Wish List: Shelf Life (Ravensburger, 18000pc) *UPDATED*

Image via colinthompson.com

As you may know, I've given up on working on any giant puzzles for the time being.

Nevertheless, it brings me great joy to see Ravensburger continue expanding its collection of (jumbo!) puzzles based off illustrator Colin Thompson's artwork. The latest offering is an 18K challenge and, as always, chock full of fun and whimsical detail. The completed puzzle measures over 9 feet wide and 6 feet tall.

At the time of posting, the puzzle appears in the Ravensburger UK catalog but does not appear to be available for sale yet. Based on Thompson's website, it looks like it will hit the markets by year end, which gives us all a bit of time to prep for this marathon of a puzzle.

UPDATE 12/12/17: Available for purchase direct from the Ravensburger US website.

Wish List: Bizarre Town (Ravensburger, 5000pc) *UPDATED*

Image via Ravensburger.com

One of my favorite discoveries last year was the Fantastic Balloon Ride, a whimsical work of art from author and illustrator Colin Thompson.

As such, I was thrilled to read that Ravensburger would be releasing a 5000 piece version of another Thompson illustration, pictured above. It's a beautiful, messy patchwork full of kook and whimsy, and I'm not sure if it will be frustratingly or pleasantly challenging but am leaning towards the former.

Based on information I've gathered thus far, the puzzle is available only from retailers in the UK (via Amazon) and Germany (direct from Ravensburger) for now, but it should arrive in US stores by the end of February.

Let the countdown begin!

UPDATE 12/12/17: Now available in the US on Amazon.

From the Archives: Manatee Haven (F.X. Schmid, 1000pc)

Image via Amazon

A few fun facts:

1. My favorite animal = the manatee
   
   Why? I don't know, but since learning about them during Jacques Cousteau week in the 3rd grade, they've had a special place in my heart.


2. My first ever ebay auction = the manatee puzzle above (an intense bidding war it was not)
   
   Why? See #1 and this blog.


3. F.X. Schmid has been owned by Ravensburger since the mid-90's.
   
   Had no idea until I tried going to fxschmid.com the other day.

Considering I worked on this puzzle almost 15 years ago, I was pleasantly surprised to see it still available for purchase at Amazon. Definitely recommended for other manatee fans.

From the Archives: Oceanic Wonders (Ravensburger, 3000pc)

Image via Amazon

I completed this puzzle last year, after spending one full week holed up in my apartment, crouched over the kitchen counter. It was my first 3K challenge - big milestone!

In retrospect, this puzzle is a great transition piece for those looking to make the leap to jumbo-sized puzzles. Why?

First, it's huge - the final puzzle is 48x32in, which, when divided into 3000 pieces, makes the size of each piece seem standard/almost on the larger side (strictly relative to the Cherry Jam piece I'm currently working on, which is 36x27in and also 3000 pieces).

Second, it's a colorful picture (Lisa Frank-esque) with a lot going on, all of which makes it easier to piece together because you're less likely to get stuck in one spot.

With 70+ reviews on Amazon, this 3K challenge is already well-spoken for, so I'll keep it brief here. One thing to watch out for is an abundance of blue puzzle dust. I recall there being a lot of dust in the box itself, so your hands might start turning blue (the color of the cardboard) over time. Easy to wash off, though, so it's no big deal. Aside from the dust, in terms of overall quality, this guy certainly lives up to the reputation of its brand, Ravensburger. Head over to Amazon for more raves.

Purchased from Amazon.