The Gardener's Cupboard
Although seed sowing and potting up has now started in earnest we are making the most of the last few long winter evenings indulging in the seasonal pleasure that jigsaws can provide. I would like to say that we always work in harmony but it's not always the case. Right hander versus left hander, different sorting techniques and my preference for having specific areas to complete can sometimes result in minor childish outbursts. However jigsaw evenings usually are most relaxing and companiable. Our latest finished opus was the 'The Gardener's Cupboard'. This is one of a series of puzzles designed by the author and illustrator Colin Thompson. His puzzles are whimsical, full of intricate detail and fiendishly difficult but all great fun. Although each is unique they feature signature cameos which are a pleasure to rediscover. This would be a perfect present for any gardening or even non gardening friend who enjoys the challenge of assembling a jigsaw. My only gripe was that there were no snowdrops in the picture!
We are now on to what will probably be the last jigsaw for some time. It's a floral extravaganza to say the least. More information to come at future date when we've finally put all the jigsaw paraphernalia to bed. Are there any more jigsaw lovers out there?
It's years since I've done a jigsaw. I see some wonderful ones on blogs which make me fancy having a go but I just never seem to get round to it, too many other things taking up my time I suppose. I do like the look of this one, lots of colour, I was never a fan of those with a big expanse of sky or lots of dark colours mingling together.
ReplyDeleteI had probably not touched a jigsaw since childhood until three years ago or so Jo but have thoroughly enjoyed doing them again perhaps even more so than when younger. Maybe it's an age related thing :)
DeleteI love doing jigsaws, mostly from charity shops so haven't come across these, they would make great gifts for my Mum thanks for mentioning this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Debbie and for your comment. This was a birthday gift from my sister which was much appreciated by the recipient :)
DeleteI enjoy jigsaws too but the one that I have on my board at the moment is uninspiring and consequently sits there unworked upon.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you don't mind me mentioning but should your blog text be a very pale grey as that is how it displays on my screen making it difficult to read? It's could be my poor eyesight but I thought I'd ask.
Thanks for mentioning the text issue Sue. I'm glad that you pointed it out. The text gremlins must have got in the works somewhere as it shouldn't be a very pale grey. Have upped the notch a couple of times and hope that it's easier on the eye. Please let me know if it has done the trick. I hope that that the latest jigsaw falls into place sooner or later.
DeleteMuch better, Anna
DeleteThanks so much Sue. I will watch out next time I post to make sure that it doesn't happen again.
DeleteI didn't know Colin Thompson did jigsaws, I've loved his illustrations in children's books for years and I'm sure my mum would like one of his jigsa designs. I'll have to have a look for one.
ReplyDeleteHis illustrations are rather special Su. He is about to enter the world of adult colouring books. Could be fun.
DeleteI shall make a note, my SIL has got me addicted to jigsaws, I did a fiendishly difficult one of a Van Gogh sunflowers painting, it was so hard I left out complete for a couple of weeks just to remind myself that I had actually managed to finish it! I am currently stuck on the sky over Mull, which is proving problematic.
ReplyDeletePS I know exactly what you mean about different techniques leading to interesting encounters - Mil and Fil nearly had an all-out row over a jigsaw we were all doing together just after Christmas, and there were certainly points at which I wanted to tell them both to go away and leave me to "do it the right way"...
I'm full of admiration Janet - I don't think that I would have the patience to tackle one of Van Gogh's sunflower paintings. I hope that you've since moved on with that Mull sky. It sounds as if you had fun and games with the festive jigsaw :)
Deleteyou prompted me to wander off here
ReplyDeletehttp://thejigsawpuzzles.com/Piece-of-Art/Cottages-By-A-River-jigsaw-puzzle
Thanks Diana - I could be tempted :)
DeleteI used to do them, when there was time and space or when the kids were wee. My other half's parents always have on a table in their kitchen for everyone to dabble with when passing through.
ReplyDeleteLeaving a jigsaw for all those passing by sounds a good idea Rona. Ours get worked upon on a kitchen breakfast bar but I'm always wondering whether a piece will end up in a meal one of these days. We have got one of the cases that you can use to work on the jigsaw and then pack it away but it doesn't always work out like that.
DeleteThat is a super attractive puzzle, Anna! My grandkids love zigsaw puzzles, they work them at top speed, so I like to take them a new puzzle and work on it with them some. Even the 6 year old likes to do them. It's great if people can work them in harmony, for sure. My approach has been for each to work on a different color or area of the puzzle so we don't overlap too much.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and commenting Hannah. They are certainly an activity when all ages can join in. Your strategy for working sounds much the same as mine but himself somehow manages to forget.
DeleteAhah - when I saw the title I knew what your post was going to be about! I smiled at the thought of the childish outburst-producing joint jigsaw doing and certainly cannot imagine the Golfer and I in a joint jigsaw venture as our techniques would be very different. I will add this one to a future 'present list' despite the lack of snowdrops; meanwhile I am saving the Kitchen Cupboard for later in the year
ReplyDeleteYou will enjoy it Cathy. Working on your own must have its advantages :) I think that we did 'The Kitchen Cupboard' last Christmas. Luckily there are still more cupboards on the horizon.
DeleteYes I do enjoy jigsaws, my other half's mum and dad always have one on the go and I love to sit and have a go when we visit. Struggle to have one out at home, I need one of those fold up thingamy's that you can store one in! Those illustrations are lovely.
ReplyDeleteAnnie - get yourself a thingamy when you can. I used to worry that the pieces might fall out but they are really most effective.
DeleteI haven' t done one for years but I love doing jigsaws. It is such a waste of time but so absorbing. The Colin Thompson designs are great fun. I have enjoyed the Essence of the Garden book that I saw you were reading. Now I have ordered the jigsaw. A great way of relaxing after spending too long in the garden and getting exhausted.
ReplyDeleteSurely not a waste of time Chloris as apparently they are an excellent way of exercising the brain :) I'm sure you will enjoy doing the jigsaw when it arrives. I'm so glad that you enjoyed 'The Essence Of The Garden' :)
DeleteOver Christmas break my daughter was home from university and asked me to help her put a puzzle together. In about five minutes, I was ready to pull my hair out. Every piece looked the same. It drove me mad so I left the table and just cheered her on from afar. :o)
ReplyDelete