Berenstain Bears

On March 10, 2019 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw Puzzles, Thrift Store Puzzles2 Comments

This puzzle reminds me of when my kids were little – they loved the Berenstain Bears and the books were usually found all over the house. Although the books have been around for more than 50 years, I don’t really remember reading them myself when I was young – although I must have. For me these books make me think of my children and how much all three of them loved reading. ❤

This was a very nice quality puzzle, with an excellent fit and interestingly shaped pieces…

Berenstain Bears 1

Most of the time with a puzzle aimed toward children the pieces are very standard, but these made for a more interesting assembly – and it was a refreshing change. Sadly there was a missing piece so I wasn’t able to send it along to the school I normally donate to, but it was still fun for me to put together.

Even though I’m technically an adult I love puzzles of all shapes and sizes and have no problem whatsoever putting together small puzzles made for kids; puzzles are always entertaining for me. It makes me think of that wonderful line from Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss – changed a bit for us dissectologists of course – “A puzzle’s a puzzle, no matter how small.”

Review: Farmer’s Market

On March 9, 2019 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw Puzzles, Puzzle reviews, Thrift Store Puzzles3 Comments

This is an adorable image that I’ve seen before but had never come across. I finally acquired two of the three in the series, and am so looking forward to finding the third – I had as much fun assembling it as I thought I would!

Ceaco puzzles seem to be hit or miss in the quality department. I’ve worked some really nice puzzles of theirs and some absolutely terrible ones. It’s not a brand I will normally buy retail, we usually get them second hand. This particular puzzle was one of those I bought in a lot of 26 from Facebook Marketplace and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The quality of this one was good, with an excellent fit and wonderful image.

This was assembled in one sitting, at night when the sandman skipped over my house and I couldn’t sleep at all. I stole off quietly to the puzzle room and before I knew it – bam! – it was done. This was one of those rare puzzles where my expectations of how entertaining the assembly would be was spot on. It was thoroughly enjoyable!

Ceaco puzzles aren’t always up to snuff for me, but this one absolutely was. From the first piece to the last it was a great time. Images that make you happy usually make for wonderful puzzling! 🙂

Details:

Title: Farmer’s Market
Artist: Tracy Flickinger
Brand: Ceaco
Piece count: 300 pieces
Size: Approx. 19 x 19 in. (48 x 48 cm)
Purchased: Used

Quality:

Board: Good
Cutting: Good
Image: Very good
Box: Average
Fit: Very good
Puzzle Dust: Moderate amount
Piece cut: Grid cut
Piece shapes: Good variety
Finish: Slightly shiny finish, lays flat

Overall Rating: Good, recommended

Fluffy Mardi Gras

On March 6, 2019 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw Puzzles, Thrift Store Puzzles2 Comments

Our fluffy friend showed a lot of fur yesterday during Mardi Gras; she lost a bit of her memory (see missing edge piece) and ended up with dazed look on her face and a LOT of beads! 😉

Cat puzzles aren’t really my thing, but I had to get this one from the thrift store because it’s just too funny. How can you not smile when you see this image? I love it!

*I bet kitty wasn’t too happy to be dressed up in all of that crap for the picture though.*

Crafty

On March 4, 2019March 4, 2019 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw Puzzles, Thrift Store Puzzles4 Comments

This was an extremely entertaining thrift store find! There were 2 missing pieces, but it didn’t detract much from the assembly. With all the bright colors and interesting patterns it kept me happy for a couple of days. 🙂

The quality was good, with an excellent fit. The pieces are a little thinner than your premium brands, but not nearly as thin and flexible as the cheapest ones. I never hesitate buying Re-marks puzzles, in my opinion they’re a good middle-of-the-road quality puzzle and they have some beautiful images to work. Everyone has their own preferences though, and the only real way to know is to try them yourself.

I loved assembling the basket of yarn, and made myself wait for that part until almost the very end.

Crafty 1

Many times I try to hold off on what I think will be the most entertaining section until the end of the puzzle. I don’t want to get the best part done too early and then peter out with filling in the rest. I needn’t have worried with this one though, I had a great time with the whole thing!

The Wedding Shop

On March 3, 2019 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw Puzzles, Thrift Store Puzzles4 Comments

This is the second time I have assembled this image. The first time it was named Rue L’Amour , was made by Cobble Hill, and was 500 pieces. The assembly was lovely both times, but I think I preferred the Cobble Hill only because it had more pieces and was a little more of a challenge.

They were both excellent quality puzzles. FX Schmid has (mostly) Ravensburger quality with a wonderful fit and beautiful image reproduction. I think this is the first 300 piece from this brand that I’ve worked, and it was quite nice. There was the slightest bit of warping on the pieces, but I live in the land of humidity so it’s difficult to say whether or not that played any part in it.

The Wedding Shop 1