Saturday, 28 October 2017

Castle Howard - Country House Treasures (500 pieces)

I always think it shame when the cutting machine leaves in the white border of the puzzle in the final cut. It is even more frustrating when it is not around all four sides as was the case with the one. The puzzle itself was lovely, nice features to work with and a good amount of sky for this geek! The path and grass were the final pieces to be put in place and the overall enjoyment was good. 

Time taken: 1.5 hours 

Crazy World - King Puzzles (1000 pieces)

Amazing puzzle, but low quality card so flimsy pieces which don't feel nice and don't slot together with a satisfying click. The picture was brilliant however, and provided lot of lovely little details - such as animals, boats and buildings. I started with the sea area, progressed to grass/trees and finished with the sky after putting together the buildings. Loved the bright colours, just wish King could get the same quality as some of the mega firms. 

Time taken: 2.5 hours 

Polperro - WH Smiths (1000 pieces)

I have been given a collection of jigsaws to check and was excited to start with this one. Really great focal features in the two boats and the rest of the jigsaw quickly built up around it. The only really tricky bit was the pebble area, but as that was my final area I wasn't working with many pieces so it quickly fell into place. WH Smiths always do a nice clean cut so the pieces fit well. 

Time taken: 3 hours 

Cirencester Market - Wentworth Wooden Jigsaws (250 pieces)

What a charming little puzzle. Didn't take long to do, but a real pleasure. Lovely little 'whimsie' pieces, a local subject and bright colours to pull you in. Did the sky first, then buildings and finally the street scene. Just wish I could afford to get more of them! 

Time taken: 30 minutes 

Jigsaw Jigsaw - Mensa (1000 pieces)

I was given this 2 sided jigsaw some time ago by a friend and completed and enjoyed the 'normal' side at the time. I had then put it to one side knowing that I would need to be in the right frame of mind for the other side which as you can see what tricky. I wasn't wrong. The cut of the jigsaw actually worked against the cut of the picture which made it even harder than anticipated and by the end of the it I don't know whether I was pleased to have finished or simply relieved. Not one for the fainthearted! 

Time taken: Not worth thinking about.

Saturday, 30 September 2017

BCD Weekend

Time races round now between BCD weekends and a weekend adventure in September was a much needed catch up with friends. One of the things I like most about these weekends is people bring puzzles along you wouldn't normally come across - this one was picked up at a car boot sale and its owner suggested I might enjoy it. We spent a happy morning busily completing it and I think you will agree it's a good one. Only disadvantage - it's push-fit, but then, you can't have it all. 

Time taken: morning 

Meekats - Impossipuzzle (100 pieces)

A friend gave me this puzzle knowing I like puzzles. Normally Impossipuzzles don't interest me terribly as I feel they are a mental challenge more than an enjoyable one, but this one bucked that trend. Perhaps because it was only tiny, and perhaps because you had clear meerkats to work with rather than a jumble or beans or smarties. Didn't take long, but was fun. 

Time taken: 10 minutes