Midnight in San Francisco 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.

Midnight in San Francisco Puzzle Amazon link

San-Francisco-puzzlMidnight in San Francisco Puzzle KI Puzzles (Karmin International) Ribbon Cut 1000 pieces Finished Dimensions: 27” x 20”

Midnight in San Francisco Puzzle - Roberta's Review

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Midnight in San Francisco Puzzle KI Puzzles (Karmin International) Ribbon Cut 1000 pieces Finished Dimensions: 27” x 20”

Midnight in San Francisco Puzzle

KI Puzzles (Karmin International)
Ribbon Cut
1000 pieces
Finished Dimensions: 27” x 20”

My Confident Puzzler Difficulty Rating: Moderate to Hard

This was my first puzzle from this brand. It is one of 3 in their Cities at Midnight Collection. The others are Prague and Paris. I was so taken by this detailed artwork, I looked up the artist, Madalina Tantareanu. I wish more of the cities she has illustrated in her signature style could be puzzles! It was fun putting together this colorful, frame worthy puzzle, however . . .

Quality: . . . maximum fun was impossible due to extremely loose piece fit. Even 2 connected pieces would fall apart if picked up. AARRGGHH! Sections had to be pieced together on paper and slid off into place. The pieces were very shiny, making puzzling in room light difficult. But there were good things. The sturdy box is a small square. The entire image is on the box top. Inside was a sealed bag of pieces and a large poster. Color match illustrations to pieces was excellent. There was no puzzle dust. None of the solid pieces were damaged or together uncut and none were missing.

Getting started: Find the edge pieces and sort by color. I sorted by area and/or object: the sky, the city scape, the bridge, the water, each building, each house, the trolley, the greenery, and the signage. Yes, I know, that’s possibly crazy, but the construction, although moderately tricky, had excellent progress and felt rewarding. To each their own of course, but I prefer to spend the extra time on sorting rather than the build.

Construction: I had considered not doing the frame first since it was mostly white and the chance for false fits was likely. While sorting I did see the bottom sides and edge were colorful — hmm, maybe I would just put that together. There were also some other color clues, and finding many pieces with white knobs or white connections, I built the entire frame and placed those pieces. Now there was a lot of color information to get started! I did begin at the bottom, filled in the title and some of the landscape, and the trolley. I moved up to the top and filled down from there to the house tops. I saved the houses for last, the pink, then the blue, then the yellow. Nothing happened in two seconds, this puzzle was more complicated than it looks at first glance! But the build was organized because of my sorting. It was so satisfying - more fun than work! I definitely felt accomplished.

Midnight in San Francisco Puzzle KI Puzzles (Karmin International) Ribbon Cut 1000 pieces Finished Dimensions: 27” x 20”

Final thoughts: Partway through I was sorry I hadn’t built this on a foam core board so I could have easily covered it with another to flip and tape. I have a 27” X 20” frame from which I switch out finished puzzles. This one is just so artistically worthy. So, the trick I used was a larger than the puzzle piece of heavy paper. I carefully managed to slip it under the puzzle, hold it taught, pick it up and place that on a board. Phew! Do I recommend this brand? Well, loose piece fit is very annoying, high gloss can be too, but otherwise this puzzle offered a lot of pleasure. So, reservedly, yes.

My Grades: Quality A-, Fun Factor A-

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About: Mastering the Art of Choosing the Right Jigsaw Puzzle

Tips to Avoid Buying Overwhelmingly Difficult Images

Jigsaw puzzles offer a delightful challenge, but there are times when the level of difficulty can be overwhelming. Whether you're a seasoned puzzler or a novice looking for an enjoyable experience, it's important to choose the right puzzle image that matches your skill level and personal preferences. In this article, we'll explore the world of difficult jigsaw puzzles and provide you with a list of tips to help you avoid buying images that might leave you feeling frustrated.

1. Know Your Skill Level

Understanding your own puzzle-solving skills is key when selecting a jigsaw puzzle. Be honest with yourself about your experience and comfort level. If you're a beginner, it's best to start with puzzles that have a lower piece count and simpler imagery. As you gain confidence and experience, you can gradually challenge yourself with more complex puzzles.

2. Consider the Piece Count

The number of puzzle pieces directly affects the difficulty level. Larger piece counts, such as 1,000 pieces or more, can be more time-consuming and mentally demanding. If you prefer a less challenging experience, opt for puzzles with smaller piece counts, such as 500 pieces or even fewer.

3. Analyze the Imagery

Before purchasing a puzzle, carefully examine the image. Complex and intricate designs, such as landscapes with numerous details or abstract patterns, tend to be more challenging. If you're looking for a less daunting puzzle, choose images with clearly defined sections, distinct colors, or simpler motifs.

4. Read Product Descriptions and Reviews

Take the time to read product descriptions and reviews. Puzzle manufacturers often provide information about the level of difficulty, which can help you make an informed decision. Additionally, reading reviews from other puzzlers can give you insights into the puzzle's complexity and whether it aligns with your preferences.

5. Look for Beginner-Friendly Collections

Many puzzle companies offer collections specifically designed for beginners. These collections often feature puzzles with larger pieces, simpler imagery, or even hints and guidance to assist you along the way. Exploring these beginner-friendly options can be a great way to ease into the world of jigsaw puzzles.

6. Seek Variety in Piece Shapes

Some puzzles feature unique piece shapes that can add an extra layer of difficulty. If you're looking for a more accessible experience, consider puzzles with standard grid-shaped pieces. However, if you enjoy a challenge, look for puzzles with irregular or whimsical piece shapes, as they can make the assembly process more complex and engaging.

7. Check for Puzzle-Specific Features

Certain puzzle manufacturers offer features to indicate the level of difficulty. For example, some puzzles may have a "difficulty rating" on the packaging or specify whether they are suitable for beginners, intermediate puzzlers, or advanced enthusiasts. These indicators can be valuable in making an informed decision.

8. Consider Collaborations with Artists

Many jigsaw puzzle companies collaborate with renowned artists, resulting in a wide range of puzzle images with varying levels of difficulty. Some artists may have a distinctive style that makes their puzzles more challenging, while others may focus on creating accessible and enjoyable designs. Research the artist's work and style to ensure it aligns with your preferences and skill level.

9. Seek Recommendations from Fellow Puzzlers

Engaging with the puzzle community, whether through online forums, social media groups, or local puzzle clubs, can provide valuable insights and recommendations. Experienced puzzlers can share their thoughts on specific puzzle images and brands, helping you make informed choices.

10. Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose puzzles that genuinely spark joy and interest for you. While it's important to consider the difficulty level, it's equally crucial to select images that you find visually appealing and personally satisfying. Enjoying the process of assembling a puzzle is just as important as the challenge itself.

By following these tips, you'll be better equipped to choose jigsaw puzzles that match your skill level and provide an enjoyable experience. Remember, puzzles should be a source of relaxation and fun, so don't be afraid to explore different options and challenge yourself while staying within your comfort zone. Happy puzzling!

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)