Christmas Cat Jigsaw Puzzle

I created the Christmas Cat Jigsaw Puzzle which is the first jigsaw puzzle I have ever created. I love jigsaw puzzles and I am creative.

I wished I had the Christmas Cat Story when my children were growing up.  

I certainly would have made it a family tradition to read it every year. 

Brand: Pastime, Title: Christmas Cat, Pieces: 1000, Size: 20x26".

The story has such a great connection of humanity to our furry friends.That said, it has always been a tradition to do a jigsaw puzzle over the Christmas holidays with family members to chime in any time. Often that would happen over long conversations. So enjoyable….

Then the children grew into adults and started having children themselves. So what a great opportunity to revive the Christmas Cat story all over again, only this time combine both the story and a favourite family activity together in the form of the jigsaw puzzle. Could it be done? I wondered.....

Christmas Cat Jigsaw Puzzle come to being...

So I used all my 40+ years of evolving with technology to research what I would need to create such a delightful idea. Technology and I have a real bittersweet love-hate relationship!

I started to create the idea in my mind and it flowed.  I had permission for the story and graphics, after all, my sister, Dorothy Krusky (Jr) wrote the story for her daughter. Now using photo software programs I had to create the image of the puzzle. This in itself had several challenges because images in software programs are created very small. Size was an issue, as was color and issues with printing text onto larger formats outside of a piece of paper.

Nonetheless, I persevered because I really truly wanted to create this and I did - as you can see. So without getting into all the technical techniques that I had to get into, major Internet research provided the answers. I know, that equals bittersweet! I ordered the 20x26 inch puzzle online through www.portraitpuzzles.com and it arrived in a week. I must admit that I am very pleased with their service, quick delivery and quality of puzzle stock board they use. I will be submitting a testimonial there.

Unpacking the Christmas Cat Jigsaw Puzzle 

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Christmas-Cat-jigsaw-puzzle

Assembling the Christmas Cat Jigsaw Puzzle

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Now it is created and completed. I am pleased to provide the process of putting it together with little tips you can use.

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Start the sorting first. Sort the brown book border, the small amount of all white pieces, all the red coat cat pieces, all the white cat pieces, the red candy cane pieces, the brown pugger pieces, the bluish/yellow star pieces and the large coloured letters into separate piles and put the rest back into the box.

The brown border, the center page book line, the candy canes, the bluish/yellow stars and the large green/red letters are very easy to do and can be completed fairly quickly. Layout the four corners and measure to 20 inches by 26 inches as shown.

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Christmas-Cat-jigsaw-puzzle
Christmas-Cat-jigsaw-puzzle

Next piece together the Christmas Cats, Crystal and Puggers and set them into the approximate spots according to the picture.

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Christmas-Cat-jigsaw-puzzle
Christmas-Cat-jigsaw-puzzle

Once there are only letters left, work the right side first to decrease the amount of letters to complete on the left side of the book page.

Line all the pieces in rows having the text going in the (up) reading position to quickly scan for full words on some pieces.

  • Note that there is (purposely) shading on the pages and some areas are very white and some are grey. This will help with the green and red lettering.
  • Note that there are some paragraphs in 3 lines, 2 lines and 1 line sentences.
  • Note that some pieces have red lettering along the top and/or bottom. Likewise when looking at the green lettering.
  • Note that there are single or maybe 2 letters on the nibs/tips and they are red or green.

A single person may complete this puzzle in 15-20 hours and an expert Puzzler likely less than 10 hours maybe sooner.

Comments Christmas Cat Jigsaw Puzzle

Once the Christmas Cat Jigsaw Puzzle is completed, you may read the complete story or take it apart and redo it, or pack it away for the next and every year thereafter or you can do what I did.

I put strips of wide clear tape across the back first then sourced out a real nice 20x26 inch frame for it and Voila!  You have a keepsake for Christmas decorations and a traditional Christmas story every year.

I highly recommend www.portraitpuzzles.com to create your own quality jigsaw puzzle. The biggest challenge in this project was developing the image to be the correct size.

About: Mastering the Art of Choosing the Right Jigsaw Puzzle

Tips to Avoid Buying Overwhelmingly Difficult Images

Jigsaw puzzles offer a delightful challenge, but there are times when the level of difficulty can be overwhelming. Whether you're a seasoned puzzler or a novice looking for an enjoyable experience, it's important to choose the right puzzle image that matches your skill level and personal preferences. In this article, we'll explore the world of difficult jigsaw puzzles and provide you with a list of tips to help you avoid buying images that might leave you feeling frustrated.

1. Know Your Skill Level

Understanding your own puzzle-solving skills is key when selecting a jigsaw puzzle. Be honest with yourself about your experience and comfort level. If you're a beginner, it's best to start with puzzles that have a lower piece count and simpler imagery. As you gain confidence and experience, you can gradually challenge yourself with more complex puzzles.

2. Consider the Piece Count

The number of puzzle pieces directly affects the difficulty level. Larger piece counts, such as 1,000 pieces or more, can be more time-consuming and mentally demanding. If you prefer a less challenging experience, opt for puzzles with smaller piece counts, such as 500 pieces or even fewer.

3. Analyze the Imagery

Before purchasing a puzzle, carefully examine the image. Complex and intricate designs, such as landscapes with numerous details or abstract patterns, tend to be more challenging. If you're looking for a less daunting puzzle, choose images with clearly defined sections, distinct colors, or simpler motifs.

4. Read Product Descriptions and Reviews

Take the time to read product descriptions and reviews. Puzzle manufacturers often provide information about the level of difficulty, which can help you make an informed decision. Additionally, reading reviews from other puzzlers can give you insights into the puzzle's complexity and whether it aligns with your preferences.

5. Look for Beginner-Friendly Collections

Many puzzle companies offer collections specifically designed for beginners. These collections often feature puzzles with larger pieces, simpler imagery, or even hints and guidance to assist you along the way. Exploring these beginner-friendly options can be a great way to ease into the world of jigsaw puzzles.

6. Seek Variety in Piece Shapes

Some puzzles feature unique piece shapes that can add an extra layer of difficulty. If you're looking for a more accessible experience, consider puzzles with standard grid-shaped pieces. However, if you enjoy a challenge, look for puzzles with irregular or whimsical piece shapes, as they can make the assembly process more complex and engaging.

7. Check for Puzzle-Specific Features

Certain puzzle manufacturers offer features to indicate the level of difficulty. For example, some puzzles may have a "difficulty rating" on the packaging or specify whether they are suitable for beginners, intermediate puzzlers, or advanced enthusiasts. These indicators can be valuable in making an informed decision.

8. Consider Collaborations with Artists

Many jigsaw puzzle companies collaborate with renowned artists, resulting in a wide range of puzzle images with varying levels of difficulty. Some artists may have a distinctive style that makes their puzzles more challenging, while others may focus on creating accessible and enjoyable designs. Research the artist's work and style to ensure it aligns with your preferences and skill level.

9. Seek Recommendations from Fellow Puzzlers

Engaging with the puzzle community, whether through online forums, social media groups, or local puzzle clubs, can provide valuable insights and recommendations. Experienced puzzlers can share their thoughts on specific puzzle images and brands, helping you make informed choices.

10. Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose puzzles that genuinely spark joy and interest for you. While it's important to consider the difficulty level, it's equally crucial to select images that you find visually appealing and personally satisfying. Enjoying the process of assembling a puzzle is just as important as the challenge itself.

By following these tips, you'll be better equipped to choose jigsaw puzzles that match your skill level and provide an enjoyable experience. Remember, puzzles should be a source of relaxation and fun, so don't be afraid to explore different options and challenge yourself while staying within your comfort zone. Happy puzzling!

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)