This puzzle was quite a challenge, but the image is so adorable that I knew it would be completely worth it – thankfully I was right!

StandOut Puzzles are a new brand to me, and I enjoyed this one very much. The quality is very much like Cobble Hill puzzles; linen finished randomly cut pieces that are pleasantly thick and fit together well, if somewhat loosely. They only produce 750 piece puzzles, and showcase “standout artwork from standout artists”. Their catalog is lovely, with images that you haven’t seen before – they stand out! And just for kicks and giggles they add a packet of “standouts” in every puzzle….

In case you were wondering, I wasn’t feeling particularly daring. Ralphie wasn’t around to triple-dog-dare me. 😋

I think the two little birds on the left are trying their best to cheer up the bear who’s feeling a little blue. The two on the right, though, are having their own discussion – I think the male bird was out too late eating fermented berries the night before; he seems to be getting quite a talking to!

What is it about a grumpy face that’s so cute? Or is it just me? It makes me smile every time I look at him!

Although much of the image was quite dark, I found the assembly to be entertaining and the overall puzzle to be of excellent quality. They’re on the pricey side, but I believe in supporting smaller companies with great products; their production and shipping costs are different for smaller batches and result in higher prices. (You can find them through retailers at a lesser cost than from the StandOut website, that’s where I purchased mine)

Great puzzle with great quality and an adorably beautiful image!

Details:

• Title:                  Feeling a Little Blue
• Artist:                Denyse Klette
• Brand:               StandOut Puzzles
• Piece count:     750 pieces
• Size:                  Approx. 24 x 18 in. (61 x 46 cm)
• Purchased:      New

Quality:

• Board:               Very good
• Cutting:             Very good
• Image:               Excellent
• Box:                   Sturdy cardboard tube
• Fit:                     Good, somewhat loose
• Puzzle Dust:     Moderate amount
• Piece cut:          Random cut
• Piece shapes:   Very good variety
• Finish:               Slightly shiny finish, lays flat

Overall Rating:      Very good, recommended