Happy Chappy

Brand: Journey Of Something

Pieces: 500
Size:  55cm x 38.5cm

Product Code: -

Don't you hate it when you stray from a path that you had previously planned out, but for no reason other than that you got distracted? 

I know sometimes these wanderings can have benefits and you may discover something different that you would not otherwise have seen, but if you have an end goal, this diversion can be more annoying than useful. 

This is the case with my horoscope/zodiac puzzles that have I have been trying to complete each month. I was on target for a while there, but because I have been so busy lately and haven't had the chance to puzzle, my plans have dropped wayside. I haven't done a new one in so long, and I'm so far behind! 

I'm putting this puzzle up as a place-filler today, but hopefully I'll be able to get back on track within the next few weeks or so. 

The above puzzle was a nice, pretty, and relatively quick one to do, illustrated by Anna Egberts. I don't think this puzzle is available anymore but if you come across it, I recommend it for it's lovely native floral design.

I've got to go and continue my cross stitching now cos I'm severely running out of time to get my entry completed for the Geelong Show but I'll see you all next week with another puzzle posting!

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)

Banksia Bloom

Brand: Okay Lady

Pieces: 400
Size: 52cm x 52cm
Product Code:  -

I haven't had as much time as I would like to puzzle lately. This is despite having bought even more puzzles in the last few weeks! 

A combo of starting a new job and caring for my little one when I have been home has meant that I've put jigsaw puzzling assembly on the backburner. But since it's the weekend, I'm going to try and get at least one or two done. 

The above puzzle is the first one I have ever done from small Australian business Okay Lady. They have a range of pretty, colourful designs that I absolutely adore. The above design was not as challenging as I expected, and was quite quick to do, being only 400 pieces. I enjoyed the quality and have a few more to do in my collection. If you get the chance, you ought to check them out!

Warrior Princess

Brand: Anatolian
Pieces: 500
Size: 33cm x 48cm
Product Code: 3600

I love finding new and unusual designs from puzzle companies that I haven't had much experience with in the past. 

Take Anatolian for example. 

I have never before done one of their puzzles, even though they have some amazing designs. I guess, being a Turkish (?) puzzle company, their products are not as readily available here in Australia, but I have recently come across a supplier that stocks them and now I'm all over it!

The quality is great, the pictures are pretty cool and varied and they have some interesting piece counts. I found a couple of great designs (including the one above) and just had to give them a try. I really like this brand and now that I have a source for them, I'll try to get more of them in the future.