Doc McStuffins

On September 27, 2017 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw Puzzles, Thrift Store PuzzlesLeave a comment

This puzzle was lots of fun! Mom and I assembled it together and we both found it very interesting. There are 3 puzzles in one box, 3 different sizes of pieces; you can assemble them one at a time, or do them all and make a panoramic puzzle.

The piece counts are 24, 48, and 63 pieces. They were a good thickness, sturdy, and fit together nicely. It’s a shame there was a piece missing because this was a very nice puzzle; Cardinal does a good job with kid’s puzzles in my opinion.

I liked the irregular border on these puzzles and that the different piece sizes make it an excellent puzzle to work on with someone else. If you’ve got a child who likes Doc McStuffins, I would definitely recommend this puzzle. 🙂

Vibrant Puzzle Calendar Kit Puzzles 3 & 4

On September 26, 2017September 28, 2017 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw Puzzles, Thrift Store Puzzles1 Comment

Bouquet 100 pieces

Window Box 100 pieces

This is the second puzzle from this calendar kit that I’ve assembled. I really am enjoying them! I don’t normally do 2 sided puzzles, but these small ones have been pretty fun. If you didn’t see my post on the calendar kit and what is included click here see puzzles 1 and 2.

The images are all stock photos it seems, and they’re all flowers in some form or another. Pretty pictures! Even though they are only 100 pieces it’s still enjoyable for me, and it’s still interesting to watch the images come together. I used to be snobby and think that puzzles less than 1000 pieces weren’t for me, they’re too easy or not worth my time. I have, of course, come to my senses! 😉

As long as you’re having fun, who cares about anything else? Doesn’t matter if it’s a brand no one else seems to like, or you don’t finish your puzzles as fast as other people. What’s important is that you’re enjoying the hobby, right? I say if it isn’t fun for you, stop! If you’re enjoying it, go for it. It isn’t a competition, it’s a hobby. And first and foremost it’s supposed to be fun. (stepping down from my soapbox)

It’s so interesting the variety of puzzles we’ve found in the many thrift stores in our area. Vintage, newer, from gently loved to never been opened; from Aquarius to White Mountain, and puzzles from many countries! We have one from South Africa that I haven’t assembled yet, and mom just found an awesome Japanese puzzle that I’m working on at the moment. 😎

Policeman Dreams

On September 24, 2017 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw Puzzles, Thrift Store Puzzles5 Comments

There’s something about this image, I love it! I haven’t had enough coffee this morning to articulate exactly why, all I know is that this image makes me smile and was a pleasure to assemble.

I went about assembling this puzzle backwards – I started with the more difficult sections. No idea now why this was, but I started with the sidewalk/road and then the sky. The rest of the puzzle wasn’t as challenging, although the cars did take a bit more concentration.

MasterPieces quality has been improving, in my opinion. The pieces fit together very well and are a good thickness. The finish is still a bit shiny, but overall that’s really my only issue. Every once in a while I get a puzzle where the pieces aren’t completely separated, but I’ve seen that with every puzzle manufacturer. There’s never going to be a company that is perfect every single time.

The Childhood Dreams collection by Dan Hatala is nostalgic and heartwarming and focuses on moments between parents and children. There are at least 11 more in the series that I’ve seen and I would love to do every single one of them; they are absolutely gorgeous! My black belt thrift store shopper has been given instructions to buy any of this series that she can find. 🙂

Celestial Map Puzzle Ball

On September 23, 2017 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw Puzzles, Thrift Store Puzzles4 Comments

This was only the second 3D puzzle that I’ve assembled, and it was a bit of a letdown. There were 4 missing pieces, 1 piece completely broken in half, and many pieces that were bent and damaged. 😦

Mom and I were hoping to enjoy this assembly as much as the first puzzle ball that we did, but the condition of this puzzle was terrible. Wherever it’s previous home, it was not well loved – in fact, someone was extremely rough with it. It looks as if whoever took it apart before was not careful or gentle, perhaps they didn’t enjoy the assembly. Whatever the reason, they damaged it and lost pieces. Why not just throw it away?

Although this puzzle was a bit of a disappointment, it was still fun to spend time with mom assembling it. That’s the most fun thing about puzzling for me I think, sharing it with loved ones. I enjoy the solitude of working on a puzzle alone, trying to concentrate only on what I’m doing and finding the next piece. But even more enjoyable is working a puzzle with someone, talking and laughing and spending time together. It’s 10,000 times better than staring at the tv, scrolling through things on your phone, or clicking through web pages on the computer!

Scooby Doo

On September 22, 2017September 22, 2017 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw Puzzles, Thrift Store Puzzles2 Comments

This was a bright and easy puzzle by Pressman Toys. The pieces are thick and extremely sturdy and you can see that they fit together very well. I’ve done several puzzles by Pressman Toys lately and am impressed by the quality of their puzzles for children.

There’s not much you can say about a puzzle with only 24 pieces – but I’ll do my best. If you really look at every piece, there’s something easy to find that will help you locate the adjacent piece. This is essential in a puzzle for very young children, and helps them gain confidence in their puzzling abilities. This is a great puzzle for younger kids and I’m happy it’s going to end up where children can enjoy it.

We’ve recently added a school for children with developmental disabilities to the places we donate our puzzles. So the adult puzzles are being donated to the local senior center, and the kids puzzles to the school. If it isn’t something we’re absolutely in love with and will definitely do again, it goes out the door.

We have too many puzzles yet to do, and too little space to be hoarding them all. It makes me happy to think that we’ve brightened someone else’s day with the gift of a puzzle – and don’t we all need a little happiness?