Tips for Tricky Jigsaw Puzzles

Brand: Cobble Hills Puzzle Company, Title: Rainbow, Created by: Shelley Davies Photo: Jo-Ann Richards, Pieces: 2000, Size:  39.25x26.625 or 99.7x67.6cm

Dare to count the items in this one or even attempt to assemble the 2k pieces?

🧩 Takeaway Tips for this Cobble Hill jigsaw puzzle titled Rainbow at 2K pieces it measures: 39.25" x 26.625".

Group by Color and Sort by Object: The most effective strategy for this puzzle is to start by creating a separate pile for each color of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple). Within each color group, you should further sort the pieces by the objects or textures you see. For example, all the red pieces might contain a red car, a red apple, or a piece of red fabric. This breaks the puzzle into many smaller, manageable sub-sections.

Focus on the Transition Points: The puzzle features distinct bands of color that transition into one another. The pieces at the edges of these bands will have two different colors on them. Start by finding these pieces and using them to connect the completed color sections. This will help you build the full rainbow as a horizontal or vertical arc.

Build from the Most Detailed Sections Outwards: Some of the objects in the collage will have more intricate details than others. For example, a piece of ornate fabric or a detailed drawing of an insect will be easier to identify than a solid-colored piece. Use these distinct pieces as anchors to build out the rest of the surrounding color sections.

I have to admit, for a busy 2K puzzle, it went much faster than I anticipated. Check out the website for a video; https://www.jigsawpuzzlehobby.com/jigsaw-puzzle-tips

#CobbleHillPuzzles #Rainbow #JigsawPuzzle #ShelleyDavies #JoAnnRichards #PuzzleArt #2000Pieces #PuzzleTime #JigsawPuzzleAddict #CobbleHill #ColorPuzzle #CollageArt #Puzzling #Hobby #Mindfulness

Brand: Cloudberries Title: Crossroads Puzzle Pieces: 1000, Size: (approx.) 27" x 19"

Can you spot the animals in the upper right corner-ish? I cannot determine what they are...maybe cows?

🧩 Takeaway Tips for this Cloudberries Crossroads jigsaw puzzle;

Group by City Block and Color: The puzzle's design, an aerial view of a vibrant cityscape, is organized into distinct city blocks. The most effective strategy is to treat each block as a mini-puzzle. Sort the pieces by the color and style of each block, such as the blue and white buildings on the left, the predominantly green section in the center, or the bold red, pink, and yellow area in the upper right.

Focus on the Roads: The bright yellow and red roads and train tracks that crisscross the puzzle are the most prominent and easily identifiable elements. You should start by finding all the pieces for these roads. Assembling them will provide a crucial framework to connect all the city blocks.

Work with the Grid and Unique Imagery: Don't just rely on color. The puzzle has a natural grid-like feel. Use the horizontal and vertical lines formed by the buildings and roads as guides. Additionally, look for unique pieces with distinct, easily recognizable imagery like the large clock face, the intricate patterns on the roofs, or the tiny vehicles on the roads.

It was one of the most challenging puzzle I have ever attempted. Talk about a busy image. 

#CloudberriesPuzzles #Crossroads #JigsawPuzzle #Cityscape #UrbanArt #1000Pieces #PuzzleTime

#JigsawPuzzleAddict #Cloudberries #PuzzleArt

#Puzzling #Hobby #Mindfulness #ModernArt

Brand: Ceaco Title: 52 Pickup jigsaw puzzle Pieces: 500 shaped puzzle Size: 23.5 x 17.5"

🃏 Do you think this a real pile of cards?

🧩 Takeaway Tips for this 53 Pickup jigsaw puzzle.

Group by Playing Card: This puzzle is a perfect example of a "section-by-section" approach. Start by sorting all the pieces for each individual playing card. The numbers, suits, and court cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings) are distinct and will be your main guide. For example, all the pieces for the "Ace of Clubs" or the "Queen of Hearts" should be separated into their own piles.

Assemble the Backs and Faces Separately: The puzzle has two distinct visual elements: the red, patterned card backs and the white card fronts with the suits. You can easily sort these into two main piles. Assemble all the red card backs first, as the repeating pattern will be a unique challenge. Then, work on the card fronts, using the numbers and suits as your guide.

Work with the "Edges" of Each Card: Since the puzzle doesn't have a single, continuous border, the "edges" are the unique, curvy borders of each individual playing card. Focus on building the outline of each card first. Once you have the shape of a card complete, it will be much easier to fill in the interior pieces.

Think you can handle this much chaos? Read my guide to conquering the '52 Pickup' puzzle and share your own tips in the comments! Visit; https://www.jigsawpuzzlehobby.com/shaped-jigsaw-puzzles

#CeacoPuzzles #52Pickup #JigsawPuzzle #PlayingCards #CardGame #PuzzleArt #PuzzleTime #500Pieces #JigsawPuzzleAddict #Mindfulness #Ceaco #PuzzleChallenge #Hobby #CardPuzzle

Metamorphosis Jigsaw Puzzle

Dutch Artist M. C. Escher's Metamorphose, 3000 piece jigsaw puzzle has a finished size of 8.5 inches x 159 inches (or 19.2 by 389.5 centimetres). It is often appreciated by many jigsaw puzzle hobbyists. It was produced in Milano, Italy by Selegiochi. It is now considered a rare item and high prices to purchase it are not uncommon. 

Share a photo of your favorite M. C. Escher jigsaw puzzle.

🧩 Takeaway Tips for this Metamorphosis jigsaw puzzle;

Divide and Conquer by Section: This puzzle is less about a single image and more about a series of transforming vignettes. Do not attempt to sort by color or a single subject. Instead, identify the key transition points—the Italian village, the tessellating lizards, the birds, the fish, and the honeycomb—and sort the pieces into these major sections. This is a very long puzzle, and working on one scene at a time will be the most effective strategy.

Focus on the Pattern, Not Just the Color: M. C. Escher's work is famous for its use of tessellation and optical illusions. Be aware that pieces with similar colors may not belong together if the pattern is wrong. Pay close attention to the lines and the shapes of the repeating figures, as the correct fit is determined by how the figures (like birds and lizards) flow into one another. The subtle details on the edges of the pieces are your most important clues.

Start with the Most Distinctive Elements: Given the extraordinary length of this puzzle, starting with the border is not the most practical strategy. Instead, find all the pieces for the most recognizable and detailed scenes, such as the townscape and the distinct honeycomb pattern. These are the easiest sections to assemble and will provide anchor points to which you can then connect the more abstract tessellating patterns.

For clarification, the puzzle is produced in 4 sections of separate bags to total the 3K pieces.

#MCEscher #MetamorphosisPuzzle #JigsawPuzzle #3000Pieces

#PuzzleAddict #RarePuzzle #EscherArt #Tessellation #PuzzleChallenge #Selegiochi #PuzzleArt #Puzzling #Hobby #Mindfulness

This is an extremely challenging puzzle and to compound the difficulty the image shows the two pattern grid leaving the minor distinctive shapes of inside cuts and outer knobs. I assembled it over a span of 3-4 years taking it out occasionally with the right mindset.

Brand: Vermont Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles Title: Arctic Coming To Life Artist: Jan Patrik Krasny Pieces: 1000 Size: 30" x 24".

🐻‍❄️ Have you tried any of the 'Coming to Life' Series? This one is my favorite.

🧩 Takeaway Tips for this Arctic, Coming to Life jigsaw puzzle.

Group by Animal and Color: The most effective strategy for this puzzle is to sort the pieces by the distinct animals and their surroundings. Create separate piles for the polar bear (white/off-white pieces), the wolf (gray/brown), the owl (white/brown), and the seal. As you assemble these creatures, you'll naturally find the ice and snow pieces that form their bodies and the ice formations around them.

Focus on the Eyes and Facial Features: The animals' eyes and faces are a central and emotional part of the image. They are also a clear landmark. Finding the pieces that make up the eyes and features of the polar bear, wolf, and owl can provide excellent starting points for assembling the rest of their heads and bodies.

Work from Top to Bottom: The top of the puzzle features a mostly uniform, dark blue sky with some lighter highlights, while the bottom is a chaotic but textured snowy landscape with icebergs. Start with the top border and the sky, which are more straightforward. Once the sky is complete, you can work your way down through the animals and the detailed ice formations to the snowy ground.

Here's a list of the other puzzles in the Series;

Savana Coming to Life: This puzzle has been produced in at least a 4000-piece version.

Tiger coming to Life: This title has been released as a 1500-piece puzzle by Bluebird Puzzle. A "Tigers Coming to Life" puzzle is also listed in a 1000-piece version.

Tigers Coming to Life: A 3000-piece version of this puzzle has been released by Castorland.

Dino Toys Come Alive: This puzzle is a 1000-piece puzzle by Anatolian.

Coming to Room (or Entering the Room): A 1000-piece puzzle from Castorland. The title "Entering the Bedroom" is a 6000-piece puzzle from Educa.

#VermontChristmasPuzzles #JigsawPuzzle #ArcticComingToLife #JanPatrikKrasny #Wildlife #1000Pieces #PuzzleTime #JigsawPuzzleAddict

#PuzzleArt #ArcticAnimals #Puzzling #Hobby #WinterPuzzle #PolarBear

Brand: Cloudberries Title: Pixels jigsaw puzzle Pieces: 1000 Size: (approx.) 27" x 19"

⏲️  Care to guess how long this one took me?

🧩 Takeaway Tips for this Cloudberries Pixel jigsaw puzzle;

Group by Color Gradient: The most effective strategy for this puzzle is to sort the pieces by their place in the color gradient. Create separate piles for each distinct color band, such as the reds, oranges, yellows, and so on. Within each pile, you can further sort by the subtlety of the color transition, from the lighter to the darker shades.

Assemble the Border First: As with most puzzles, starting with the border is a key strategy. This puzzle has a distinct white and gray border, which makes it easy to find and assemble. This will give you a crucial framework to build the rest of the puzzle inside.

Focus on the Transition Lines: The horizontal lines where one color band transitions into the next are a great guide for assembly. You can work horizontally across the puzzle, completing one color band at a time. The transition points will provide a clear visual cue for where each piece should go.

This  puzzle was sent to me for review and I hesitated at first to assemble it however, I was pleasantly surprised that it only took me 6 hour. It turned out to be a record breaking 1000 piece assembly so it just goes to show- you just never know 🫣

#CloudberriesPuzzles #Pixels #JigsawPuzzle #ColorPuzzle #GradientPuzzle #1000Pieces #PuzzleTime #JigsawPuzzleAddict

#Cloudberries #Mindfulness #PuzzleArt #Puzzling #Hobby #ColorGradient

Brand: Piatnik, Title: Musical Notes Puzzle, Pieces: 1000, Size: 26.5" x 17.4", Image: 10_String Quartet, No.15 in A Minor, Opus 132 - Ludwig van, Beethoven - V. Allegro apassionato

🎶 Many puzzlers found this puzzle particularly difficult. Would you attempt it?

🧩 Takeaway Tips for this Piatnik, Musical Notes, 1000 piece puzzle;

Separate Pieces by Musical Staff: The most challenging aspect of this puzzle is the dense, repetitive black and white pattern of the musical notes. Instead of sorting by color or shape, a more effective strategy would be to separate the pieces based on the horizontal musical staff lines. Focus on finding and assembling the solid, straight lines first, as these provide a framework. Once the staff lines are in place, it will be easier to place the notes, rests, and other symbols within their correct context.

Focus on Distinct Musical Symbols: While the majority of the puzzle is filled with a similar pattern, some pieces will contain more unique or recognizable symbols. Look for clefs, key signatures, time signatures, and dynamics markings (like p for piano or f for forte). Also, look for the vertical bar lines that separate measures, as these are clear and provide a structural guide. Assembling these more distinct elements first can create "anchor points" to which you can connect the more uniform pieces.

Work from the Edges Inward: Although this is a standard jigsaw puzzle tip, it is particularly crucial for a puzzle with such a challenging pattern. Assembling the border pieces first will provide a solid frame. With this puzzle, the border is a distinct white space, making it relatively easy to identify. Having the edges in place will give you a fixed starting point and help you orient the interior pieces correctly as you begin to place the staff lines and musical symbols.

Musical Notes was one of my hardest challenges but for the passion of the black and white notes for the black and white keys, I was driven to complete it.

#JigsawPuzzle #PuzzleChallenge #SheetMusic #MusicLover #PuzzleTime #Puzzles #PuzzleAddict #BrainTeaser #Hobby #ClassicalMusic

Dusty Plains Jigsaw Puzzle 

Brand: Cobble Hill Puzzle Company Title: Dusty Plains Puzzle Artist: Rosemary Millette Pieces: 1000 Size: 19.25" x 26.625″

🐃 Which bison do you relate to more: the stoic one on the left or the one staring directly at you?

🧩 Takeaway Tips for this Cobble Hill 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle;

Sort the Sky First: The sunset sky's vibrant and distinct colors—oranges, purples, and yellows—make it the most logical starting point. Grouping these pieces by color will help you quickly build a large section of the puzzle.

Focus on the Bison's Faces and Horns: The bison's furry bodies have a lot of similar-looking brown pieces. To avoid frustration, begin with their detailed faces and prominent horns. These serve as excellent anchor points to build the rest of their bodies.

Use the Hills as a Bridge: The dark, solid colors of the hills provide a clear transition between the chaotic sky and the detailed landscape. Assembling this section helps you connect the top and bottom halves of the puzzle.

In my younger days I used to be the stoic one on the left but now I'm the one staring directly at you.

#JigsawPuzzle #PuzzleLove #PuzzleTime #PuzzleAddict #PuzzleFun #PuzzleChallenge #PuzzlePieces #PuzzlePassion #JigsawAddiction #PuzzleCommunity

Brand: Heye, Panorama, 2012 Title: Herd of Elephants puzzle Size: 54" x 19" each Pieces: 2000

🐘 Have you seen this image as a wall hanging; not a puzzle? Would you hang this on your wall in the jigsaw puzzle format?

🧩 Takeaway Tips for this Herd of Elephants puzzle;  

Group by Color and Texture: This puzzle has a lot of distinct areas, making it ideal for sorting by color and texture. Start by separating all the pieces for the sky—the dark, stormy clouds and the lightning bolt—from the pieces of the trees, the elephants, and the water. The trees on the left have a very different, more uniform texture and color than the water and the sky, which should help you to assemble them more quickly.

Start with the Most Recognizable Subject: Focus on the elephants first. The elephants have unique shapes and shades of grey, and their position in the foreground makes them a great starting point. As you assemble the elephants, you'll naturally find the water pieces that fit around them, which will help to build out the lower half of the puzzle.

Work on the Sky and the Horizon Separately: The sky, with its dramatic lightning bolt, is a strong visual element, while the horizon line where the trees meet the sky is a distinct and continuous line. By building the sky as a separate section and then assembling the line of trees, you can create two large, separate pieces that will be easier to connect later.

I was driven to assemble the Herd of Elephants because of the beauty in nature and it being 2k pieces in a panorama.

#ElephantPuzzle #Wildlife #PuzzleAddict #2000Pieces #PuzzleTime

#CompletedPuzzle #Savannah #Thunderstorm #PuzzleArt

🌆 32,256 pieces, Ravensburger's New York City Window jigsaw puzzle measuring almost 18 feet long by 6 feet tall.

How long do you think this jigsaw puzzle took me to assemble?

🧩 Takeaway Tips for this Ravensburger's New York City Window jigsaw puzzle

Work in Sections: This puzzle comes in eight separate bags, each containing one-eighth of the total puzzle (4,032 pieces). The most crucial tip is to assemble each bag's contents as a distinct, smaller puzzle first. This breaks the intimidating 32,256 pieces into manageable, 4,032-piece chunks, which are then combined to form the final image. Do not dump all 32,256 pieces at once! The cut pattern is close to the same in the separate bags AND the pattern can be broke down into four quadrants per bag.

Focus on Color and Landmark Blocks: The puzzle's design features distinct visual areas. Start by sorting pieces for the clear, blue sky from those for the buildings. Within the buildings, focus on prominent landmarks and color blocks. For example, the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building will have distinct architectural patterns and colors. Assembling these iconic structures first will provide key anchor points for the rest of the puzzle.

Create a Dedicated, Stable Space: Given its finished size of nearly 18 feet long by 6 feet tall, this puzzle demands a large, flat, and stable surface. You'll need more than a single table. Many puzzlers use large plywood boards, foam core, or dedicated puzzle mats to work on sections and then slide them into place for the final assembly. Plan your workspace in advance, as moving the puzzle once you've started will be nearly impossible. 

Inspired to tackle a giant puzzle? Check out my full guide and see how I conquered this beast, then share your own puzzle journey in the comments! www.jigsawpuzzlehobby.com/nyc-window-32k-puzzle

The NYC Window was gifted to me from my daughter, her favorite city, and my largest and most impressive achievement. It took the two of us working on it over 6 months and approximately 600 hours.

#Ravensburger #32000pieces #JigsawPuzzle #NYCPuzzle #MegaPuzzle

#PuzzleChallenge #JigsawPuzzleAddict #PuzzleTime #RavensburgerPuzzle #NewYorkCity #Gigapixel #PuzzleArt

Brand: Galison Jigsaw Puzzles Title: Avian Friends Jigsaw Puzzle Artist: Geninne D Zlatkis Pieces: 1000 Size: 20 x 27"

🦜 Which is your favorite Avian Friend and why?

🧩 Takeaway Tips for this Avian Friends Jigsaw Puzzle

Group by Bird and Color: This puzzle is a perfect candidate for sorting by subject. Start by separating the pieces for each of the 20 distinct birds. The vibrant and unique colors of each bird, such as the deep purple, bright yellow, or striking red, make this a straightforward task. Once you have the pieces for each bird in its own pile, you can work on them individually before connecting them.

Focus on the Uniform Backgrounds: The grid-like layout of the birds is a key feature. The white, uniform background separating each bird offers a unique sorting opportunity. You can assemble these background sections as a skeleton, which will help you place and connect the completed birds later. Look for the subtle color variations and the unique shapes of the white pieces to help with assembly.

Work with the Borders and Grid Lines: Although the image is not a traditional landscape, you can still use the border as your starting point. However, also pay attention to the distinct lines that separate each bird in the grid. These lines will have a consistent shape and color, allowing you to build the puzzle in vertical and horizontal rows.

I choose to favour the bright yellow bird because I have rarely seen one in my life and the one I did see was a beauty.

For more jigsaw puzzle related information visit; https://www.jigsawpuzzlehobby.com/home

#GalisonPuzzles #JigsawPuzzle #AvianFriends #BirdLover #GeninneDZlatkis #1000Pieces #PuzzleTime #PuzzleArt #JigsawPuzzleAddict #Puzzling #Mindfulness #BirdArt #Galison

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

💕Share you most heartwarming story, a favorite memory of a loved one, or why they would love to receive this puzzle as a gift.

🧩 Takeaway Tips for this Heart Shaped Puzzle

Group by Rose Color: The most effective strategy for this puzzle is to sort the pieces by the dominant rose color. Create separate piles for the deep reds, the vibrant pinks, the creamy whites, and the soft yellows. This will break the overwhelming image into manageable, color-coordinated sections.

Focus on the Heart-Shaped Border: Since this puzzle doesn't have a traditional rectangular border, the unique heart shape is your starting point. Begin by finding all the pieces with a straight or curved edge and assemble the border. This will give you a crucial framework to build the rest of the puzzle inside.

Identify Unique Patterns within the Roses: Don't just rely on color. Look for pieces with distinct patterns or textures, such as the tightly wound centers of the rosebuds, the spiky bits of baby's breath, or the unique shading on the petals. These small, identifiable details will help you connect pieces even when the colors are similar.

The Shaped Heart was on my wish list and gifted to me by a puzzle Fairly at a low point in my life. I have dedicated this puzzle to my beloved pet boys who filled my heart for 17 years of my adult life R.I.P. and special thanks to the kindness of a thoughtful Lady.

Read all about my experience with Ravensburger puzzles and get tips for your own! https://www.jigsawpuzzlehobby.com/jigsaw-puzzle-brands/ravensburger-puzzle-reviews

#Ravensburger #HeartPuzzle #JigsawPuzzle #PuzzleArt #Valentine'sDay #FlowerPuzzle #Romantic #PuzzleLove

#RavensburgerPuzzle #PuzzleTime #948Pieces #JigsawPuzzleAddict

#Mindfulness #Roses #UlrikeSchneiders

Brand: JaCaRou Puzzles Title: Zodiac JaCaRou jigsaw puzzle By: Anie Maltais Pieces: 1000 Size: (approx.) 27" x 20" or 70x50cm

Which sign are you and please share a fun fact about it. 

🧩 Takeaway Tips for this Zodiac JaCaRou jigsaw puzzle 

Group by Zodiac Sign: The puzzle is a vibrant collection of twelve individual zodiac signs, each within its own circular frame. The most effective strategy is to treat each zodiac sign as a mini-puzzle. Sort the pieces by the color and style of each sign, such as the earthy green tones of Taurus or the fiery reds of Sagittarius. This breaks the puzzle into 12 much more manageable sections.

Assemble the Constellations and Stars: The black background with the white constellation lines and small stars is the most challenging part of the puzzle. It's best to save this for last. However, you can use the distinct white lines and the constellations to connect the completed zodiac circles. This will provide a framework for the dark background pieces that would otherwise be difficult to place.

Use the Central Emblem as a Starting Point: The central circular emblem, which contains the tree of life and the fire, water, and air symbols, is a clear and distinct starting point. The colors and design of this emblem are unique and will help you to anchor the surrounding zodiac symbols. Assembling this central piece first will give you a core reference point to build the rest of the puzzle around.

I am Aquarius, also known as the Water Bearer which is the main element for human survival - man can not live without water.

#JaCaRouPuzzles #Zodiac #JigsawPuzzle #AnieMaltais #PuzzleArt

#1000Pieces #Astrology #ZodiacSigns #PuzzleTime #PuzzleAddict

#Mindfulness #Constellation #Cosmic #JaCaRou #Hobby

Brand: Cobble Hill Puzzle Company Title: Great Horned Owl Puzzle Artist: Simon Bolyn Pieces: 1000 Size: 26.626" x 19.25".

What do you think the mother owl is thinking? What is the baby owl referred as?

🧩 Takeaway Tips for this Great Horned Owl puzzle

Group by Subject and Color: The most effective strategy for this puzzle is to break down the image into its main components. Start by sorting out all the pieces for the Great Horned Owl and its baby. These pieces have distinct brown, white, and orange hues and a recognizable feather texture. The next pile should be for the green ferns in the foreground, and the last, and most challenging pile, should be for the grey and brown pieces of the background rock and mossy trees.

Focus on the Eyes: The eyes of the owls are a very distinct and emotional part of the image. They are also a clear landmark. Finding the pieces that make up the eyes of both the adult owl and the owlet can provide excellent starting points for assembling the rest of their faces and bodies.

Build the Foliage First: The green ferns in the bottom right and across the bottom of the puzzle have a distinct color and texture that makes them easier to assemble than the chaotic background. Building this section first will provide a solid base and a clear boundary for the more challenging background pieces.

I immediately loved this image of Mother Nature at her finest and had to see it for my own eyes. For me, Mama Owl is thinking; 'To all you predators; don't be fooled by my closed eyes.' and the baby owl is referred to as an 'owlet'. For more puzzling fun visit; https://www.jigsawpuzzlehobby.com/home

#CobbleHillPuzzles #JigsawPuzzle #GreatHornedOwl #OwlPuzzle

#Wildlife #SimonBolyn #PuzzleArt #1000Pieces #PuzzleTime

#JigsawPuzzleAddict #CobbleHill #Nature #Puzzling #Hobby

#Mindfulness #Owl #Owlet