Magic Box 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. The following puzzle is similar to the Magic Box puzzle. Amazon Link

Magic Box Puzzle - Roberta's Review

Magic Box Jigsaw Puzzle Sooness (Gradient Therapy Series) Ribbon Cut 1000 pieces Finished Dimensions: 19.625 “ x 27.625”
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Magic Box Jigsaw Puzzle Sooness (Gradient Therapy Series) Ribbon Cut 1000 pieces Finished Dimensions: 19.625 “ x 27.625”

Magic Box Jigsaw Puzzle

Sooness (Gradient Therapy Series)
Ribbon Cut
1000 pieces
Finished Dimensions: 19.625 “ x 27.625”

My (advancing) Newbie Difficulty Rating: Hard to Moderate

Quality: In general it is very good. The square box is well made and attractive. The contents include a postcard with the puzzle illustration and the pieces in a reusable, zipper lock bag . The pieces are sturdy, none were damaged, stuck together uncut, or missing. Piece fit was pick up tight.

Construction: Sorting a gradient puzzle is is easier than an illustration since it’s just finding the edge pieces and separating the colors. I do sub sort out the darks from the lights and even the transitions from one color to the next. But this is, in a way, is an illustration, so I sorted out the background transitions and the distinct box edges (green to yellow, blue to pink, etc.).

Okay, that was easy — now it gets a bit more complicated. I was frustrated by some things, and found other things more difficult than the two other gradient puzzles I completed with relative ease. The frustration was puzzle related, so I will start there. All the usual ribbon cut piece shapes were present, but each of those different shapes looked very similar. I found myself trying several pieces until I got exactly the one that fit perfectly. There were many “so close”, or “maybe, maybe not” attempts. Just trust me here. The piece had to fit without ANY pushing it into place. if that was required, it was the wrong piece. AARRGGHH! I truly do have good color vision, so that was not the issue.

The difficulty: I take full ownership of these issues, but it might be helpful. The two previous gradient puzzles I completed were full spectrum color that went to the edges — no border at all. I knew this one presented more challenge because it sat on a background. I decided to build the frame and fill the gradient background in first. YouTube puzzlers didn’t do that. Yes, it took quite a while, but frankly, I think it was a smart move. Because of my sorting, I had the box outline complete. Now what? . . .

I hadn’t stopped to analyze exactly how much this differed from a full spectrum gradient. The entire thing was softer since the darkest and lightest colors were not there. And, obviously some colors were not there at all! That meant the color transitions were way less distinct. Good color vision or not, that definitely added to the difficulty.

This was not, in my opinion, an easy puzzle. For seasoned gradient puzzlers, I’m positive it would take less time, but it was still quite tricky. Even a challenging puzzle can be fun. The previous puzzle I completed was just like that, so I picked something I thought would be relatively simple. Okay, I didn’t think about that enough. Add in the frustration with piece fit, and there was little fun for me. At one point I joked to myself, “if I ever finish this gradient therapy puzzle, I will need a therapist.”

In the end, of course, I felt accomplished — I can always find fun in that!

My grades: Quality A-. Fun Factor B-

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About Rainbow Jigsaw Puzzles

Exploring the Vibrant World of Rainbow Jigsaw Puzzles

Introduction: Rainbows have long captivated our imagination with their breathtaking display of vibrant colors. The beauty and symbolism of rainbows have found their way into various forms of art, including jigsaw puzzles. In this article, we will delve into the enchanting world of rainbow jigsaw puzzles, exploring the Cobble Hill Rainbow Series by Shelley Davies and the diverse styles and images used to create these captivating puzzles.

The Cobble Hill Rainbow Series: A Kaleidoscope of Colors: The Cobble Hill Rainbow Series, designed by Shelley Davies, celebrates the magnificent array of colors found in rainbows. This series features a collection of jigsaw puzzles where each puzzle is dedicated to a specific color of the rainbow. From vivid reds and oranges to soothing blues and purples, these puzzles invite puzzlers to immerse themselves in the mesmerizing world of colors.

Styles of Rainbow Colors: Rainbow jigsaw puzzles can be created using various styles of rainbow colors, each offering a unique visual experience. Some common styles include:

  1. Pixels: Pixelated rainbow puzzles use small square tiles to create the overall image, with each tile representing a specific color of the rainbow. As the pieces come together, the image gradually reveals itself, showcasing the brilliance of rainbow hues.
  2. Gradients: Gradient rainbow puzzles feature smooth transitions between colors, creating a seamless spectrum. The colors blend harmoniously, offering a soothing and visually pleasing puzzle-solving experience.
  3. Graduated Color Blends: In graduated color blend puzzles, the colors gradually change from one hue to another, creating a stunning visual effect. These puzzles often showcase the subtle nuances and intricate transitions within the rainbow spectrum.

Using Different Images to Create Rainbow Colors: Rainbow jigsaw puzzles incorporate a wide range of images to create the vibrant spectrum of colors. Various objects and subjects are used to represent different colors of the rainbow, allowing for a diverse and visually captivating puzzle-solving experience. Some popular choices include:

  1. Flowers: Rainbow puzzles featuring images of blooming flowers showcase the diverse range of colors found in nature. From vibrant tulips and daisies to exotic orchids and roses, these puzzles showcase the rich hues that make up the rainbow.
  2. Marbles: Marbles offer a unique and mesmerizing way to represent rainbow colors in puzzles. Each marble represents a specific color, and as the pieces come together, the puzzle reveals a beautiful array of colors resembling a collection of glistening marbles.
  3. Produce: Fruits and vegetables can be used to create rainbow puzzles, with each fruit or vegetable representing a different color. From red apples and orange carrots to yellow bananas and green grapes, these puzzles celebrate the vivid colors found in the natural world.
  4. Bottles: Rainbow puzzles featuring bottles filled with colored liquids offer a visually striking representation of the rainbow spectrum. Each bottle represents a different color, creating a puzzle that is both aesthetically pleasing and engaging.
  5. Birds: Rainbow puzzles featuring images of colorful birds, such as parrots and hummingbirds, showcase the vibrant plumage found in nature. These puzzles bring together the beauty of birds and the captivating hues of the rainbow.
  6. Patterns: Pattern-based rainbow puzzles incorporate intricate designs and geometric shapes to represent the spectrum of colors. These puzzles often feature symmetrical patterns and tessellations, offering a visually stimulating and challenging puzzle-solving experience.

Conclusion: Rainbow jigsaw puzzles transport us into a world of vibrant colors and captivating imagery. Whether it's the Cobble Hill Rainbow Series by Shelley Davies or other rainbow-themed puzzles, these puzzles celebrate the beauty and symbolism of rainbows through their diverse styles and imaginative use of images. From pixels and gradients to graduated color blends, these puzzles offer a wide range of visual experiences.

By incorporating various objects and subjects such as flowers, marbles, produce, bottles, birds, and patterns, rainbow puzzles showcase the stunning diversity and rich colors found in our world. So, grab a rainbow puzzle, embark on a colorful journey, and immerse yourself in the joy of solving puzzles that celebrate the brilliance of the rainbow spectrum.

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)