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Cherry Blossom Time – Puzzle by Artist Veronique Oodian_+| Ravensburger Puzzle

10:22 am By Canadian Puzzler Leave a Comment

Puzzle Company: Ravensburger
Number of pieces: 1000
Completed size: 24×18 inches
Puzzle Artist: Veronique Oodian
Puzzle Pieces: smaller “1000 piece” size, grid cut
Overall Puzzle score 7.5

This was a challenge!
it is stunning when done, but I would not try if you are a beginner or want to finish your puzzle quickly!
The colours for different elements are different enough to make piece matching simpler. With a 100) opiece size puzzle, you really have to sort your pieces to make it go smoothly.The artist, Veronique Oodian used lush colours of spring, leafy greens, soft and deep pinks. I lovely spring palette for for her nature inspired artwork. Lots of fauna floating in the foreground- happy hummingbirds and playful butterflies dance in the spring breeze!

This is a perfect puzzle to lift your mood on rainy April afternoon- and reminds that us the Spring always comes. Spring and cherry blossoms are intimately intertwined. Cherry blossoms typically bloom in spring, marking the end of winter and the beginning of warmer weather. The appearance of cherry blossoms is often seen as a herald of spring, a time of renewal, rebirth, and new beginnings_

Once completed, the Cherry Blossom Time Puzzle transforms into a work of art worthy of display. Whether framed and hung on the wall or kept intact as a testament to your patience and perseverance, it serves as a timeless reminder of the fleeting yet profound beauty of time and nature.

Filed Under: Puzzles Tagged With: artist, birds, flowers, Mothers Day, Spring, Veronique Oodian

“Boy’s Fun” Summer Camp Puzzle from Bits & Pieces Review

9:31 am By Canadian Puzzler Leave a Comment

summer puzzle

Puzzle Company: Bits and Pieces
Number of pieces: 500
Completed size: 18×24 inches
Puzzle Artist: Kay Lamb Shannon
Puzzle Pieces: larger “500 piece” size, grid cut (average size 1.2 inch)
Overall Puzzle score 8.0

Notes: “I absolutely adored the summer vibes and camping adventures depicted in this puzzle by artist Kay Lamb Shannon. The cute images of summer camp life by the lake—fishing, swimming, swinging, and climbing trees to reach the clubhouse—brought back all kinds nostalgic memories. It felt like I was reliving those lazy summer days at the cottage or by the swimming hole at camp with my friends and family while putting together this delightful puzzle. Highly recommend!

I’ve garnered quite the collection of Bits and Pieces puzzles. While they may not boast the same quality as Cobble Hill or Ravensburger, and lack the convenience of a poster, their consistently well-done images and choice of talented artists always draw me back in. For me, the image itself is just as crucial, if not more so, than the puzzle piece quality.

Filed Under: Bits & Pieces Tagged With: 500, artist, Kay Lamb Shannon, lake, summer

Jane Maday- Puzzle Artist Profile

11:51 am By Canadian Puzzler Leave a Comment


Jane Maday’s artistic journey began in England and continued in the United States, where she began her professional career at just aged fourteen, illustrating for the University of Florida. After earning her Bachelor’s degree from the Ringling College of Art and Design, she started working at Hallmark Cards, Inc., designing her trademark whimsical greeting cards.

After marriage, she and her husband settled in Colorado and welcomed their children. Embracing the Rocky Mountain air, Jane ventured into freelance illustration, bringing characters to life in children’s books and adding her images to other products like collectible plates and stationary. Alongside her paintings, she penned articles and books on art.

With a knack for technical precision and an eye for whimsy, Jane infuses her work with charm.
Her muse? A lively garden, a merry menagerie of animals, and the awe-inspiring Colorado landscape, all adding to the colorful tapestry of her creations!

ane Maday is known for collaborating with various puzzle manufacturers to create beautiful puzzles. You can explore online puzzle retailers or Jane Maday’s official website to find puzzles featuring her artwork.

Other Puzzle featuring artwork by Jane Maday:
Peonies Pump
Holly Birds
Bunnies & Birdhouse
Midnight Kittens
Friendly Mice
Lemons & Lavender

Filed Under: Puzzles Tagged With: artist, Jane Maday, profile

Monika Forsberg – Puzzle Artist Profile

1:17 pm By Canadian Puzzler Leave a Comment

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monika_forsberg/
Artist Website: https://www.walkyland.com/
Monika Forsberg is a talented illustrator known for her vibrant and whimsical artwork. Originally from Sweden, she now resides in the United Kingdom. Forsberg’s illustrations are characterized by their intricate details, playful colors, and imaginative themes. Her work often features a mix of flora, fauna, and fantastical elements, creating enchanting worlds that captivate viewers of all ages. With a background in graphic design and a passion for storytelling, Forsberg’s illustrations have graced various products, including puzzles, children’s books, and textiles. Her unique style and creative vision have earned her a dedicated following and recognition in the world of art and illustration.

Other puzzles featuring artwork by the artist Monika Forsberg

“Round About Town” 500-piece round jigsaw puzzle – This puzzle features colorful and whimsical illustrations of various city scenes, showcasing Forsberg’s playful style.

“Crazy Quilt” 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle – A vibrant and eclectic puzzle design reminiscent of a patchwork quilt, with Forsberg’s signature colorful artwork.

“Jungle Party” 500-piece jigsaw puzzle – Explore a lively jungle scene filled with exotic animals and lush foliage, brought to life by Forsberg’s intricate illustrations.

“Forest Friends” 500-piece jigsaw puzzle – Delightful illustrations of woodland creatures in their natural habitat, featuring Forsberg’s charming and detailed artwork.

“Up, Up & Away” 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle – Join a whimsical adventure with hot air balloons soaring through the sky, illustrated in Forsberg’s distinctive style.

Filed Under: Monika Forsberg, monika_forsberg, Puzzle Artists & Illustrators Profile Tagged With: artist, eeboo, monika_forsberg

White Dragon Puzzle- 500 piece jigsaw from Cobble Hill | Review

9:28 am By Canadian Puzzler Leave a Comment

White Dragon Jigsaw Puzzle Review

Overall puzzle rating: 7.5/10

Puzzle Company: Cobble Hill
Number of pieces: 500
Completed size: 26.625″ x 19.25″
Puzzle Artist: Ciruelo Cabral
Puzzle Pieces: 500 piece size. random cut, super high-quality

Notes: Gorgeous fantasy illustration of white dragon on a cliff by artist, Ciruelo. Includes high quality refences poster, suitable for framing.

The artwork of Ciruelo Cabral features a majestic white dragon against a backdrop of a mystical mountain landscape. White dragons symbolize transformation, death, and rebirth, often associated with moon gods or mother goddesses in various mythologies. In many cultures, dragons are revered as symbols of power, wisdom, and protection, while the color white signifies purity and spirituality. The juxtaposition of these elements creates a compelling narrative within the puzzle’s imagery, inviting contemplation and reflection as you piece together the puzzle.

The challenge level is intermediate, offering enough complexity to keep you engaged without feeling overwhelming. The variety of shapes and patterns in the puzzle pieces added an extra layer of enjoyment for me. As always, the poster is a huge plus; not having to keep track of the box while puzzling is great.

The color palette on this puzzle was not as vibrant as I normally like. If you enjoy fantastical art and dragons, this would be a great puzzle for you!

Filed Under: Cobble Hill Puzzles, Puzzles Tagged With: artist, Ciruelo Cabral, dragon, fantasy

Terry Isaac: Puzzle Artist Profile

1:41 pm By Canadian Puzzler Leave a Comment

Puzzle artist Terry Isaac

Terry Isaac, born in 1958 in Tacoma, Washington, is a renowned wildlife artist celebrated for his stunning depictions of North American wildlife.

Raised in the picturesque landscapes of British Columbia, Canada, Isaac developed a deep appreciation for nature from a young age. He honed his artistic skills through self-study and formal education, graduating from the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver. Isaac’s passion for wildlife and dedication to his craft are evident in his meticulously detailed paintings, which capture the beauty and essence of his subjects with remarkable precision. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, earning him widespread acclaim and numerous awards. Isaac’s art serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving Earth’s natural treasures, inspiring viewers to connect with and protect the natural world. Through his art, Terry Isaac continues to make a profound impact on wildlife conservation efforts, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the canvas.

Artist Website: https://www.terryisaacsart.com/products-page/puzzles/

Jigsaw Puzzles that feature work of Terry Isaac

“Mountain Monarchs” Puzzle
“Spirit of the Forest” Puzzle
“Winter Solstice” Puzzle
“Beneath the Pines” Puzzle
“Spirits of the Forest II” Puzzle
“Autumn Morning” Puzzle
“Mystic Mountain” Puzzle
“Wilderness Reflections” Puzzle
“Twilight Mist” Puzzle
“Whispers of the Wilderness” Puzzle

These puzzles showcase Terry Isaac’s stunning wildlife artwork and offer puzzlers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature captured by his brush.

Filed Under: Puzzle Artists & Illustrators Profile Tagged With: artist, nature

Bunnies from Bits & Pieces Puzzles – Adorable Spring or Easter Puzzle

10:30 am By Canadian Puzzler Leave a Comment

Bunnies by Bits and Pieces Jigsaw Puzzle Review

Overall puzzle rating: 8/10

Puzzle Company: Bits and Pieces Puzzles
Number of pieces: 500
Completed size: 18×24
Puzzle Artist: Lynne Jones
Puzzle Pieces: 500 piece size. Grid cut. Thicker than average, no poster.

Notes: Another sweet Spring/ Easter themes I highly recommend. I was drawn by the gorgeously illustrated barnyard scene with a gathering of bunnies and sleepy kitty. Charming colours and expressive bunny faces make this a delight.

What better way to celebrate Easter than with a puzzle featuring adorable bunnies? The playful rabbits scattered throughout the scene evoke the spirit of Easter egg hunts and joyful gatherings. Whether you’re assembling it with family or friends, “Bunnies from Bits and Pieces” adds an extra touch of Easter magic to your celebrations.

Springtime is often associated with spending quality time with family and loved ones, and this Easter puzzle from Bits and Pieces is a fantastic way to do just that. Gather around the table with your family, pour some lemonade, and immerse yourselves in the joy of piecing together this delightful scene.

The 500 piece size makes it doable over a weekend or sunny afternoon. Bit and Pieces has some of the nicest illustrations for puzzles, they focus mainly nostalgic and scenic images and have a huge roster of talented artists. The prices of the puzzles along with verity of images and sized make Bits and Pieces a great buy, especially if you do a lot of puzzles.

Filed Under: Bits & Pieces, Puzzles Tagged With: artist, bunnies, cats, Easter, March

Deer and Pheasant Puzzle Review- Cobble Hill

12:28 pm By Canadian Puzzler Leave a Comment

deer and pheasant puzzle

Deer and Pheasant Puzzle

Puzzle Company: Cobble Hill
Number of pieces: 500
Completed size: 19.25″ x 26.625″
Puzzle Artist: Carl Brenders
Overall rating: 6.5/10

Puzzler Notes: Random-cut puzzle pieces. Includes a reference poster- the quality is excellent. No glare linen puzzle pieces.

The image lovely. A familiar theme of deer in the meadow. The blue sky in background makes for nice contrast, but I do prefer more colour in puzzles. The feather and fur is very hard to do in a puzzle.

Cobble Hill’s “Dear and Pheasant” puzzle presents a picturesque scene that transports puzzlers to the serene beauty of the wilderness. The artwork captures a tranquil moment in nature, where a majestic deer and a vibrant pheasant coexist harmoniously amidst a lush forest backdrop.

At the forefront of the image stands a magnificent buck, its proud antlers reaching towards the sky. The deer’s gaze is tranquil yet vigilant, reflecting its inherent connection to the wilderness. Its coat, painted in rich earth tones, blends seamlessly with the surrounding foliage, camouflaging it against the forest floor.

Beside the deer stands a colorful pheasant, its plumage ablaze with hues of iridescent greens, blues, and reds. The pheasant’s intricate feathers are meticulously rendered, showcasing the artist’s attention to detail.  The bird adds a dynamic element to the scene, contrasting against subdued earthtones of the forest.

In the background, towering trees stretch , their branches adorned with lush green leaves. Shafts of golden sunlight filter through the foliage, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor below. The tranquil atmosphere is further enhanced by the stream, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the natural splendor that surrounds it.

Overall, the image on Cobble Hill’s “Dear and Pheasant” puzzle encapsulates the timeless beauty of the wilderness, inviting puzzlers to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature’s embrace. With its exquisite detail and captivating scenery, this puzzle promises a rewarding and immersive puzzling experience for nature lovers and puzzle lovers alike.

The image is by Belgian artist Carl Brenders (b.1937) is an internationally recognized wildlife painter known for his exceptionally faithful and powerful rendition of nature.
His paintings, typically created on illustration board, are executed in a mixed-media combination of watercolor and gouache.
In 2002 at the prestigious Birds in Art Exhibition organized by the Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, WI, he was honored with Master Artist status.
In 1998 he was inducted into the U.S. Art Hall of Fame.

deer_pheasant_CH

Filed Under: Cobble Hill Puzzles, Puzzle Artists & Illustrators Profile, Puzzles Tagged With: artist, birds, carl brenders, deer, winter

Gibson’s Puzzles- Brand Profile

10:25 am By Canadian Puzzler Leave a Comment

Gibsons Puzzle profle
Founded as H.P Gibson & Sons Ltd. in 1919. The Family company is now run by great-granddaughter Kate, located in Sutton, England.
The company began by selling card games and began making puzzles in 1966.

Committed to eco-friendly puzzles, using only 100% recycled puzzle board, in November 2023 they received certification as a B Corp.

They are proud of their achievements ; ensured fair pay in our production lines, localized manufacturing, donated through charity collaborations, developed disability-friendly jigsaw puzzles, and created a sustainable and equitable company culture.
They are known for their high quality (thick!) puzzle pieces . Gibsons puzzle images lean toward traditional British scenes and landscapes and feature some of the most popular puzzle artists n the world.

Popular Gibson Puzzle Artists:

Val Goldfinch
Janice Daughters
Claire Comerford
Linda Jane Smith
Elizabeth Blustin
Thomas Kinkade Studios
Steve Crisp
David Noble
Richard Macneil
Debbie Cook
Bryan Evans
Dominic Davison
Trevor Mitchell

Filed Under: Gibson's Puzzles, Puzzles Tagged With: artist, fall, Gibson, New Year, Profiles, Puzzle Brands

Cedar Waxwings Puzzle by Cobble Hill Review

3:46 pm By Canadian Puzzler Leave a Comment

cedar waxwings bird puzzle cobble hill

Cedar Waxwings Jigsaw Puzzle

Puzzle Company: Cobble Hill
Number of pieces: 1000
Completed size: 26.5x 19″
Puzzle Artist: Sam Timm
Skill level: Intermediate
Overall rating:
4.5 puzzle rating

Notes: Puzzle artist is retired pastor Sam Timm, who lives in central Wisconsin. Reverend Timm lives close to the wildlife he loves to paint in his art. He has been painting wildlife since 1975.Stunning Reference poster included. Glare-free linen paper puzzle pieces.

Two Cedar Waxwing birds are perched on tree with laden with colourful red berries. Lovely landscape with a red barn with a silo and windmill and cute pond.

I loved this puzzle. I found the colour palette soothing. The details in painting of the birds made each puzzle snap a delight.
Don’t let the browns fool you-there is lots of colour and texture to m make this a great puzzle experience.
The larger size, 1000 pieces took me longer than usual. This is nice one to do as a couple or family.

Filed Under: Cobble Hill Puzzles Tagged With: artist, birds, January, nature, Sam Timm

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