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.