Arctic Coming To Life Puzzle

The Arctic Coming To Life has been on my wish list for quite some time now.  Also, I have never had the opportunity to try the Vermont Christmas jigsaw puzzle Brand. Now I have accomplished two desires here. One being the image and the other trying this brand. I was not disappointed!

You may like the image by the same Artist, Jan Patrik Krasny, Amazon link

Brand: Vermont Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles

Title: Arctic Coming To Life

Artist: Jan Patrik Krasny

Pieces: 1000

Size: 30" x 24"
Brand: Vermont Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles

Title: Arctic Coming To Life

Artist: Jan Patrik Krasny

Pieces: 1000

Size: 30" x 24"

Brand: Vermont Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles

Title: Arctic Coming To Life

Artist:  Jan Patrik Krasny

Pieces: 1000

Size: 30" x 24"

Arctic Coming To Life Puzzle Review

Overall Experience:  Perfect

Cut Quality: Perfect

Board Quality: Firm

Shape Cut: Semi-Random

Image Quality: Superb

Hardest Area: The blue/white water area

Puzzle Dust? none

Finish Quality: Smooth, semi-glossy

Box Quality: Good and solid

Sealed Pieces Inside Box: yes

Was this purchased new? Yes

Price: $18.99 

Recommend Level: High

Time: 10.5 hours


Arctic Coming To Life Puzzle Assembly

I did my usual sorting routine.

  1. Sorting to locate all  the outside border pieces, while....
  2. Placing the pieces into the 'general-color' layout onto the Grateful House puzzle trays. These trays are 14" x 10" in a pack of 8. I can layout all the pieces easily IF I use the lid for the edge pieces. This example is using the Cobble Hill Brand puzzle at 1000 pieces and puzzle Size is 26.625" x 19.25". 

To assist assembling the Arctic Coming To Life puzzle border I laid out all the flat edge pieces which make up the border as shown at the top right.

To the right is the finished border that went together easily enough by following the images on the box cover.

The puzzle size is 24" x 30" making the sorting/layout process use 3 foam boards as shown below.

Also due to the size of this puzzle I used my modified foam boards that are cut specifically at 24" x 30" and used clear wide packing tape to seal the seams. 

Brand: Vermont Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles

Title: Arctic Coming To Life

Artist: Jan Patrik Krasny

Pieces: 1000

Size: 30" x 24"

I knew right from the start that I was going to leave the center area with the polar bears, water and icebergs until the end so I start with the red books on the left bottom and the clock on the right side of the mantle shelf.  Next I went for the pastel coloured sky with the birds in flight. That was followed by what I could see of the frame border where nature was 'Arctic Coming  To Life'.  The last challenge was of course the Polar Bears mixed amongst the water and icebergs.  Even though I anticipated this area to be testy, it was not too bad - I have had harder tests in other puzzles.

Brand: Vermont Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles

Title: Arctic Coming To Life

Artist: Jan Patrik Krasny

Pieces: 1000

Size: 30" x 24"
Brand: Vermont Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles

Title: Arctic Coming To Life

Artist: Jan Patrik Krasny

Pieces: 1000

Size: 30" x 24"
Brand: Vermont Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles

Title: Arctic Coming To Life

Artist: Jan Patrik Krasny

Pieces: 1000

Size: 30" x 24"
Brand: Vermont Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles

Title: Arctic Coming To Life

Artist: Jan Patrik Krasny

Pieces: 1000

Size: 30" x 24"
Brand: Vermont Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles

Title: Arctic Coming To Life

Artist: Jan Patrik Krasny

Pieces: 1000

Size: 30" x 24"
Brand: Vermont Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles

Title: Arctic Coming To Life

Artist: Jan Patrik Krasny

Pieces: 1000

Size: 30" x 24"

Arctic Coming To Life Puzzle Comments

I really enjoy all the images in this series that Jan Patrik Krasny has created. I have seen a few other wildlife ones out there however I was really drawn to the Polar Bears the most.  I have captured a few close ups of them below along with the penguins and 2 whales.

Brand: Vermont Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles

Title: Arctic Coming To Life

Artist: Jan Patrik Krasny

Pieces: 1000

Size: 30" x 24"
Brand: Vermont Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles

Title: Arctic Coming To Life

Artist: Jan Patrik Krasny

Pieces: 1000

Size: 30" x 24"
Brand: Vermont Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles

Title: Arctic Coming To Life

Artist: Jan Patrik Krasny

Pieces: 1000

Size: 30" x 24"
Brand: Vermont Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles

Title: Arctic Coming To Life

Artist: Jan Patrik Krasny

Pieces: 1000

Size: 30" x 24"
Brand: Vermont Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles

Title: Arctic Coming To Life

Artist: Jan Patrik Krasny

Pieces: 1000

Size: 30" x 24"
Brand: Vermont Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles

Title: Arctic Coming To Life

Artist: Jan Patrik Krasny

Pieces: 1000

Size: 30" x 24"

The finish is on this Arctic Coming To Life is semi-glossy and the pieces are good and solid therefore fit very well together.  This is my first Vermont Christmas jigsaw puzzle I have assembled so I can see why they are so popular. I do like the shape of the pieces being big and solid however the overall size of 24" x 30" is bigger than the standard foam boards we use so that leads to a bigger board. That said, I can easily recommend them for a delightful puzzling experience.


More Vermont Christmas jigsaw puzzles


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)