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When I spotted this puzzle for $1.00 at the Thrift Store I was hesitant because the box was open and the pieces were not in a bag - not a good sign. But I love Jack Williams artwork and shaped puzzles so I thought I would give it a go based on 'hope' that I would once again win the 'Thrift-Store-jigsaw-puzzle-lottery' and I was thrilled and amazed at my luck! You may like this 700 piece Best Friends Amazon link
Overall Experience: Great Cut Quality: Great Board Quality: Firm Shape Cut: random Image Quality: Great Hardest Area: Green/yellow flowers Puzzle Dust? no |
Finish Quality: Smooth and shiny Box Quality: Medium Sealed Pieces Inside Box: No Was this purchased new? Thrift Store Price: $1.00 Recommend Level: Highly Time: Under 2.5 hours |
This being a 300 piece puzzle I did not do my usual sorting routine. I laid out all the pieces onto the foam board and started to build some clumps of pieces. I started with the red flowers as they were the most obvious. The 2nd largest chunk was the main dog. I located all the other furry friend pieces and put them into place. From there is was basically fill in the blanks. | |
As you can see in my work-in-progress image to the left, there were some remnant pieces that needed filling in. |
The shaped pieces were quite helpful with this shaped puzzle. I did not attempt to do the border at all as I knew it would eventually fall into place. The following images clearly show the shaped pieces and good quality of the image and the puzzle. Not to mention how adorable the furry animals are.....
One thing that pleases me is to see that there are jigsaw puzzles at 300 pieces. This makes them especially attractive to adults who don't have the time or desire to dig into a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. Another bonus with this puzzle is the size of the pieces. They are not small but one could say medium making them helpful for those with sensitive hands. There really is a market out there for those types of details. I would not really recommend this jigsaw puzzle for children even though it appears to so cutesy for children.
This Bits and Pieces jigsaw puzzle titled Best Friends is still available on Amazon (affiliate link)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - With her self-published book and over 300 jigsaw puzzle reviews, Linda has established herself as a prominent social media marketing influencer and jigsaw puzzle-preneur. If you want to send Linda a quick message, visit her contact page here.
We have collected a massive list of jigsaw puzzles in numerous categories on our Amazon Store link. It's a quick way to browse most current puzzles and/or specific seasons, accessories and themes. Makes for a terrific one-stop jigsaw puzzle gift giving shopping centre. CLICK HERE
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Bits and Pieces: A Pioneering Journey in the World of Jigsaw Puzzles
Introduction: Jigsaw puzzles have long captivated enthusiasts of all ages, providing a perfect blend of challenge, entertainment, and artistic expression. Among the many companies that have contributed to the growth and popularity of jigsaw puzzles, Bits and Pieces stands out as a true pioneer. Established in 1983, Bits and Pieces has carved a niche for itself in the puzzle industry, offering a wide range of high-quality puzzles that continue to delight and engage puzzle enthusiasts worldwide.
Origins and Early Days: Bits and Pieces was founded by Mel and Jill Sunquist in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Their passion for jigsaw puzzles led them to establish a company with the vision of creating unique and engaging puzzles that would inspire people to embrace the joy of puzzling. Starting small, the Sunquists initially operated out of their basement, handcrafting wooden puzzles and selling them at local craft shows.
Innovations and Growth: The early years of Bits and Pieces were marked by continuous innovation and experimentation. The company introduced unique puzzle designs and concepts, such as shaped puzzles and puzzle accessories, which quickly gained popularity among puzzle enthusiasts. These innovations helped Bits and Pieces gain a strong foothold in the market and expand its reach beyond local craft shows.
Collaborations and Licensing: Recognizing the potential of collaborating with talented artists and iconic brands, Bits and Pieces began partnering with renowned artists to feature their artwork in puzzles. This strategy not only enhanced the visual appeal of their puzzles but also attracted a broader audience. Moreover, the company secured licensing agreements with well-known brands like National Geographic and Disney, allowing them to create puzzles based on popular themes and characters.
Online Presence and Global Reach: In the late 1990s, Bits and Pieces embraced the digital era by launching their online store. This move opened up new avenues for the company to connect with puzzle enthusiasts around the world. Through their online platform, they were able to offer an extensive catalog of puzzles, including challenging brain teasers, 3D puzzles, and large format puzzles designed for seniors and visually impaired individuals.
Commitment to Quality and Customer Satisfaction: Bits and Pieces has always been dedicated to delivering exceptional quality puzzles to their customers. They prioritize using sturdy materials, ensuring precision-cut pieces, and offering vibrant and engaging imagery. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in their attentive customer service and willingness to address any concerns promptly.
Continued Success and Community Engagement: With over four decades of experience, Bits and Pieces remains a prominent player in the jigsaw puzzle industry. The company continues to innovate, introducing new puzzle formats and collaborating with talented artists and brands. Moreover, they actively engage with the puzzle community by organizing puzzle contests, contributing to puzzle forums, and supporting puzzle clubs and events.
Conclusion: Bits and Pieces has left an indelible mark on the world of jigsaw puzzles through its pioneering spirit, commitment to quality, and dedication to customer satisfaction. From humble beginnings, the company has grown into a global brand, offering a diverse range of puzzles that cater to puzzle enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. As they continue to evolve and inspire puzzle lovers worldwide, Bits and Pieces remains a cherished name in the ever-thriving world of jigsaw puzzles.
(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)