Shaped for Fun — A Top Ten List
This week, for the dog days of summer, Jigsaw Junkies is featuring shaped puzzles. This week we had a review of “Autumn Squirrel” by Mary Thompson and “Abundant Garden” by Aimee Stewart. Today I’m going to share a top ten list with my favorite picks of Puzzle Warehouse’s selection of shaped puzzles. (As usual, I couldn’t pick just ten so there are a few extra…)
Counting up to the very best….
12. “Waiting For A Walk” by Giordano Studios, Sunsout — 800 pieces
If you like dog puzzles, you’ll like this pretty puzzle from Giordano Studios with its garden full of puppies.
Link to puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.
11. “Florida Wildlife” by Mary Thompson, Sunsout — 845 pieces
This state-shaped puzzle has beautiful artwork by Mary Thompson and nice bright colors. If 1000 pieces seems a little intimidating, this one is smaller and looks like an easier one to assemble.
Link to puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.
10. “Dove of Hope” by Sandra Bergeron, Sunsout — 1000 pieces
This is a very interesting shaped puzzle. The illustrations inside the dove look like rich book illustrations. They’re beautifully done. The blending between the scenes is perfect. Definitely one for the to do list!
Link to puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.
9. “Forest Majesty” by Kevin Daniel, Sunsout — 1000 pieces
This is my favorite of the deer-themed shaped puzzle. The artwork inside the deer is very nicely done with an illustrated rather than photoshopped feeling. I really like the autumnal tone with the colored leaves and fall woods. Looks challenging with all that brown, but worth it!
Link to puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.
Note: Very similar to this one is “Bugle Call” by Cynthie Fisher, which is also has that “fall woods” feeling.
8. “Autumn Squirrel” by Mary Thompson, Sunsout — 1000 pieces
I love the fall theme of this one and especially the big colored leaves at the bottom. The rustic mill, horse and buggy, and six cute squirrels are pretty nice too. Here’s my review.
Link to puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.
7. “Run Aground” by Steve Sundram, Sunsout — 1000 pieces
This puzzle makes the list for sheer originality! The shape is really unique and I like the two different color schemes as well. The blue bottle section looks challenging, but in a good way.
Link to puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.
6. “Wolf Connections” by Greg Giordano, Sunsout — 350 pieces
If you like smaller piece sizes, you won’t find a prettier shaped puzzle than this one by Greg Giordano. I’ve seen a number of wolf-shaped puzzles, but this one has the nicest artwork. The various wolves are nicely blended with a painted effect and I love the soft colors.
Link to puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.
5. “Strawberry Patch” by Mary Thompson, Sunsout — 1000 pieces
An adorable shaped puzzle from Mary Thompson. I love the farm in the background and the faces on the critters. The strawberry patch looks fun to assemble.
Link to puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.
4. “Abundant Garden” by Aimee Stewart, Sunsout — 1000 pieces
Aimee Stewart and shaped? Sign me up! Aimee does justice to (what I believe is) her first shaped puzzle. This lovely garden image is filled with vibrant colors, realistic animals, and hidden surprises. Very fun to assemble. Check out my review here.
Link to puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.
3. “Parrot’s Paradise” by Lori Shory, Sunsout — 1000 pieces
This is a wonderful puzzle thanks to the vibrant colors and extremely irregular border. I love how the border follows the leaves and stems and doesn’t do just a ‘vague outline’ like some shaped puzzles. Gorgeous.
Link to puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.
2. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” by Lori Shory, Sunsout — 1000 pieces
I love Christmas puzzles, so no surprise that this is my #2 pick. Christmas tree shaped puzzles can be difficult because of all the pine needles, but this one has so much going on that the “needles only” areas are few and far between. The “12 days of Christmas” theme adds interest too. You can find all twelve days represented on the tree.
Link to puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.
1. “Japanese Garden” by TC Chui, Sunsout — 1000 pieces
This is still my favorite shaped puzzle! I review it here. I love the soft, pretty landscape and the Japanese garden theme. The subtle colors are enchanting. It’s gorgeous assembled too.
Link to puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.
How’d I do? Did I miss your favorite? Please post it below for our other readers.
See all my past reviews of shaped puzzles here.
Jane
