I usually have relatively strong feelings either way about the puzzles I’ve assembled. It’s usually “loved it” or “where is the lighter fluid?”. For some reason this puzzle just makes me think “meh”; I’m even feeling blah about typing up this post. 😐
Springbok has some great puzzles, and although I’m not a fan of the super tight fit I’ve had a great time putting together many different Springbok images. There’s something about this one though, it just seems neither here nor there. It’s pretty, but wasn’t overly inspiring or entertaining to assemble. It could very well be that I was just in the wrong state of mind when putting it together; or it might be that this image just didn’t make for the kind of puzzle that I enjoy.
This puzzle is from the late 80’s, and the quality was good. The fit was extremely tight, but the pieces were very thick with an excellent variety of piece shapes. The image itself is quite dark, but the finished puzzle is actually very pretty.
You can’t fall in love with them all; if there aren’t any valleys you wouldn’t know how much you should appreciate the peaks, right?
Summer Surprise by Mary Ann Vessey – MasterPieces – 500 pieces
Summer Surprise was not the best quality puzzle, but for some odd reason I really wanted to finish it. I have no explanation for my completion obsession other than I found the assembly to be somewhat entertaining even though the quality was lacking.
I’m surprised at the variation in quality that I’ve found from MasterPieces. This puzzle was quite thin, there were no variety in piece shapes at all, and it was grid cut. I’ve also worked several of their space saver puzzles and found the quality to be quite good; with good thickness, a random cut, and very nice images. Their EZ grip large piece puzzles have excellent quality with very thick pieces that fit together wonderfully and lovely image reproduction. From “meh” all the way up to “excellent” – hmmm, what is the reason for such fluctuation? Perhaps their different puzzle lines are produced by different manufacturers?
I liked the image well enough, thought it doesn’t wow me. It took me a couple of days to finish, and was entertaining at times. I wouldn’t recommend this puzzle though – the quality just wasn’t up to snuff.
Lakefront: Milwaukee, WI by Hannah Jablonski – HANmade Milwaukee – 500 pieces
This was an interesting puzzle mom got in a swap with another puzzler from her facebook puzzle enthusiasts group who lives nearby. We love having words to assemble, and the image is so unique and fun!
HANmade Milwaukee is a small company that produces souvenirs and gifts that are Milwaukee and Wisconsin themed. They don’t have a large catalog of puzzles, but we found their quality to be quite good and enjoyed assembling this puzzle. The pieces were a nice thickness with an excellent variety of shapes, and fit together very well. The image reproduction was clear and crisp, the random cut kept us on our toes, and the overall first impression was very good.
We’ve been having a tough time lately finding enough smaller piece count puzzles to do together on our visit day, so we were happy to find this one farther back in the stacks of puzzles to be done. I enjoy map puzzles and knew we’d have a good time with this one – I was right! (That doesn’t happen as often as I’d like to believe) It’s always so interesting to try out new companies and see how they compare; we were completely entertained with this puzzle and impressed with the quality. 👍
Wild Animals by Michael Searle – A Broader View – 500 pieces
Wild Animals is a beautiful puzzle with bright, fun colors that mom and I found much more challenging than we assumed. Even looking at it now I’m surprised that it was difficult, because it really doesn’t look as if it would be. Perhaps I need a new prescription for my glasses? 🤓
A Broader View puzzles are perfect for puzzling with two or more people, the “top” of the image is at the center of the puzzle. No matter where you are sitting while assembling these puzzles you’ve got the right perspective. The pieces are thinner than a premium puzzle, but still a respectable thickness and fit together quite well. All in all I find them good quality puzzles and I’ve enjoyed every one that I’ve done.
We spent a bit of time on our last visit day looking for smaller piece count puzzles that we wanted to do. We had several to choose from, but they weren’t “speaking to us”. At times I have to be in the right mood to work certain puzzles, and neither of us could find a puzzles that we both wanted to do. I’m sure it’s the same for other puzzlers out there, you have to be inspired or excited by the image or even by the pieces.
I stopped at a Tuesday Morning on the way home from physical therapy and found several smaller piece count puzzles that struck my fancy, so we’ll have plenty to choose from on our next puzzle day. 😎
The Bridesmaid by John Everett Millais – Pomegranate – 500 pieces
This is one of those images that, when I saw it I gasped; I LOVE IT! There’s something about her face, and all that beautiful hair – gorgeous! I knew that her hair would be a challenge, but I was more than willing to give it a go. Pomegranate chooses the most interesting and beautiful artwork.
Puzzles like this one are the reason mom and I love the thrift stores. She finds amazing puzzles that are no longer being produced; and many times they’re from premium brands like Pomegranate. She cannot pass up any puzzle from this brand, no matter the image – it would offend her sensibilities to leave a Pomegranate on the shelves. The quality is so good that she knows we’ll enjoy the puzzle no matter the image. Luckily for me this artwork grabbed me and I enjoyed every piece, even that long, stunning hair. 😉
Pomegranate quality is excellent; from the thickness of the pieces to the fit and impressive image reproduction. Even their boxes have a premium quality feel – you know when you’re holding the box that you’ve got a top-notch puzzle in your hands. Pomegranate is also one of the few companies that show the entire image on the box lid, there is nothing covering any part of the picture; as a puzzler that is very much appreciated! Their catalog of puzzles focuses mainly on fine art and illustrations and has some of the most interesting and unique images around. They also have a series of beautiful 100 piece mini puzzles for adults with artists from Charley Harper to Renoir that come in a hinged metal box. There’s something for just about everyone.
I would guess about 90-95% of the thrift store puzzles we purchase are complete. You take a risk that you may have missing pieces, but for me the rewards outweigh the risk. We find delightful puzzles at amazingly discounted prices and can enjoy our hobby/obsession/addiction for a fraction of the cost of purchasing retail. Sometimes we find gems like this one, and sometimes we’re disappointed when a piece or two has flown the coop. But even with a missing piece we still get the enjoyment, entertainment, and health benefits that come with puzzle assembly – and that’s what it’s all about.
