Cobble Hill had produced a puzzle featuring some of the vintage book covers, I knew I definitely had to do it! It brought back so many fond memories.

This puzzle was quite quick to do- I worked mainly by each cover, piecing them together as I went. The only issue I really came across was when I was photographing it (so you can blame me rather than the puzzle) I couldn't get a nice clear photo of all the covers! Sometimes the text would be too light-coloured to read clearly. But the above was the best I could do so I'll just have to settle for it. It brings nice memories back anyway. 

Nancy Drew was just one of my many favourite book series. Which ones did you love?

Eleanor's Room

Brand: New York Puzzle Company (Dream World by Emily Winfield Martin)
Pieces: 1000
Size: 48.9cm x 67.6cm
Product Code: NPZEM1927

As soon as I saw this puzzle, I knew I had to have it!
Besides the cat in the image, I could completely relate to the prospect of sitting on a lounge chair, reading a book and listening to music- a fantastic way to spend the day in my opinion!
I really love the images of Emily Winfield Martin- her work is just so whimsical and pretty, and this illustration is no exception. She has produced a wide range of images for New York Puzzle Company, with a broad range of counts- from 48 to 1000 pieces (as far as I know). I'll have to see what other designs I can unearth!
The quality of these puzzles is great- the colours are vibrant, the pieces generally fit well together and are unusually cut to add a bit of a difference to the mix.

Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

Brand: Aquarius
Pieces: 500
Size: 35cm x 48cm
Product Code: 62-112

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling celebrates her birthday on 31st July, which also happens to be the same day as her famous wizarding protagonist. For this reason, I have decided to put up a picture of a puzzle I did, which features the poster design for the second of the Harry Potter films- The Chamber Of Secrets.

Although this puzzle is only 500 pieces, it took me a lot longer than I anticipated to complete! All the black in the design made it tricky at times, and I needed to have good light to be able to piece together a majority of the picture. That said, the quality of the puzzle was fantastic (as it tends to be with Aquarius) and I enjoyed the time spent putting this one together. 

Goosebumps Classic Book Covers

Brand: Outset Media Corp. 
Pieces: 275
Size: 61cm x 46cm
Product Code: PRC-300923-052015

Hands up if you used to read the children's book series Goosebumps when you were a kid?

Insanely popular in the 1990s, R.L. Stine's novels were the thing to read, and even spawned their own television series. The books, while not particularly scary, were the catalyst to get many kids reading- including those who never showed much of an interest in books beforehand! 

I, being an avid reader anyway, absolutely devoured these books, and had quite a collection of them (as did one of my brothers). When I saw this puzzle, I knew I had to do it for nostalgic reasons, even though the piece count is quite small compared to my usual standard. The puzzle was quick, fun and easy, with a variety of different shaped large pieces. The cardboard was thick and the design brightly printed. 

Although it only covers a selection of the book covers, it was still a treat to do, and provided a lovely walk down memory lane...