I’m an old soul as it is, but my love for puzzling might push me over the edge. Putting together a puzzle, for me, is both exciting and relaxing. It not only feels like a challenge, it also feels nostalgic. Growing up we did puzzles as a family, specifically when some of our favorite relatives came in town. My Uncle Al and Aunt Claire my mom’s aunt and uncle where like another set of grandparents to us. They loved us like we were their own, and aside from the generous gifts they always bought us and the memorable trips they took us on, my fondest memories of them are sitting around a table working on a puzzle. We did all sorts, from mystery puzzles you have to read a story and then put together the puzzle without a picture to solve the mystery to 3D shapes, classic art to Christmas scenes. My competitive, driven tendencies have always reared their head in the midst of constructing a puzzle, and they still do. Once I get in the zone, it’s hard to quit. I often find myself loosing track of time only to realize it’s 1am and I’ve been the only one awake for hours.
One of you lovely ladies let me know that January is National Puzzle Month I know, there’s a day or month for everything now, but it really is fitting. We’ve been having lots of snow and cold in this part of the country, and all I want to do is cozy up with some tea in my library while I work away at a beautiful piece of art or vintage magazine cover. I get asked quite often where I get my puzzles from, and lately I’ve found a lot of them at thrift stores. If the box has been opened you chance missing a piece or two at the end, but the savings is big. Typically I spend $1-3 instead of $20-30. But since me thrifting puzzles doesn’t help you, I thought I’d put together a collection of some you can snag online that are beautiful. Some of these I’ve done, some I would love to do! When looking for a good puzzle, I think it’s most important to pick an image that brings you joy. Something that has a lot going on is usually less challenging than one with a lot of repetitiveness: be that in color and/or pattern.
MUSHROOMS | PICASSO | BUTTERFLY | DUTCH FLORAL | SISTINE CHAPEL | VOGUE WINTER | MUSHROOMS | FLORAL MAP | VOGUE PEACOCK | VOGUE CHERRY BLOSSOMS | VOGUE CHEETAH
This might be the nerdiest post I’ve ever written, ha, but man, I love a good puzzle! Happy puzzling!
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I’m borderline obsessed with puzzles (I also have a puzzle table!). Loved this post! Those are some beautiful puzzles. I’m a big fan of Pomegrante Artpiece brand puzzles as well. And there was actually a movie that came out this year called “Puzzle”, and it was so cute. A movie about the joy of puzzling, you can’t get better than that (who’s nerdy now….).
Wohoo! I’ll have to check them out, thanks! I need to find the movie too!
Right there with you! I’m picky and only like folk art puzzles, but the thrill of the challenge never gets old. My grandparents also did puzzles and I feel the glow of the memories as I fit the pieces together.
Fun, yes, I love it!
I too love puzzles and have one of those carrier boards that you can close and move if needed! Spent many hours completely immersed in the “chase”! Glad I’m not the only one! Stay warm!
Yes, you too!
Puzzles are calming and challenging. We used to do them and also our great Aunt Lou Rissa ( her first name) played Chinese Checkers with my sister and me at the farm.
Farm where they whitewashed the tree trunks every year! Happy Memories ! 😍
They are! Love her name, fun the great memories!
Do you have any tips on putting them together? I’ve separated and then put the outside sections together. Trying to assemble some focal points but it’s challenging!
I always start with the edges and usually put together areas of the puzzle after that, people, objects, and save the harder parts for the end. Have fun!
I’m in the process of doing a 500 piece puzzle for the 1st time & I cannot believe how difficult it is! I want to finish it so bad for a friend and have it framed. Lots of areas with the same coloration so it’s been harder than I thought but I’m still trying. Funny you should say how time flies – last night I shut the light off on the puzzle at 1:00 am! Love this post – thank you!
Thanks, glad you liked it and good luck!
My apologizes for replying under the wrong name (above).
Nothing like a challenging puzzle and a warm drink in front of a roaring fire while winter blowing outside!
To quell cabin fever, when our kids were young, we’d do family movie poster puzzle nights on the dining room table — starting with the annual Disney releases along with so many other family movies through Indiana Jones and eventually Star Wars and Batman. Each would take a week or so and we’d complete 3 or 4 each Winter. Such memories! Actually made it tough to pass on that incredible library of puzzles when we recently down-sized.
So true! I love that! I can imagine, so many memories!
Thank you so much for sharing these. I love puzzles but haven’t done one in several years and have forgotten about them. I just ordered 3 off Amazon and am so excited to get started!
Oh, good! Have fun, Julia!
Have you ever heard of Liberty puzzles? A friend and neighbor loaned me one and I was completely captivated. Be warned, they are not in the thrift category as they range from $85 upwards but they are a joy to work with. The pieces are of wood and are cut into very interesting shapes. (human figures, animals, spirals, etc.) This friend has loaned me three so far and all were quite challenging. But like you, I lose all track of time and become somewhat obsessed when I start a new puzzle. I have been promised a new one soon. Can’t wait! Google Liberty Puzzles just to see they offer.
Oh, I have, I follow them on Instagram! I so want to get one, but yes, I’m afraid I’ll be spoiled then!
Get a Liberty Puzzle! They are the Cadillac of puzzles and they do not disappoint. But a warning: they do spoil you a bit for regular puzzles 🙂
I need to! I’ve heard they’re amazing!
Fun! My family has a vintage Barbie puzzle with 551 pieces (the box says 550 but my sister counted them once there’s an extra – ha!), and every couple years we dig it out and try to beat our previous time, which is written on a note card inside the box. It’s such a fun tradition!
This is the cutest thing I’ve ever heard, Kels! I love this so much.
I love your colors and the animal print chair. I love knowing my old encyclopedias found such a fabulous home. 😉 I don’t so much love puzzles. I get the same excitement and relaxation from pouring paint these days.
Thanks, yes! Ha, well, it’s good to know what you like and don’t like, that’s a good thing!
We always worked puzzles when I was growing up and I started putting one out during the holidays when we started a family 45 years ago. My kids and grandkids love coming home to a puzzle. Our son in law comes from a puzzling family also and, like you, he’ll stay up after we’ve all gone to bed working a puzzle. When my mom was recovering from losing a limb 2 years ago my husband finally got her to work on one just a little until she gained interest again and it was the thing that brought her back to us mentally and emotionally following her trauma. I usually buy them with coupons or at Thrift stores or church bazaars. I sure envy your table! I’ve never seen a felt top like that.
Oh, I love that so much! Yes, the felt top makes it so much easier to see the pieces. Thanks for sharing!
By the way, your fireside games and hot toddies sound lovely…we’re a south Florida tribe.
Right now I’d take Florida weather, ha! 😉
My kids love doing puzzles with my father-in-law. It’s one of the great things about puzzles – almost any age can participate and join the fun. And whoever our extended family is together over a vacation or holiday we usually knock out a couple of puzzles while we are hanging out!
Yes, I totally agree! Love that!
My sister gifted my husband and I a puzzle of the month club for a year since we like them so much and we loved it! I got to edit my picks too before they shipped so I was sure to get puzzles we really enjoy doing. It’s such a calming and fun activity and so so satisfying when completed!
That is so fun! I need to look up puzzle of the month clubs!
Hi There,
Not “puzzle” related, but I do have a question about your bookcase styling. I am drawn to bookcases styled with color coordinated books and the simplicity and and focal point it creates. A little embarrassed to ask but do you just look for specific colored books while you’re out and about? Just trying to figure out best way to accomplish it.
Thanks so much and so enjoy your aesthetic, words and spirit!
Hi Linda! I actually don’t look for specific colors. I buy books that have titles that are interests of mine and that are pretty. Then I just put the colors together, hope that helps!
Try Tuesday Morning. Great and VERY inexpensive puzzles( under $7) including all the top brands.
Never looked there, thank you!