When did you last complete a puzzle? I was probably 10 years old, or possibly younger.
Recently, I shared some of the whimsical artwork of Charles Wysocki, a gifted artist whose work I only recently discovered. Upon visiting the online store his family has maintained since his death several years ago, I discovered that a number of his paintings had been transformed into puzzles. I thought to myself, This is admirable. Therein ceased my interest.
Then I discovered a painting titled Small Town Christmas that he had created. There are seven birdhouses, multiple birds, including an owl, charming shops with adorable signs, an elf in a tree, a dog, a cat, a pheasant, and numerous other adorable characters. I noticed it was a puzzle and thought it might be entertaining, so I purchased it.
What a wormhole I’ve created! Addicting! Why wasn’t I warned that solving puzzles can be addictive? If you enjoy solving puzzles, you probably understand what I mean. Possibly due to my passion for organizing, I find it extremely difficult to stop once I begin working. I frequently find myself saying, Just one more and I’ll stop. Placing each piece and observing this 1,000-piece puzzle come to life is akin to experiencing 1,000 mini-successes and 1,000 mini-celebrations.
This weekend, I worked on Small Town Christmas, and here’s how far I got. I believe that one more session will conclude the process.
The puzzle included a mini-poster for reference. Puzzle-solving is likely a wintertime pastime or an evening activity best enjoyed while watching television or listening to an audiobook. Currently, the weather is too beautiful, and the garden awaits.
You know how sometimes when you begin a new hobby, you discover that millions of people are already doing it, that there is a vast community of knitters, crocheters, bikers, gardeners, etc. who have been enjoying your newfound hobby for years? Ordering this Charles Wysocki puzzle revealed a previously unknown universe to me.
Evidently, I’m not the only person who enjoys puzzles, as there are over 42,000 thousand-piece puzzles on eBay, and that’s just the size! One website I visited had a puzzle with 18,000 pieces! Where would you even assemble such a large puzzle, perhaps in a basement or garage? The completed puzzle is over 9 feet by 6 feet, so it would require a very large space.
I believe that locating even one missing piece would be cause for celebration. I would throw a party, invite my friends, and toast with champagne. Can you now view the invitation? I’m throwing a party on Saturday because I discovered where another piece of my 18,000-piece puzzle belongs. Can you come?
Just for grins I investigated the price of the most expensive 1,000-piece puzzle on eBay. For $1,315.86, you can purchase a unique, leaf-shaped puzzle that you won’t find at Walmart, according to the advertisement. I had no idea that puzzles were so lucrative!
On Saturday, after working on my Small Town Christmas puzzle for several hours while listening to Jane Eyre on Audible, I developed the worst neck and back pain I’ve ever experienced. Oh. My. Gosh! This puzzle stuff is difficult, folks!
On Sunday, I had the thought that there must be a better way to complete a puzzle than hanging over it in agony with a throbbing neck and back. I imagined a tilt board that would allow one to assemble a puzzle without leaning over it. I Googled several phrases and was delighted to discover, there is!
Before I share the one I discovered and purchased, here are a few that I found intriguing. Did you know that you can roll up a puzzle that you are currently working on to store it? This enables you to complete a puzzle on a dining table or coffee table, then clear the table for dinner or another use. Who would have known?!
Puzzle Boards are also available in various sizes and provide a surface for completing puzzles and storing them when not in use. This one included sorting trays, which are an excellent way to sort through pieces without losing them.
However, I liked this one the most. It is a tiltable board that can be adjusted to different heights. The felt backing prevents the pieces from sliding. Genius! It is accessible here: Flip over the tabletop puzzle board.
I purchased this puzzle board and am delighted with it. No longer must I stoop over to complete my puzzles, relieving all back strain.
It also folds down for storage and can fit under a bed, behind a sofa, or behind a door with the unfinished puzzle inside. It is designed to accommodate most 1,000-piece puzzles, which is the largest puzzle I would ever be interested in completing. Indeed, there will be no 18,000-piece puzzle parties here.
This puzzle industry is massive. HUGE! There exists a beautiful puzzle for every interest, hobby, and passion. There are puzzles of cats and dogs, gardening, travel, art, and books, among others. Whatever you can think of, there is a puzzle of it somewhere. There is probably even a china or dish puzzle if I look!
Thursday is when my new puzzle board is expected to arrive, but I have no puzzle for it. So, last night I spent some time researching what was available, and I chose this one. They will always hold a special place in my heart because they were my favorite books as a child. So, I must complete this task out of sentimentality.
Multiple individuals have inquired about the location of the Nancy Drew puzzle. Here is where I purchased mine: Nancy Drew Puzzle
Did you know some individuals frame completed puzzles? Another new thing I’ve learned about puzzles! I may need to frame the completed Nancy Drew puzzle; we’ll see how it looks when it’s done.
Any puzzle enthusiasts around? If so, what is your favorite brand? Do you frame them after completion, give them to others to enjoy, or save them to assemble at a later time?
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Summary
My New Obsession
