Alice's Wonderland Puzzle 
by Jigsaw Puzzle Connections Facebook Group Member Sherri Demos - Puzzling With My Mom Series

We invite you to read Sherri's review on the following jigsaw puzzle. She enjoys jigsaw puzzling with her Mom and she has reviewed/journaled several that will be available on this website. The following is one of the many in her 'Puzzling With My Mom' Series.  Alice's Wonderland puzzle Amazon link

Brand: Laurence King Publishing Title: Alice's Wonderland puzzle Pieces: 1000 Size: 19" x 27"

Alice's Wonderland Puzzle Review

Brand: Mudpuppy/Galison Artist: Marcos Navarro Size: 20" x 20" Title: Kaleido Butterflies puzzle Pieces: 500
Brand: Laurence King Publishing Title: Alice's Wonderland puzzle Pieces: 1000 Size: 19" x 27"

Brand: Laurence King Publishing

Title: Alice's Wonderland puzzle

Pieces: 1000

Size: 19" x 27"

I was hoping that Mom would pick this one to do while I was here, and I wasn’t disappointed. Unfortunately for Mom, she opened the box right when I had a live chat to participate in for my two Thursday night shows, Station 19 and Grey’s Anatomy. That meant that Mom had to turn all of the pieces over by herself.

After getting a 2 hour head start, I had to go into my turbo mode to catch up. Mom started with the blue body of the teapot on the right and the textured blue section in the upper left corner. I was drawn to the central arch with the mint green background and then just kept working down towards the bottom. Mom kept plugging along on either side of my central section, and we eventually put the completed parts together. After that, I did the border and the top stuff with the pink background while Mom worked on the bottom sections that were left.

This one came together fairly quickly, and I have to marvel at the strange and twisted path that Lewis Carroll’s imagination walked down. The illustrator did an excellent job translating his story into this image. Some things were pretty cool, like the clock and the gorgeous teapot. Other things were almost disturbing like Alice’s super long neck, the elephant bumblebees, and the queen bee on the lowest leaf under the roses that are getting painted red. The large poster had some background about the author and this story, but I have to admit that I didn’t take the time to read it all.

Now, on to the nitty gritty about this puzzle. This was my first one from this company and I didn’t know what their quality was like. I never expected pieces that felt velvety or coated with something that was a new tactile experience for my fingertips. The grid cut pieces have a matte finish and a wonderful sturdiness to them. There were no cut issues, missing pieces, delamination or bent knobs, and no detectable puzzle dust. I was very impressed! The fit was tight enough that I could pick up the entire completed puzzle, but when I moved larger sections into place, I still used a piece of junk mail to support it. The only issue that we had was that cropped image on the front of the box. The full image was printed on the back in a smaller size, and there was a large poster included, so it was a minor nuisance. I will definitely be buying some more puzzles from this company.

Puzzle details: Laurence King Publishing, Alice’s Wonderland by Brett Ryder, 1000 pieces, 2021.

Brand: Laurence King Publishing Title: Alice's Wonderland puzzle Pieces: 1000 Size: 19" x 27"
There's More To Jigsaw Puzzles Than Pieces Book by Linda Richard. A compilation of 50+ jigsaw puzzle related topics, tips and tricks written in conversational format for easy, light reading.There's More To Jigsaw Puzzles Than Pieces Book by Linda Richard. A compilation of 50+ jigsaw puzzle related topics, tips and tricks written in conversational format for easy, light reading. Click Here
Puzzle-Hobby

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - With her self-published book and  over 300 jigsaw puzzle reviews,  Linda has established herself as a prominent social media marketing influencer and jigsaw puzzle-preneur.  If you want to send Linda a quick message, visit her contact page here.

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About Jigsaw Puzzles: Unveiling the Benefits of Doing Jigsaw Puzzles

A Therapeutic Journey

Jigsaw puzzles have long captivated individuals of all ages, offering not only a fun pastime but also a myriad of benefits for mental well-being. From enhancing cognitive skills to promoting relaxation, the act of piecing together puzzles goes beyond entertainment. In this article, we explore the remarkable benefits of engaging in jigsaw puzzles, shedding light on the positive effects they have on our minds and bodies.

  1. Cognitive Stimulation: Jigsaw puzzles serve as a workout for the brain, stimulating cognitive functions such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning. As we examine puzzle pieces, analyze patterns, and make connections, our brains become engaged in a captivating mental exercise.
  2. Improved Memory: Engaging in jigsaw puzzles helps enhance short-term memory and reinforce long-term memory. Remembering shapes, colors, and patterns, and recalling their positions throughout the puzzle aids in memory retention and retrieval.
  3. Focus and Concentration: Solving jigsaw puzzles requires sustained focus and concentration. By immersing ourselves in the task at hand, we train our minds to block out distractions, strengthen our attention span, and improve our ability to stay focused on a specific goal.
  4. Stress Relief: Puzzling acts as a therapeutic escape from the stresses of everyday life. As we immerse ourselves in the puzzle-solving process, our minds become engrossed, creating a sense of mindfulness and providing a temporary respite from worries and anxieties.
  5. Boost in Dopamine Levels: Completing a puzzle triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This surge in dopamine creates a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, reinforcing the positive feelings associated with puzzle solving.
  6. Enhanced Fine Motor Skills: Manipulating puzzle pieces and fitting them together requires precise hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Regularly engaging in puzzles can help improve dexterity, agility, and the coordination between our hands and eyes.
  7. Social Interaction: Puzzling can be a social activity that fosters connection and collaboration. Solving puzzles with family or friends encourages communication, teamwork, and shared accomplishment, enhancing social bonds and creating lasting memories.
  8. Patience and Perseverance: Completing a complex puzzle requires patience and perseverance. As we encounter challenges and setbacks, we learn to persist, develop problem-solving strategies, and build resilience—a valuable skillset that extends beyond puzzle-solving.
  9. Mental Relaxation and Mindfulness: The meditative nature of jigsaw puzzles can induce a state of relaxation, promoting mindfulness and reducing stress levels. The repetitive and calming motions of sorting and connecting pieces can have a soothing effect on the mind, allowing for a tranquil escape from daily pressures.
  10. Sense of Achievement: The satisfaction of placing that final puzzle piece and witnessing the complete image provides a profound sense of achievement. This sense of accomplishment boosts self-esteem, instills a sense of pride, and fosters a positive mindset.

By embracing the benefits of jigsaw puzzles, we unlock not only an enjoyable hobby but also a path to mental well-being. Whether you're seeking cognitive stimulation, stress relief, or a moment of mindfulness, engaging in puzzles can enrich your life and provide a therapeutic journey that transcends the puzzle board. So gather your puzzles, sharpen your focus, and embark on this fulfilling adventure of piecing together fragments to create something beautiful and whole.

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)