Alpaca Puzzle 
by Guest Writer Roberta Shore

We invite you to read Roberta Shore's review on the following jigsaw puzzle. Since she has discovered the advantages of jigsaw puzzling, she has reviewed/journaled several that will be available on this website.  

 Alpaca puzzle Amazon link

Alpaca puzzle Ravensburger jigsaw puzzle Ribbon Cut 200 Pieces Finished Dimensions: 13” x 8.25”

Alpaca Puzzle - Roberta's Review

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Alpaca puzzle Ravensburger jigsaw puzzle Ribbon Cut 200 Pieces Finished Dimensions: 13” x 8.25”

Alpaca puzzle

Ravensburger jigsaw puzzle
Ribbon Cut
200 Pieces
Finished Dimensions: 13” x 8.25”

My confident puzzler difficulty rating: Satisfyingly Easy

Interesting alpaca info: What’s the difference between an alpaca and a llama? While these South American camelids are close cousins, alpacas are smaller with shorter, pointier ears and slighter snouts. They may be smaller, but alpacas outdo llamas and sheep in the fleece department, with hair that is longer and finer for exceptionally soft products. And because it’s nearly free of lanolin, alpaca wool is less itchy, doesn’t require harsh chemicals during processing and is considered hypoallergenic. Soft and cute!

This puzzle is another in Ravensburger Puzzle Moment series. It continues to bug me that Ravensburger does not at least pluralize “moment.” The dictionary definition of moment is “a minute portion or point of time : INSTANT”. Okay, rant over. There are 3 pictograms on the box, a leaf, a puzzle piece and a clock, encouraging puzzlers to “relax”, “enjoy”, and take some “me time.” (On older ones in the series, the clock pictogram actually had a suggested completion time - seriously, puzzlers should relax and enjoy while trying to beat the clock. That seemed counterintuitive to me. I’ll just say it’s good they changed it.)

Annoyances aside, the puzzles themselves are fine. There are several in the series with a wide variety of illustrations and either 200 or 300 pieces. So, they are a quicker puzzle break when time is limited. They are not necessarily a walk in the park. The one called Drinks is almost all the same color.

Quality: A+ if you forgive quite a bit of puzzle dust. The small, square box is sturdy. It is adorned on top with the Ravensburger corner, a flag with the # 200 and aforementioned pictograms, and only a portion of the illustration. The full image is on the box bottom - not large, but big enough to see details. Inside was only a sealed bag of pieces. Color match pieces to images was excellent. The solid pieces have low sheen. They had no damage, none were together uncut, and none were missing. Piece fit was pick up off the table tight.

Getting started: Find the edge pieces and sort by color. I always sort, beyond color for objects when applicable. Here sorting by color seemed the way to go - shades of green, blue, beige, white, floral pieces, ears, and facial features.

Construction: I built the frame first and filled in down from the top. It took enough concentration to experience satisfying progress, and it was fun to see that little fella smiling back at me when it was done.

Final thoughts: I still think puzzle moments would be a better title for puzzles that now seem to say there’s no rush. Personally, I don’t ever watch the clock. At any rate, I can definitely recommend this puzzle. It was many moments of enjoyment.

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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)