Olympic Obsession

It would appear jigsaws aren't my only obsession....turns out the Olympics (be it winter or summer games) rates pretty high on my obsession levels and consequently no new puzzles were completed - although a fiendishly difficult one is on the go I promise...

Birthday treats....

Now I don't buy myself Wentworth puzzles....unless they are 40 pieces. Why? The cost! They are mega expensive for someone who only does a puzzle once. Yes, I know they are lovely, the quality gorgeous and the smell enough to make any puzzle enthusiast weak kneed. However, I just can't justify the expense - especially as I am given most puzzles for free. Good news is that January is my birthday month and also the Wentworth January sale, so a rather kind family member bought me 2x250 piece puzzles. I thoroughly enjoyed each one and just wished they had lasted longer...

Time taken: 1 hour for each

Vintage Collection Mini Puzzle - Lagoon (88 pieces)

Given as a gift from a dear friend this was a little trip down memory lane as I had this exact book when growing up. What a little treat and made me smile. 

Time taken: 5 minutes 

The Bizarre Bookshop 2 - Ravensburger (1000 pieces)

When I was first given this puzzle I nearly passed it on without checking it as I thought I had already completed. Little did I realise that Ravensburger has released a second version of their bookshop puzzle which I enjoyed immensely. With slight changes from the original and yet plenty of interesting quirks, I was soon totally engrossed. I put all the bookshelves in place and then began work on prominent coloured books, before filling in the gaps. 

Time taken: afternoon and evening 

Jan Van Haasteren - Jumbo (1000 pieces each)

I simply love Jan's work and couldn't believe my luck when presented with a set to check. For those who don't know the series or puzzles the pictures are busy, busy, busy with lots going on, plenty of humour, and yet still areas for you to start with rather than being too difficult. The puzzle world is a better place for the work of Van Haasteren! 

Time taken: an evening for each 

Secret Santa

My Secret Santa knows me well and I was presented with this little beauty - thank goodness it wasn't any larger than 500 pieces or I think it would have been very difficult. As it was I spent a happy 'snow day' afternoon feeling very peckish!

Time taken: afternoon

Wasgij Joy - Falcon (1000 pieces each)

A very happy occasion when you are given lots of puzzles to check, an even happier one when you are given several Wasgij ones. I was given a range from classic to destiny and had a very happy few afternoons working out what each picture was going to be. 

Time taken: approx 4 hours for each one