Colors On The Mountain 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. 

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Colors On The Mountain Buffalo Games Ribbon Cut 300 Large Pieces Finished Dimension: 18” Square

Colors On The Mountain Puzzle - Roberta's Review

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Colors On The Mountain

Buffalo Games
Ribbon Cut
300 Large Pieces
Finished Dimension: 18” Square

My Confident Puzzler Difficulty Rating: Easy and Medium

For a 300 piece puzzle, this took more time than usual. There are gradient aspects. I love pure gradients, so I found the sky a bit tricky to piece together. Those 2 reasons got my medium rating. The water, reflection, and mountains were the easier parts. In total, this striking illustration was a lot of fun to put together.

Quality: Not perfect only for several damaged pieces. One in particular was broken almost in half and ripped on the design side. Some others had bent or splitting tabs. Otherwise, no complaints. Buffalo’s packaging is environmentally friendly, so no shrink wrap or plastic bag. The solid pieces are loose inside a small, sturdy box. The top and bottom sides are glued together. Separating the sides has caused damage to the cardboard in the past, but that did not happen with this one. (New formula glue?) The full illustration is on the box top. Inside there was also a small poster. Color match pieces to images was spot on. Piece fit was pick up off the table tight. No pieces were together uncut, and none were missing.

Getting started. Find the edge pieces and sort by color. Yes, I diligently sorted this small piece count puzzle. The sky had a starry texture but the water did not, so I sorted those areas separately. For each area, I sorted the light, dark, and transition shades of pink, blue, yellow, green, and purple. I also sorted out all the mountain pieces.

Construction: I built the frame first, then filled in the line of mountains. Next came the reflection and the water. Finally, I built the sky. It was a lovely way to spend an evening.

Final thoughts: A puzzle does not have to be 1000 pieces to require time and concentration and offer a sense of satisfaction. Most puzzles put a recommended age on the box. Often the 1000 piece recommendations are in the teens. Buffalo put the age for this one at 14+. By their nature, fewer pieces will take less time, but they are still a respectable choice. I have done many puzzles from this brand. Despite the damaged pieces, I will continue recommending Buffalo Games. They have a huge and varied selection and competitive pricing.

My grades: Quality B+, Fun Factor A+

There's More To Jigsaw Puzzles Than Pieces Book by Linda Richard. A compilation of 50+ jigsaw puzzle related topics, tips and tricks written in conversational format for easy, light reading.There's More To Jigsaw Puzzles Than Pieces Book by Linda Richard. A compilation of 50+ jigsaw puzzle related topics, tips and tricks written in conversational format for easy, light reading. Click Here
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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)