Happy New Year!!

The Team at Pathway Puzzles would like to wish all our clients and readers best wishes, good health and happiness for 2010.
We are pleased to be having a brief break from the frantic wrap and despatch of the last few weeks.
Our stocks of jigsaws are a bit depleted at the moment, but new stock will be arriving in January, so keep a look out on the website.
In the meantime, here are a couple of delights still in stock.

Formel Fun
Both are 1000 pieces.
Proud as a Peacock

Its not too late to order!

It is not too late to order for Christmas. We have noticed the couriers are starting to take a day longer to get deliveries made, but we despatch next day, so there is still time!


It is still early morning, and there is a beautiful day ahead. Where I sit the sun is glistening just as it is in this beautiful dawn scene - Morning Glory by Ravensburger.


I just love the birds and the colours in Time for Lunch also by Ravensburger.

So there is still heaps of choice. But don't delay much longer. Take a look at our website now.

Christmas is coming!!

Its just two weeks today 'til Christmas day. It's not too late to order online for Christmas, but be in quick, as stock is moving fast. Why not buy a Christmas themed jigsaw for all the family to work on over the festive season?

WASGIJ Christmas 4 - White Christmas.




Ho! Ho! Ho! is 1000 pieces shaped. Lots of fun for all.

Kitten jigsaws in a tin - stocking stuffers

We have just received the cutest 1000 piece kitten jigsaws in a collectable tin. They are the ideal stocking fillers. The colours on the tins are metallic in look, and the kittens are just so cute. Also, at $25 they are inexpensive. Collect them all - they'd look great glued and on the wall as a set!

jigsaws with large pieces

Do you love doing jigsaws, but get frustrated that you can no longer see the detail on the pieces well enough? Or do you know someone in that position? I find that I now need to have a light behind me so I'm not working in my shadow. We have just added another range of large piece jigsaws to our collection. These do make it easier to see the detail and jigsaw fans with less than perfect vision, or who find handling the little pieces fiddly, do love them.
What more, we are the only company in New Zealand (that we know of anyway) that has a selection of these for sale. Check out our range here.

What size jigsaw do you prefer??

I usually stick with the 1000 - 1500 piece jigsaws. They're manageable, fit in my portapuzzle and I finish them in a reasonable length of time without getting bored. But I know some of you find a 1000 piece jigsaw just isn't challenging enough. For others its too much. How about you? What size do you like best and why? Send us a comment - we'd love to hear from you. Click on the comments link below.

New series of cat puzzles

We have just received a new series of cat puzzles by Lesley Anne Ivory. They have just 300 extra large pieces, so are suitable for children and adults who have difficulty handling the small pieces of a standard puzzle.

Lesley Anne Ivory is a most talented cat artist. Cats play an important part in Lesley Anne's life and the majority of her paintings are portraits of her own feline family.

Great news! WASGIJ Christmas 4 is out!

I am so excited! I just love the WASGIJ puzzles, and WASGIJ Christmas 4 has just been released. It is called "White Christmas" and this time The Salvation Army is spreading the Christmas Spirit by singing carols. But what has caught the eye of the man up the ladder? What he has seen is the picture you have to complete! As you all know, the picture on the box is not the picture on the puzzle.
We will have these in stock soon, and if you are a collector of WASGIJ puzzles, don't delay, as they are only available for Christmas and soon go out of stock.

Let us find the puzzle you are looking for

We are frequently asked if we can find particular jigsaws - on a specific topic, or brand, size or title. We have access to many more jigsaws than we can possibly have in stock, so we are only too happy to check out the catalogues anad order in any that you may especially want. We enjoy doing the research, and we love making you happy. So, dont be afraid to ask us!! Just click here and send us a message.

More new children's jigsaws

We are expanding our range of children's jigsaws at your request! Now as well as the floor puzzles, we have increased the number of 100 - 300 piece jigsaws. These are not easy to find in the shops we know. Take a look at these:

More fabulous floor puzzles!

This delightful range of floor puzzles has just arrived - in time for Christmas shopping. These are great stocking fillers. The littlies will love them. They feature our favourite fairy tale characters - Hansel and Gretel, The three little pigs and Red Riding Hood. They have 20 extra large pieces, and measure 66 x 47 cms when complete.

Children's floor puzzles

Due to demand we have increased our range of floor puzzles for the little ones. These are beautiful - double sided, 46 extra large pieces for little hands. Be in quick, they won't last!!

Posting overseas for Christmas

Just a reminder that Christmas is just around the corner, and here at Pathway Puzzles we are getting all geared up for the 'crazy' season. Why not get in early - do your Christmas shopping now, on line at our website.

We can send your choice of puzzle gift wrapped with your message attached any where in the world, in time for Christmas.

Puzzles by the artist Victoria Francis

We have just restocked puzzles by the Spanish artist Victoria Frances. Her evocative, expressive paintings, depict stories in the Gothic Romantic style. Characterised by desolate and melancholic atmospheres, her work is hugely popular around the world, and each piece produced by Educa, translates into a wonderful jigsaw. The two images here, butterfly and The Lovers, are imensely popular.

Gluing a puzzle

Just recently I was talking to a customer who was having one of our puzzles framed. She had paid over $20 to the framer to get the puzzle glued. She was somewhat dismayed when I told her we could have sold her a whole bottle of puzzle fixative (enough for two 1000 piece puzzles) for $10.00.


There are two brands of fixative available on our website. The Holdsons brand has enough fixative for two puzzles, depending on how thickly you put it on. The Ravensburger one is larger, will do 6-8 puzzles, and has a useful sponge tip to help with the spreading.


The other key thing about gluing jigsaws with proper puzzle fixative is to glue it on the picture side, not the back of the puzzle. It gives a lovely gloss finish - the more coats, the higher the gloss. It also helps as a dust repellent.

A new WASGIJ - no. 15

At last another WASGIJ for the WASGIJ fans - number 15. Run like the wind. This time the scene is at the racers. What commotion is going on on the track?? As usual there are a lot of expression filled faces, and a busy background to make the puzzle intriquing and humorous.

Special children's puzzles

Little ones will absolutely love these puzzles. Complete the 500 piece puzzle, glue it together with the puzzle glue that is included, and then glue on the 55 sparkly gems that are also included. It comes with instructions and a suggestion guide. What fun!!

Lost Treasure

Moonlight fairy

Shaped jigsaws

I can't help thinking there is something particularly special about shaped jigsaws. These were the first puzzles we stocked when we started the company. I have done a few of them now, and each time I get a real thrill out of watching them develop. Because they don't have a regular rectangle shape they 'grow' in all directions, depending on the picture. They are Sunsout brand, and a particularly good quality of jigsaw.

New Educa jigsaws

We have just received a shipment of new Educa puzzles. Educa puzzles have been manufactured in Barcelona, Spain for over 20 years, and are very high quality jigsaws. Their puzzles are made using ‘green and blue board’, a thick high quality paperboard which ensures a perfect fit between pieces, with very little puzzle dust. In addition, Educa puzzles come with sachets of puzzle glue included ready for gluing the completed puzzle! Amboseli National Park has magnificent colouring, and is just 1000 pieces.
London Bridge is also 1000 pieces, but it glows in the dark for an extra treat when finished. Remember that puzzle glue is included!

floor puzzle map of the world

We are often asked for a map of the world suitable for children, and at last we have been able to get a floor puzzle map of the world. It is bright and attractive, and also has flags of the various countries. It has just 100 pieces, and also includes a poster. It also comes in a good sturdy box so it can all be stored away until the next time it is used. Highly recommended.

Scramble Squares

We have recently moved away, just slightly, from jigsaws, and bought some scramble squares. These are sooo much fun! Real family entertainment. Although each Scramble Squares puzzle has only nine 4" x 4" pieces, Scramble Squares puzzles are Perhaps the World's Most Challenging Puzzle! They are inexpensive, but highly entertaining and valued gifts for both men and women alike... Scramble Squares puzzles are Easy To Play, But Hard To Solve!

Each Scramble Squares puzzle package includes a panel of fascinating factual information on the subject of the puzzle, as well as a trivia question and hidden answer, all packaged in a unique and handy heavy duty resealable vinyl travel pouch, which may be collected and stored easily in a standard 3-ring binder. The vinyl pouch is crystal clear, enabling the consumer to see the extraordinary beauty of the puzzles' realistic original art.

Scramble Squares teach critical thinking/problem solving skills, patience, perseverance, statistical probability, cooperative and solitary productivity.

Blank jigsaws

We often get asked if we have blank jigsaws that can be drawn on. Well the answer is yes! They are just 20 pieces, 21.5 x 18 cms and are ideal for kids to draw on. They can't be put through a printer as they are already cut and wouldn't curve. But they are inexpensive at just $2.00 each, so the next time you are looking for something to entertain the children during the holidays, or just want something original for them to do as a gift for grandparents, or teachers, think about blank jigsaws.

New Ceaco velvet jigsaws

We have just received a shipment of velvet jigsaws from Ceaco. The backs of the pieces are covered in velvet, or really, its more like felt. This makes the pieces a bit thicker than the standard pieces. They fit well, and it gives the puzzle a sturdy, non slip backing. Makes the jigsaw easier to do if you are working on a piece of board, or perhaps you find handling the usual pieces a bit tricky.

The images are really beautiful too. They make wonderfully unique gifts.

This one is called 'Autumn Angel'.

Here is 'Ombria in shadow'

Double sided puzzles

My latest addiction in jigsaws is double sided ones - not only do you have to sort them by colours and shape, but you also have to have the pieces up the right way. Now thats tricky! So if you're up for the challenge, give a double sided jigsaw a go. We have several in stock:

Smiley Faces is just one in the Worlds Most Difficult Jigsaw Puzzle series. There is also one called Cats and another called Dalmations. Whew, they are 500 pieces of sheer challenge!






Dream Horse is not only shaped, but is also double sided. It is amazing, and a delight to do. I really recommend this one.

More new puzzles!

As promised, here are another couple of new Ravensburger jigsaws added to our website http://www.pathwaypuzzles.co.nz/

This amazing jigsaw is called Fairy Forest, 1000 pieces, artwork is by the artist Eckhart Freytag.

Bird lovers will adore this puzzle called Time for lunch. 1000 pieces.

New Ravensburger jigsaws just received

We have just received some fabulous new jigsaws from Ravensburger, including some more many pieces (2000 - 3,000 pieces) ones. These are always in demand, and trying to keep a variety available is challenging.
Here is St Peters Cathedral a new 3000 piece puzzle. And this beautiful floral arrangement is called Rose bouquet, 1000 pieces. I'll show more over the next day or so.

Welcome!!

Welcome to those of you who are reading this blog for the first time. Please feel free to leave us a comment - just click on the leave comment box at the end of this entry. We look forward to hearing from you.

How do you start a jigsaw?
I was just talking to a friend at the weekend and we got to discussing this. I always sort out the edge pieces and sort the rest into broad groups of similar colours or patterns as I go. my friend says she dives in and looks for the pieces to a particular part of the picture she wants to do and does that, putting the edge together just as she finds the pieces. How do you start a jigsaw? Leave us a comment!!

Sight and Sound puzzles

Now Winter is really setting in, these sight and sound puzzles are the answer to wet and wild afternoon indoors. Four 250 piece jigsaws and a CD of music. There are two to choose from - Handel's inspired 'Water Music' (performed by the Mayfair Philharmonic Orchestra) or sounds of the rainforest - bringing the atmosphere alive as you surround yourself with the croaks of frogs, the chatter of monkeys and musical bird calls interrupted by a tropical downpour.

Such a brilliant idea, and a great gift!

Large piece jigsaws

Yesterday I put on a display for a local retirement village here in Palmerston north, New Zealand. It was a lot of fun. Many of the residents told us they used to do jigsaws but don't now because they can't see well enough, or their arthritis makes handling the pieces difficult. They were really pleased when I was able to tell them we have a range of jigsaws with large pieces, and we purchase jigsaws with light bright colours especially for those who can't see so well. What a great day we had, and left knowing some of the residents were delighted to be able to have another go at a jigsaw!

Truancy judge uses jigsaw puzzles as punishments

Now heres an original idea!
A Texas judge has a new and somewhat original approach to punishing kids who do not attend school regularly. Judge John Sholden is sentencing kids to a fine, and to complete a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle with their parents. The reason for the jigsaw puzzle punishment is to force kids and their parents to spend time together working on a jigsaw and most importantly talking to each other. The hope is that this time together will force the kids to discuss issues and problems with their parents in a relaxed and positive setting.
“The rules are a parent can’t put in a puzzle piece without the child being present, and the child can’t put in a piece without the parent being present,” said Sholden.
As a tribute to the success and commitment to the program the judge has dozens of the completed jigsaw puzzles put together under this project lining his office walls. It also gives kids a sense of achievement which transfers to their school work.
I wonder if they get to choose their own jigsaw.
Read about it here.

Holdsons puzzles manufacturer is 70!

Holdson’s is the longest established company in the New Zealand Toy industry. Well known for their WASGIJ jigsaws.This year they celebrate their 70th Anniversary.
They began in 1939 producing children’s wooden jigsaw puzzles. This soon led to manufacturing board games and cardboard puzzles which are still the main focus of the business.
To celebrate their 70th Anniversary they are running a promotion where consumers collect 3 vouchers from specially marked 1000 piece puzzles, and get a 1000 piece puzzle free. Congratularions Holdsons, we love your jigsaws!

Farewell to summer!!

At the Easter weekend I started to feel the nip of Autumn approaching so decided to do a summer jigsaw to keep the summer feel going. This jigsaw produced by Heye, with artwork by Blachon is a delight to do. 1000 pieces, its colourful, detailed and humorous. It is not too difficult, and as the jigsaw came together you find all sorts of humorous scenes. It was a cheerful diversion during the Easter weekend.