Puzzle Haven  ~ Direct Links Below

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Puzzle-lights-23
Puzzle-Disney-Villainous
Puzzle-Mathematics
Puzzle-Springbok
Puzzle-count-pieces
Puzzle-tracker
Puzzle-no-glue

Best-Jigsaw-Puzzle-brands

In the market today, some of the best puzzle brands must maintain interesting images for the puzzles to sell. The best jigsaw puzzles will start with a clear, sharp, attractive image. The image will be large enough on the puzzle box and/or it will have a poster inside.

The box will be firm and sealed with plastic to avoid loss of pieces and to protect the image cover. The box design must be very sturdy to keep the puzzle pieces safe.  The details on the box will state the artist, number and piece shapes and the size the puzzle measures when completed.

The pieces inside the box will be in a sealed bag. Most premium puzzles will have little puzzle dust from the cutting manufacturer. The pieces will not be cut loose. That’s in a perfect world. Read more...


Puzzle-lights-23

If only we could use natural daylight any time of the day and evening.....but even that has its drawbacks like reflection, glare or worse yet, a dark cloudy day. 

So what are the best lights? Let's beat this up for a minute before we look at some resources. The first issue is where your 'puzzle-station' is. By that, I mean, where your puzzle is set up. Is it set up by a window? 

Is it in a room away from the window? Is it in a windowless room?  These will make a difference.

Then the second issue is....what direction is your light fixture coming from....is it overhead or behind you or motion-movable?

Also the jigsaw puzzle itself....does it have a huge shine on it or is it anti-glare or somewhere in between? Some jigsaw puzzles even have a shimmer. Read more...


Puzzle-Disney-Villainous

How many villainous puzzles are there you ask? There are six in the series but we have gathered a selection of the different images that are available in our Amazon Store

  1. Maleficent 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
  2. Ratigan 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
  3. Ursula 1000 Piece Jigsaw
  4. Hades 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
  5. Prince John 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
  6. Queen of Hearts 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

Read more...


Puzzle-Mathematics

Scott Davidson is a jigsaw puzzle fan and has been from the days when Springbok was independent. He is also a retired computer scientist. He wrote this article about the mathematics of doing puzzles - for instance, how much harder is a 1,000 piece puzzle than a 500 piece puzzle and how well various solving techniques work. The Piece Memory section was of particular interest however there are other strategies for gaining speed too. 

Read more...


Puzzle-Springbok-list

Looking for a Springbok Jigsaw Puzzle List? Check this out!

Often the question has been posted in the Jigsaw Puzzle Groups: Is there a Springbok ‘master’ list of jigsaw puzzles? There is a list but it is not complete. It starts at 1964 but is incomplete. That means the listing is getting close to completed with over 2800 Springbok jigsaw puzzles listed.

Read more...


Puzzle-count-pieces

Want to know how to count puzzles pieces?

This is how Wikipedia explains the numbers for jigsaw puzzles. 

"Most jigsaw puzzles are square, rectangular or round, with edge pieces that have one side that is either straight or smoothly curved to create the shape, plus four corner pieces if the puzzle is square or rectangular.

Read more...


Puzzle-tracker

The Puzzle Hobby Tracker is a downloadable Excel digital file used to track many details related to your jigsaw puzzle hobby for the price of a chocolate bar.

There are 20 pages that consist of:

  • Master List with photos
  • 500 entries per page
  • Quality Rating System
  • Time Sheet - time up to 8 puzzles at a time with 5 sessions each
  • Monthly sheets
  • Wish List, Favorites and more....

Read more...


Puzzle-no-glue

Here's the No Glue Method Jigsaw Puzzle Steps I have used on most of my jigsaw puzzles as I have never glued a puzzle.  So...

To glue or not to glue......One of the most common questions with jigsaw puzzles is, 'How to Glue A Jigsaw Puzzle?' If you are interested in reading more about gluing your puzzle then CLICK HERE

The 'no-glue' method follows below... read more



AMAZON-STORE-Banner

We have collected a massive list of jigsaw puzzles in numerous categories on our Amazon Store link. It's a quick way to browse most current puzzles and/or specific seasons, accessories and themes. Makes for a terrific one-stop jigsaw puzzle gift giving shopping centre. CLICK HERE



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)