Freya

Brand: Deico Games

Pieces: 1000
Size:  68cm x 47cm

Product Code: 77448

Good morning all! 

I'm not sure if there's a story behind this illustrated design by Groos Zselyke, but the wintery scene above certainly seemed appropriate for the cold days we've been experiencing lately. 

I've had this puzzle in my collection since about 2021 and only recently got it out to complete it. I decided to go through some of the older puzzles I had, with the intention of doing them and getting them ready to sell at the upcoming Laverton Bowling Club puzzle sale. 

Although the image is beautiful, the pieces were quite a loose fit. I've only done a couple of puzzles from this brand, seeing as it's difficult to get in Australia (I had to import it from the UK), but the artwork was too pretty to pass up!

Have you ever imported a puzzle simply because it was unavailable in your country and you really loved the design?

Mystic Dragons

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 500
Size: 49cm x 36cm

Product Code: 148394

This weekend is Lunar New Year and so I have decided to put up the only dragon puzzle I have completed in a while to commemorate the Year of the Dragon! 

I have a few others in my collection, including a beautiful one from Reverie Puzzles, but I never got the chance to complete it in time. 

This puzzle had it's challenges, despite being only 500 pieces, due to the similar colours and 'textures' in the design, but it was very satisfying to complete. I was lucky enough to win this puzzle in an online competition, with a company that has unfortunately now gone out of business. 

What's on for your weekend? Will you be celebrating Lunar New Year? Or having an early Valentines Day? I'll try and get a 'love-themed' puzzle done in time for next week to celebrate that one...

Aprés All Day

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 500
Size: 70cm x 50cm

Product Code: 164424

Yesterday (August 26th) was International Dog Day, so I was scanning through my completed puzzle images to find something appropriate. 

While I did have a few that feature pups and canines, I decided to settle on this one instead. 

Not only does it feature a beautiful St Bernard dog and her pup, but it also signifies a winter wonderland, skiing, a snow lodge, warm fires and cold nights. Although we don't get snow in our part of Australia, it can get quite cold, and I chose this puzzle to both celebrate the pups, and recognise that the end of winter is nearing.

This was one of Ravensburger's larger format puzzles. 

I have done a few of them and they have always carried that same exceptional high quality as others from the brand. As a personal choice, I usually prefer the normal sized 500 piece puzzles from most brands (rather than the larger format ones) because they take up much less room on my puzzle board, but the design on this one was too enticing so I ended up buying it anyway. 

Isn't it amazing that the size of this puzzle is the same as one of their regular 1000 piece puzzles? I suppose they're good value for people who prefer the larger pieces but I only really buy them if the image appeals to me.

Skate

Brand: Re-Marks
Pieces: 250
Size: 27.9cm x 35.6cm
Product Code:  -

Today is the first day of winter in the Southern Hemisphere and over the last week or so, we have definitely been feeling it!

The day's have been so cold lately, which is why the above design is so fitting. 

While there is rarely snow in the area that I live, it has felt cold enough that I wouldn't have been surprised if we got a little bit of snowfall! In other parts of Victoria however, like Mt Hotham (a popular ski area), they have already experienced a bit of a fall, so that'll keep a lot of the snowbunnies happy.

I love the above design, although I'm not sure who the illustrator is. It's such a pretty drawing, and the puzzle was a pleasure to do. If anyone knows who drew it, I'd love to find out! Some of the other Re-Marks puzzles I have bought are illustrated by the same person- i just love the style!