Gentle Bruin 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.  

You may like this similar Heye Zozo puzzle Amazon link

Gentle Bruin Jigsaw Puzzle Heye Ribbon Cut 1000 Pieces Finished Dimensions: 27.6” x 19.7”

Gentle Bruin Puzzle - Roberta's Review

Roberta-Profile
Gentle Bruin Jigsaw Puzzle Heye Ribbon Cut 1000 Pieces Finished Dimensions: 27.6” x 19.7”

Gentle Bruin Jigsaw Puzzle

Heye
Ribbon Cut
1000 Pieces
Finished Dimensions: 27.6” x 19.7”

My Confident Newbie Difficulty Rating:  Hard

Meet Gentle Bruin, one of the Floral Friends collection masterfully created by artist Mia Charro, and brought to the world of jigsaw puzzles by Heye. Along with this one, there’s also 1000 pieces of Sweet Squirrel, Cuddly Panda and Pretty Feline*, and 500 pieces of Funny Hedgehog. They are all absolutely so adorable! I wish they were equally satisfying to put together.

Quality: False fits and loose piece fit - AARRGGHH! Those 2 issues challenge one's patience if not the joy of completing a puzzle like this. One other smaller issue - no poster is included. The oversized box top has an almost full illustration with excellent color match to the pieces, but the lower right corner is covered by large "Floral Friends" signage. ** Otherwise, there was little puzzle dust, the pieces, sealed in a non reusable bag, have a slight sheen. They were fine, none damaged, none still together uncut, none missing.

Getting started: Find the edge pieces and sort by color. I did not build the frame first — this is my third build in the series, so I learned from past experience about false fits. I did piece together the bottom edge. And oh boy, did I sort! Pink, yellow, orange, green leaves, leaves and flowers with stems, each different shade of fur, the facial features, eyeglass pieces, blue, white, and shades of the background.

Construction: I started from the bottom and worked my way up the bruin. I lined up each sort by color and shape. The majority of the pieces were the 2 in / 2 out variety, all but two of the traditional shapes were represented - there were no four ins or four outs pieces. When I got to the forehead, I was able to piece together the flowers and fill in the remaining fur. Sounds simple? This puzzle had to be built piece by piece. Sections would have fallen apart moving them, but the bigger issue was avoiding false fits. Unless a piece fit into two side of their neighbor, that was always in question. Still, there were four false fits along the way — to repeat, AARRGGHH! The shirt was pretty straightforward; the rest took a lot of time. And then there was the background. Oh yes, more time and patience! There were many edge pieces left to place at the end. Ready for this? - the very last edge piece fit but was the wrong color! Luck was on my side - without much hunting, I was able to switch 2 adjoining pieces from the lower left side edge with 2 from the upper right side edge and all was perfect!

Final thoughts: Here’s the crazy part, I really had a lot of fun putting this together. Of course there was a huge sense of accomplishment for sticking with it. But, puzzles with large areas of similar color or design are my favorite puzzle style. They most assuredly can be challenging! No, that does not mean I want to do a solid color puzzle. *** My choice is always about the illustration - something pretty, cute, clever, or does it make me smile. “Busy” puzzles rarely if ever are any of that for me. Thank goodness puzzling offers individual choice, no one better or worse than another. And, the process is always the same, clearing your mind and being at peace. This puzzle was hours and hours and hours of calm, a very good thing!

My grades: Quality B, Fun Factor A
* Apparently only available in the European market

** Where that is an issue, I take a screen shot of an online sales page pic, enlarge it, print it landscape on 2 pieces of letter size paper and tape it together. It is very helpful, as it also more clearly shows color variations, small print items, etc.

*** Full spectrum gradient is as close as I come; they are easy for me.

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
AMAZON-STORE-Banner

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

You may like these Heye Jigsaw Puzzles

About Jigsaw Puzzlers

Exploring the Diverse Personalities of Jigsaw Puzzle Enthusiasts

Introduction: Jigsaw puzzles have long captivated individuals of all walks of life, providing a unique form of entertainment and relaxation. The people who enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles come from various backgrounds and possess distinct personalities. In this article, we will delve into the different personality types of jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts, including the term "dissectologist," the qualities of collectors and hoarders, and the driving force behind the desire to possess certain puzzles.

  1. The Dissectologist: Passionate Problem-Solvers The term "dissectologist" has been coined to describe individuals who revel in the process of solving jigsaw puzzles. These enthusiasts possess a deep curiosity and enjoy the challenge of breaking down complex images into smaller, manageable pieces. Dissectologists are often patient, detail-oriented, and persistent in their pursuit of completing a puzzle.
  2. Collectors: Seeking Variety and Mastery Many jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts are avid collectors. They take delight in acquiring and assembling a wide range of puzzle designs, often driven by a desire for variety and the satisfaction of building an extensive collection. Collectors are motivated by the pursuit of mastery, constantly seeking new challenges and honing their puzzle-solving skills.
  3. Hoarders: The Love for Possessing Puzzles Some individuals who enjoy jigsaw puzzles exhibit hoarding tendencies, driven by an emotional attachment to the puzzles themselves. These individuals find joy in owning and preserving a vast array of puzzles, often displaying them as a source of pride. The act of collecting and possessing the puzzles becomes an integral part of their identity and serves as a source of comfort.
  4. The Thrill of Completion: Must-Have Puzzles Certain jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts experience an intense drive to acquire specific puzzles. Whether it's a rare edition, a limited release, or a puzzle featuring a beloved theme, the allure of "must-have" puzzles is irresistible to these individuals. The excitement and sense of accomplishment that come with completing these coveted puzzles fuel their passion.
  5. Social Puzzle Solvers: Connecting and Bonding For some, jigsaw puzzles serve as a means of social connection. These individuals relish the opportunity to gather with friends or family, working collaboratively to solve puzzles. The act of puzzle-solving becomes a shared experience, fostering teamwork, communication, and a sense of camaraderie.
  6. Therapeutic Solitude: Escape and Relaxation Many puzzle enthusiasts find solace and relaxation in the solitary act of solving puzzles. The process of fitting pieces together offers a respite from daily stressors, allowing individuals to enter a state of mindfulness and focus. Puzzling serves as a form of self-care, promoting mental well-being and providing a temporary escape from the demands of everyday life.

Conclusion: The world of jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts is as diverse as the puzzle pieces they meticulously connect. From the dissectologists who relish the challenge to collectors driven by the pursuit of mastery, and the hoarders who find comfort in possession, each personality type brings a unique perspective and passion to the world of jigsaw puzzles.

Whether seeking the thrill of completion or the joy of social connection, puzzle enthusiasts find solace, relaxation, and fulfillment in the art of puzzle-solving.

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)