Small Thoughts- Puzzles and Hobbies

Puzzles, crafts and other smaller thought activities!

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

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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.

Fruit & Flutterbies Puzzle Review- A Cobble Hill Puzzle

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Puzzle Company: Cobble Hill
Number of pieces: 1000
Completed size: 26.625″ x 19.25″
Puzzle Artist: Barbara Behr
Puzzle Pieces: smaller piece size. random cut, thicker than average, no glare linen finish

Notes: Colourful butterflies flutter about against gorgeous backdrop of richly illustrated fruit and flora by artist Barbara Behr.

The colours and patterns created by renowned artist Barbara Behr are the stars of this puzzle show. A rich warm palette or reds, golds, greens and blues will bring colour and cheer to the dreariest of days. The artist creates a tranquil Spring/Summer scene with ripening
fruits mingled with gently floating butterflies.

Did you know that completing sections or the entire puzzle can evoke feelings of satisfaction and fulfillment and can counteract feelings of anxiety and tension?

The thousand piece puzzle size is a commitment, but the sense of accomplishment is that much more when you place the final and piece and that dopamine SNNNNNNNAP!

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.

Den Dreams by Cobble Hill- a Bear-y cute Jigsaw Puzzle

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Bear in den jigsaw puzzle image

Dreams of Spring for both Bear and puzzler alike1 with Den Dreams puzzle

Puzzle Company: Cobble Hill
Number of pieces: 500
Completed size: 19.25″ x 26.625″
Puzzle Artist: Greg Alexander
Overall rating: 7.5/10

Notes: Image is done in watercolours, with rich, intensely pigmented colours.
Cobble Hill puzzle feature glare-reducing linen paper.
The artist, Greg Alexander, from Wisconsin is a well known nature artist. His art is painting is hyper realistic.

Puzzler Notes: Interesting random cut puzzle pieces. Includes a reference poster- the quality is excellent.

The image nice, but lots of similar grasses and fur make it challenging. This is on the difficult side and would not start out with this or give as a gift to beginner puzzler or if you hate fur, like me.
this is good for someone who likes bears.

Wheelbarrows & Wellies | Val Goldfinch | Gibsons Puzzle Review

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Wheelbarrows & Wellies
Wheelbarrows & Wellies Puzzle Review

Wheelbarrows & Wellies Puzzle- Val Goldfinch- Gibson Games

Overall puzzle rating: 8.5/10

Puzzle Company: Gibson’s Games
Number of pieces: 1000
Completed size: 27 x 19 inches
Puzzle Artist: Val Goldfinch
Puzzle Pieces: smaller, typical “1000 piece” size.
Notes: Standard grid cut. Thicker than average puzzle pieces, reference poster included.

Prepare for a whimsical adventure with this puzzle illustrated by artist Val Goldfinch, brought to you exclusively by Gibson’s Games. Get ready to dive into a world of spring and summer wonder, where summer scene is a delightful surprise- sprinkled with Spring magic. With over 50 charming images waiting to be uncovered – from bees buzzing busily to roses blooming bashfully and lawns freshly trimmed by mischievous gnomes – this puzzle is a joy. And fear not, fellow puzzlers, for a handy reference poster is included to keep your sanity intact!
I give this a solid 8.5 out of 10 rating for its irresistible charm and the sheer joy it brought to me.

I absolutely adored this thousand-piece puzzle from Gibson’s Games. It embodies everything I cherish in a puzzle – a captivating blend of artistry and challenge. As an enthusiast of collage-type illustrations, Wheelbarrows & Wellies surpassed my expectations with its delightful imagery. Each piece of the puzzle is a miniature work of art, adorned with vibrant graphic text, exquisite watercolor renderings of blossoming flowers, whimsical depictions of hidden animals, and enchanting springtime vignettes, all this can be accredited to the puzzle artist,  Val Goldfinch.

Perfect Spring Puzzle!

I absolutely adored this  colourful 1000 piece puzzle from Gibsons Games. It embodies everything I cherish in a puzzle – a captivating blend of artistry and challenge. As an enthusiast of collage-type illustrations, Wheelbarrows & Wellies surpassed my expectations with its delightful imagery. Each piece of the puzzle is a miniature work of art, adorned with vibrant graphic text, exquisite watercolor renderings of blossoming flowers, whimsical depictions of hidden animals, and enchanting springtime vignettes.

This could be the perfect puzzle!
It took me about two weeks to complete, working at a leisurely pace. It had very little puzzle dust and the puzzle fit is tight- so a great snap! The finish on the puzzle is not glossy but no matte either, more of a satin finish. The puzzle pieces are quite thick, similar to Springbok or Galison puzzle brands.

Beautiful puzzle illustration from artist Val Goldfinch!

The artist who did the puzzle is Val Goldfinch– I have since purchased 2 more from her, Pork Pies & Puddings, which features traditional British and Scottish foods like Haggis and trifle. I am very excited to do this on! I have been trying unsuccessfully to find her Christmas Alphabet puzzle in Canada from the series as well. Let me know if you see it!!!!!

Bits and Pieces “Two Beach Belles and a Flirt” Puzzle Review

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I just posted my video review of “Two Beach Belles and a Flirt” puzzle from Bits and Pieces; available in 500 and 1000 pieces. The lovely Illustration was done by American folk artist Mary Ann Vessey.

I think this is Bits and Piece’s answer to Charles Wysocki, one of the most popular “folk art” puzzle artists. If you like him or and of the Dowdle puzzles, who will LOVE this puzzle and the artwork. I like this artist. She used oils to do her paintings and the patina of the oils gives it a beautifully textured look, with oil you will get variations in the colour you don’t see in digital designs. I hope to do more of her puzzle designs and will keep an eye out for her work.

Bits and Pieces “Two Beach Belles and a Flirt” Puzzle Review

This was typical Bits and Pieces quality, very sturdy and thick puzzle pieces. There was some puzzle dust, which I always find with this puzzle brand- am I the only one? I consistently seem to get puzzle dust that multiplies as a do the puzzle!  The pieces fit very well together which gives a good snug fit. I do like the “chubby” feel of Bits and Pieces, and they do make for a satisfying puzzle SNAP!

Have you done a Bits and Pieces puzzle yet? What do you think of the artwork on this puzzle? I love it!

What do you think is the best Summer puzzle?

Buy online:
USA: HERE
Canada: HERE

Watch Youtube Puzzle Review now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB0gAHcZXGQ

Bits and Pieces Puzzle “Inside Gnome Garden” | 750 piece Puzzle Review

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I really enjoyed doing this bursting with Spring, Bits and Pieces’ “Inside Gnome Garden” puzzle

Bits and Pieces are well known for their “shaped” puzzles. Because of its unique shaped design, this puzzle was interesting and different from the standard square shape of most puzzles on the market. The ” Inside Garden Gnome” puzzle is shaped like a gnome! It has a border around it so not TOO challenging! I also liked the size, 750 pieces. It is not a common puzzle size, but I thought it was just right for me. A 1000 piece puzzle can be a big commitment and daunting! Inside Garden Gnome is full of little surp[ises to find while puzzling.
Bits and Pieces puzzle pieces are random cut as opposed to the standard grid. The negatives I can say about this Bits and Pieces puzzle are I did find a bit of puzzle dust and the pieces can be glossy. I also found the image themselves to be inconsistent, some were illustrations and others were digitized. The puzzle pieces fit very tightly- very few false fits. The quality of Bits and Pieces is very good overall.

I loved putting together all the flowers and keeping an eye out for the adorable little animals in this Spring-y puzzle. I hope you enjoy this jigsaw puzzle as much as I did! What do you think makes a puzzle the best spring puzzle?

Bits and Pieces “Inside Gnome Garden” Puzzle

You can read more about puzzle brands, like Bits and Pieces, and what makes a good puzzle on my recent post, Puzzle Brand Compared: What are the best puzzle brands?
Thank you for visiting!

Cobble Hill Four Seasons 2000 piece puzzle | Puzzle Review

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Four Seasons Puzzle

Welcome new and old puzzle buddies. You can view my full video review of Cobble Hill Four Seasons puzzle on my Small Thoughts channel. Thank you for taking the time to watch!

This jigsaw puzzle, Four Seasons by Cobble Hill is gorgeous! At 2,000 pieces, this puzzle is a lot to tackle and difficulty would be on the challenging side for most puzzlers. This is the kind of puzzle you could leave out on a table for people to do at their leisure or a rainy weekend at the cottage. It features the Fours Seasons and is divided into 4 sections, one for each season. Cobble Hill quality is fantastic. The pigments used for inks images are beautiful and as always, Cobble Hill comes with a high-resolution poster. I highly recommend Cobble Hill Four Seasons! Have you done this puzzle? Have you ever done a larger-sized puzzle like this before?

You can read more about puzzle brands, like Cobble Hill, and what makes a good puzzle, on my recent post, Puzzle Brand Compared: What are the best puzzle brands?

Apple Pie Kitchen by Cobble Hill | 500 piece Puzzle Review

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Apple Pie Kitchen by Cobble Hill

I finished my Apple Pie Kitchen by Cobble Hill puzzle over a rainy week in April and it lifted my dampened spirits! This is a 500 piece puzzle, typically most puzzlers would finish a 500 piece puzzle in about two hours. I take SLIGHTLY longer than most puzzlers and this took closer to 4 hours to do.
I loved the 1930’s style farmhouse kitchen and the bright warm colour palette used by the artist. There were many cute objects to look at while doing and the drawings on this puzzle are charming! I loved all the pattern prints in the puzzle, like the little girl’s calico dress and the plaid kitchen curtains.

Sellers of Apple Pie Kitchen ( USA)
Cobble Hill Puzzles

Makes Great Summer Puzzle!

Have you done this puzzle before? How long does it take you to finish a 500 piece puzzle?

New Spring and Summer Puzzles! Unboxing video!

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I Just posted an unboxing video of new puzzles that arrived this morning! They were all spring and summer-themed puzzles and from Buffalo Games and Bits and Pieces. I got a nice mix of 300 and 500 piece puzzles and some perfect ones to do up North!
I like to start each season off with the same puzzle. Can you guess what is?
Do you have a favourite puzzle spring you’d like to share? I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to post in the comments section of my New Spring and Summer Puzzles! Unboxing! video/a>!

New Spring and Summer Puzzle Video!

Get puzzles from my “New Spring and Summer Puzzles! Unboxing video!” in USA

Buffalo Games – Charles Wysocki – Root Beer Break at the Butterfields: https://amzn.to/3srTaVo

Buffalo Games – Charles Wysocki – Cocoa Break at The Copperfields: https://amzn.to/3uYcY4b

Buffalo Games – Country Store Puzzle
-500 pieces: Buffalo Games – Country Store
-1000 pieces: https://amzn.to/2Q4lfFa
-2000 pieces: https://amzn.to/3uYcY4b

Buffalo Games – Charles Wysocki – The Three Sisters
300 Large Pieces: https://amzn.to/3strE9G
1000: https://amzn.to/3strE9G

Bits and Pieces Puzzles:
https://amzn.to/3srSijm

Buy my “Best Spring Puzzles” online in Canada

Charles Wysocki – Cocoa Break at The Copperfields: https://amzn.to/3mTwrAk

Charles Wysocki – Root Beer Break at the Butterfields:https://amzn.to/3gfNQBX

Buffalo Games – Charles Wysocki – The Three Sisters: https://amzn.to/2QAknrG

Bits and Pieces: Time to Talk – 500 pc Herding Cows into The Barn: https://amzn.to/3ef44sg

Bits and Pieces: Lakeside Retreat

Bits and Pieces – 500 Pieces- Two Beach Belles and a Flirt: by puzzle Artist Mary Ann Vessey: https://amzn.to/32nVOkj
I just finished this puzzle and posted my review for Two Beach Belles and a Flirt: by puzzle Artist Mary Ann Vessey.

General Store Puzzle: https://amzn.to/32lVulV

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