Moana

Brand: Ceaco

Pieces: 500
Size:  51cm Diameter

Product Code: -

To celebrate the new release of the Moana live action film (which I have not yet seen) I thought I'd put up this round puzzle that I once completed. I am a big fan of Moana and enjoy doing puzzles of the film when I see them.

This one was different in that it was one of the first round puzzles I ever did. I loved the simplicity of the image and the different aspects involved in putting a puzzle together that was slightly different from the norm. I had to import this one from America, as it was not readily available in Australia - I wish there was a dedicated Ceaco supplier here!

Have you done many shaped/round puzzles? What do you think of them?

Great Ocean Road Trip, Vic, Australia

Brand: Karen McKenzie Art

Pieces: 500
Size:  50cm diameter

Product Code: -

Last week was a terrible one in Victoria for bushfires, with half of the state in flames. But in typical Victorian fashion, within a few days (and while some bushfires were still burning), some Victorian towns experienced severe flash flooding! These towns were situated along the Great Ocean Road and several cars were swept out to sea as a result. I've watched video footage of this, as well as the helicopter recovery of these cars during the week and it's absolutely insane to think that all of this happened on our doorstep. 

The Great Ocean Road is a relatively short drive from Geelong, and I've travelled it many times. It's a beautiful coastal drive, and even if you have a problem with windy roads and car sickness, it is still a pleasure to see the views that are afforded to you, and to visit the lovely towns along the way.

Karen McKenzie has captured the scene perfectly in her illustrated puzzle depicting the drive. I'm not completely sure why Luna Park (in St Kilda) features, but the rest of the design is a wonderful representation. I saw this puzzle in her online store and purchased it because of its familiarity. She has also created designs of heaps of other regional Australian towns which is pretty cool. The puzzle pieces are sturdy, colourful and of good quality.

Have you got any puzzles that represent the place you live?

Barbie: Global Style Icon Since 1959

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 500
Size:  52cm diameter

Product Code: 120014942

Although puzzle availability has become a lot better in Australia over recent years, there are still some puzzles that are only released exclusively overseas, meaning it can be difficult to get a hold of them without spending a fortune in shipping fees. 

The above puzzle is one such title. I found this Barbie illustrated puzzle on a UK-based website and made a relatively big order of this and other puzzles to justify the shipping costs. 

While the design was wonderful to do, I did however come across one problem- the puzzle was missing a piece! You can see in the photo (on the right hand side) that there is a little gap where the piece should be. Unfortunately, I was unable to get a replacement because Australia's Ravensburger branch doesn't stock the puzzle, and they weren't able to help me from any of the overseas branches because I am not in the country that the puzzle was purchased from. How disappointing! The people I messaged were lovely however, and I'm not terribly concerned as it isn't that noticeable. I'm grateful I was ale to get the puzzle in the first place!

Have you ever had a problem similar to mine where a replacement piece/puzzle wasn't an option? What did you do?

Moon Dance

Brand: Eeboo

Pieces: 500
Size: 58.5cm diameter

Product Code:  -

Today I thought I'd put up a shaped puzzle- well, a round one anyway...

I purchased this puzzle during a sale because I just couldn't resist the bright colours and the beautiful design. It has such a feeling of positivity and power through nature, song and mysticism. I don't care if that makes me sound a bit hippy, that's just the way I felt at the time!

This puzzle was a joy to do- the pieces were well-made and fit together nicely. As I already mentioned, the image was enticing and drew my attention as soon as I saw it. I haven't had any problems that I can think of from Eeboo- they're a fantastic brand that always deliver. 

This puzzle is no exception and I know I'll end up doing more of them in the near future.