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!

Alchemist's Library

Brand: Eeboo

Pieces: 1000
Size:  58.4cm x 58.4cm

Product Code: PZTAHL

Today I felt like putting up a puzzle that was both busy yet calm (if that makes sense)!

This puzzle fits the bill perfectly. 

The entire design is busy- there is so much to see in the image! Lots of little trinkets on then shelves, a little girl exploring the night sky through a telescope, an alchemist taking notes and adornments on the walls. But the colours also make it seem soothing, like a cosy little nook that would have a calming effect on whoever is working in there. I love this illustration and was drawn to it as soon as I saw it. The puzzle pieces were also of high quality, as is usual with the Eeboo brand. 

There are several puzzles in the 'Alchemist' series and I look forward to working my way through them all at some point.

The Seven Dwarfs

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 500
Size: 50cm x 50cm

Product Code: 152025

I'm back again! After two hectic weeks, I am finally able to spend a weekend at home and try and relax with a puzzle or two. 

Even better, lately my 3-year-old daughter has become engrossed in completing jigsaw puzzles of her own, and so we have spent so much time smashing out the puzzles she has in her collection. Future puzzle partner in the works? Hopefully! 

Today's puzzle was chosen by her, in fact, from my library of completed puzzle photos. 

This one, as I'm sure you're aware, is part of a collection of puzzles that has been very difficult for many to complete. I was lucky enough to get hold of the whole series when it first came out and have since sold all my copies. I know that some people are still missing one or two of the dwarves (in particular Dopey, who was the hardest to find) but I was lucky enough not to have that problem. I have gradually been putting up the photos from this collection and have probably got most of them up by now! (although I haven't looked through to confirm)

I'm not sure which puzzle I'm going to put up next. Maybe I'll leave it in my daughter's hands again! 

Until then...

House Of Astrology

Brand: Galison

Pieces: 500
Size: 50.8cm x 50.8cm

Product Code: -

Anyone who has followed this blog or my Instagram page will know that I am often drawn to particular designs. I love Disney and popculture images, as well as illustrated designs that use bold and bright colours. Sure, I like many other styles too, but these are my predominant go-tos. 

The above puzzle, by Galison, ticks the boxes for illustrated puzzles, as well as my fascination with horoscopes and astrology. I'm the first to tell you that I'm a practical person, and don't believe in the 'properties, spirituality, etc' associated with horoscopes, starsigns, crystals and all that jazz, but I still find it all fascinating. The above puzzle was equally fascinating, and a pleasure to do. It even featured gold foil on the pieces which added an extra sparkle to the design. The pieces fit together well too, which is always a bonus. 

Have you done any of the gold foiled puzzle before? They seem to becoming more readily available and I find them so pretty...Let me know your thoughts.. Until next time...

Bookstore Astronomers

Brand: Eeboo

Pieces: 500
Size: 58.4cm x 58.4cm

Product Code: PZFBKA

Hello! And May the fourth be with you! Yes, today is Star Wars Day and in typical 'me' fashion, I have neglected to do a puzzle featuring characters from the popular franchise. So to compensate, I have put up a puzzle featuring some astronomers hard at work in their bookstore. 

I loved this design from Eeboo. The colours are vibrant, the illustration is detailed and pretty and there is so much to draw your attention into the puzzle. 

I'm going to have to cut this post short but if you ever get the chance to tackle this 500 piece puzzle, take it, as you won't be disappointed. 

Kingdom Of Happy Joy

Brand: Fred

Pieces: 500
Size: 50.8cm x 50.8cm

Product Code: 5289347

Happy Easter for tomorrow!

As my usual MO, I have once again neglected to find a puzzle that perfectly fits the theme for the week. I'm pretty sure that last year (and probably years previous) I have said that I will have an Easter-themed puzzle ready in time for the following year- whether it be one that features eggs, bunnies, chocolate or any other such thing. Alas, it is not to be (again). 

I did, however, manage to complete this one, which is cute and features a bunny (but is not really related to Easter). The title is even Kingdom of Happy Joy which I feel is slightly appropriate when considering feelings around Easter and how you feel as you're eating chocolate (but I also admit that's kind of a stretch). 

Even though I have a few Fred branded puzzles, this was the first one I had completed, and I wasn't disappointed. The fit was wonderful and the colours are a lot more vibrant than my photo suggests. I also liked that the image was different to other brands- a little bit unusual, cute, nostalgic and whimsy. 

I hope you have an excellent and safe Easter and look forward to seeing you again next week with a fresh puzzle pic!

Camper Life

Brand: Eeboo

Pieces: 1000
Size: 58.4cm x 58.4cm

Product Code: PZTCAM

How was your week? I wasn't sure which puzzle to put up today so I went with a vibrant, busy one from Eeboo. I loved this illustration, with all it's hidden little details that weren't really noticeable until you were piecing it together. 

Unfortunately I don't have much time to write this morning, so I'm just going to leave the image here and say that it was an enjoyable puzzle to complete. 

I hope you have a good weekend!

Mixtape Afternoon

Brand: Galison

Pieces: 500
Size: 50.8cm x 50.8cm

Product Code: -

Can you believe we're already approaching the end of February for another year?! The weekends have just been hectic and flying by so fast. Today will be a relatively quiet day but tomorrow my husband is competing in a small triathlon in the morning, and then we'll be attending the wedding of one of my closest friends in the afternoon! Talk about a busy day! There was also a puzzle competition scheduled for tomorrow in Melbourne somewhere which I obviously won't be going to with all that's happening so I'll have to leave it till another time. 

That said, today I've decided to put up a puzzle that I did a short time ago (some of my photos are years old so this is a very recent one). The illustration drew me in straight away and reminds me of old-school playlist creation (whereas now I'd just make a playlist using Spotify). I figured it was relevant because of all the music playlists that are going through my mind right now with the approaching events this weekend. 

The colours are vibrant, it was a quick one to do, and as I already alluded to, the illustration is fun and bright. 

Have you got a busy weekend planned or will you be setting some time aside to do puzzles? 

Astrology

Brand: Eeboo

Pieces: 1000
Size: 58.4cm x 58.4cm

Product Code: -

Tomorrow is the last day of 2023! I can't believe how fast this year has flown! So much has happened and yet, when I think back, it's all been a blur. 

Puzzle-wise, I've spent waaayyyy too much on puzzles, and have struggled to find spots to store them all before I have the chance to do them. I'll have to try and curb my spending next year- I have literally hundreds that I have to get through now! I also need to be more proactive in selling the ones I've completed. It may be time to do a market stall solely selling jigsaw puzzles...

I also participated in my first puzzling competition this year which was a fun (if not stressful) experience. I have already entered to do a fun, charity-based one next January in Melbourne, and will again try to compete in the state competition...

How has your puzzling year stacked up? I'm keen to go through my stats and see how many puzzles I have completed this year, plus all the other relevant info but that can wait until the new year.

In the meantime, have a fantastic and safe new year with your family, friends and loved ones and I'll come back at you in 2024!

Cheers! xo

Melbourne Map

Brand: Hardie Grant Explore

Pieces: 500
Size: 51cm x 51cm

Product Code: -

I'm back in the state this weekend so I am able to post as normal. 

And I have exciting news!

When individual competition tickets first became available for the Victorian State Jigsaw Puzzle Competition (held in Melbourne) I missed my chance to secure tickets and ended up on the waitlist. I didn't think anything would come of it but during the week an opening came up and I was able to buy ONE ticket! 

So now I have to practise speed-puzzling 500 piece puzzles in preparation for the event. 

It's being held on my husband's birthday which is a bummer but he was OK with me doing it, considering I've been travelling everywhere with him in his marathon and running interest pursuits. Now I need to crack down and start practising!

Today I have put up an image of a 500 piece puzzle of Melbourne- since that's where the event will be held. This puzzle disappointingly wasn't of the best quality, but I still liked the image, and was able to recognise most of the landmarks (with our city of Geelong being only about an hour's drive from there). 

Green Haven

Brand: Okay Lady

Pieces: 400
Size: 52cm x 52cm

Product Code: -

I'm so disappointed with myself! 

I was so sure that I had a Star Wars puzzle photo lying around that I could put up to commemorate Star Wars Day on May the 4th, but I didn't have any available at all (except a Christmas one which I will put up in December). Then I was like, "surely I have something royal to commemorate King Charles' coronation" (which is also happening this week). 

But no.

So I have instead put up this tranquil looking image from Okay Lady, featuring a woman tending to her multiple plants. 

I have to say, I've started to build a bit of a collection of puzzles featuring women and plantlife. There's just something so therapeutic about it. I have trouble keeping real plants alive so I prefer to buy succulents or lifelike  plastic plants (including plastic succulents) to meet these needs. And now puzzles featuring plants are becoming part of this collection too! 

I only have a few puzzles from this brand because they're quite expensive but the quality is lovely and the images are pretty. Next week I plan on being better organised for my Mother's Day post!

Book Nerd

Brand: SunsOut

Pieces: 500
Size: 48.26cm x 48.26cm

Product Code: 71329

I'm back again! Last week was so hectic and there's no way I would have been able to post anything (as I said) so it's good to be back and showcasing puzzles that I have completed. 

I had so many options for this week's post- today is Record Store Day and tomorrow is International Book Day. It's a lot easier to accommodate Book Day with my collection of puzzles so I have decided to post the above puzzle. 

I absolutely loved this design from Edwina Owens Elliott and when I saw it, I had to purchase it. The vibrant illustration immediately drew my attention and the irregular-shaped pieces made it a bit more challenging to complete. 

I have many puzzles with a bookish theme- including most of Reverie Puzzles' designs- but this one was the one for the day!

I'll be back next week with something new... see you then!

Pusheen The Cat: Pusheen & Friends

Brand: Impact Merch

Pieces: 460
Size: 40cm x 40cm

Product Code: IMPZ0117

When I posted my photo last week of the Barbie puzzle, I didn't realise that they were going to release the trailer for the new Barbie film starring Margot Robbie later on in the week! How random! But also, how good was the timing? 

This week, I was hoping to post a picture of a Super Mario puzzle that I have been working on for the release of the new film (featuring the voice of Chris Pratt). I was going to go see it on Thursday but unfortunately wasn't feeling too well so I didn't get there. But that's OK, because as I said, I'm still working on the puzzle. Still working... it's a 500 piece puzzle and usually I would have had it complete, but this one is killing me! I have approximately 80% of it done but the sky and grass are solid colours and the pieces are ALL THE SAME! you can seriously interchange most of the pieces and then it doesn't fit together as nicely as it's meant to so you have to pull them out and try a different combination. I'm about to lose it but I really want to complete it properly for my photos. The annoying thing is, it's from a brand that makes puzzles as their business, and I've done cheaper-branded puzzles of lower quality that don't have anywhere near the same problem. Very disappointing but I'm going to keep plugging at it.

I also hoped to put up an Easter-themed puzzle since tomorrow is the day but I couldn't find anything in my stash so the above puzzle will have to do for this time round. It's kind of fitting because my daughter has been crawling around lately pretending to be a cat! The above puzzle was a nice and quick one to do, and is a quite cute image of Pusheen and friends enjoying some ice cream together. 

Next week I won't be posting because I'll be travelling for work and won't have access to my photos/laptop etc (besides the fact that I will be very busy!) but I'll make sure I have something ready for the week after. 

Have a happy and safe Easter with your loved ones and I'll see you in two weeks xo

Play Girls

Brand: Sunsout

Pieces: 500
Size: 48.26cm x 48.26cm

Product Code: 71334

Can you believe this is the last weekend before December begins? 

From next week, I will be posting up Christmas-themed puzzles throughout the month (just in keeping with tradition, I guess). 

Today I have decided to put up a colourful, pretty puzzle I picked up during a Sunsout sale that Puzzle Warehouse held a few months ago. I was immediately drawn to this bright, fun design- I love illustrations like this! This was a square-shaped puzzle that was designed and illustrated by the talented Edwina Owens Elliott. There were also plenty of irregular shaped pieces so it kept the puzzling interesting. 

This weekend is also the Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping bonanza weekend- how have you fared? Did you snap up some amazing puzzle bargains? I have to say, my bank balance will be hurting once all the payments go through. It's such a trap! Haha! 

Disney Grumpy

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 500
Size: 50cm x 50cm

Product Code: 152391

Today, in Australia, it's Election Day. 

That means lining up outside various primary schools/preschools/government buildings etc and putting in our votes for a new Prime Minister and local politicians. It also means sausage sizzles, lots of political paraphernalia, and hopefully, an end to seeing those frustrating 'vote for me' posters and billboards everywhere!

I guess that's why I chose to put up a picture of Grumpy today! This political stuff is doing my head in- they're all as bad as each other! I know we're lucky that everyone has the chance to vote and that there is no danger for us in doing so, like there can be in other corrupt countries, but our potential political choices aren't really that good...

This puzzle was lovely to do, and was much the same as the others in the series. The pieces fit together well and the colours were vibrant. I only have a few left from this series to complete now- think I should try and get to it soon!

Night Dancer

Brand: Okay Lady

Pieces: 400
Size: 52cm x 52cm

Product Code:  -

Happy New Year!

I'm going to keep it short but sweet for today because the new year- 2022- has begun and I have much I want to do, but I hope this is a great puzzling year for you, and if you're doing the World Puzzle Days event, I'll discuss it next week! 

Enjoy the start of a hopefully wonderful year!

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!