Ideal Bookshelf 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.  Ideal Bookshelf puzzle Amazon link

Ideal Bookshelf Puzzle Galison Ribbon cut 1000 pieces Finished size: 20” x 27”

Ideal Bookshelf Puzzle - Roberta's Review

Roberta-Profile
Ideal Bookshelf Puzzle Galison Ribbon cut 1000 pieces Finished size: 20” x 27”

Ideal Bookshelf Puzzle

Galison

Ribbon cut

1000 pieces

Finished size: 20” x 27”

My newbie difficulty rating - almost easy as pie

Well, okay it required some work, time and patience. Book 8, “Book That Makes Me Look Smart”, took a lot of time to piece together. When the puzzle was complete, I felt smartest for using so many tips I found on Puzzle Hobby. Sorting — it was very straight forward since each book had its own main color. So I did the color sort and found the edge pieces. Even though the edge was all white, there were enough book edges to help with putting it together. No need to sort out the words or other objects in this puzzle since the backgrounds of every piece were their book color. Since this was ribbon cut, laying out the pieces by shape and tone was also simple.

Quality: This was my first Galison puzzle. Cons: loose piece fit, in a couple instances, pieces fit and matched the design perfectly but were wrong, minor sheen which made discerning the subtle color gradation in some of the bindings more difficult (daylight - fine, room light - not so much). But it’s hard to complain about any of that when I was having so much fun. On the plus side, there was little puzzle dust, pieces were sturdy, not bent, broken or separating, there was a poster, color match was true, box is small, a good size for storage. And, there were no missing or extra pieces.

This was such an enjoyable puzzle; not one frustrating moment interrupted my puzzling pleasure. I truly understand that challenge is part of why we do puzzles, but on occasion I think it’s okay to just have fun with the process. Really — 1000 pieces are a lot — there is challenge in just putting them all together. So, if you are a newbie like me, and still thinking of trying a 1000 piece puzzle, this would be a really good choice!

Galison puzzles have a good reputation, and some very attractive and unique puzzles. I have my eye on a couple more, now that I feel confident about their overall quality. (Loose piece fit seems common to many brands these days.)

My grades: Quality A-, Fun factor A+.

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About Galison Jigsaw Puzzles

Galison is a leading brand of jigsaw puzzles that has gained popularity among puzzle enthusiasts in recent years. The company offers a wide range of puzzle designs, from classic artworks to modern and quirky designs, and has a reputation for producing high-quality puzzles that are both challenging and enjoyable.

One of the standout features of Galison puzzles is their unique designs. The company collaborates with a range of artists and designers to create puzzles that are not only challenging but also visually stunning. For example, they have puzzles featuring colourful artworks such as "Galison Feathers" and contemporary designs like "Avian Friends". They also offer themed puzzles such as food and beverage, animals, and landscapes.

In addition to their visually appealing designs, Galison puzzles are known for their quality. The company uses thick and durable puzzle pieces made from recycled materials that are resistant to bending or breaking, making them easy to handle and assemble. The pieces fit together smoothly and accurately, ensuring that the finished puzzle looks seamless and well-crafted.

Another notable feature of Galison puzzles is their inclusivity. The company offers puzzles in a range of sizes, from 200 to 1000 pieces, allowing both novice and experienced puzzlers to find puzzles that are suited to their skill level. 

In terms of pricing, Galison puzzles are generally affordable, with prices ranging from $10 to $25 for most designs. This makes them accessible to a wide range of consumers and an attractive option for individuals looking for a fun and budget-friendly hobby.

Galison also has a strong social media presence and engages with its audience through various platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. They regularly post images of new puzzles, behind-the-scenes glimpses of their puzzle-making process, and share puzzles completed by their followers. Their social media strategy has helped them to build a loyal following of puzzle enthusiasts and has helped them to stay relevant in a competitive market.

In conclusion, Galison is a brand of jigsaw puzzles that offers high-quality, visually stunning, and affordable puzzles that are enjoyed by puzzle enthusiasts of all skill levels. Their unique designs, inclusivity, and engagement on social media have helped them to stand out in a crowded market and build a loyal following. Galison puzzles are a great choice for anyone looking for a fun and challenging puzzle-solving experience.

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023) 

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)