Happy Plants

Brand: Mudpuppy

Pieces: 500
Size:  51cm x 51cm

Product Code: -

This weekend is a long weekend! Woohoo! 

Despite all the controversy and drama of the last few years regarding Australia Day and it's place in the Australian calendar, the public holiday is still continuing. 

I had plans to put up an Aboriginal art puzzle, but then I realised that I still haven't had the chance to do the ones that I bought from Yarn, and so I've put up this cute plants one instead. 

When I saw the above image I loved the kawaii style of the illustrations. It was pretty quick to do, although the white background and borders definitely had to be done towards the end. 

I love plants and flowers but unfortunately I tend to kill most of the ones I have growing so fake plants and images (like the above puzzle) are the way to go for me!

Woodland Picnic

Brand: Mudpuppy

Pieces: 500
Size: 51cm x 51cm

Product Code: -

Some puzzle designs are just cute... and this is one of them. When I saw this cute little illustrated scene, I knew I had to get it. The colours are vibrant, the animals are appealing and there is a lot going on within the design that draws your attention and makes you study the scene. And did I mention it's cute?! Haha

I timed myself doing this puzzle as practice for a puzzling competition last year. I finished it under 2 hours but it was trickier than I anticipated. 

Speaking of which, I entered a puzzling competition last week, but even though I got there on time this time around, I was unable to finish it within the two hour time limit. I had 42 pieces left. I was quite disappointed (with another 10 minutes I maybe could have finished) but was just glad I didn't have only one or two pieces left at finish (that would have been devastating to get so close). It seems that just over half of the entrants actually completed their puzzle and I was in the middle range for results. Not too bad, but next comp I want to actually finish it!

The Australian Jigsaw Puzzle Association (AJPA) has also recently announced the dates for most of their state competitions this year, and I'm hoping to enter the Victorian one once more.

Have you ever entered a puzzling competition? How did you go?

Little Artist

Brand: Mudpuppy

Pieces: 500
Size: 51cm x 51cm

Product Code:  -

How is your new year going? I know a lot of people who are currently isolating because they have either tested positive to Covid-19 or because they are close contacts to positive cases. It's such a disappointing start to the year, but hopefully things will improve and everyone will be safe and healthy once more.

In the meantime, besides working (we're very short-staffed at the moment), I have been participating in my third ever World Puzzle Days (WPD) event. This is a fantastic 3-month-long event where you try and complete as many puzzles as you are able. It's fun and was free to join this year, and since I thoroughly enjoyed doing it the last few years, I thought I'd have another go! I don't know if it will continue next year, because the organiser does a lot of it himself and it's a lot of work (he deserves a break!) but if it is running, I will definitely continue!

The puzzle I have posted today isn't one that I have done for the WPD but I thought I would put it up anyway cos it's so darn cute! I did this one last year and it features bright and beautiful illustrations of some famous artists over time. The quality was wonderful, as expected, and it was very easy to complete. Enjoy!

Little Feminist

Brand: Mudpuppy

Pieces: 500
Size: 51cm x 51cm
Product Code:  -

It really feels like these weeks are just flying by. 

I don't know if this is the case for everyone or it's just because I have a new baby who seems to be growing up so quickly, but it feels like each day is over almost as soon as it begins. I guess that's what sleep deprivation can do to you!

During the week it was International Women's Day and I had every intention of putting up a puzzle that had strong women themes, but of course, I missed the boat! So I've decided to put this one up now, as a tribute to that. It was a toss up between this one and a women in science one, but I've decided to save that one for another day. 

This one, by Mudpuppy, is much more colourful and has cute illustrations of some of history's most influential women. I absolutely love the design and the quality was wonderful, much in the way you would expect from the Mudpuppy brand. 

Hopefully by the time the day rolls around next year, I will be more organised- there's an awesome couple of puzzles from Lucky Puzzles that I have ordered and expect to arrive in the next month or so that would be perfect for the next International Women's Day (if I can last that long without putting them up!)

Tree-Dwelling Slowpokes

Brand: Mudpuppy

Pieces: 500

Size: 46cm x 36cm
Product Code:  -

I have been feeling so lethargic lately that no other puzzle fit as well as the one that I have chosen to display today. 

The above puzzle was quite quick to do, besides the similar colours, and perfectly represents the laziness I have been emulating over my last few days off. 

You know when you feel so tired that you just can't work up the energy or motivation to do anything? That has been me- I have done the bare minimum lately and I hate it. But sometimes you just can't get out of little funks like these. I woke up earlier today and with a bit more energy so hopefully that's the end of it and I'll be able to be a bit more productive from now. But we'll see how I go...

In the meantime, enjoy this cute Mudpuppy puzzle- they're always good quality and have a nice selection of designs to choose from. 

Little Scientist

Brand: Mudpuppy
Pieces: 500
Size: 51cm x 51cm
Product Code:  -

How cute is this puzzle? 

If you have little ones who are interested in learning about famous scientists throughout history (or if you're a big kid like me who also wants to learn and appreciates cute imagery) then this puzzle is the perfect tool!

The design is cute, bright and accessible and highlights 16 influential scientists- both male and female- their fields and their achievements (obviously in a very basic way). The design entices the puzzle-doer to go out and further research the person and what they have achieved. While their names aren't featured on the puzzle image, they are provided in the box on a foldout poster. 

This puzzle was quick and fun to do and there are others of a similar style in the series. I feel like this is one I'll have to collect all of! 

Hello From Around The World

Brand: Mudpuppy
Pieces: 500
Size: 51cm x 51cm
Product Code: -

Time for another cute one! 

When I first saw this puzzle from Mudpuppy, I knew that I had to add it to my collection. The cute imagery, along with the pastel colours and the 'stamp design' made it absolutely perfect! It didn't even bother me that I had to import it from the USA, as it was not available (as far as I could tell) from any Australian suppliers. 

As you would expect, this one was quite quick to complete, but I absolutely loved every minute of it- the illustrations that represent each country's stamp are just too cute!

I really enjoy the designs from this brand and will continue to buy them if I come across them in the future.

Cool Cats A-Z

Brand: Mudpuppy
Pieces: 1000
Size: 69cm x 51cm
Product Code: 01/2018 M120617G

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not usually a cat fan. I much prefer dogs over their feline counterparts, but every now and then a cat will come along that I don't mind quite so much. It's so bizarre! All of my closest friends have cats and I can deal with that, but I don't think I'd ever want one of my own. 

That's why I was surprised that I was so drawn to this puzzle. For some reason, the design really stood out to me. I have since learnt that there is a dog alternative and I wouldn't mind sourcing that. But for now, here is a bit of information about the above puzzle that I completed from Mudpuppy. 

I hadn't done this brand before but I wasn't disappointed. It's a little difficult to tell from the photo but the background of this puzzle is pale pink. The cat illustrations are unique but pretty (I'm not sure who the illustrator is) and well spaced out. This puzzle also features the breed names, various cat-related paraphernalia and flowers. I enjoyed piecing this one together, especially with such good quality pieces and minimal dust. 

I'll have to try and find the dogs one so that I can complete the 'set'!