National Parks 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.  

National Parks Amazon Link

National Parks puzzle Brass Monkey/Galison Ribbon Cut 1000 pieces Finished Dimension: 39" x 14"

National Parks Puzzle - Roberta's Review

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National Parks puzzle Brass Monkey/Galison Ribbon Cut 1000 pieces Finished Dimension: 39" x 14"

National Parks puzzle

Brass Monkey/Galison

Ribbon Cut
1000 pieces
Finished Dimension: 39" x 14"

My Confident Newbie Difficulty Rating: Medium (with caveats)

I was taken by this illustration, maybe because I have been to two of those parks. This was my first panoramic puzzle. I thought, because it was 4 distinct illustrations, it would be pretty easy - like doing four 250 piece puzzles. I decided on medium difficulty because there were some pretty tricky areas, especially limited colors and the Grand Canyon. But that’s not the half of the issues with this puzzle.

Quality: Out of the gate, everything looked pretty good. Seems a lot of brands box their panoramic puzzles in long boxes, no exception here. It measures 18.5” x 1.75”. It is attractive, sturdy, and has a full illustration on the cover. Inside, the pieces were in a disposable plastic bag and a full size poster was included. There was no puzzle dust. The rather glossy, sturdy pieces were a nice thickness, none were together uncut or damaged, none were missing. That’s it for the good. The bad made building this puzzle beyond frustrating. First, it would have been nice if the colors on the box top and poster actually matched the colors on the puzzle pieces. They did not. But the major offender was false fits. They occurred throughout the puzzle. For those, and even pieces tried but didn’t quite fit, it was almost impossible to remove therm. Amazingly, pieces survived without damage pulling one out, or sections apart. I guess that’s a plus, but the need to do it was aggravating, to say the least! The only fun I had was deciding I was going to defeat the puzzle at its own game, and finish the miserable thing.

The mantra: Find the edge pieces and sort by color. I did that happily and diligently, not knowing how annoying the construction would be. I sorted each illustration separately - the text and each distinguishing color, including sorts of lights and darks, and particular characteristics like the Yosemite wind lines.

Construction: I built the frame. The bottom row had a text sentence below each park, so that was free of false fits, not so for the rest of the frame — aarrgghh! The sorting made it easy to also put in the vertical rows dividing the four illustrations. You guessed it, more false fits. All the pieces were the same 2 in / 2 out traditional shape. I did lay out each sort, but it is less helpful when all the pieces look so much alike. The one big clue is the pieces alternate from horizontal to vertical. I left the Grand Canyon for last. Time wise it was the most complicated.

National Parks puzzle Brass Monkey/Galison Ribbon Cut 1000 pieces Finished Dimension: 39" x 14"

So — Pick up off the table tight piece fit is usually a good thing. Too tight, not so much. Yes, I finished it, and yes, I could pick it up. I could throw it up in the air and catch it. But will I ever get it apart? Okay, so I’m smiling now. And in the end, I’m having fun with it. Ah, the puzzling process. I get lost in it, good or bad. Clear my mind and be at peace. Serenity. There is nothing better!

Conclusion: Caveat Emptor. I am hard pressed to recommend this puzzle, it was simply too frustrating because of the quality issues. Really a shame - the finished product is quite enjoyable to admire. Really being there, looking up to the sky at Zion or down to the depths at the Grand Canyon — there are not words enough to describe the wonder that is nature’s grandeur.

My Grades: Quality D, fun factor C

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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)