About my ratings

Perhaps because of my day job, I'm a tough rater. Everything 3/5 and above I consider worth the time and money. If I purchase on Etsy or a similar platform and the puzzle is as expected, I will give a top rating on the platform because of how seller ratings work, but here "as expected" is probably a 3/5 in most cases.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Snowflake Puzzle

Nervous System, 121 pieces. I liked the interaction of the more regular snowflakes with the curvier Nervous System style. 3/5





Vikram Madan, Robot Creation Myth

 Artifact, 382 pieces. This one had a lot of dark blue in it that started out hard to differentiate, complicated by the very irregular edge; eventually some distinctions became more visible. Liked the dropout stars! 3/5






Surinam Caiman & South American False Coral Snake, Maria Sibylla Merian

 Turning Taxis, 243 pieces. Another small-piece challenge with some subtle color changes in the caiman body! 3/5





Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Peking Opera #1

 Turning Taxis, 255 pieces. Very small pieces make this an assembly challenge, along with the irregular edge/protrusions! 3/5



finger for comparison



Dee Rogers, Haven of Halos

 Nonie Made Me, 67 pieces. Fun teaser puzzle! 4/5





Owl-Woodland Flower, Jena DellaGrottaglia

Liberty, 540 pieces. Impressive cut with multipiece flowers centered on the flowers in the image, though hilariously I don't seem to have retained a picture of the front! 4/5









Monday, January 19, 2026

Coastal Landscape with Blooming Lilac Bush, Thorolf Holmboc

 Liberty, 481 pieces. Really fun whimsies, including an elaborate tree design and what might be my personal favorite, a parent/child pair reading together. 4/5




adult and child reading together: love it!