World's biggest jigsaw puzzle collapses

I nearly cried when I read this article! This poor 70 year old chap completed the 32,000 piece jigsaw (the worlds largest) then stood it up against the wall so it could be photographed, and it collapsed!! Most of you will agree, there have been times when the cat has jumped on it, or the kids have played with your jigsaw, and messed up a bit - but to have spent 342 hours putting it together only to have it collapse is devastating. But he was not put off, he simply spent another 50 hours putting it back together again! Read the full story here.

Do leave us a comment if you have a story of when you had a mishap with one of your jigsaws.

Royal wedding jigsaw now on sale

For £30, people can buy a 250-piece jigsaw to commemorate next month's big day.

The internet store for Highgrove, the heir to the throne's Gloucestershire home, is advertising the puzzle, entitled Catherine & William Engagement Jigsaw, for £29.95.

It is being advertised as "a finely cut wooden jigsaw featuring unique Wentworth 'whimsy' pieces showing the engagement photograph of HRH Prince William and Catherine Middleton".

The puzzle depicts Catherine Middleton in her blue Issa dress and wearing Princess Diana's sapphire ring, while Prince William smiles proudly alongside her on the 14in by 10in puzzle.

What do you call a person who enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles?

A Dissectologist!

The BCD, or Benevolent Confraternity of Dissectologist’s to give it it’s fuller title, is a Worldwide club for lovers of Jigsaw Puzzles from all Nationalities and time periods.

The worlds largest and unsolved jigsaw puzzle

Archaeologists are all set to unearth several pieces of the world’s oldest and largest unsolved jigsaw puzzle- a 2,200-year-old map of Rome made of thousands of marble fragments-by next year.

The rare pieces could be excavated following construction work for a new metro line near Rome’s majestic forum area.

Read more about this here.

The Argentinian film "Puzzle"

I recently went to the NZ Film Festival viewing of the Argentinian film "Puzzle". It tells the story of a middle-aged Argentine wife and mother, Maria, who develops an interest in doing large jigsaw puzzles. She finds a like minded jigsaw partner, and secretly spends two afternoons a week doing jigsaws with him, they enter and win a competition. There are all sorts of subplots and th overall metaphor of life being a jigsaw can't be missed.Take a look at this trailer for the film.
If you also saw it, I'd love to hear what you thought. Leave a comment.

Take a look at this article about a 87 year old man who spends over 7 years doing a 5000 puzzle, only to find one piece missing when he completed it. Can you imagine the distress!

I have found since starting to use a portapuzzle I've had a lot less "Oh no, where did that bit go" moments! Check it out on our website.

Jigsaw wallpaper

If you're looking for a new use for your old jigsaws, or those with missing bits you got at that garage sale, try making wallpaper!
This is what Tracey Kendall, wallpaper designer has done. Quite impressive don't you think?

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

Hear Margaret Drabble reads from The Pattern on the Carpet

I have just been relaxing, sitting doing my latest jigsaw (Lunchtime 1932) as I listen to a podcast of Margaret Drabble, reading an excerpt from her book, The Pattern on the Carpet. I really recommend you do the same the next time you are puzzling. Fascinating listening! here's the link.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/audio/2009/apr/03/margaret-drabble-pattern-carpet

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.

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!