Our Solar System

Brand: Arrow Puzzles

Pieces: 500
Size:  61cm x 45.5cm

Product Code: 18884

One of the biggest news stories over the last week has been the journey undertaken by the Artemis space mission, where a small group of astronauts have travelled to the far side of the moon and have sent back unbelievable images of Earth. This inspired me to dig out a puzzle that features space - one that I completed many years ago and had yet to put up. 

This puzzle was part of a small Space & Science collection (I think there were three puzzles in it by memory) and was an educational change from my usual puzzling images. The pieces fit together ok, despite being thin, and while the quality wasn't great, it wasn't terrible either - it was mostly standard for this brand's earlier puzzles. 

That said, the design is very educational and I found it quite appealing.

I have a few other space puzzles in my collection that I haven't gotten to yet but will eventually. Have you got any puzzles of a particular theme that you'd like to attempt at some stage? 

Fairytales Under The Stars

Brand: Reverie Puzzles

Pieces: 1000
Size:  50cm x 70cm

Product Code: -

I have been a keen follower of Reverie Puzzles since I first heard about them many years ago. 

Based in my hometown of Geelong, the brand prides itself on producing beautiful book-related jigsaw puzzles, with designs specially commissioned by the owner Melissa (who is an absolutely beautiful person I might add- I've met with her a few times). 

I have nearly all of the puzzle designs up to date (not including the newest launch which will be today! Eeee!) and they are ones that I intend to keep rather than sell on. 

As mentioned just above, they will be launching their latest collection today at 11am AEST and I'm so excited to add to my collection (lucky it was payday on Monday!)

If you haven't already done one of Reverie's puzzles, you must get your hands on one to try them out. While they are on the pricey side, the quality is exceptional, the artwork is beautiful and you will not be disappointed. You get what you pay for, and this is certainly the case with this brand- you can't go wrong!

Zodiac Power

Brand: Galison

Pieces: 1000
Size: 68.6cm x 50.8cm

Product Code: -

I felt the need to put up a bright and fun design today, after the muted, pastel palettes of last week's Barbie puzzle, so here it is!

This puzzle from Galison ticks all the boxes for bright colours and interesting graphics. It was fun to put together- each zodiac sign had a specific colour so it almost felt like I was doing twelve mini puzzles and joining them together. I even played a little game with myself as I was doing it, to see which star-sign would be completed first!

I've done a few zodiac/horoscope-themed puzzles even though I generally have no interest in the ideas behind them. I just find them fascinating to do. 

Have you done any puzzles like this? 

All Good Things Are Wild & Free

Brand: Flow Workman

Pieces: 1000

Size: 67cm x 48cm
Product Code:  -

I wasn't sure which puzzle to put up this morning but then I was inspired by a fellow puzzling instagrammer who put up a photo of this design. Not long after, an outdoor-loving friend posted on Facebook that they had just bought a property which they will use as a retreat to get away from their busy lives. The pics of their new place look very similar to the above picture, so I considered that a sign!

And so we have the above picture.

This puzzle was great to do and had lots of little details (like the bugs on the flowers). It actually took me a bit longer to do than I expected too. The pieces fit together perfectly- my only complaint was that there was a dusty sort of residue on some of the pieces that was difficult to remove. It was obviously due to something in the manufacturing process but it was still disappointing. Nevertheless, I was overall quite pleased with the puzzle, and have to say that I enjoyed putting it together. 

I have done a couple from this brand now- they have wonderful illustrations and you should try them out if you get the chance.

Bear Fairy Tale

Brand: Unknown
Pieces: 1000
Size: 75cm x 50cm
Product Code:  -

I've done a lot of jigsaw puzzles over the years. These have ranged in piece size, brand and quality- I like to shake it up rather than stick to one particular type. If I see an attractive design, I will go for, whether or not I have done something from that brand before. It's usually the design that draws me in, rather than who makes it or how long it will take to complete.

That is how I ended up doing this puzzle. 

I purchased this one from the shopping app Wish, and even though the box text is all in Chinese, I managed to work out (thanks Google Translator) that this one is called Bear Fairy Tale (or something along those lines!). I have no idea what the brand is (or much else for that matter) but I was greatly impressed by the quality. 

The pieces are cut from wood and have the alphabet printed in sections on the back to help make the puzzling process easier. The front of each piece is glossy and bright and the design is cute and well done. 

I really enjoyed doing this puzzle and will probably look at others of the same style at some point. I haven't done a wooden puzzle as big as this before so it was a nice change from putting together the usual cardboard pieces. When designs are this cute, it's great to branch out and try something a little bit different!