• Buffalo Games Quiet Fire

    I recently purchased this 1000-piece Buffalo Games Quiet Fire puzzle, mostly because I love tigers and love the picture. This puzzle is part of the Hautman Brothers collection. It did turn out to be an enjoyable puzzle, but it also did take some effort just to get to the pieces. Opening the Box This was the first time I’ve ever encountered such difficulty simply opening a puzzle box. The box appeared to be simple to open. There was no clear wrap around it, no tape, etc. So, went to remove the lid…and it wouldn’t come off. I kept trying and came to realize that the lid was glued on all…

  • Cabin in the Wild – by Bits and Pieces

    I’ve worked lots of jigsaw puzzles on and off all of my life, but believe it or not, this was the first shaped puzzle that I’ve done. I have to tell you; it was truly a delightful puzzle to work! The name of this puzzle is, “Cabin in the Wild”. It’s a very nice woodland scene with lots of animals and trees superimposed upon a pretty little cabin. The artist of this scene is Thomas Wood. I love animals and nature, so I thought this was a great choice for my first shaped puzzle. Out of the Box Upon opening the box, I noticed that not only were the pieces…

  • MasterPieces Three Little Witches

    I recently acquired a very nice Halloween-themed puzzle, so thought I’d give my thoughts on it here. This was a brand-new 1000-piece puzzle: MasterPieces Three Little Witches. The artwork was done by Bonnie White and, I have to say, it was really helpful in getting me in the Halloween mood. This was such a fun puzzle to work, and once again, several members of my family joined in the fun of putting it together.   This puzzle’s dimensions are 26.75″ x 19.25″, or if you prefer, 67.95 cm x 48.90 cm.   Starting Out: The pieces of this puzzle were packaged in a sturdy plastic bag. Once the bag was…

  • Apple One Puzzles

    Apple One is a Japan-based company that creates absolutely beautiful Japanese jigsaw puzzles. They have been in business since 1989 and have a variety of very interesting types of puzzles to choose from. These include: Gold Leaf Japanese Paper, Glow in the Dark, and Thermo-color changing. Please see below for more information on Apple One puzzles. Their Goal: They strive for quality and innovation and are dedicated to keeping the traditional enjoyment of working jigsaw puzzles alive for all age groups. Their puzzles range from 16-pieces to 2000-pieces. Some, like their 88-piece puzzles, are geared towards children or the elderly, containing large pieces that are easy to handle and assemble.…

  • Puzzle Brands and Companies

    I thought it might be a good idea to create a list of jigsaw puzzle brands and companies, for quick reference, and also just to provide that information to anyone who might want it. Upon researching, I found that many of the lists I came across were incomplete. So, I compiled my own lists from various Internet sources and am providing them here for all who are interested. Brand or Company: For starters, be aware that there is a difference between a “brand” and a “company” or “business”. The way I understand it, a company/business produces or sells the product or service. Said company/business may actually produce or sell a…

  • Ceaco Earth Wizard

    The puzzle I’m reviewing here was manufactured in 2002. It’s a Ceaco brand and the name is “Earth Wizard’. It’s a 550-piece puzzle and its dimensions are: 24” X 18”. The added attraction for this puzzle is that it will “Glow in the Dark”. This Ceaco Earth Wizard is an older puzzle, true, but oldies can still be goodies. My daughter had gifted my oldest son with this puzzle years ago, because he likes that sort of theme.                     Out of the Box: Upon unsealing and opening the box, I discovered that the puzzle pieces were also packaged inside a sturdy…

  • Working a Puzzle in a Small Area – It’s Easier Than You Think

    I’ve been wanting to work some jigsaw puzzles, not only for fun, but also in order to do some individual puzzle reviews. To be honest, I don’t have a good setup for working puzzles at this time. Still, where there is a will, there is a way. So, I got to thinking on what I could do to allow for working a  puzzle in a small area, which is all I have at the moment. I did some research online…and I came up with a way that works for me. Research Phase: I actually found out quite a bit of information, plus many tips on working a puzzle in a…

  • Puzzle Pieces – Names & Sorting

    Have you ever wondered what the different jigsaw puzzle pieces are called? Well, if so, you are not alone. Upon researching, I’ve discovered that there are many different names that people like to call them, some more applicable than others. Edges: The edge pieces are easy, they are just that… “edges”. Some people group the corners in with the edge pieces too, because after all, they ARE edges. But what if you have a puzzle that has no actual corners? Some puzzles are made in the shape of maps, birds or other animals, or maybe a flower… just a myriad of different shapes that have no corners. Well, in that…

  • Best Puzzle Brands

    ~Find Your Perfect Puzzle~   There are many, many brands of jigsaw puzzles… over 40 at least. While that gives puzzles fans a wide variety to choose from, it’s nice to know where to get really quality puzzles. Here I have placed information on what I, myself, think the best puzzle brands are. Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through any links on this post/page. Read More… Here are my personal top 5: Ravensburger Ravensburger has been in business for over 130 years. Originating in Southern Germany, there is also a U.S. Division based in Seattle, Washington. It’s good to be aware that…

  • Jigsaw Puzzle Accessories – For Working or Storing Puzzles

    Some of you may not realize it, but there are many different accessories for jigsaw puzzles today. They can make your puzzle working a more enjoyable experience, especially for someone who has limited space to work puzzles in. Here is a list of the jigsaw puzzle accessories that I have found: Tables Yes, there are actual tables designed for sitting comfortably and working on jigsaw puzzles. These tables are adjustable, so you can set them at the height that you need, and also, they tilt. You can set the tilt at the desired angle so that you don’t have to strain to place the pieces. Mats There are a few…