Space Bound 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. Space Bound Amazon link

Space Bound Galison 300 piece Lenticular puzzle Ribbon Cut Finished Dimensions: 11”x 17.75”

Space Bound Puzzle - Roberta's Review

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Space Bound Galison 300 piece Lenticular puzzle Ribbon Cut Finished Dimensions: 11”x 17.75”

Space Bound

Galison
300 piece Lenticular puzzle
Ribbon Cut
Finished Dimensions: 11”x 17.75”

My (advancing) Newbie Difficulty Rating: Challenging

Lenticular printing is not new. If you have ever held a picture which changed to a different picture when you moved it, you have seen lenticular in action. Imagine if that picture were cut up and you had to put it together piece by piece — enter the lenticular jigsaw puzzle. Yes, it is challenging, and I’m not sure anyone could get better at it except maybe after doing the same puzzle many times. Every piece looks different from a different angle, changes when you pick it up, and changes again when trying to place it. On top of that, the puzzle being put together also changes depending on the angle it is viewed.

Yikes! I had never done a lenticular puzzle before. When I saw this 300 piece one I thought it would be a good opportunity to check one out. I approached it positively. I knew it would be challenging, but thought it might be fun. It was not. The main reason was puzzle quality. The piece fit was horrendous.I had to push each piece in place and its surrounding neighbors back together time after time. As you see, this puzzle had exactly one piece shape, so your only clue is a vertical piece will go next to a horizontal piece.

Putting the construction issue aside, I almost bagged this up while I was sorting out the frame! I came across some pieces that obviously went together — they made the same planet twice. Oh Boy. That can’t be right. But I built the frame and gave it a shot. I started at the bottom. It was best to do this puzzle in daylight, so I left it on the table and walked away; still undecided about what looked like a lot of annoying work and not much fun at all. Mid day I looked at it again — I have not given up on any puzzle, I really didn’t want to feel defeated. So, I kept going. I sorted the pieces from light to dark as they laid on the table — I put a spoiler at the end of this review. If you want to discover the helpful hint on your own, please don’t read it.

Yes, it was work! But I persisted, and when I realized I was going to finish, I suppose there was a moment of fun. I certainly felt accomplished. There is nothing easy about the process of constructing a lenticular puzzle. But I’m glad I did one. “Only 300” meant a faster finish than a puzzle with more pieces, but the work is still the same. And, I never have to do another, once was enough!

Puzzle quality — Galison puzzles are highly rated. I have done a few and quite enjoyed them. They were consistently fine in every aspect from piece fit to no damaged or missing pieces. Price point is decent and the selection is varied. This puzzle was a sad exception in the one regard that is the most important, especially when working a puzzle that basically is done piece by piece. I can only say look for a different lenticular puzzle brand if you want to try one. Otherwise, don’t just disregard this brand. This apparently was their first venture with a lenticular puzzle, I can give them a break on that.

My ratings (based solely on the box of pieces I received): Quality C, Fun Factor C+

SPOILER: The lenticular printing process creates a particular coating that can be felt with your fingernail in only one direction. Sort the pieces in that direction as that, or rotated 180o, is how they will fit in the puzzle.

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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)