A Purrrfect Escape!

On October 3, 2017July 16, 2023 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw PuzzlesLeave a comment

A Purrrfect Escape was lots of fun! I really enjoy the Wasgij puzzles, assembling a puzzle you have no picture for is a great challenge. I never show the entire image for these puzzles that you have no picture for, I don’t want to spoil the fun for anyone. I only show the character on the front of the box that has a before and after image; that way I’m not giving anything away and I’m not showing anything new.

The sense of humor of these artists is on par with mine, and I always enjoy the situations they’ve imagined and how their characters end up. In this puzzle Special Agent Wasgij has been captured by the enemy, he has to think fast and look for a getaway. How can he escape his shackles, distract the guards, and make his way to freedom? The answer is what you have to puzzle, and it’s an interesting result!

The colors on this puzzle were bright and fun and I enjoyed figuring out the solution to Special Agent Wasgij’s tiny problem. There were several people to assemble including guards, scientists, the evil villain and his girlfriend, and even the little old lady who serves the “evil tea”.

I still have a stack of Wasgij puzzles in my closet to assemble, it has been reduced some but is still almost 5 feet high with puzzles yet to be done. I’m tackling them when I can, although I just ordered the four new ones (which add up to 6 new puzzles as 2 of the puzzles have a bonus puzzle included!) I’m slightly addicted to puzzles, and a bit off my rocker; but I’m adorable according to my husband, so it’s all good. 🤗

A 14th Century Castle!

On August 11, 2017 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw PuzzlesLeave a comment

When I was deciding what puzzle to do next I looked at my photos and realized I hadn’t done a Wasgij in over a month, it was definitely time! This was the first of the Back To.. series that I’ve done, the opposite of the Destiny puzzles – and it looks like I love them both! 🙂

As usual, I don’t show the entire finished puzzle. I don’t like to ruin the fun for anyone in figuring it out for themselves.

Jumbo quality is exceptional and right up there next to Ravensburger – for me anyway. I love the feel of the pieces and how they fit together, and the puzzles are gorgeous! If you can’t tell – I’m a fan. 😎

In this puzzle we see a 14th century castle as it is today, with tourists and souvenirs and tours being given. So what was it like in the 14th century when the Lord of the castle lived there? Today they’re selling hot dogs and ice cream, what was being sold back then? There’s an archaeological dig today, where did those bones come from? It’s a great image for puzzling and you’ll enjoy the finished puzzle – there’s so much to look at!

I really enjoy the added challenge of the Wasgij and What If puzzles, it’s nice to puzzle without an image to work from, it feels like more of an accomplishment when I’m done. Plus the added bonus is that each series is from a manufacturer with excellent quality.

As usual, I loved this puzzle – no big surprise! How boring,they’re always great – ho hum. 😉

Fishing with Friends

On July 22, 2017July 22, 2017 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw PuzzlesLeave a comment

Beautiful puzzle that I don’t believe Jumbo is manufacturing anymore, I got the last one at Puzzle Warehouse. It’s really lovely, but I wouldn’t want to do another one.

Jumbo is right up there with Ravensburger in my opinion, excellent quality puzzles and a great catalog. Their fit is exceptional and I love the way the pieces feel in my hands. In my mind these two companies are tied for first place.

This puzzle, however, was a bit tedious. Not counting the border, 99% of the pieces were ballerinas (2 prong/2 hole) and many pieces could be placed where they didn’t belong. With so much sameness in the sky and water it was pretty difficult and time consuming working those areas.

On the positive side, the puzzle comes with a chart of the pieces because you’re supposed to assemble the entire puzzle and then remove the pieces indicated on the chart to give you the decorative edge you see above. It was extremely helpful in finding the correct pieces to assemble the border. You’re supposed to start with the large piece in the center of the puzzle and work outward from there. I don’t always do as I’m told, so I assembled the edge and the chart was very helpful. 😎

Glue was also included. A packet of powder that you mix with water and then apply. I followed the directions and the glue was very thick, almost a gel-like consistency. I tried to apply it the way I normally do, but it didn’t work very well. I think perhaps it would have been easier to apply with a brush. I’ll have to try it with a paintbrush if there’s a next time with powdered glue.

The puzzle is gorgeous, and I’m glad I did it. But I also was a little let down by the assembly and probably wouldn’t order another one unless the image was amazing. But since they’re no longer being produced I doubt I’ll come across another any time soon. Still, the deco border makes the puzzle stand out, and it’s really quite beautiful!

The Best Days of our Lives!

On June 27, 2017June 27, 2017 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw PuzzlesLeave a comment

The very first Wasgij Destiny! This one was much more difficult for me, perhaps because I wasn’t feeling well, or just because it was more difficult. Who can tell? As usual, I don’t show the entire image because I don’t want to spoil the fun of figuring it out!

With this puzzle the box shows children at school in the cafeteria and you have to puzzle them at their class reunion many years later. Will the lovebirds still be in love? Will the best friends still be friends? How will the teachers have changed? As usual Graham Thompson’s image is fun and funny and excellent for puzzling!

It took me 3 days to finish this puzzle, partly because it was a little more challenging than usual, and partly because there were many things going on with family obligations. Still, when I could I worked on it and it was a pleasure. As usual the quality was excellent and makes for a great tactile experience. Every time I complete a Jumbo puzzle I want to immediately do another; the way the pieces feel and fit together makes for a wonderful assembly in every way.

If you haven’t tried a Wasgij or any other Jumbo puzzle I highly recommend it. They have a great selection of puzzles to choose from – photography, landscapes, collages, fine art, and some of the best cartoon puzzles around. There’s something for everyone!

Paying the Price!

On June 9, 2017 By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw PuzzlesLeave a comment

Another fun Wasgij, haven’t found one yet that wasn’t fun to assemble. They’re different and challenging and funny, and I have enjoyed the assembly of every single Wasgij that I’ve done.

This was a Destiny puzzle, the box shows a scene from a certain time, and you have to puzzle what the scene would look like now. The box for this puzzle shows a gas (petrol) station back in the good old days when there were attendants that pumped the gas, checked your oil, cleaned the windows, etc. So what would that same place look like today with our newfangled cars and automated pumps? Is the mechanic’s garage different? And how about the small convenience store?

As usual, things are very different, and pretty funny. It’s always entertaining for me to start assembling and try to figure out what will be different and what remains the same. How does that young man on the box look now – will he be balding with a paunch? The results are usually even better than my imagination.

The usual excellent Jumbo quality, and an it always makes me want to do another Wasgij right away. The feel of the pieces and the way they fit together makes for a great tactile experience and I always find myself running my hands across the puzzle, especially when I’m concentrating.

It’s the 20th anniversary of the Wasgij puzzles this year, and I have barely put a dent in the catalog of available puzzles. I still have a stack about 5 feet tall in my closet of Wasgij puzzles yet to be assembled. I’m working on them one at a time and thoroughly enjoying every single one! 🙂