Looking Forward – Top Ten Inspirational Puzzles
Inspirational Puzzles Week
For this last week of 2016, we’re featuring inspirational puzzles to put you in a contemplative and hopefully positive frame of mind for the new year. This week I reviewed “Peace” by Sam Timm and “St. Francis” by Randy Wollenmann. Now here’s my top ten list of the best inspirational puzzles available at Puzzle Warehouse.
Okay. Let’s get started.
16. “The Holy Bible” by Steve Crisp, Masterpieces (1000 pieces)
This collage of scenes from the Bible by artist Steve Crisp has tons of color and detail. (Click on the images below to see the puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.)
15. “Family Time By the River” by Kevin Walsh, Sunsout (300 pieces)
If you like smaller piece counts, this is a lovely inspirational scene from Sunsout. (Click on the images below to see the puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.)
14. “Forever” by Richard Jesse Watson, Sunsout (500 pieces)
For fantasy lovers, this image is sure to inspire. The colors and textures look fun to assemble. (Click on the images below to see the puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.)
13. “Autumn Church” by Dominic Davidson, Eurographics (1000 pieces) or Trefl (4000 pieces)
This classic scene by Dominic Davidson is lovely and soothing. You can get it in two different piece counts too, depending on your ambitions. (Click on the images below to see the puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.)
Below: Trefl’s 4000 piece version
12. “Tibetan Wheel of Life”, Pomegranate (1000 pieces)
This classic art puzzle by Pomegranate will inspire you to think about the meaning of it all. (Click on the images below to see the puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.)
11. “Sanctuary” by Kim Norlien, Buffalo Games (1000 pieces)
If you like lovely landscapes with churches, it’s hard to beat this image from Kim Norlien. I like all the purples and blues. (Click on the images below to see the puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.)
10. “The Invitation” by Tom Dubois, Buffalo Games (750 pieces)
Of all the traditional Noah’s ark puzzles, I think this is my favorite thanks to the panoramic shape and the unusual treatment. It will be fun picking out all the animals as you assemble. (Click on the images below to see the puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.)
9. “A Country Evening Service” by James Lee, Sunsout (1000 pieces)
This is gorgeous, particularly the mountains, which are always inspiring to me. I love the colors. (Click on the images below to see the puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.)
8. “Sistine Chapel” by Michelangelo, Piatnik (1000 pieces) or Ravensburger (5000 pieces)
If you’re looking to be inspired, it’s hard to beat the Sistine Chapel. It’s inspiring on many levels–the epic grandure, the scale, the sheer talent and artistry, and the religious theme. Many puzzle makers over the years have reproduced it, but currently Piatnik and Ravensburger have great options, depending on your level of dedication. (Click on the images below to see the puzzles on Puzzle Warehouse.)
7. “Autumn in New York” by Thomas Kinkade, Ceaco (1000 pieces)
A list like this wouldn’t be complete without at least one Thomas Kinkade. One of my favorites of his is “Autumn in New York”. It’s currently in print and available at Puzzle Warehouse via Ceaco. Thomas Kinkade is also published by Gibsons (UK) and Schmidt (Germany) (Click on the images below to see the puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.)
6. “Holy Family” by Randy Wollenmann, Sunsout (1000 pieces)
I reviewed “St. Francis” by Randy Wollenmann this week, and this is another gorgeous stained glass look puzzle from him. I love the vignettes around the circle. (Click on the images below to see the puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.)
5. “Sunday Morning” by Terry Redlin — White Mountain, 1000 pieces
This is a beautiful puzzle that’s sure to make you feel peaceful and happy as you imagine yourself in the scene. (Click on the image below to see the puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.)
4. “Peace” by Sam Timm — Sunsout, 1000 pieces
This scene is so perfectly serene and soothing. I reviewed it this week. If you’re up for the challenge of all the blue, it’s an amazing puzzle.
3. “Dove of Hope” by Sandra Bergeron — Sunsout, 1000 pieces
This shaped puzzle is filled with collage scenes from the Bible. Gorgeous! I love the irregular border. (Click on the image below to see the puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.)
2. “The Ultimate Noah’s Ark” by Mike Wilks — Pomegranate, 1000 pieces
This non-traditional Noah’s ark puzzle is amazing! The animals look like balloon floats on parade. There’s so much color and detail and I like the modern art style. Of course, you can’t beat Pomegranate’s quality. (Click on the image below to see the puzzle on Puzzle Warehouse.)
1. “St. Francis” by Randy Wollenmann — Sunsout, 1000 pieces
I love this puzzle by Randy Wollenmann and it rated 9.25 on our test this week. It’s my top pick in this category. See my review here. Not only is it a fun puzzle to assemble, but the final result is stunning.
That’s it for this count down. Happy New Year everyone! Please feel free to suggest other inspirational puzzles in the comments.
Jane
