If the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step, does the jigsaw of a thousand pieces start with a single corner?
During Lockdown, my good friends Richard and Mary lent me lots of puzzles from their vast library. And every one had just 500 pieces.
I discovered that this size really suited me.
Apart from the Notre Dame puzzle I did in May, [1000] I've stuck to the smaller size.
But before Lockdown I'd picked up a 1000 piece one in a CS and left it on top of the wardrobe here at Cornerstones. It was John Constable's Salisbury Cathedral - a place we loved to visit when we were in Dorset. I thought I'd tackle it in retirement and it would bring back happy memories if that lovely city.
I finally took it down and tried to assemble it recently. It took two evenings of real concentration to complete the edge. It is a good quality Falcon puzzle. But [unlike this picture] I think mine was in the window of the CS for a long time. The picture is really faded and I've found the jigsaw impossible to complete because I cannot work out where the pieces go. Many shapes are so regular that some are interchangeable. After two weeks, I have given up on it. It was giving me headaches!
But I don't know what to do with it now. It is too difficult and I really wasn't enjoying it. I feel it wouldn't be right to put it back into a CS, but I'm reluctant to consigned it to the recycling bin.
What would you do?
There must be a jig saw piece craft activity for children somewhere? Or learn to make your own paper with it? Or back to Cs with a note saying 'this one's a bit tricky'
ReplyDeleteI have done jigsaw crafts in the past = 3 pieces painted brown make a reindeer gift tag. But I have no use for 333 reindeer tags!
DeleteI have done jigsaw crafts in the past = 3 pieces painted brown make a reindeer gift tag. But I have no use for 333 reindeer tags!
DeleteCompost!
ReplyDeleteGenius! Thank you. I was reading a Monty Don piece about compost, and realised I need more "dry brown" stuff. And this is helpfully all small bits. 1000 thank yous!
DeleteI think I would give it to a charity shop. They may just consign it to the recycling bin but they might be able to sell it. They may even have a customer who would like 333 gift tags with a bit left over!
ReplyDelete🤣🤣
DeleteI would donate back to a charity shop, I guess there are lots of 1000 piece experts out there, I'm not one of them. I can only manage 500 piece puzzles as well. But doing one with my great-grandson of just 25 pieces was very enjoyable. 😄
ReplyDeleteI've just done a small one with my granddaughter. I think 36 pieces is my limit on a hot day ☀️
DeleteHello Angela
ReplyDeleteI covered the edges of a photo frame with random puzzle pieces, then I put a photo of the lady who completed the puzzle in it.
Oh that's a nice idea
DeleteGood idea to pop the pieces in the compost. Salisbury holds special memories for me as my Godmother Mavis lived there are there are several family photos outside the Cathedral. She was a complex lady, she attended her local church but was also into Reiki healing and spirituality and would not have looked out of place in Glastonbury. Years later while in the RN, my husband had his degree ceremony there which was a special event.
ReplyDeleteSalisbury is a lovely city. I hope I'll get there again one day
DeleteCompost is a great idea!
ReplyDelete👍👍
DeleteWhat a great idea from Sue in Suffolk. I personally think all jigsaws (except small early years ones) should be put in the compost bin. I loath jigsaws, they make me feel suicidal from the first piece and I want to throw them out the window. My husband like a doing them, especially difficult aeroplane ones lots of sky! Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteI do hope you don't launch his plane puzzles out the window
DeleteI don't get on with them either Sue!!! Kx
Delete😉👍
DeleteI was going to suggest donating it, but, composting it sounds like an good idea, too. :)
ReplyDelete👍👍
DeleteWe made jigsaw wreaths at the craft class. The Shedman cut us some rings from cardboard and everyone happily glued on random pieces 2 or 3 layers thick. Some people then painted theirs if they wanted a specific colour for the base. It was great fun and gave an unwanted jigsaw a new lease of life. Catriona
ReplyDeleteMaybe the Brownies would like that idea , it would be a good Christmas craft with green pieces, and red beads like holly berries
DeleteThat’s a brilliant idea. I’ve got Constable’s The Haywain 1000 piece jigsaw which we bought at Flatford Mill about 20 years ago. I’ve attempted it probably a dozen times but have never managed to come anywhere near completing it, even during Lockdown - far too dark and murky! Sarah in Sussex
ReplyDeleteDefinitely compost it then . I remember a "caption competition for great art" years ago. The winner was the Haywain, with speech bubble saying "water in the carburettor again!"
DeleteWhen I worked in a preschool, we helped the children make jigsaw puzzle picture frames which were then painted and decorated with glitter. With a picture of the child in the completed frame, it made a lovely Christmas present for family!
ReplyDeleteAnother lovely idea 🧩🧩
DeleteHi Ang! I would recycle it. I'm glad to hear that not all puzzles bring joy for various reasons! We aren't puzzlers but Bill tried a while back and got really frustrated. Maybe it was a dud? Take care, friend xoxoPom Pom
ReplyDeleteHi PP, recycling or composting seem to be popular suggestions
DeleteI would love the challenge, I once managed to complete a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle with lots of black night sky with fireworks and nearly black water. Our son took the photo and had it made into a killer puzzle! I haven't donated it so far but if I do, it will have a warning on the box! I love doing puzzles but I have had to stop fetching them home, as I get too addicted and time just disappears while I only intend to put in a few pieces!
ReplyDeleteThey can be very distracting
DeleteEverything has a life, including puzzles. and compost sounds a good idea. Your puzzle will live on in helping to grow your garden.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely tending towards the compost idea
DeleteA friend of mine frequently does jigsaw but tells me that they can't be put into paper/cardboard recycling (here in Scotland) so maybe you need to check with local authorities before choosing that option.
ReplyDeleteThat is a valid point - composting it is then!! 🧩🧩🧩
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