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.

Monday, December 2, 2024

Grow Old Together, Gwen van Knippenberg

 Hidden Piece, 531 pieces. This one is for people who really like themed cuts; the image lacks some of the variety that some people might want and relies on the cut for interest. But the cut does have a lot of it, with a number of different whimsies showing activities that a couple might enjoy through the decades, as well as central multipiece whimsies of bride and groom. 3/5




a bicycle built for two, and Sorry or similar tokens



Close Your Eyes, Marina Castaldo

 Elms, 655 pieces. Nice soft colors, some twinned whimsies, plenty of variation beyond the river--a good experience all around. 7/10.









Spirited Flight, Dee Rogers

 Misfit Creations, 59 pieces. What a service to the community Dee Rogers has performed! This lovely Teaser-style puzzle was nicely cut with shiny paper. 4/5






Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Rock Sound Reef, Emma Lopez

 Hidden Piece, 534 pieces. This is a nice Liberty analogue with its own style, including coral-reef-like pieces and some color line cutting on the fish up at the top. 3/5





Fly Fishing

 Stave, 105 pieces. I really love the Touzzle style--a Teaser without a frame. This one is a lot of fun. 8/10







Peonies and Small Birds, Ito Jakuchu

 Liberty, 471 pieces. Nice puzzle with consistent difficulty because the colors are largely the same but there's also lots of detail throughout. 3/5










Monday, November 25, 2024

Rae Ritchie, Grapefruit Cat

 Elms, 392 pieces. Nice, soft colors and steady assembly. 6/10





Sheer Loonacy

 Stave, 75 pieces. Charming two-sword Teaser, with bonus snack puzzle from Stave. 6/10








Hic Sunt Dracones

 Liberty, approx. 450. Really impressive irregular edges/dropouts. Also, a 3D dragon that I, as usual, failed to make stand up. 5/5








Monday, November 11, 2024

Potomac Days

 Stave, 660 pieces. Great puzzle (from Hoefnagel) with a beautiful blue sky and a lot of small details. 7/10





the rebus (photo swapped so it's in the correct order)



I love the beer stein 





Google, why do you do this to me?