Girls Best Friend Puzzle

The Girls Best Friend Puzzle captures the ideal Mother-Daughter image that so many Mothers and daughters have fond memories about. I know this because I am one of them.  And just so you know up front, the border being in black and white checkers like that is a tad tricky but once you get that accomplished you will enjoy the rest of the puzzle. Did you know the Artist, Mary Engelbreit has many other products including these Birthday cards? Amazon Link 

Brand: Karmin International Title: Girls Best Friend Puzzle Artist: Mary Engelbreit Pieces: 550 Size: 20" x 20"
Brand: Karmin International Title: Girls Best Friend Puzzle Artist: Mary Engelbreit Pieces: 550 Size: 20" x 20"

Brand: Karmin International

Title: Girls Best Friend Puzzle

Artist: Mary Engelbreit

Pieces: 550

Size: 20" x 20"

Girls Best Friend Puzzle Review: 

Overall Experience:  Good

Cut Quality:    Good

Board Quality: Good

Shape Cut: Ribbed-like

Image Quality: Great

Hardest Area: border

Puzzle Dust? lots

Finish Quality: Smooth

Box Quality: Good

Sealed Pieces Inside Box: yes

Was this purchased new? no

Price: Thrift Store $1.00

Recommend Level: Medium

Time: 3 hours

Girls Best Friend Puzzle Assembly: 

I did my usual sorting routine.

  1. Sorting to locate all  the outside border pieces, while....
  2. Placing the pieces into the 'general-color' layout onto the Grateful House puzzle trays. These trays are 14" x 10" in a pack of 8. I can layout all the pieces easily IF I use the lid for the edge pieces. This example is using the Cobble Hill Brand puzzle at 1000 pieces and puzzle Size is 26.625" x 19.25". 
I did my usual sorting routine. Sorting to locate the outside border pieces, while placing the pieces into the 'general-color' piles. I continued with a second round of sorting.
The next step is to layout all the pieces onto foam boards. Ideally, approximately 500 pieces per board. There's 550 pieces here so I spread them out.
Board #2 - The next step is to layout all the pieces onto foam boards. Ideally, approximately 500 pieces per board. There's 550 pieces here so I spread them out.
These border types are tricky and basically are determined by the shapes of the puzzles right down to the tips of the puzzles. Luckily it was the tips that gave the best clues to assemble it.

As mentioned above, these border types are tricky and basically are determined by the shapes of the puzzles right down to the tips of the puzzles. Luckily it was the tips that gave the best clues to assemble it.

After sorting the pieces and according to the colors, the red letters were done first, followed by both Mother and daughter and the other baking items. The yellow text 'Mother' was completed next, then the brown table and finished with the background wall.

After sorting the pieces and according to the colors, the red letters were done first, followed by both Mother and daughter and the other baking items. The yellow text 'Mother' was completed next.

Girls Best Friend Puzzle Comments...

Karmin International is known for it's low prices, medium quality puzzles but great images - the price has to be traded for something. But since the images are attractive enough to buyers, the quality becomes tolerable making this one a really cute quick-fix.

The Artist, Mary Engelbreit, is also known for her beautiful graphic arts which are also in children's books and many other products. I recommend the Girls Best Friend Puzzle for those Mom's doing baking AND puzzles with their daughters.

I have also had the pleasure of doing At Christmas Give Your Heart by Mary Engelbreit. It was by Ceaco in 1994, with a size of 16x20", 500 piece ultra thick, unique die-cut cork board and shaped pieces border. Certainly worth checking out.

Karmin International is known for it's low prices, medium quality puzzles but great images - the price has to be traded for something. But since the images are attractive enough.
The Artist, Mary Engelbreit, is also known for her beautiful graphic arts which are also in children's books. I recommended for Mom's doing baking AND puzzles with their daughters.

This Karmin International, Girls Best Friend puzzle by Mary Engelbreit was at the Thrift store still sealed. It sells at the Dollar store for $3 but I paid $1.00 for it which made for a pretty good chance all the pieces were there. So not a bad bang for a buck! 

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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)