Over the past year, we’ve all had to change our thinking. We had to learn new ways to create, focus and find activities that we could do from home. I used to make giant Legos with thousands of them. I like to have something to focus on. I love the satisfaction that comes from creating something from debris into a final product.
After my daughter was born, and dozens of pieces were lost, I stopped.
Just before COVID came into our lives, I bought some puzzle games. I don’t look at the producer, the size or feeling of the pieces. Those things don’t matter to me. I just liked the images I had chosen, but then I realized I was having fun!
And that’s how I started my puzzle journey…
I started research. I started joining groups. I learned the term that I never heard of: cutting ribbons, cutting wires, finishing with linen. I learned about the puzzle artists and began to recognize their style. I’m better. I’m faster. Now I can advise on brands, cuts, different materials. I can show you how to arrange, and what kind of accessories are useful.
I’ve become a jerk!
There’s nothing wrong with that. I have learned what I like, what to avoid, and most importantly, I have learned that there is no wrong answer to the riddle. Everyone does things differently, and everybody’s right. It’s wonderful to have a hobby where we can all share ideas and opinions and no one’s wrong.
People like different styles and pieces and people approach different strategies.
In this particular moment, the number of puzzles sales skyrocketed. There are few stocks and producers who can’t keep up with their needs. We are trapped at home without knowing how long this pandemic will last. We are struggling to find different balances and exits to train the brain.
There was something very pleased in a pile of debris scattered in chaos where we were able to restore things and make it whole.
The riddles are good for our minds. They help us reduce stress. We can do it alone or with our families. We can share it with others. We can hold them on the wall or do it again. We can do it fast or in a few weeks. We can do it with background music or in silence. There is no right or wrong way to solve the puzzle. And with a lot of producers and artists, the possibilities are endless.
How did you start? What’s your puzzle life?
If you don’t know where to start, here’s my advice: Imagine an image you like. The riddles tell us. Start with 300 or 500 pieces. Try a standard cutting puzzle such as Buffalo or Ravensburger with many smaller shapes.
And personally, I always do the first edges. You’d be happy to see that border hold all of it. Like we do every day.