Friday Street Puzzle

The Friday-Street-puzzle is only available in the UK but I received it as a gift from a puzzle friend in Scotland. It was very interesting to receive a puzzle from overseas as I am in Canada. Turns out that this puzzle quality is just as good as any of the other well known brands on stateside. The image is quite a delightful scene. This was a smaller size puzzle being only 13.5" x 19" as a rectangle shape. Friday House Puzzle Amazon link 

Brand: House of Puzzles 

Title: Friday Street puzzle

Pieces: 500

Size: 13.5 x 19"

Brand: House of Puzzles 

Title: Friday Street puzzle

Pieces: 500

Size: 13.5 x 19"

Friday Street Puzzle Review: 

Overall Experience:  Great

Cut Quality:    Great

Board Quality: Great

Shape Cut: Random/shaped

Image Quality: Great

Hardest Area: roof

Puzzle Dust? none

Finish Quality: Smooth-shiny

Box Quality: Great

Sealed Pieces Inside Box: yes

Was this purchased new? no

Price: Gift

Recommend Level: High

Time: 3.5 hours

Friday Street Puzzle Assembly:

I did my usual sorting routine.

  1. Sorting to locate all  the outside border pieces, while....
  2. Placing the pieces into the 'general-color' layout onto the Grateful House puzzle trays. These trays are 14" x 10" in a pack of 8. I can layout all the pieces easily IF I use the lid for the edge pieces. This example is using the Cobble Hill Brand puzzle at 1000 pieces and puzzle Size is 26.625" x 19.25". 
Brand: House of Puzzles 

Title: Friday Street puzzle

Pieces: 500

Size: 13.5 x 19"
Brand: House of Puzzles 

Title: Friday Street puzzle

Pieces: 500

Size: 13.5 x 19"
Brand: House of Puzzles 

Title: Friday Street puzzle

Pieces: 500

Size: 13.5 x 19"
Brand: House of Puzzles 

Title: Friday Street puzzle

Pieces: 500

Size: 13.5 x 19"

Just as an added touch to the experience, I have shown here some very selective and unique cut pieces.

This adds a little trickery to the assembly process as most of these pieces have non-interlocking edges.

They are not of any particular shape either such as star or animal shape but rather completely random and fun!

I started with the red stripes, then worked the text for the street shops. Next the bottom sidewalk with people and the dog. Finally I worked the top greenery-tree areas and left the roof for last.

The following shares some of the close up details the Artist included. The House of Puzzles (HOP) Friday Street Puzzle is still available in the UK.

Brand: House of Puzzles 

Title: Friday Street puzzle

Pieces: 500

Size: 13.5 x 19"
Brand: House of Puzzles 

Title: Friday Street puzzle

Pieces: 500

Size: 13.5 x 19"
Brand: House of Puzzles 

Title: Friday Street puzzle

Pieces: 500

Size: 13.5 x 19"
Brand: House of Puzzles 

Title: Friday Street puzzle

Pieces: 500

Size: 13.5 x 19"
Brand: House of Puzzles 

Title: Friday Street puzzle

Pieces: 500

Size: 13.5 x 19"
Brand: House of Puzzles 

Title: Friday Street puzzle

Pieces: 500

Size: 13.5 x 19"

Friday Street Puzzle Comments...

The Friday Street puzzle was a gift sent to me from overseas. It was produced by The House of Puzzles in the UK and resembles the great quality of Gibson jigsaw puzzles.

That said, it certainly was a delightful experience of color, quality and quick satisfaction. The box was sturdy and the pieces were sealed nicely in the bag inside.

As I mentioned above, the overall experience was terrific. This one would make for a fun family get together as it would be quick enough for one sitting. For me it was short and sweet.

I highly recommend the House of Puzzles Brand if you have the opportunity to get one. 


More House of Puzzles...


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)