Balloons, Tiger and New York City 
14" Round Jigsaw Puzzles

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1. Red White Blue Balloon Ascension Jigsaw Puzzle

Review

Assembly

Then I built from the outside edges in, starting with the orange/white striped balloon, then down at the green-forest/mountain areas. Once I finished the other multi-colored balloons, only the red-white-blue balloon was left in the center.

This was actually the 2nd of the three puzzles here. I was mildly surprised to discover 3 pieces were missing however a little more surprised to see there were 2 extra pieces as you will see in the image below....that's kinda messed up.....

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2. Tiger Pool Jigsaw Puzzle

Review

Assembly

For some reason I did not get a  photo of the border but it did go together quite easily.

I did not do my usual sorting routine but as I sorted out the edges, I turned all the pieces face up onto the foam board.

I sorted out all the pieces that appeared to have an edge and 'weeded' out the pieces that did not fit the border colors back into the non-edge pile.

Then I started with greens, yellows, pinks and blues leaving the Tiger for last. Some areas of the Tiger were a little tricky but still I found this one to be the easiest of all three puzzles.

Here's some brilliant colors of the Tiger close up...

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3. New York Jigsaw Puzzle

Review

Assembly

This time I got a  photo of the border but not a progress image.

I did not do my usual sorting routine but as I sorted out the edges, I turned all the pieces face up onto the foam board.

I sorted out all the pieces that appeared to have an edge and 'weeded' out the pieces that did not fit the border colors back into the non-edge pile.

At first it appeared there could be a border piece missing as I did this one last of the three. I think this was the trickiest of the three maybe due to the darker colors and muted harbour/water/reflection area. But you can see on the close up photos how pretty the image actually is.

Comments

Even though the Lafayette Puzzle Factory seals the puzzles extremely well, one of the 3 puzzles here was missing 3 pieces and had 2 extra pieces. The boxes are of light-weight cardboard and the puzzle piece quality is quite thin.....however they do kinda snap into place and fit well.

One thing I like the most about Lafayette Puzzle Factory is their images which makes them most attractive along with their low price. I have enjoyed several during my years in this hobby. They can be purchased at the Dollar Tree Stores, however, since I do not have access to the Dollar Tree Store at this time and REALLY enjoy round puzzles, a Group member in our Jigsaw Puzzle Connections Facebook Group spotted my comments as I was admiring the Tiger Pool posted by another member, surprised me with these 3 delightful puzzles. So thanks VERY much for your kindness Puzzle Fairy!!!!! 

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About: The Joy of Assembling Round Jigsaw Puzzles

Tips and Tricks

Introduction: Round jigsaw puzzles offer a unique and delightful puzzling experience, different from traditional rectangular puzzles. The absence of straight edges and the circular shape of the puzzle pieces present a new challenge and an exciting twist to the puzzling process. In this article, we will explore the process of assembling round jigsaw puzzles and provide helpful tips and tricks to enhance your puzzling experience.

1. Start with Sorting: Just like with rectangular puzzles, sorting the pieces is an essential first step. Separate the edge pieces from the interior pieces to establish the framework of the puzzle. However, keep in mind that round puzzles do not have traditional straight edges, so the edge pieces may have slightly curved or irregular shapes.
2. Look for Patterns and Colors: Round puzzles often feature intricate patterns and vibrant colors. Pay close attention to the patterns and color gradients on the pieces to identify where they fit within the puzzle. Look for distinct features, such as repetitive shapes or unique designs, that can guide you in grouping and assembling sections of the puzzle.
3. Assemble from the Inside Out: With round puzzles, it can be helpful to work from the center and build outward. Assemble the innermost pieces and gradually extend the puzzle towards the edges. This method allows you to create a solid foundation while maintaining a clear visual reference of the overall puzzle image.
4. Focus on Small Sections: Breaking the puzzle into smaller sections can make the task more manageable. Group together pieces that appear to belong to the same area or share similar colors or patterns. By concentrating on smaller sections, you can work more efficiently and maintain a sense of progress throughout the assembly process.
5. Use the Puzzle Image as a Reference: The puzzle image is your ultimate guide. Examine it closely to understand the overall composition and identify distinctive elements. The image will help you determine the correct orientation and placement of the pieces. Keep the puzzle box or a printed image nearby for easy reference as you assemble the puzzle.
6. Rotate and Experiment: Round puzzle pieces often have a degree of rotational freedom. Don't be afraid to experiment with different orientations to see if the pieces fit together. Rotating a piece by 90 or 180 degrees may reveal unexpected connections and help you find the correct placement.
7. Mind the Curved Edges: Unlike rectangular puzzles, round puzzles have curved edges, which can make it more challenging to identify where the pieces fit. Pay close attention to the curves and contours of the puzzle image. Use the shape and pattern of adjacent pieces as a guide to align the curved edges correctly.
8. Patience and Persistence: Assembling a round puzzle requires patience and persistence. It may take longer than a rectangular puzzle, but the reward of completing the unique circular image is worth it. Embrace the process, take breaks when needed, and enjoy the journey of piecing together this distinctive puzzle.

Comparative Difference with Rectangular Puzzles: Round jigsaw puzzles offer a refreshing departure from rectangular puzzles. The absence of straight edges and the circular shape bring a new level of complexity and visual interest to the puzzling experience. While rectangular puzzles often rely on straight lines and edge matching, round puzzles challenge you to identify and connect intricate patterns and curves.

In round puzzles, the absence of corners eliminates the traditional corner-building strategy found in rectangular puzzles. Instead, you must rely on the interplay of shapes, colors, and patterns to find the correct placements. Round puzzle pieces also tend to have fewer orientation cues, requiring a more flexible and creative approach to assembling the image.

Conclusion: Assembling round jigsaw puzzles offers a unique and enjoyable puzzling experience. By sorting the pieces, focusing on patterns and colors, and working from the inside out, you can conquer the challenges that round puzzles present. Remember to use the puzzle image as a reference, rotate and experiment with the pieces, and approach the task with patience and persistence. The process of completing a round puzzle is a rewarding journey that showcases the beauty of circular images. So, grab your round puzzle, apply these tips and tricks, and immerse yourself in the joy of assembling this distinctive form of puzzling.

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)

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