Capricorn

Brand: Cobble Hill

Pieces: 500
Size:  67.6cm x 48.9cm

Product Code: 45020

A while ago, I came across these zodiac puzzles from Cobble Hill. 

There is one for each star sign and each has a beautiful illustration, as well as all the 'essential' information for that particular sign. 

Although I am fascinated by this sort of thing, I generally don't believe in their 'reality'. In a similar vein, I love crystals and collect them, but only because they are really pretty rocks, not because of the 'mystical qualities' they are supposed to evoke. 

I have decided to try and get each of the star sign puzzles completed within their 'dates' and put them up throughout the year, and Capricorn is the first off the rank. The pieces are irregularly shaped, but the quality is good so they come together quite quickly. 

Do you believe in star signs and horoscopes? Or are you like me, with a fascination of astrology but no keen interest in believing it? 

Whatever the case, the subject matter can produce some very pretty puzzle designs!

Home For Christmas

Brand: Gibsons

Pieces: 500
Size:  48cm x 34cm

Product Code: G3608

Time for the third Christmas-themed puzzle of the month! 

This time, we're going with Home For Christmas, which was illustrated by Josie Shenoy for Gibsons Puzzles. Although it's somewhat difficult to tell from my photo, this puzzle features gold leaf highlights throughout the design, making it extra special to do.

This design was whimsical and cute, and the quality was wonderful. This is one of those puzzles that borders on both traditional and modern, and was a nice quick one for the holiday season.

I'm going to put up one more Christmas-themed puzzle next week (most likely) even though the holiday season will be on its way out, but in the meantime, I hope you have a safe and merry Christmas and I'll see you next time...

Thriller Classics

Brand: Clementoni (High Quality Collection)

Pieces: 1000
Size:  69cm x 50cm

Product Code: 39602

Last weekend, I was going through my puzzle collection and sorting all my completed puzzles from my new and uncompleted ones. My hope is to sell or give away the ones that I have done so that I can make some more room in our house (and maybe make a bit of extra cash on the side). I'd like to add that my husband was also pushing me to complete this task because he's getting a little frustrated with seeing puzzle boxes everywhere! Oops!

Anyway, I managed to get together all the ones that I wanted to sell (including the one above if anyone is interested) and came to a grand total of 126! These are ones I have completed, taken a photo of, and put aside, and range in piece count and brand variety. I'm thinking of either listing them on Facebook or eBay, or holding a market stall and just trying to sell them. What would you do with that kind of quantity?

Something to think about...

Anyway, let's move to today's puzzle... The above puzzle was a pleasure to do, and I was happy to recognise most of the titles, even if I hadn't necessarily seen the film. This puzzle would've been a good option for Halloween actually. I was happy with the quality of the puzzle and the way that it pieced together. The colours were vibrant and the layout of the design was interesting and caught my attention.

Do you enjoy doing collage-style puzzles? I have a few more in my collection that I'm keen to do....

Until next time... happy puzzling!

Paul Frank Pirate Ship

Brand: Aquarius

Pieces: 1000
Size:  51cm x 71cm

Product Code: 65-521

What a crazy start to the weekend!! 

I finally got all my stitching done and delivered to the showgrounds on Monday for the Royal Geelong Show, that was meant to take place this weekend. I was all set to attend like I usually do on a Friday night. 

But the weather had other ideas! We had torrential rains, most of the roads were flooded and the Show decided to make the unprecedented decision to cancel the show (for Friday, still waiting to hear about the rest of the weekend) because of flooding and safety concerns. 

I had to drive through what was basically a river to get home and I'm hoping my car is faring well after its ordeal (I haven't driven it since last night and I'm worried about what the water could have done to its undercarriage).

So I still don't know whether I won any homecraft events, or even if I'll get to see my work on display (the showgrounds are probably all still flooded now). 

Hence my puzzle choice for today. I decided to put up this cute one featuring the iconic Paul Frank with his friends, sailing on a pirate ship. It seems a boat's the only way to get around at the moment in these parts! This puzzle was very good quality and the bright chunks of colour made it easier to piece together, although I had to leave most of the orange sky till last (luckily it was in gradient form rather than solid colour to make piecing it together easier). 

Have you had any crazy weather encounters lately? It's probably best to stay inside and get some puzzling done when it's like this anyway...

Fantastic Animals: Flamingos

Brand: Clementoni

Pieces: 500
Size:  36cm x 49cm

Product Code: 35067

I don't have much time to write today so I thought I'd put up this quick one! I'm a bit under the pump to get my stitching entries complete for the show and I'm going to lose a lot of valuable time because we're staying in Melbourne overnight so that my husband can compete in the Melbourne Marathon tomorrow morning. 

So I've put up this puzzle I have completed of some fabulous flamingos, to remind everyone that they too can be unique, flamboyant and fun! 

Have a great weekend!

Native

Brand: Kaiser Style (Kaisercraft)

Pieces: 1000
Size:  68cm x 50cm

Product Code: -

When we were on our New Zealand holiday, we went to Kiwi Park in Queenstown, where we were able to see some gorgeous (usually elusive) Kiwis and a whole range of other birds that are native to the country. I did see a 100 piece puzzle available that featured illustrations of some of these birds but I didn't buy it. So to try to make up for that little faux pas, I am putting up a puzzle today that features some native Australian birds.

This puzzle is from Kaisercraft- an Australian crafting store that has slowly moved away from their traditional card-making and crafting origins, and is now more of a gift shop. They sell a range of puzzles that feature illustrations and this is one of the ones I have picked up over time. The designs are pretty but they are on the cheaper end of the scale when it comes to quality (although admittedly, there is nothing wrong with them for the price).

Do you like to pick up puzzle mementos of places you've been to, or things you've seen/done? Or do you have regrets later (as I did) and try to find alternatives? (like my NZ birds to Australian birds puzzle expedition haha)

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?

The Travel Series: Pisa

Brand: Hinkler Elevate

Pieces: 500
Size: 59.4cm x 42cm

Product Code: -

How chilly have these mornings been? How lovely would it be to go travelling at this time of year? 

At the moment, I know so many people that are travelling overseas, including two of my brothers (although they are nearing the end of their trip now). The last photo they sent to us was a picture of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, hence my puzzle choice for today's post. I was inspired!

This puzzle was one of a set of four travel-themed designs from Hinkler Elevate. Even though it is of a cheaper quality, the puzzle pieces were still quite good, and the colour gradient of the background made it easy to complete. I have already done the other three puzzles in this set and hope to put them up soon. 

In the meantime, I will be attending a speed puzzle competition with my husband tomorrow in Melbourne and am so looking forward to it! Hopefully I'll be able to complete it in the time allocated! Wish me luck :)

Tropicana Australiana

Brand: La La Land

Pieces: 500
Size: 48.2cm x 35.5cm

Product Code: SP-LL07

It's my birthday today! So I thought I'd put up a beautiful puzzle that I completed last year from Australian brand La La Land. This colourful and vibrant design really caught my attention, and was even used in a state puzzle competition (although I can't remember which one). I really wanted to put up a puzzle that I received for my birthday from a really good friend but I obviously haven't had the chance to do it yet. He bought it for me on a recent trip to Japan and I absolutely love it. It's Tenyo, and Disney, and just amazing. 

Have you absolutely loved any puzzles you've ever been gifted? I definitely have!

I'll speak again next week when I have more time. Oh, and Happy Mother's Day for tomorrow to all the mums out there...

Places You Will Go

Brand: Buffalo

Pieces: 500
Size: 54cm x 38cm

Product Code: 3122

As you may be aware, I have been travelling a little bit for work recently- just interstate, but it means that I haven't been home to post puzzles up like I usually do. My workplace has recently released the next events dates for expressions of interest and I most likely will apply for all of them. Even though it's work, it's good to get out and experience different places! 

In another reference to travel, I currently have friends on a honeymoon in Western Australia, and their photos look amazing! One of my workmate's is currently on a tour in Europe and a good friend has just returned from Japan. What's more, two of my brothers will be travelling Europe next month (boy, that's come around quickly) so today's puzzle has a decidedly obvious travel theme. 

The above puzzle was quite fun to do. I did it in sections according to colour and pieced it together quite quickly. With vibrant colours and a beautiful illustrated design, this puzzle was a pleasure to put together. 

Do you have travel plans over the coming months? Where will you be heading off to? 

Fashion

Brand: Happy Place

Pieces: 1000
Size: 49cm x 68cm

Product Code: -

I've gone with a somewhat different puzzle style for today's post (which you may also notice is a day late due to the wedding I attended yesterday). T

his illustrated collection of dresses, tops, skirts, pants and footwear (created by Hennie Haworth) drew my attention immediately. I've always been fascinated with fashion drawings and love to see the creativity come out to play. Putting this puzzle picture up has actually inspired me to dig out a couple of fashion-themed puzzles that I know I have hidden away and do them!! This puzzle was relatively easy to do when you searched for particular patterns in the clothing designs, and completed them in parts. I found it easier to leave the border and white fillers till the end. 

This was the first puzzle I have done from this brand and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Although they are a little pricey, I have my eye on a few other designs so we'll see what eventuates from that.

I most likely won't be putting up a post at all next weekend because I will be travelling interstate for work. However, I will be back the following week with yet another puzzle post for you.

Take care and keep puzzling!

Kingdom Of Happy Joy

Brand: Fred

Pieces: 500
Size: 50.8cm x 50.8cm

Product Code: 5289347

Happy Easter for tomorrow!

As my usual MO, I have once again neglected to find a puzzle that perfectly fits the theme for the week. I'm pretty sure that last year (and probably years previous) I have said that I will have an Easter-themed puzzle ready in time for the following year- whether it be one that features eggs, bunnies, chocolate or any other such thing. Alas, it is not to be (again). 

I did, however, manage to complete this one, which is cute and features a bunny (but is not really related to Easter). The title is even Kingdom of Happy Joy which I feel is slightly appropriate when considering feelings around Easter and how you feel as you're eating chocolate (but I also admit that's kind of a stretch). 

Even though I have a few Fred branded puzzles, this was the first one I had completed, and I wasn't disappointed. The fit was wonderful and the colours are a lot more vibrant than my photo suggests. I also liked that the image was different to other brands- a little bit unusual, cute, nostalgic and whimsy. 

I hope you have an excellent and safe Easter and look forward to seeing you again next week with a fresh puzzle pic!

Krypt Gradient

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 631
Size: 70cm x 50cm

Product Code: 168859

A few days ago it was International Color Day and so I thought it would be fitting to put up a photo of a gradient puzzle I completed a while ago. 

This is one of the Ravensburger Krypt puzzles- there are quite a few colours in the series but this is the only one I have purchased or attempted to do. 

I like the idea of the challenge for solid colours but I think I would get much too frustrated trying to do one. I prefer images to complete rather than that sort of thing. But I was happy to give the gradient one a go, simply because of the colours and the fact that it's probably one of the easiest to do from the collection!

Unfortunately, my photo doesn't do the colours of the puzzle any justice- they're much more vibrant and pretty in real life! 

Have you done any of the Krypt puzzles? What did you enjoy about them?

Women Of The World

Brand: Hinkler

Pieces: 500
Size: 61cm x 45.7cm

Product Code: -

Yesterday was International Women's Day, a day when women are celebrated for their contribution to society and all that jazz. Honestly, I don't know how I feel about the day- it feels a bit like a farce to me. I mean, I'm all for celebrating this sort of thing, but dedicating a day (when it should be celebrated every day) seems a bit strange to me.

Regardless, I have put up a puzzle today that features women, in keeping with the theme. This puzzle was just a cheap one to purchase but the overall quality wasn't too bad. The colours were vibrant, the image stood out to me (you know how I love a pretty illustration) and the fit was decent. 

On a different topic, how's the weather at your place? We're about to go through a long weekend heat-wave. It will be interesting to see how I go with the warm weather- hope you stay cool this weekend and I'll see you next week with something fresh!

Mystic Dragons

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 500
Size: 49cm x 36cm

Product Code: 148394

This weekend is Lunar New Year and so I have decided to put up the only dragon puzzle I have completed in a while to commemorate the Year of the Dragon! 

I have a few others in my collection, including a beautiful one from Reverie Puzzles, but I never got the chance to complete it in time. 

This puzzle had it's challenges, despite being only 500 pieces, due to the similar colours and 'textures' in the design, but it was very satisfying to complete. I was lucky enough to win this puzzle in an online competition, with a company that has unfortunately now gone out of business. 

What's on for your weekend? Will you be celebrating Lunar New Year? Or having an early Valentines Day? I'll try and get a 'love-themed' puzzle done in time for next week to celebrate that one...

Deck The Shelves

Brand: Galison

Pieces: 1000
Size: 50.8cm x 68.58cm

Product Code: -

Today is the second day of December, so I thought I'd follow last year's format and put up Christmas puzzles for the month of December. 

There's just something about seasonal puzzles isn't there? They allow you to enjoy the holiday mood but without all the drama of gift buying and tree presentation.

The first puzzle I've selected for the month is a cute illustrated puzzle from Galison called Deck The Shelves. It features all your traditional Christmas motifs on a pretty shelf display which I absolutely love. This puzzle wasn't as hard to do as you'd expect, despite many of the colours repeating throughout the design, and they fit together nicely. 

Have you started your Christmas-themed puzzling yet? How many do you have in your stash?

Instagram Post 400!

Hi,

Today marks a milestone on Instagram for Jigsawpuzzlelove. 

I have finally reached the 400 posts mark!

Admittedly, I could have reached this a lot sooner if I posted more regularly than once a week (Saturday morning, usually, with only a few exceptions) but this blog was only ever intended to be a small, every-now-and-then thing, so it's already a lot bigger than I originally planned. It's been going for quite a few years now, and I've put up over 400 puzzles in that time frame. That's such a lot! Haha

I plan on continuing this (because, why not?!) but today I'm not going to be putting up any puzzles. I made a reel of all the puzzles I have put up on Instagram with this account, and that can be found on the Instagram page- a little commemoration of sorts. 

Now I'm going to leave this for the day and try and get one more practice run in, before leaving for Malvern Town Hall - where I will be competing in my first ever Vic State Jigsaw Puzzle Competition! 

I'm so excited but also extremely nervous. I hope I can get a good time! 

Wish me luck!

xo