Hi, I have only had two puzzles I gave up on through the years. One was a Japanese puzzle picture of Junk boats( I think that is what they are called)in the ocean. All the pieces were basically the same shape. Got down to the last 5 pieces and they would not fit. I redid areas many times trying to get them to fit. The puzzle went to the second hand store. I like your videos. I have a room dedicated to puzzles, and racks full of puzzles. With a large drafting table as my work space. Thank you and have a beautiful day. 😊
I'm sure we have all had puzzles which drive us nuts. Usually because the fit is poor or it falls apart too easily. You spend ridiculous amounts of time shifting pieces around trying to get them to fit. I've had a few puzzles in the past where I struggled to make any headway. Back in the box they go and I move on to the next puzzle. As you said puzzling is meant to be an enjoyable experience, not a hair tearing one.
I had precisely the same experience with a museum bought puzzle here in Canada which is one of an extensive series of puzzles featuring absolutely gorgeous works of art by indigenous artists. I was able to work about two thirds of the puzzle using colour cues (and the turning it upside down trick) but even with the help of two other adult puzzlers the large solid colour parts were too frustrating to solve. I would never buy that brand again unless it had a lot of details, however indigenous Canadian art usually has only a few colours and no gradation.
I don't think galleries do themselves any favours with puzzles that are either (i) frustratingly impossible to complete, or (ii) poor quality. I understand your disappointment when you are so looking forward to doing a puzzle of a favourite artwork and then it becomes such a struggle.
I started a 2000 piece a few months ago that had a similar problem. It was Springbok, which is supposed to be a reputable brand. They are noted for having random cut pieces. This one did not. Only one standard piece shape (two knobs in, two out). Not only that, any handful of pieces seemed to fit together when they didn't belong. No variation on the shapes of the prongs. The only way it could have been put together would have been with a magnifier, and a bright light. I'm a very experienced puzzler, and usually do larger piece counts. Anywhere from two to five thousand pieces. I'm very familiar with repeat patterns, and false fits. This puzzle, however, was ridiculous. As you said, no fun whatsoever. Mine was bought from a Walmart, and I suspect it was made substandard for cost efficiency. Such a shame, because it was a beautiful image. Nevertheless, I packed it up and put it away. I NEVER quit a puzzle once I've started. This one was a first. Not worth the hassle, it was a challenge for all of the wrong reasons.
I can feel your pain! And the frustration at the knowledge that you never give up on a puzzle. This was the first one in a long time I'd given up on, and I think I felt a tiny bit disappointed with myself (I'll get over it!). Also, the disappointment of a great image being undermined by poor quality, especially from a brand you expect to produce better.
@evelyntheriault3698 yes, this was a newer one. I'd never heard of them making the piece shapes all the same with this brand. And the most generic cut I've ever encountered. From what I understand, they are not all made this way. This will keep me from another one though. I'm not taking another chance. If they can let something like this out the door, then I'm not interested in buying from them.
@TheJigsawPuzzler I was a bit disappointed with myself as well at first. But then I thought of the generic cut that quality control passed along to paying customers. I'm no longer disappointed with myself. It is the manufacturer we should be disappointed with.
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What a challenge! That would be a tough one. The artwork is good, though.
Hi, I have only had two puzzles I gave up on through the years. One was a Japanese puzzle picture of Junk boats( I think that is what they are called)in the ocean. All the pieces were basically the same shape. Got down to the last 5 pieces and they would not fit. I redid areas many times trying to get them to fit. The puzzle went to the second hand store. I like your videos. I have a room dedicated to puzzles, and racks full of puzzles. With a large drafting table as my work space. Thank you and have a beautiful day. 😊
It's rare that I give up on a puzzle, so I understand your frustration. Your setup sounds ideal - I'd love a whole room for puzzling!
I'm sure we have all had puzzles which drive us nuts. Usually because the fit is poor or it falls apart too easily. You spend ridiculous amounts of time shifting pieces around trying to get them to fit. I've had a few puzzles in the past where I struggled to make any headway. Back in the box they go and I move on to the next puzzle. As you said puzzling is meant to be an enjoyable experience, not a hair tearing one.
Totally agree!
I had precisely the same experience with a museum bought puzzle here in Canada which is one of an extensive series of puzzles featuring absolutely gorgeous works of art by indigenous artists. I was able to work about two thirds of the puzzle using colour cues (and the turning it upside down trick) but even with the help of two other adult puzzlers the large solid colour parts were too frustrating to solve. I would never buy that brand again unless it had a lot of details, however indigenous Canadian art usually has only a few colours and no gradation.
I don't think galleries do themselves any favours with puzzles that are either (i) frustratingly impossible to complete, or (ii) poor quality. I understand your disappointment when you are so looking forward to doing a puzzle of a favourite artwork and then it becomes such a struggle.
I started a 2000 piece a few months ago that had a similar problem. It was Springbok, which is supposed to be a reputable brand. They are noted for having random cut pieces. This one did not. Only one standard piece shape (two knobs in, two out). Not only that, any handful of pieces seemed to fit together when they didn't belong. No variation on the shapes of the prongs. The only way it could have been put together would have been with a magnifier, and a bright light. I'm a very experienced puzzler, and usually do larger piece counts. Anywhere from two to five thousand pieces. I'm very familiar with repeat patterns, and false fits. This puzzle, however, was ridiculous. As you said, no fun whatsoever. Mine was bought from a Walmart, and I suspect it was made substandard for cost efficiency. Such a shame, because it was a beautiful image. Nevertheless, I packed it up and put it away. I NEVER quit a puzzle once I've started. This one was a first. Not worth the hassle, it was a challenge for all of the wrong reasons.
I can feel your pain! And the frustration at the knowledge that you never give up on a puzzle. This was the first one in a long time I'd given up on, and I think I felt a tiny bit disappointed with myself (I'll get over it!). Also, the disappointment of a great image being undermined by poor quality, especially from a brand you expect to produce better.
From time to time I’ve seen comments in Facebook groups that many of the most recent Springboks (post 1980s?) are of lower quality.
@evelyntheriault3698 yes, this was a newer one. I'd never heard of them making the piece shapes all the same with this brand. And the most generic cut I've ever encountered. From what I understand, they are not all made this way. This will keep me from another one though. I'm not taking another chance. If they can let something like this out the door, then I'm not interested in buying from them.
@TheJigsawPuzzler I was a bit disappointed with myself as well at first. But then I thought of the generic cut that quality control passed along to paying customers. I'm no longer disappointed with myself. It is the manufacturer we should be disappointed with.
@BradPhillips-t3m that's true. A good way of looking at it.