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, July 16, 2025

Soaring Freedom

 Enigma, 180 pieces. This one is also very tight-cut and apparently I forgot a picture of the unassembled puzzle. Notable: the helicopter whimsy as a symbol of America (military might?). 3/5

helicopter, top R; Statue of Liberty, center



47th St.

 Stave, 395 pieces. We use a photo of Times Square on the cover of our advertising law casebook, and so I liked this image. 




well done!


Hairspray whimsies and person with groceries

bicyclist

pizza rat not included

knowledge worker

house+L hand bus+L = hustle and bustle



Aaron Wolf, Celestial City

 Artifact, 554 pieces. Wolf's images are detailed and generally muted in color; I liked the whimsies in this one. 3/5







extra adornment, bottom left--3D printed, I think




Monday, July 14, 2025

I Am Groot

 Enigma, 95 pieces. Came from Hoefnagel with a lovely note about the blog--thank you, Gentle Reader! You made my day! This is really tightly cut--tighter than the other Enigmas I've done, but just as tight as the other Enigma in the box--I wonder if this is from a different cutting period, or if the wood expanded a bit. Easy to flip! Also a cute multipiece whimsy that forms headphones over Groot's head. 3/5





District of Attorneys

 Stave, 410 pieces. Love the theme, of course! Lots of little details in this one. The whimsies are often about the situations that lawyers can be brought in to deal with; I get that lawyer whimsies are somewhat hard to generate beyond a few easy ones. 7/10





multipiece scales of justice



accident in progress


firefighters

actual daily work

can+duck+ink bees+nest = conducting business




Angela Gomes, Canaa Valley

 Artifact/Ecru, 148 pieces. Small puzzle/pieces; I always like the hexagonal tiled designs. 3/5





Thursday, July 3, 2025

Roch Urbaniak, Ulthar

 Artifact/Ecru, 136 pieces. Curvy cut adds interest to this small puzzle. 3/5