In The 90's

Brand: Happily

Pieces: 1000
Size:  68cm x 48.5cm

Product Code: -

I'm a big fan of collage puzzles, or puzzles that feature items grouped in a particular way. 

Holly Maguire's illustrated puzzle design above is no exception. I consider myself a 90's kid, even though I was born in the late 80's. I figure that since I was actually a kid during the 90's, the above puzzle is more relevant to me. I recognise and had some involvement with nearly everything in the above design- the nostalgia levels skyrocketed as soon as I laid eyes on it!

I love representations like these that are relatable and bring back fond memories. Its even better when the illustrations are impressively drawn and well laid out. The one problem I had with this puzzle was the texture of the pieces - they felt kind of 'rubbery' (for want of a better word) on top of each piece, and as a result, any puzzle dust would stick to the piece and not come off easily. Besides that small fact, the above puzzle was a pleasure to do, and I hope to tackle more in the future. 

1980's Montage

Brand: Tilbury

Pieces: 1000
Size: 69cm x 50cm

Product Code: 019543

Isn't it funny how some people have particular months of the year where there is an influx of birthdays happening? My month is June (and a bit of July too), where most of my family members celebrate a birthday. It can become a very expensive time each year when you have to sort out birthday presents. It can also be a very full-on time with celebrations and cake! 

Luckily most of that has died down for the year now, but there are still a few friends whose birthdays are approaching. I work with people of all ages (from 20 years old and up), but most of the people I have celebrated birthdays with recently were born during (or close to) the 80's, which is why I've decided to put up this puzzle. I was born in 1987 so I didn't really experience it properly but most of the images in the above montage are familiar. 

I love the above design and the way it was put together. It was such a fun puzzle to do and the quality was excellent. 

What year were you born? Have you done a puzzle to commemorate that year?

Nickelodeon Cast

 

Brand: Aquarius
Pieces: 1000
Size: 51cm x 71cm
Product Code:  65-317

During the week, I started a new job as a warehouse packer for an awesome store. 

They ship thousands of items a day to people all over the world, and specialise in anything to do with popculture. One of the things I packed yesterday was a cool-as Loungefly backpack that featured all the great 90's cartoons of Nickelodeon, and so I was inspired to put up this puzzle today because of it. 

I did this puzzle a little while ago, and I love that I can name a majority of the characters. I used to love some of these shows when I was a kid, especially Rugrats, Aah! Real Monsters, Catdog, Rocko's Modern Life and Hey Arnold (but especially Rugrats!)

This puzzle was a great nostalgia hit! 

Tokyo Disney Resort 35 Happiest Celebration

Brand: Tenyo
Pieces: 1000
Size: 51cm x 73.5cm
Product Code:  18022

Today I want to share with you the most amazing puzzle and one that I will always keep :)

Two years ago, around this time, my husband and I were on a holiday in Japan (our second time in the country) and, since we hadn't visited Disneyland the previous time, decided to go there to see what it was like. It just so happened to be their 35th birthday celebrations that year (and at the same time, I was turning 31).

While looking around one of their numerous gift shops I discovered this awesome holographic jigsaw puzzle, exclusive to the Disneyland Resort, that celebrated their birthday and which I just HAD TO HAVE!
Needless to say, it became my birthday present, and one that I will never sell. Despite already owning hundreds of puzzles, my hubby gave in and bought me this one. (No doubt cos he knew I'd buy it for myself if he didn't- the fact that he bought it for me made it more special)

So I ended up getting this beautiful puzzle :)

Tenyo is such a high quality brand and they always have amazing designs so I was already onto a winner, plus, like I said, it's holographic so it has a metallic multi-coloured sheen to make it even more different. This is one I doubt I'll ever find anywhere else so I'm so glad I found it while I was there and was able to bring back such good memories with it.