Balloons Over Paris 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.  BALLOONS OVER PARIS Amazon link

BALLOONS OVER PARIS

Ravensburger Jigsaw Puzzle
Ribbon Cut
300 Pieces
Finished Dimensions: 10.75” X 15.25”

Balloons Over Paris Puzzle - Roberta's Review

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BALLOONS OVER PARIS

Ravensburger Jigsaw Puzzle
Ribbon Cut
300 Pieces
Finished Dimensions: 10.75” X 15.25”

BALLOONS OVER PARIS

  • Ravensburger Jigsaw Puzzle
  • Ribbon Cut
  • 300 Pieces
  • Finished Dimensions: 10.75” X 15.25”

My Confident Puzzler Difficulty Rating: Easy to Medium

This puzzle is part of the Ravensburger Puzzle Moment series. Ravensburger uses a pictograph on the box top to emphasize “Relax”and “Enjoy”. The third pic is a clock face. On some of these puzzles, the clock shows a suggested completion time in minutes. This one just labels the clock face “Me Time”. This puzzle was above all relaxing and enjoyable, but for 300 pieces, it did take more “moments” than some others. Hence, the easy to medium rating.

Quality: Pretty perfect! Pick up off the table tight piece fit! No damaged pieces, none were missing. They were solid with just a bit of low sheen. Only a partial image is on the box top. The full illustration is on the box bottom. I wish it had been larger, but no points off. Color match to pieces was on point. If it’s Ravensburger, there will be puzzle dust. I’m not bothered by it.

Getting started: Find the edge pieces and sort by color. Sorting by color was a great start, but I did it all - beige buildings, brown roofs, dark grey roofs, light gray buildings, orange sky, blue sky, Eiffel Tower, balloons, sketchy white areas and one blue roof.

Construction: I built the frame first and then filled in from bottom to top. In the beginning, I primarily used color, toward the end, piece shape came in handy. There were enough tricky parts to keep it interesting, but FUN is the operative word here. And the image is lovely too!

Final thoughts: A “moment” is the tiniest amount of time - perhaps puzzle moments would be a better title for puzzles that seems to say there’s no rush. Personally, I don’t ever watch the clock. At any rate, I can definitely recommend this puzzle.

My grades: Quality A+, Fun Factor A+



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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)