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I picked this series to review as I really do enjoy doing series for Groups of puzzles that are produced as a group and I also enjoy doing the four seasons. I certainly can appreciate the artwork involved with these puzzle images which are clear and crisp, especially the fine text. That said, the tan backgrounds and subtle colors require good lighting and some of the text requires a magnify glass. The poster will need to be on hand when assembling the portion behind the Cobble Hill logo unless you are the Puzzler who never uses the image to assemble puzzles. Amazon link
Brand: Cobble Hill Puzzle Company
Title: Diary of an Edwardian Lady Winter Puzzle
Pieces: 1000
Size: 19.25x26.625 or 49x68cm
Overall Experience: Great Cut Quality: Great Board Quality: Good Shape Cut: Random Image Quality: Good Hardest Area: Leaves Puzzle Dust? minimal |
Finish Quality: Smooth/matte finish Box Quality: Excellent Sealed Pieces Inside Box: Yes Was this purchased new? NO Price: Picked for Review Recommend Level: Highly Time: 13.5 hours |
I did my usual sorting routine.
![]() Each puzzle comes with a mini poster for use with more than one Puzzler or when assembling the area where the Cobble Hill Puzzle Company logo is situated on the bottom right side of the box. It also shares a blurb on the Edwardian Lady and the three other puzzles available in this series. |
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I sorted out all the pieces that appeared to have an edge and then 'weeded' out the pieces that did not fit the border colors and put them back into the non-edge pile. The border required looking at the edges on the box image. The random shaped pieces were also helpful. The image to the right gives a great visual for starting the puzzle. |
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I started with the largest text pile, in this case the word Winter so then the second text size was "The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady". From there I would source out the largest details in the image like the rabbit, birds and outstanding colored flowers/leaves. The rest of the assembly would be putting together many small sections then placing them into the area of the puzzle where they are situated on the image. Eventually areas began to connect. The smallest text was placed into position second last to assist with the connections leaving basically the leaves. So the brown/green/gold/red leaves would prove to be the trickiest to the end. |
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The following images shares the close up text for "The Diary of an Edwardian Lady" which is not so visible on the other images. Also the random cut and quality is clearly visible.
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None of the remarks above diminished the enjoyment of the assembly process or experience as sometimes we Puzzlers need to adjust to the image. So should you choose to do this series you will know in advance what to expect and the outcome of these beautiful puzzles certainly gives you a real sense of accomplishment to share.
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From Wikipedia: "Edith Blackwell Holden (26 September 1871 – 15 March 1920) was a British artist and art teacher. She was born in Kings Norton, Birmingham.[1] She became famous following the posthumous publication of her Nature Notes for 1906, in facsimile form, as the book The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady in 1977, which was an enormous publishing success. These, and her life story, were later the subject of a television dramatisation." |
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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About: Wood Cut vs. Cardboard Jigsaw Puzzles
Exploring the Differences
Jigsaw puzzles are a beloved pastime, offering hours of entertainment and relaxation. While cardboard puzzles have been the traditional choice for many years, wood cut puzzles have gained popularity in recent times. In this article, we'll delve into the differences between assembling a wood cut jigsaw puzzle and a cardboard jigsaw puzzle, with a particular focus on the modern-day laser scroll cutting machines used in wood cut puzzles and their role in creating accurate whimsies.
1. Materials and Durability
The most apparent difference between wood cut and cardboard jigsaw puzzles lies in the materials used. Cardboard puzzles are crafted using thick, sturdy cardboard layers, while wood cut puzzles are made from high-quality wood, often sourced sustainably. The use of wood imparts a distinct tactile and visual appeal to the puzzle pieces, providing a unique and durable puzzle experience.
2. Precision and Interlocking Mechanism
Wood cut puzzles are known for their precise cuts and interlocking mechanisms. In the past, these puzzles were hand-cut, requiring skilled artisans to carefully shape each piece. However, with advancements in technology, modern-day wood cut puzzles are crafted using laser scroll cutting machines. These machines use precise laser technology to cut intricate shapes, ensuring a snug fit between the puzzle pieces. This precision enhances the overall puzzle-solving experience and allows for seamless assembly.
3. Whimsical and Irregular Pieces
One of the standout features of wood cut puzzles is the inclusion of whimsical or irregular puzzle pieces. Whimsies are specially shaped puzzle pieces that are not part of the traditional puzzle image. They can take various forms, including animals, objects, or unique designs. Laser scroll cutting machines are instrumental in creating these whimsies with accuracy and intricacy, adding an element of surprise and delight to the puzzle-solving process.
4. Artistic Appeal and Collectibility
Wood cut puzzles are often chosen for their artistic appeal and collectible nature. Many wood cut puzzle manufacturers collaborate with renowned artists to create exquisite puzzle images. The combination of high-quality wood, precise cutting, and stunning artwork elevates the overall aesthetic and makes wood cut puzzles highly sought after by puzzle enthusiasts and collectors.
5. Puzzle Size and Complexity
Wood cut puzzles are available in a range of sizes and complexity levels. Smaller puzzles with fewer pieces are suitable for beginners or those seeking a quicker puzzle-solving experience, while larger puzzles with thousands of pieces offer a more challenging endeavor. The use of laser scroll cutting machines ensures that even intricate and complex designs can be accurately reproduced, allowing for a seamless assembly regardless of the puzzle's size or difficulty level.
6. Environmental Considerations
Wood cut puzzles often boast eco-friendly credentials due to the sustainable sourcing of wood materials. Many manufacturers prioritize using wood from responsibly managed forests or utilize recycled wood, making wood cut puzzles a conscious choice for environmentally conscious puzzlers.
Embrace the Unique Experience
Whether you choose a wood cut or a cardboard jigsaw puzzle, both offer their own unique experience and appeal. Wood cut puzzles impress with their tactile feel, precision, and whimsical pieces, while cardboard puzzles provide affordability and a wide variety of designs. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preferences and the type of puzzle experience you seek.
So, whether you're captivated by the elegance of wood cut puzzles or prefer the classic charm of cardboard puzzles, there's no shortage of delightful options to explore. Embrace the differences and enjoy the wonderful world of jigsaw puzzling, one piece at a time!
(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)