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Riverside Livingroom – 750 piece puzzle format from Ravensburger | REVIEW

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Riverside Livingroom Review

Puzzle Company: Ravensburger
Number of pieces: 750
Completed size: 31.5” x 23.6” inches
Puzzle Artist: Unknown
Puzzle Pieces: Over sized, easy to grip, thick, top quality
Puzzle Reference Poster: No

Overall Score: 6/10

Notes: A lovely puzzle that brings you outdoors. Imagine yourself sitting in one of the Adirondack chairs by the crackling fireside or watching the river from the cabin while chatting with friends. In the background, a mountain range is cast in sunlight. With 750 pieces, this puzzle boasts a shape that’s wider than it is tall, perfect for folks who’d rather not do the puzzle-time limbo!

Why try a 750 Piece Puzzle Size?

Sadly, the gorgeous image on the box did not reproduce well. I was surprised because Ravensburger quality is typically outstanding; they use highly pigmented inks and top-quality paper. The issue here was not with puzzle quality but with image reproduction and inks on the puzzle itself. This had so much potential, and I was a bit disappointed. However, I did like the 750-piece format and would recommend giving this size a try.

Gibson’s Puzzles- Brand Profile

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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

Autumn Memories by Buffalo Games Puzzle Review

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autumn memories puzzle
Autumn Memories
Number of pieces: 500
Completed size: 21.25×15 inches
Puzzle Artist: George Kovach
George Kovach on Facebook
Note: Reference poster included

 

I was so happy with Autumn Memories, another puzzle from the “Days to Remember” puzzle series from Buffalo Games! This is one of several puzzles from the series I have completed over the past few weeks. This was a great transition puzzle to do from summer into fall. George Kovach did the beautiful images in this puzzle. It features an early evening scene by the water’s edge. There is a cozy inn, with a fire lit inside. People line the edge along the docks, looking at the night sky or hopeful fishermen by the row of red canoes. There is a full moon in the dark blue sky and cars park outside the local inn and bar. People gather here to spend time together one last time before heading home for the season.

autumn memories puzzle

Another amazing autumn puzzle to do!

Have you done Autumn Mmemories or another “Days to Remember” puzzle? What did you think?
I would love to hear your ideas about this puzzle and other fall puzzles- please leave a comment here on my Small Thoughts Puzzle channel on Youtube. Thank you!

Fall and Halloween Puzzle Collection video now posted!

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Fall Puzzles: Video Collection
WATCH NOW!


WATCH on Youtube NOW!

In this two-part puzzle video: Check out the two-part series of my fall and Halloween puzzle collection video!
I do a video walk-through of ALL (for now!) my fall-themed puzzles, including some adorable Halloween puzzles. Some of the jigsaw brands in the video: Bits and Pieces, Pomegranate Puzzles, Buffalo Games, Vermont Puzzle Company, Cobble Hill Puzzles and more!

🧩 Do you have a question about puzzle brands? Do you have suggestions for a new puzzle review? Please leave your thoughts and ideas in the comments section here on my Youtube puzzle channel:

🧩 Instagram: @smaller_thoughts

🧩 Buffalo Games – Country Store – 500 Piece Jigsaw
USA: https://amzn.to/3FNxVFn
Canada: https://amzn.to/3ALkySd

🧩 Buffalo Games-Days to Remember-Country Road, Hiro Tanikawa
USA: https://amzn.to/2YTIHJH
Canada: https://amzn.to/3p6Osyf

🧩 Bits and Pieces – Quilting Room, Parker Fulton
USA: https://amzn.to/3ANPscN
Canada: https://amzn.to/3j4O9A4

🧩 Ravensburger The Fishing Lesson, Mary Ann Vessey
USA: https://amzn.to/3FVgIda
Canada: https://amzn.to/3j5pUBF

🧩 Bountiful Meadows Farm puzzle review
USA: https://amzn.to/3DLsxAG
Canada: https://amzn.to/3p6P5b5

🧩 Halloween Town Puzzle
USA: https://amzn.to/3p9pBtJ
Canada: https://amzn.to/3ALk4eR

🧩 Read my puzzle review for Kawase Hasui: Autumn at Saruiwa

🧩 Bits and Pieces: Hens and Chicks
USA: https://amzn.to/3FVgcMg
Canada: https://amzn.to/3FVgcMg

🧩 Read review for : Cobble Hill: Halloween Buddies
USA: https://amzn.to/3aI8ZRd
Canada: https://amzn.to/3aI8ZRd

🎵
Music: “Somewhere” from Leonard Bernstein’s Westside Story arranged and performed by Mr. Bill
Mr. Bill played bass professionally for over 40 years. He was classically trained. In his retirement years, Bill decided to learn how to play dinner jazz on piano. He has arranged mostly well-known, slow-tempo songs that have interesting chord progressions.
.

The sheet music for “Somewhere” arrangement can be found at: https://musescore.com/user/4506351

“Harvest Festival” Puzzle Review | Cobble Hill Puzzles

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Another cozy Fall puzzle to do!


Puzzle Company: Cobble Hill
Number of pieces: 500
Completed size: 19 x 26 inches
Puzzle Artist: Nancy Wernersbach or follow on IG : @nancywernersbach

Buy “Harvest Festival” Puzzle

Buy Harvest Festival in USA
Buy Harvest Festival in Canada

This is one of my favourite puzzles to do! To me this is the Fall version of “Spring Cleaning” also a puzzle made by Cobble. The illustration is done by well-known puzzle artist, Nancy Wernersbach. I believe she also does puzzles for Bits and Pieces puzzles as well.
Once again, so many details in this puzzle to keep it interesting! This fall puzzle is packed with images of cute little creatures, like ducks and ducklings. The usual hay, pumpkins, scarecrow and of course a brimming over bushel basket of apples. I love this puzzle 🙂

This puzzle comes with a high-resolution poster for reference and a sturdy box. The puzzle pieces are low glare, they have a textured linen-like finish to them. The puzzle pieces have interesting random cut shapes. I do prefer random cut pieces to traditional grid cut pieces. I love their puzzle pieces. I wish other puzzler makers would follow suit. I do not enjoy glare while doing puzzles.
Do you have a preference?

READ MORE: Halloween puzzle reviews

I give this puzzle a 9/10. I love the quality and the bright vivid colours.

Have you done Harvest Festival puzzle? Can you recommend other fall puzzles to do over the autumn months?

Halloween Buddies Puzzle by Cobble Hill | Adult Jigsaw Puzzle Review

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Halloween Buddies Puzzle Description and Summary

Puzzle Company: Cobble Hill
Number of pieces: 500
Completed size: 19 x 26 inches
Puzzle Artist: Douglas Laird
Overall rating: 8/10
Notes: easy-medium difficulty (medium because there is a lot of gray in the image!), random cut pieces, reference poster included
More information on puzzle brands and puzzle brand comparisons.

 

Halloween Buddies Puzzle Review

One of my favourite Halloween puzzles is “Halloween Buddies” from Cobble Hill. The artwork on this 500 piece Halloween puzzle is by Douglas Laird. He is originally from Edinburgh, Scotland in 1946 where he graduated from Edinburgh College of Art. He came to Canada in 1965 and now lives in Ontario. Douglas Laird’s artwork typically features landscape, wildlife and everyday life.

The reasons I love Halloween Buddies so much are because of the quality of the puzzle pieces, the adorable illustration by Douglas Laird and the vibrant pigmented inks used in reproduction.
The puzzle quality of Halloween Buddies is excellent! They are thick sturdy pieces with a matte finish. The jigsaw pieces are random cut and the included poster is high resolution. Obviously, Halloween Buddies is a Halloween-themed jigsaw puzzle! There are many familiar (pun intended!) spooky Halloween images of trick or treaters out on a dark and stormy night.! It was so fun to discover a cute hidden pumpkin or a missed creepy spider while puzzling away. This was a joy to do and one of my all-time favourite puzzles.

Do you have a favourite Halloween puzzle? What do you think is the BEST Halloween puzzle? I would love to hear your ideas!

Totem Pole in The Mist | Cobble Hill Puzzle Review

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Totem Pole in The Mist – Jigsaw Puzzle

Puzzle Company:Cobble Hill
Number of pieces: 1000
Completed size: 26.5x 19″
Puzzle Artist: Terry Isaac
Skill level: Intermediate- challenging
Overall rating:
5 star puzzle rating

Notes:
Cobble Hill makes their puzzle pieces a random cut and has amazing thickness. The random acts make the puzzle doing experience a little more fun.
Very little puzzle dust and beautiful, clean cuts in the wooden pieces.

This is likely one of the most beautiful pieces of art I have seen in a puzzle illustration. The artist is Terry Isaac, from British Columbia, Canada. The colour palette that was used but the artist is stunning. He paints the totem Thunderbird” from well-known carver Willie Seaweed, carved in the 1930’s.
The puzzle quality, the beautiful image and the included poster all made this one of my favourite puzzles.

This is a 1000 piece puzzle and the puzzle was a joy to do from start to finish.
The quality of the puzzle pieces is comparable to Ravensburger Puzzles. The price point is fantastic and Cobble Hill is a great value. The best part about Cobble Hill puzzles is the high-quality, high-resolution poster that comes with their puzzles. Including a poster makes doing their puzzles more enjoyable! The poster is not only a great keepsake but I love to be able to use a poster instead of a heavier puzzle lid for reference.
Recommend highly!

Totem Pole in The Mist is a great puzzle to do in the fall
and autumn months!

Fantastic Fall Puzzle! Country Road by Buffalo Games | Puzzle Review

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Country Road Jigsaw Puzzle

Buffalo Games-Days to Remember-Country Road-500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

I am OBSESSED with the nostalgia-themed “Days to Remember” puzzle series from Buffalo Games. I have enjoyed doing three or four of them in the last few weeks.  I recently did a review of Bountiful Meadows Farm Puzzle. The latest puzzle that I finished from this series is “Country Road“, and indeed it is! There are so many fall and autumn images to look at in the harvest-themed puzzle! Cutes illustrations of vibrant vegetables, plenty of pumpkins, baskets of apples and oodles of jams and jellies. made this puzzle a joy to complete.  loved the bright oranges, greens and other fall colours. They made this puzzle an absolute delight to do!

Buffalo Games puzzles pieces are random cut, nice size and a good fit.
My overall puzzle experience was 7.5/10 and it was an easy-medium level of difficulty. I loved the image much more than I thought I would. The 500-piece size, with smaller pieces, is perfect. I finished it in about 4 hours.

I am OBSESSED with fall and autumn puzzles. I have a ton to do- way more puzzles than tables and time!
How about you?

What do you think makes the best fall puzzle?

Do you like fall puzzles? Do you have a favourite autumn puzzle you think I would like? Please let me know in the comments section here or on my Small Thoughts Youtube channel!

Halloween Puzzles | Top 10 Puzzles to do on a spooky night!

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Cute Halloween Puzzles

List of Top 10 Halloween Puzzles for Adults!

1. Halloween Town- Vermont Puzzle Company: My review for Halloween Town puzzle here

2. Halloween BuddiesCobble Hill- Coming Soon! This might be hard to find outside of Canada.

3. a href=”https://www.bitsandpiecescanada.ca/product/manfreds-general-store-500-piece-jigsaw-puzzle”>Manfred General Store Bits and Pieces:

4. Yesterday’s Halloween by Artist Christine Carey. Love this puzzle artist!

What are the best Halloween Puzzles?

5. Any of the Ravensburger “Escape Puzzles”
I especially like Vampire’s Castle and The Witches Kitchen. They are a great size (750 pieces) and fun for whole family to do.

6. I LOVE this puzzle from White Mountain, Halloween House. Anything with little cutaways and behind the scenes. This is a good puzzle to do as a family.

7. LOVE anything by Charles Wysocki, they are hard to find in Canada, this one is super cute! Trick or Treat Hotel
trick or treat hotel
8. Stunning Halloween “collage type” puzzle: “Vintage Halloween” by Bits and Pieces

9. Autumn Welcome by Vermont Puzzle Company
Canada: https://amzn.to/3hQUCOw
USA:

Halloween Puzzles
10. Ravensburger Bizarre Bookshop Series. Just a tad creepy, this makes for a good Fall into Halloween puzzle to do with family or on your own.
Purchase in USA
Purchase in Canada

Do you have a Halloween puzzle you do each year? What do you like about it? What make a good Halloween puzzle?

Let me know in the comments section!

🧩 Halloween Town Puzzle | Vermont Puzzle Company | Puzzle Review

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Halloween Town Puzzle
Do you have a favourite Halloween puzzle?
I am really looking forward to doing this adorable 550 pieces Halloween Puzzle! Halloween Town is distributed by Vermont Puzzle Company. I think this might be the same company as White Mountain puzzles- they are very similar. The artist is Thomas Wood. I like this puzzle because I didn’t find the images too childish or cartoonish.

Halloween Town Puzzle

This spooky but cute puzzle features a neighbourhood scene of little trick or treaters who are all dressed up and knocking on doors. There are some very sweet Halloween outfits; I especially like the Super Mario costume and the little princess looking for treats! The images aren’t too spooky- little witches fairies and ghosts galore to look at while doing the puzzle.

What do you think makes the best puzzle for Halloween?


I have set aside several Halloween puzzles to do. Cobble Hill “Halloween Buddies” and “Manfred’s General Store” from Bits and Pieces. I also have my eye on some more folk art styles by artists like Charles Wysocki.

Buy Halloween Town Puzzle
Canada:
USA:

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