Jigsaw Puzzle Hobby - Ravensburger Puzzle Reviews

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Brand: Ravensburger, Title: Buttons jigsaw puzzle, Artist: Nancy Matthews, Pieces: 500 large size, Size: 27×20″ or 70x50cm

There's plenty of colour in the Buttons Jigsaw Puzzle. Don't you just trip down memory lane when you see these vintage buttons. I am quite certain I have seen many of these buttons as a child.

I used my typical layout method. I did not bother to sort the pieces according to main colors because it was only 5oo pieces and because the colors are just too random. Therefore my first round of sorting was for the border pieces only, then the pieces were laid out onto the poster board.

The first choices of buttons to assemble went from the largest ones, then the unique ones like the brass-types and lastly the size of the button being the next largest to the smallest.

What also made this such a quick one was the size of the pieces. Being the large format was easier to pick out the button colors filling up the size of the rather large size of the image more quickly too. The shapes of the pieces are ribbon or grid cut and not random shapes. Some puzzlers prefer this typical type of cut over random or ‘wanky’ cut pieces. I am acceptable to almost any type of cut at this point.

This was a fun 3.5 hours quick fix for a dollar at the Thrift Store with no missing pieces.

Brand: Ravensburger, Title: Artists Desk jigsaw puzzle, Artist: Aimee Stewart, Pieces: 1000, Size: 27 x 20"

Overall Experience: Great Cut Quality: Very good

Board Quality: Great Shape Cut: Random-grid-like

Image Quality: Great Hardest Area: pens/paints

Puzzle Dust? minimal Finish Quality: Linen

Box Quality: Solid Sealed Pieces: yes

Was this purchased new? no Price: Gift from Scotland

Recommend Level: Highly Time: 10 hours

This was such a delightful surprise when I received it in a parcel from overseas. Of course all the good quality of Ravenburger were point on.

There was no sense is really doing a sort with this on due to the extreme array of colors however I did attempt to as I sorted out the border pieces. Then I laid out all the pieces to get started.

After the border I figured I would start with the coffee/cup, the 'Big Book' on the lower right and the multi-colored markers in the round container in the center/top. Then I worked the 2 different 'coloring-pages' while building the white page edges. The 2 coloring pallet sheets went quickly which was surprising to me. The remaining 3 sets of pencils were a tad tricky with the one on the upper left ranking most testy. The black and white books were interesting to define but not too tricky.

The Ravensburger Artist's Desk Jigsaw Puzzle is a beautiful image by Aimee Stewart who is a real favourite among many Puzzlers.

The assembly process on this Artists Desk jigsaw puzzle was addictive and it was difficult to walk away from. It was one of the quicker 1000 pieces I have done and the cut was not loose which increased the experience making this a perfect puzzle.

Brand: Ravensburger jigsaw puzzle, Title: Disney PIXAR, Size: 27 x 20 " or 70 x 50cm, Pieces: 1000

I look at jigsaw puzzles of this type to be similar to a collage. Each area has certain artistic colors so the sorting by color saved a lot time. There was not really a specific area that was outstanding to be considered the hardest part.

You gotta give Disney credit for all the color and creative creatures. I expect these movies were well liked but not by me - I did not seen one of them. Even though the cut was loose, once the pieces were in place they looked great. They just crumbled apart when it came to dissembling though.

Of course I would highly recommend a Ravensburger jigsaw puzzle anytime. I expect it was well used as I purchased it for $1.00 at the Thrift store. Disney and Ravensburger make an ideal combination for a great jigsaw puzzle experience.

Brand: Ravensburger Jigsaw Puzzle, Title: Earth 3D Puzzle Amazon Link, Pieces: 540 plastic pieces, Size: 8.7”/22cm.

Overall Experience: Great Cut Quality: Very good

Board Quality: Great Shape Cut: Random-ish

Image Quality: Great Hardest Area: Top closure

Puzzle Dust? none - pieces are plastic Finish Quality: Linen

Box Quality: Solid Sealed Pieces: yes

Was this purchased new? yes Price: N/A

Recommend Level: Highly Time: 3.5 hours

I have assembled these numbered hard plastic puzzle in the past so I have a general idea for my plan to move forward. Since there are 540 pieces I labeled 6 plastic 'snack' size baggies and sorted the number from 1-100, 101-200, 201-300 etc. Then I stacked them nicely into the box. I also got a pair of light pliers incase I wanted to tighten the pieces smoothly together. You should know that assembling hard plastic pieces can be hard on tender hands and/or fingers. That said, I found I did not need them in this case.

It was a bit pricey for this one but one that will be a keeper and can easily be re-assembled in the future if desired. I can highly recommend this one for its quality when it comes to 3D puzzles such as this :)

Ravensburger Jigsaw Puzzle Reviews

Well to start off with, Ravensburger jigsaw puzzles remain one of the most prominent Companies in the industry. There is more about the history below but here I can give you review from my personal experience.

It's true about the 'soft click' as described in their ADs. All of the puzzles I have assembled have been the ribbon/grid cut type with the exception of the hard plastic 3D puzzles and the Heart Shaped puzzle below. Ravensburger cuts their own puzzles and I have not been able to fully lift any of their 'standard' puzzles off the table without them falling apart as the cut tends to be loose. IF you choose to do the plastic 3D types, then expect 'hard to assemble' pieces for senstive hands.

Almost all of the jigsaw puzzles reviewed on this website can be priced checked on our Jigsaw Puzzle Hobby Amazon Store Link

This Heart Shaped Puzzle is such a rare beauty and I am especially grateful for the puzzle Fairy who sent it to me as it has a very deep connection for me now. This puzzle is dedicated to my 2 fur-babes, Oscar and Meyer, who were by my side for 17 years and spiritually, they still are...may they Rest In Peace.

Brand: Ravensburger Collection Silhouette, Title: Heart Shaped Puzzle, Artist: Ulrike Schneiders, Pieces: 948, Size: 26.378"x26.378" (67 cmx 67cm)

Overall Experience: Great Cut Quality: Very good

Board Quality: Great Shape Cut: Random

Image Quality: Great Hardest Area: red areas

Puzzle Dust? minimal Finish Quality: Non-glare

Box Quality: Solid Sealed Pieces: yes

Was this purchased new? no Price: Gift-Puzzle Fairy

Recommend Level: Highly Time: 12 hours

After I completed the border and the inside hearts I headed straight for the solid dark red roses and assembled them into their positions on the board as shown below. Then I attempted to work around the hearts that were already on the board as those pieces where shaped slightly different than the more common standard shaped pieces. Some of the pieces were actually a 'stretched' variation of random/grid-like and not so much as extremely random.

I continued to build around the heart shapes that were already in place and I started to add the pinks, whites and the small amounts of green colors into place. There were actually some 'almost' black pieces that filled the background. Then there were some 'sprigs' of white leafy-petal type pieces that were a little tricky too.

About: Ravensburger, Pioneering the World of Jigsaw Puzzles

Since its inception in the late 19th century, Ravensburger has emerged as a leading name in the world of jigsaw puzzles, captivating puzzle enthusiasts with their high-quality craftsmanship and captivating imagery. Let's delve into the rich history and legacy of Ravensburger, a company that has shaped the puzzle industry for over a century.

A Humble Beginning

The story of Ravensburger dates back to 1883 when Otto Robert Maier founded the company in Ravensburg, Germany. Initially, the company specialized in producing board games and educational materials. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that Ravensburger expanded its horizons and ventured into the realm of jigsaw puzzles.

The Rise of Jigsaw Puzzles

In the early 20th century, jigsaw puzzles gained popularity as a recreational activity for people of all ages. Recognizing the potential of this burgeoning market, Ravensburger embraced the opportunity and began producing their own puzzles. With a commitment to quality and innovation, the company quickly gained recognition for its meticulously crafted puzzles, characterized by their precise interlocking pieces and vibrant artwork.

Unparalleled Craftsmanship

Ravensburger's commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail set them apart from their competitors. The company employed advanced printing techniques and high-quality materials to ensure the durability and visual appeal of their puzzles. Every piece was carefully crafted to fit snugly together, providing a satisfying puzzling experience for enthusiasts around the world.

Expanding Horizons

Over the years, Ravensburger expanded its puzzle offerings, catering to a wide range of interests and skill levels. Their collection encompasses various themes, including landscapes, animals, famous landmarks, and works of art. Collaborations with renowned artists and licensing agreements with popular franchises further enriched their puzzle selection, appealing to diverse audiences.

Innovation and Advancements

Ravensburger has consistently embraced innovation to enhance the puzzling experience. In 1964, they introduced their signature "Softclick" technology, revolutionizing puzzle assembly by creating a distinctive clicking sound when pieces fit together correctly. This innovation simplified the process and elevated the enjoyment of puzzle-solving.

Educational Puzzles and Beyond

While Ravensburger is synonymous with entertainment and leisure, they have also recognized the educational value of puzzles. The company developed a range of educational puzzles aimed at fostering cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and spatial awareness in children. These puzzles not only entertained but also provided a platform for learning and growth.

Global Reach

Ravensburger's popularity transcended borders, and their puzzles became highly sought after worldwide. With subsidiaries and partnerships in various countries, Ravensburger established a global presence, ensuring their puzzles reached enthusiasts in different corners of the globe.

A Legacy of Excellence

Throughout its history, Ravensburger has remained committed to their founding principles of quality, innovation, and captivating design. Their puzzles continue to captivate both young and old, providing hours of entertainment, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment.

Today, Ravensburger stands as a prominent and beloved name in the puzzle industry. With their vast collection of puzzles, ranging from small beginner puzzles to massive and intricate designs, Ravensburger has something for every puzzler. Whether you're an avid enthusiast or a casual solver, Ravensburger puzzles are sure to engage your mind and bring joy to your puzzling endeavors.

In conclusion, the story of Ravensburger is one of innovation, quality craftsmanship, and a passion for puzzles. From its humble beginnings to its global recognition, Ravensburger has left an indelible mark on the puzzle world. As we piece together their puzzles, we not only experience the joy of solving but also become part of the enduring legacy that is Ravensburger.

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)

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