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.

Portapuzzle

Sometimes it is a real problem to find a space large enough to do a jigsaw. Especially if you have kids or cats in the house and can't trust leaving the jigsaw out. I have used a portapuzzle for the last 2 years, and wouldn't be without it now. It is like a large puzzle size suitcase that unzips and opens out to fit a 1000 piece jigsaw. It has two trays for sorting and the whole thing zips up to be put under the sofa or bed out of the way when not in use. I also take mine with me on holiday so I can keep doing my puzzle while away. It is lined in felt so the pieces stay put.

Deco puzzles

It was recently art deco week in Napier, and who'd think of incorporating art deco into a jigsaw! Well, these clever jigsaws from Jumbo have beautiful decorative edges. The puzzle has an extra large piece in the centre which makes a good starting point and once completed, the jigsaw can be glued using the puzzle glue included allowing you to enjoy the fantastic image forever.

Flokati Jigsaw - Bright Sunflowers

The jigsaw I'm working on at the moment is by Ravensburger, and called Bright Sunflowers. It is so cool! Some of the pieces have a felt covering, so the finished jigsaw has a 3D feel, very tactile. It is fun to do, and so bright and colourful. I've completed most of the flowers, but the yellow ones are proving to be a challenge, I must admit. It has 1000 pieces, and despite the felt covering they fit together really well. I will be very sad to finish it as I have really enjoyed this jigsaw. I haven't decided whether to break it up or glue it together. Decisions, decisions.

Have you tried a flokati jigsaw? Do leave a comment if you have, I'd love to hear how you found it.

Worlds largest jigsaw

I am constantly amazed by the size of some jigsaws. 18,000 piece ones have been around for a while, but this 24,000 piece one is now available in NZ. Whats more it has its own website!http://www.worldslargestpuzzle.com/ . The artwork for Life - The Great Challenge is also by Royce B McClure a New Zealander. He has tried to make each section different enough from the other sections so that you won't feel that you are doing the same puzzle over and over.

It is also in the Guiness Book of records, now thats some achievement for a jigsaw puzzle!

And for anyone who feels 24,000 pieces is a bit much, it is also available in 3000 pieces. I think thats more my size, until one day when I have heaps of time and space.