Shaped Jig-Map Australia - Waddingtons (unknown piece count)

Memories of childhood came with this one - its odd shapes, exterior of water, and all the little name tabs. I didn't try to get the outline in place, but just built organically - placing pieces together and then slotting sections. My poor geographical knowledge also added an element of fun and learning. Odd, but satisfying the way it all came together. 

 Time taken: 1 hour

Vintage World Map - Hinkler (1500 pieces)

In the past I've always approached these maps with too much gusto, often finding myself with far too many pieces to be working with. Having learnt from these experiences I took it slow and worked on small areas at a time, leaving the map outlines relatively late. I finished with the map centres and this new approach was much more proudctive and successful. The gold was a lovely added extra touch and really made the puzzle pop!

Time taken: 4 hours

Ballooning Leeds Castle - Waddingtons (500 pieces)

One for fhe coffee table as it was small which meant I could puzzle and watch TV at the same time which always nice. I sorted the edges and collected the large areas of blue at the same time, but this proved too much so I actually ended up doing the balloons first and coming back to the blue. The picture built up nicely and it was a calming way to spend an hour.

Time taken: 1 hour

Las Vegas - King Puzzles (1000 pieces)

King is not the best of qualities in my humble opinion, with the thickness of the pieces not great. However, the picture was engaging and as a recognisable scene it was fun spotting key items, building all the hotels and other features of the famous strip. The night time sky went in first and then some of the more prominent buildings. A nice was to spend the afternoon. 

Time taken: 3.5 hours 

To sort, or not to sort...

...I’m honestly curious about this. I have recently been given a collection of puzzles to check from an unknown source and in every single box the previous owner has sorted the edge pieces into a separate bag. Why? Surely part of the puzzling experience is sorting these pieces out from the general pieces? It really irritates me as well, as it takes the choice away from me. Fine if you want to keep the puzzle for yourself I suppose, but if you pass it on....

However, I could be alone in this feeling? 

BCD Virtual Meeting - A Splash of Colour

I had put these theme forward and was delighted when it was chosen. It was a fantastic weekend and the puzzles chosen by members were a real spectacle. I can honestly say there wasn’t one I didn’t like. I had chosen 3 puzzles to keep me busy, was a WASGIJ to a new brand all the way from America. The Magic Puzzle Company came together in an unusual way and the company had also added an extra bag of pieces which gave a surprise once you had finished. I’d certainly consider doing another from this brand. My final for the weekend was slightly larger at 1500 pieces, but was a nice bright way to finish the weekend. 

The Unusual Suspects 

Zodiac Star Signs

The Happy Isles 

Art 39446 Disney Classic - Clementoni (1000 pieces)

I love Disney, and I love a panoramic, and I think I would be as bold as to say that Clementoni are the masters in this field. They choose/design interesting pictures and this puzzles was no exception. It did not disappoint on colour, style and interest, but it didn’t come together in the way I expected. I had thought the  background audience would be last to fall into place, but they came much earlier in the build and helped to  set other pieces. 

Time taken: 3.5 hours.