Balloons Away Jigsaw Puzzle

The Balloons Away Jigsaw Puzzle was discovered to really be titled New Guild / Golden Albuquerque New Mexico Hot Air Balloon Race 1000 Pieces Puzzle.

It's amazing that it can still be purchased on eBay (link below) in a sealed box too. It just goes to show you the value of the puzzles in this era really do not carry a whole lot of value.

You may enjoy this Albuquerque Balloons Panoramic - 13"x39" puzzle Amazon link

Brand:  New Guild

Title: Balloons Away Jigsaw Puzzle - Hot Air Balloon Race

Size: 27.5" x 21.5"

Pieces: 1000

However, the image is not photoshopped to the degree puzzle images are today. Don' get me wrong, I certainly do appreciate the artistry that's available in today's market as it is amazing the level of detail, colours and designs the digital enhancers bring to the table these days. Just sometimes its nice to step back and appreciate the older images. This one has so many balloons sprinkled  against the perfect blue sky . I'd say it was a big seller back in the day as it seemed balloon images were common then too.

Brand:  New Guild

Title: Balloons Away Jigsaw Puzzle - Hot Air Balloon Race

Size: 27.5" x 21.5"

Pieces: 1000

Brand:  New Guild

Title: Balloons Away Jigsaw Puzzle - Hot Air Balloon Race

Size: 27.5" x 21.5"

Pieces: 1000

Balloons Away Jigsaw Puzzle Review

Overall Experience:  Great

Cut Quality:    Great

Board Quality: Great

Shape Cut: Random and size

Image Quality: Superb

Hardest Area: blue sky

Puzzle Dust? minimal

Finish Quality: Smooth 

Box Quality: Good and solid

Sealed Pieces Inside Box: ?

Was this purchased new? yes

Price: ?

Recommend Level: High

Time: ? hours

Balloons Away Jigsaw Puzzle Comments

The Balloons Away Jigsaw Puzzle is my 2nd oldest 'preserved' puzzle. It is very thick with very large random cut pieces which is why it is roughly the same size as the 1000 piece puzzles. It was assembled in the early 1990's so I do not have much information on it although it does have numerous Springbok similarities to it (but I do not want to assume). I just named it Balloons Away myself.

However, I can even remember assembling this one with all those bright colours, not to mention the big gaps of blue. I am quite certain the attraction to this puzzle was the bright colours and the sense of freedom the picture projects.

This puzzle has been with me for over 30 years. It is mounted to press-board and has window shrink wrap plastic sealed on it. It has kept very well.

After posting out a 'search' request to the Facebook Puzzle Groups Heather located the Balloons  Away jigsaw puzzle. Thanks so very much. We will try to confirm the piece count to see if it matches!

New Guild / Golden Albuquerque New Mexico Hot Air Balloon Race 1000 Pcs Puzzle

Brand:  New Guild

Title: Balloons Away Jigsaw Puzzle - Hot Air Balloon Race

Size: 27.5" x 21.5"

Pieces: 1000


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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)