The Missing Piece 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 Missing Piece Amazon link

The Missing Piece Gibsons Ribbon Cut 500 pieces Finished Dimensions: 13.25” x 18.675”

The Missing Piece Puzzle - Roberta's Review

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The Missing Piece Gibsons Ribbon Cut 500 pieces Finished Dimensions: 13.25” x 18.675”

The Missing Piece

Gibsons

Ribbon Cut

500 pieces

Finished Dimensions: 13.25” x 18.675”

My (advancing) Newbie difficulty rating: easy

Another “it made me smile” puzzle - yes, I had to have it. Plus it was Gibsons, my experience with that brand has been quite positive. Unfortunately there was just one issue here, but I would still buy Gibsons again.

Quality: The one issue was some damaged pieces, some bent, a few with splitting tabs that needed to be fixed with glue. But otherwise, all was perfect. The sturdy, small box includes a non resealable bag of pieces and a small poster. Color match to pictures and pieces was excellent. There was little puzzle dust. Piece fit was great — completed puzzle pick up off the table great! The pieces are a good thickness, mostly quite sturdy, and guess what — no missing pieces.

Step 1: Find the edge pieces and sort by color. The sorting was very easy — with only 500 pieces and the colors so distinct, I was able to do what might have been sub sorts later, all during step 1.  I had 12 trays. Yes — call me super sorter. For me it makes the construction a much more satisfying process.

Construction: The frame went together easily — lots of helpful color info for that and for the build. It was all just one big fun fest! Doing a puzzle of people doing a puzzle has it’s curious moments, but this little puzzle just flowed. I did the curtains and the yellow dress, then worked the rest from the top down. I was done in no time! Okay, I’m slow, and I really don’t pay attention to the clock. I take a lot of breaks. But, to start and finish a puzzle in one day, with hours to spare before sunset — well, for me that’s fast.

If this puzzle had had a missing piece, it would have made for more conversation in this review, but I’m happy it didn’t. This is a great starter puzzle for a new puzzler, or a quick puzzling fix for anyone more practiced. It’s just so cute!

I think the dog ate their missing piece. My grades: Quality A-. Fun Factor A+

There's More To Jigsaw Puzzles Than Pieces Book by Linda Richard. A compilation of 50+ jigsaw puzzle related topics, tips and tricks written in conversational format for easy, light reading.There's More To Jigsaw Puzzles Than Pieces Book by Linda Richard. A compilation of 50+ jigsaw puzzle related topics, tips and tricks written in conversational format for easy, light reading. Click Here
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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)