Small Thoughts- Puzzles and Hobbies

Puzzles, crafts and other smaller thought activities!

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

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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.

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!

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

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?

“Spring Cleaning” by Cobble Hill- 500 piece jigsaw puzzle Review

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cobble hill spring cleaning bunny puzzle 500

Puzzle Company: Cobble Hill
Number of pieces: 500
Completed size: 19.25″ x 26.625″
Puzzle Artist: Nancy Wernersbach
Overall rating: 9.5/10

This just might be the perfect Spring puzzle!

Spring Cleaning  500- piece Spring themed is loaded with Spring mages and lilac scented scenes!  I can almost smell the freshly-washed laundry that swing in the wind. So many precious scenes by the fabulous puzzle illustrator, Nancy Wernersbach. There is plenty to look at doing the puzzle without feeling overwhelmed. Golden retriever naps on the porch, bright quilt airs out in the year, a garden bursting with fresh blooms! The artist always uses a bight cherry pallet that pairs perfectly with her puzzles.
The difficulty level is easy and this Spring puzzle is a delight to do!

All Cobble Hill puzzles are matte finished with a linen-look weave to puzzle surface.
image of spring cleaning puzzle

Pond Life White Mountain Puzzle

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This is the best puzzle. Ever. I don’t think I will find a puzzle as much as I love this one. It one I actually glued and hang on a wall in my “puzzle room”. The colours are rich and vibrant. The images are interesting. This would be a great puzzle for families or to use if you are a family that is homeschooling.

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