Native Parrot Shaped Puzzle

Brand: Findon

Pieces: 323
Size:  30cm x 40cm

Product Code: -

Although a lot of people swear by Aldi Australia's cheaper grocery prices, and prefer visiting them in comparison to some of the larger supermarket chains, I only tend to visit if I know that they are going to be selling something of interest in their bi-weekly special buys. 

Over the last few months, they have had a few different ranges of jigsaw puzzles available, which means that I have been visiting more than usual. Not only have they had a range of smaller-count (aimed at children) mini puzzles, but they have had a decent selection of wooden, shaped and foil puzzles available. Surprisingly, the quality is quite good, especially considering the cheap prices. 

There were three wooden shaped puzzles - set in a wooden tray - that I purchased, and the picture above is one of those. While it doesn't fit as well in the tray as it probably could, the quality isn't too bad and the overall image looks good. 

Next week is the Victorian State puzzle comp in Malvern, so depending on the time I leave the house to get there, I may not have time to post. But I will do my best! And if I don't get the opportunity, I will try and post the day after instead...

Wish me luck!

Dog

Brand: Critters Within Puzzle

Pieces: 230
Size:  29cm x 40cm

Product Code: -

My daughter wanted me to put up this puzzle today because she loves dogs and this one was her favourite from the choices that I had. 

This puzzle was from Kmart and was part of a set of four. The wooden pieces were quite thick and fit together nicely. It was a little more challenging than expected because of all the colourful pieces and floral design. 

Considering the price, this puzzle was pretty good quality and I'm glad I gave it a shot.

Turtle

Brand: Critters Within Wooden Puzzle

Pieces: 191
Size:  30.5cm x 28.5cm

Product Code: -

Today (May 23) is World Turtle Day and for once I have a puzzle that's relevant to the theme!

I purchased this wooden puzzle from Kmart, along with the three others in the set (dog, cat and owl). While they were all only small piece counts - with the largest still under 300 pieces- they were somewhat challenging to do with the whimsy pieces, colourful patterns and shaped designs. 

I quite enjoyed doing this one, and the thick, interlocking pieces made the quality feel much more than I expected from a Kmart-branded item. 

I've already sold my copies of this puzzle and its counterparts but if you ever get the chance to do them, you should check them out!

Thumper Mini Puzzle (Disney's Bambi)

Brand: Paladone Products

Pieces: 100
Size:  18cm x 22cm

Product Code: -

Well, as per usual, I have struggled to find a suitable puzzle image for my Easter post. Even though I thought I had some bunny, chocolate and easter egg-themed  designs in my collection, I wasn't able to find and complete them in time for today's post. Maybe I need to search today, do them, and then have them on standby waiting for next year!

I was, however, able to find a photo of a mini puzzle that I completed a while ago of Bambi's little rabbit buddy Thumper, which I suppose will have to do for the Easter theme this time round. 

I picked up this shaped puzzle through Australia Post and it was relatively quick to do but the pieces were a little loose when the puzzle was put together. So it was enjoyable enough but not as good as it could have been.

Have you ever purchased a puzzle only to be disappointed by the less-than-stellar quality of the pieces?

Tell me your thoughts on this! 

Until next time, have a safe and happy Easter and enjoy all the chocolate! xo

Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone

Brand: Winning Moves
Pieces: 500
Size: 50cm diameter
Product Code: -

Over the last few days I have been receiving a lot of emails from various ticketing agencies, reminding me that tickets will soon be released for the Harry Potter and The Cursed Child stage show in Melbourne next year. They are all telling me that if I sign up to their priority access list, I will have a chance to get early bird tickets to the show before they go on sale to the general public. 

I wonder if everyone who has shown an interest is getting as many emails as me? 

As it is, I have decided to put up a Harry Potter puzzle I have done in the past...

This one, from Winning Moves, was different from some that I have done, being a round shaped puzzle. The pieces travel inwards as you put them together (does that make sense) to create the picture. The edges appear to be straight until you put them together, where the distinctive curve of the outside pieces start to show and the puzzle begins to round out. This one features scenes from the first film and was enjoyable to do. The quality was fantastic and the images were clear.

This puzzle is perfect for fans of Harry Potter who are looking for something just that little bit different...

Beachfront: Art by Lori Schory

Brand: SunsOut
Pieces: 1000
Size: 32.875inches x 26.5inches
Product Code:  96018

I have to admit, I haven't done very many shaped jigsaw puzzles. 

Perhaps it's because they aren't as readily available as your standard rectangular puzzle. 

In the past, I have completed a round puzzle (Wonderful World Of Disney 1) , but even as I was doing it, it didn't feel as though it was shaped, due to the straight edges of the border. 

That's why doing the above puzzle was such a profoundly different experience. 

The fish shape of Beachfront actually made the completion of this puzzle feel different. Not only do you have to work out the shape of the fish, but you have to find where the rest of the design correlates to that outline. Putting  together the jagged fins on its upper and lower body was a little bit challenging, as they came in several pieces and sometimes you weren't sure exactly how long each part was meant to be.  But this was a very welcome challenge- it's not every day that I have the opportunity to put together a puzzle like this! 

The design, which is bright and full of detail, was fun to put together. This puzzle also has uniquely-shaped pieces (including the occasional fish-shaped piece!) which only made the 'shaped' experience feel more complete. 

I haven't done many SunsOut puzzles because they're not as common in Australia as they would be overseas, but I will be making more of an effort to seek them out in the future!