Bluejays Jigsaw Puzzle
|
Brand: Karmin International, 2004 Artist: Kevin Daniel Title: Touch of Blue Pieces: 500 Size: 18" x 24" |
Review
|
Overall Experience: Great Cut Quality: Good-medium Board Quality: Good-medium Shape Cut: grid-like Image Quality: Good Hardest Area: blurred background Puzzle Dust? no |
Finish Quality: Smooth Box Quality: Good-medium Sealed Pieces Inside Box: no Was this purchased new? no Price: $2.00 Recommend Level: High Time: 6.5 hours |
Assembly
|
There wasn't much to sorting here...blues, browns, black and whites. After the Bluejays were assembled I worked the brown trees and some of the dark greenery. Lastly was the tree pines with the blurred brown background. AND to my surprise and delight ALL the pieces were there. I have had this one mounted using the 'no-glue' method and have the pleasure of seeing it on the wall.
|
|
Comments...
Kevin Daniel has captured the true beauty of these Bluejays in this jigsaw puzzle. I located this one in the Thrift store for $2.00 about 4 years ago.
I don't usually just assume all the pieces will be included in Thrift store jigsaw puzzles and I actually consider it to be a BONUS when they are. However...this one I secretly wished they were all there because I knew instantly that I wanted to keep it.
|
The side panel also includes a brief story on Kevin Daniel which always nice to know the inspiration behind the artwork.
And the images look so realistic too!!!! |
|
The above custom jigsaw puzzles have been added to my Puzzle Hobby Tracker
I am in the process of recording all my past jigsaw puzzles that I still have for my walls and all my current puzzles. |
What skills do puzzles develop in adults?
Adults also have a lot to gain from doing jigsaw puzzles now and then. This is especially true for older adults who can use these activities to keep their mind sharp well into their golden years. The biggest benefits of puzzling for adults include:
Improved brain health
Keeping your brain healthy and active by doing puzzles can help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Studies show that doing puzzles keeps your mind active. A more active mind reduces the amount of damage that Alzheimer’s can inflict on your brain. Additionally, it supports new nerve cell growth while strengthening connections within the brain.
Mood boosts
Putting together a pretty puzzle can increase your brains’ production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that works to regulate mood, and it also affects your concentration levels, memory, and motivation. Every time you put together a puzzle, your brain releases dopamine as a reward. This encourages you to keep working on the puzzle and challenging yourself. No wonder people get hooked on our gradient puzzle!
Better collaboration
For adults in the workspace, puzzles can increase teamwork and collaboration efforts between coworkers. Giving people the opportunity to put puzzles together in groups can help improve employee relationships. It also encourages cooperation to help the group finish the puzzle. You could even get a friendly competition going by having two puzzles with two teams going in tandem.
Increased productivity
When you have less stress, and you’re happier in general, it’s much easier to concentrate on those bigger, more taxing jobs. When concentration levels improve, productivity levels quickly start to climb. Anyone struggling to stay on task should try taking a short break to focus on a nice meditative puzzle (something like this Cloudberries colour puzzle is a good option).
Improved attention to detail
When you’re trying to solve a puzzle that contains tiny pieces that all look alike at first glance (this is a good example), having good attention to detail is a must. You have to train your eyes to look for slight differences in shape and colour that can help you put matching pieces together. You can use this ability to pick out small details in every aspect of your work and life.
Meditation
There are surprising similarites between putting puzzles together and learning meditation techniques. Puzzles keep your mind healthy and active, but they also invigorate it. Your brain relaxes as you contemplate a tricky puzzle, and this allows you to slip into a trance-like state that is similar to meditation.
Gift ideas for puzzle nerds
While a true puzzle lover will never say no to a new jigsaw, you might be looking for more interesting ways to indulge their passion. There are plenty of puzzle-shaped gifts out there, but why not get them something they’ll really use? Here are some of our favourite present ideas for puzzle nerds.
Buy them a nerdy book about puzzles
Author Chris McCann explores the Golden Age of puzzle art in his book Master Pieces: The Art History of Jigsaw Puzzles, with examples from British, European and American puzzle artists. The full-colour images are actually samples from the author’s own 500-puzzle collection, assembled for the book. There’s also a collector’s guide for anyone that might have a rare puzzle hidden somewhere in their collection. A great gift for any puzzle nerd who also has an interest in history and all things vintage.
Buy on jigsaw puzzles
Get them a custom puzzle table
If you’re handy with a saw, you could really wow your favourite puzzle fiend with this custom coffee table. Its looks stylish enough to be a permanent fixture in your loungeroom, but it has all the extras that a puzzle nerd needs. You’ll find three pull-out drawers on either side, some with smaller compartments, perfect for storing puzzles in progress or sorted pieces.
9 of the best jigsaw puzzle accounts on Instagram
One of the great things about Instagram is the way that people can share the things that they’re passionate about. A quick search will show you just how active and vibrant the Insta puzzle community is. But with the amazing number of puzzle posts out there, it can be tricky to know who are the best puzzlers are to follow. Here’s a selection of the Insta jigsaw puzzles we think do things really well!
Karen Puzzles
Even if you’re somewhat new to the world of jigsaws, you’re sure to have heard of Karen Puzzles or seen some of her amazing time-lapse videos on YouTube. The good news is her Instagram account is just as full of great content, including plenty of tips and tricks from the puzzle master herself.
Puzzles by Nathan
If you’re looking for time-lapse and stats, you’ve come to the right place. Each post on Puzzles by Nathan features a video of the puzzle being completed, along with details of the brand, number of pieces and the exact time it took to assemble, right down to the second.
Cronicas Puzzleras
If you’re an aspiring puzzle nerd, you’re going to want to follow the Cronicas Puzzleras account. This duo not only post puzzle reviews and videos, but tips and tricks from the many puzzle competitions they take part in. Did you know their home country of Spain holds around 50 competitions each year?
Puzzle in Progress
In her own words, this puzzle nerd loves anything with detail and colour and that’s exactly what you’ll find on her account. You’ll also find regular updates, as Jesso gets through an impressive number of puzzles each month, posting progress pics along the way.
Puzzle Canopy
This Canadian jigsaw fan likes to keep things interesting, taking on the challenges of wooden puzzles, impossible puzzles and giant 24,000 piece puzzles. She’s also no stranger to a jigsaw puzzle competition or two. Look out for a few appearances from her quirky sock collection.
Jigsaw Motion
This is not your standard jigsaw puzzle Instagram. The person behind the camera is clearly a fan of puzzles, but not just putting them together. Here you’ll find extreme close-ups, stop motion animation and special effects, all featuring our favourite pastime.
Tamelephant Puzzles
This Insta is all about colour! While resident puzzler Tammie Anne explores different brands, styles and subjects, all her posts have one thing in common: they’re filled with colour. Expect plenty of progress pics, detail shots and the occasional cat.
Puzzle Storm
There must be something in the Spanish air that creates so many enthusiastic puzzlers. Here you’ll find the progress pics and time-lapse videos that any good puzzle account will offer, but Puzzle Storm also has a knack for choosing fun, colourful puzzles to assemble.