New Zealand artist paints new puzzles for Holdsons

 Temuka artist Bob Darroch, who has again collaborated with New Zealand puzzle company Holdson to create two new jigsaw puzzles for his collection. The first puzzle (1000 pieces) depicts a scene of chaos, and once that is completed, the second puzzle (200 pieces) shows what happened behind the scenes.

Mr Darroch sketches several ideas on thin paper. Using a lightbox, he puts the pieces together and traces a rough copy. Once happy with the rough, the final is transferred to watercolour paper and colour added. It takes about six weeks from start to finish.
You can read more about these new puzzles here.

Lose weight by doing a jigsaw!

If you need to lose a few kgs after all the eating at Christmas, keep your mind off food and your hands busy. Jigsaw puzzles! Ok, have a few nuts and vege sticks to nibble on, and water to drink, but you will soon be so engrossed you won't be tempted to raid the fridge.
Now here's the perfect puzzle to do while you lose those kgs -

Chocolate Fix by Holdson

Holdsons are celebrating the Queen's Royal Jubilee with this limited edition Wasgij Destiny puzzle - A Royal Knees Up! by Graham Thompson.
Street celebrations are in full swing for the Queen's Coronation, but how will things have changed in the same scene 60 years on!  It includes  2 x 1000pc puzzles. Due in shops end May. Order yours from us now so you don't miss out. www.pathwaypuzzles.co.nz

100 years since the RMS Titanic sank!

To commemorate the RMS Titanic's 100th Anniversary, artist Kevin Walsh and Holdson have released a ONE OFF 1000pc puzzle, titled "Maiden Voyage".

The RMS Titanic was a passenger liner that struck an iceberg on her maiden voyage and sank on the 15th April 1912. The liner was believed to be unsinkable. Also included is a copy of the historic front page of the London Herald, which tells the tragic story of the sinking of the Titanic, in depth.

Become Holdson's next jigsaw puzzle designer!

All you illustrators, photographers, and painters out there, here is your chance to have your pieces of art turned into 1000 piece puzzles by Holdson, NZ's no 1 jigsaw manufacturer. Entries are now open for Holdson's first ever jigsaw puzzle design competition. If you want to become Holdson's Next Jigsaw Puzzle Designer you have until Friday 5 May 2012. Entrants who submit a design have the chance to win their original artwork produced into a new set of 1000pc puzzles and sold nationwide. See the Terms and Conmditions here

What makes a great jigsaw puzzle design I hear you say - Lots of shapes and features Not too cluttered, but interesting to look at A large focal point image - eg: main object or character If possible, good foreground, middleground and background detail Bright and a spectrum of colours over the whole design - it should not be dominated by a single colour Fun to do - if possible include humour or tell a story in your drawing Vital parts of the picture should remain within 2cm of the edge... just in case of minor cropping. and Pathway Puzzles knows from experience we can't get enough jigsaws of Kiwiana - famous landmarks, pohutikawa, kowhai, even Marmite!! What an amazing opportunity! Remember, entries close Friday 5 May.

Ever wonder how a jigsaw is made?

Last Wednesday, The Breakfast Show on TV 1 made a visit to the Holdson's jigsaw factory in Auckland, and followed the course of a jigsaw from go to whoa. I was fascinated, as despite my love of jigsaws I have never actually seen the process. If you are interested click here for the link

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.

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!