Welcome
Hello puzzlers!
Welcome to the spring/summer 2025 edition of Positively Puzzling.
What a year we have ahead! We’re delighted to be sharing with you some gorgeous new puzzles. In this issue, we chat with the wonderful Linda Jane Smith about her big new launch for this year. Fancy seeing your pet in a future puzzle? Enter our exclusive competition for your chance to make that happen!
That’s just the tip of the jigsaw-iceberg for the news in this edition so grab yourself a cuppa and enjoy the read!
Happy puzzling!
The Ravensburger UK Puzzle Team
PS Don’t forget you can always get in touch at positivelypuzzling@ravensburger.com
04 Bits & Pieces Bitesize news from our puzzling world
05 From the inbox The Ramsbottom Jigsaw Festival
06 Artist Spotlight Linda Jane Smith on her latest canine characters
08 Fun with Flamingos Try our fun challenge
10 Puzzle Pets Comp Enter our exclusive competition
12 Fast vs. Slow What’s your puzzling pace?
14 Where it all began A potted history of puzzles
17 Creative Corner
Display your finished pieces with pride
18 Puzzle Picks
Choose your favourite in our regular round-up
Bits&Pieces
Competitive Streak
Fancy upping your puzzling tempo? You might be interested in the first UK Nationals organised by the UK Jigsaw Puzzle Association. This speed puzzling event takes place in Yorkshire on 5th April. Find out more at ukjpa.org.
Did you find the fox?
In our last issue we told you that artist Aimee Stewart loves to hide a fox in her puzzle images. We challenged you to see if you could find the tiny friend in her Merry Mushroom Village puzzle. If you enjoyed that challenge, you’ll be pleased to know that we have a new puzzle from Aimee this spring. In our new, one-thousand-piece Mushroom Cottage jigsaw, the eagle-eyed amongst you will love to spot the fox once again!
Puzzle People
Meet Tracey, the manager of our York outlet shop. Tracey loves talking puzzles with her customers, so if you’re in the area, do pay a visit to the store. We also have outlet stores in Bridgend and Ashford.
Tracey, our York outlet store manager
Mushroom Cottage by Aimee Stewart, 1000pc
Our Cover Puzzle
“ ”
wonder of nature
Kent-based artist Emma Allen, who has recently started studying horticulture, created the enchanting illustration for our cover puzzle, Little Garden World.
“Little Garden World came about purely because of the love I have for gardening, plants and wildlife. I believe there is nothing better for people’s wellbeing than being outside in nature, and gardening in particular is so beneficial. Also, we can all do our bit to encourage wildlife to thrive, planting for pollinators and providing shelter for small creatures,” explains Emma.
“Little Garden World is a joyful expression of the wonder of nature, shown from a ground level perspective, where all of this activity is going on. I wanted it to be bursting with colour, life and detail and I hope I’ve achieved that.” Little Garden World is a joyful expression of the
We think you certainly have Emma!
This year’s event takes place from 3-6th September!
Alan Lumsden got in touch with us to share news of a Ramsbottom community puzzling initiative. Starting out as a fundraiser for two local churches in 2014, the Ramsbottom Jigsaw Festival has become a major highlight of the community calendar. In the ten years since it began, the event has raised over £71,000 towards the maintenance of two local churches.
Each year the event brings together an army of volunteers, who piece together puzzles and organise the event sharing friendship and a love of puzzles. “ We call it being ‘A Piece of the Bigger Picture’”, explains Alan. “It seems obvious now, but at the beginning, we never realised that so many people are so passionate about puzzles!”.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Do you have a local jigsaw initiative you’d love to share with our readers? Drop us a line positivelypuzzling@ravensburger.com
REIGNING
cats dogs
“When I left school, I studied graphic design and illustration at Bournville College of Art. While still painting and submitting work to publishers, I got a job as a window dresser and stylist at a local department store. I then went freelance, designing window and interior displays for three independent shops, which I loved as it gave me the perfect opportunity to make things. I sold paintings to The Halcyon Gallery in Birmingham and had exhibitions there, and in London. I was one of the first two artists to be published by Washington Green Fine Arts, and I was with them for over 20 years, producing many
&
This issue’s featured artist is Linda Jane Smith, who is the illustrator of our popular Crazy Cats puzzle collection, as well as the much-anticipated new Dapper Dogs range.
Crazy Cats: A Cat’s Year, 1000pc
This is the latest in Linda’s beloved Crazy Cats series
Dapper Dogs has come from the dogs I see when I walk in the woods. I often remember the dogs’ names, but not the owners! ”
Limited Edition prints of my work. I’ve since licensed my work to companies who use my designs on cards, ceramics, fabrics, packaging, children’s books and jigsaws.
From a young age I was drawn to animals and nature, and I loved the Walt Disney films and Beatrix Potter books. One of my favourite books was Ant & Bee by Angela Banner. I’m drawn to animals that are characters, with human qualities that make them funny. Our family pets always had big personalities, and funny nicknames (and that includes the mouse and the hamster!) It’s just our sense of humour.
My love for cats came from having grown up with one, and seeing how
Dapper Dogs No.1: Digby’s Deli, 1000pc
Puzzling in the PINK
Nottingham-based artist Angela Holland’s new puzzle brings a scene that is positively bursting with feel-good vibes. Especially for our Positively Puzzling readers, Angela has set a fun challenge:
Drawing ‘Flamingo Park’ for Ravensburger was the best fun,” she explains. “I remember going to an outdoor swimming pool and it was a huge treat. For this jigsaw puzzle I imagined Flamingo Park to be full of colour with lots of tropical plants and warm sunshine! I wanted the people to be having the best day out with family and friends.
I’ve hidden 6 Pink Rubber Ducks, 6 Spotty Beach Balls and 7 Pink Flamingo Inflatable Rings in the picture, can you find them all?”
Flamingo Park, 1000pc
COMPETITION
We love our cute companions!
Pets are such an important part of so many of lives. It’s little wonder that they often make an appearance in puzzles too. Whether a starring role, like in the wonderful Crazy Cats Series from Linda Jane Smith, or a cute companion in the background – there is no doubt that animals are a big part of our puzzling world!
Fancy seeing your pet in a puzzle?
Our puzzle development team and UK-based artists and illustrators take inspiration from a wealth of sources for their images. It’s no secret that our office pets are often called upon to appear in a jigsaw design. This year, we’d love to offer the chance for you to nominate your pet to be included in a future puzzle!
Our winner will also receive six copies of the finished puzzle to share with family and friends!
How to enter
You can enter any kind of pet for our competition. You’ll need to send a clear picture of them - and you can do this on the entry form which is accessed via the QR code opposite.
Entries close on 31st July 2025 and the competition is to UK and ROI residents only. We hope you understand that, due to production schedules, we cannot confirm the date when your pet will appear in a puzzle but our winner will be kept informed of timings. Additionally, the size and nature of your pet’s inclusion in the puzzle may vary based on the design requirements and artistic discretion. Please ensure you read the full terms and conditions detailed during the entry process.
Precious Porcelain Pugs, 500pc Pugs of all kinds star in this lineup
Highland Life, 1000pc Artist Ailsa Black includes her precious dog Inky in this puzzle.
My Haven No.6, The Cosy Shed, 1000pc There’s a cosy kitty snuggled up in this jigsaw. Could your feline friend be next?
To enter:
Scan the QR code. For digital readers, please click the QR code to reach the entry page.
Terms and conditions
Entries close 31st July 2025. Entry is open to residents of the UK and ROI aged 18 or over at the time of entry only. Prize is as stated and no cash alternative is available. Full terms and conditions are available at ravensburger.co.uk.
Do you feel the
We think Joni would love this puzzle, which featured in the recent World Jigsaw Puzzle Championships!
need for speed? Speed puzzler
Joni W.
Puzzling is seen as a relaxed activity, but speed puzzling – slow puzzling’s frenetic cousin – is becoming increasingly popular. Here’s why two jigsaw lovers enjoy their own puzzling pace.
“I started doing puzzles to unwind during exams. Being competitive, it wasn’t long before I started wondering, ‘Are there competitions?’ I discovered one and persuaded my mum to enter with me – I love that it’s a hobby we now share.
Speed puzzling has a mindful element – I’m completely absorbed and free from worries. The difference is that it brings adrenaline into the
I’m
completely absorbed and free from worries. The difference is that it brings adrenaline into the mix
mix. There’s an incredible buzz when you finish just under your target time or surprise yourself with a faster result. I start with the edges. While working on that I’ll identify something distinctive to focus on. Flip the pieces over first, taking note of which sections stand out as the easiest to tackle. When sorting, group sections and aim to have most of those pieces ready before building. Be patient – while some people are naturally quick, the speediest puzzlers have been doing this for years. Skill, practice and persistence are key.
If you’re interested, join a Facebook group, keep an eye out for online events, or introduce the hobby to friends and family. Start timing yourself, keeping track as you go. Some puzzles are better for speed – I recommend Ravensburger’s 500-piece ones.”
Follow Joni’s puzzle journey on Instagram @jonijigsaws
Slow puzzler
Karen P.
“I’ve always enjoyed puzzles, especially when my daughter was younger as we’d do them together. Now she buys them for me every birthday and Christmas. My favourites are Ravensburger for the quality and satisfying ‘click’ – in particular, Colin Thompson’s amazing alphabet puzzles as they’re quirky and there’s so much going on. When lockdown was approaching, I ordered five and got into them again.
I enjoy the peace a puzzle brings – you can be quiet and focus on a task. It helps my busy brain, and keeps me mentally sharp and calm. The satisfaction of completing a tricky part, and eventually the whole puzzle, then smoothing over the final picture is very rewarding. I start by finding the edges and building the frame, then I’ll focus on an easy bit, like a big image or lettering. I use puzzle-sorting trays for colours or parts of images and leave large areas of the same colour until last.
I’ve seen speed puzzling competitions online – they look fun, but I prefer to take my time and set a goal of a couple of hours each sitting. The only problem with puzzles is that it’s hard to get other things done. I’m often told off for trying to complete a few bits whilst eating dinner, but it’s too hard to resist!”
I enjoy the peace a puzzle brings – you can be quiet and focus on a task. It helps my busy brain, and keeps me mentally sharp and calm
This Colin Thompson puzzle could be a great pick for Karen!
As
told to Debra Waters
Colin Thompson Ludicrous Library, 500pc
PUZZLING A Potted History of
By Debra Waters
You would think that jigsaws have been around for millennia but, as far as we are aware, the Romans or Ancient Egyptians didn’t get to enjoy the pleasure of puzzling. Jigsaws are a relatively new phenomenon that were invented around 1760 by British cartographer John Spilsbury who, at one time, was an apprentice to King George III’s royal geographer, Thomas Jefferys.
Originally, the jigsaw was created not for fun, but for educational purposes. Spilsbury called his first inventions ‘dissected maps’ and they were used to teach geography. Yet, by sticking a world map onto wood then carving out each country, he started a trend that has evolved into an enduring pastime.
Ravensburger’s role
Of course, we can’t talk about puzzling without mentioning Ravensburger, which started to sell puzzles in 1891. Then known as the Otto Maier Verlag company (it legally became Ravensburger nearly 100 years later, in 1988), the company’s first offering was the Geographical Patience Game – an early type of puzzle that used a straightforward wave cut format. In 1964, the company started selling jigsaws with interlocking pieces, such as the ones we’re familiar with today, and in 2011 Ravensburger showcased the 3D puzzle.
Asia in its principal parts by J.Spilsbury. From the British Library Archives
1760
1891
Geographisches
Geduldsspiel, the Ravensburger predecessor to ‘puzzles’
In 2011 Ravensburger launched their first 3D puzzle. Pictured: Eiffel Tower 3D Puzzle
A puzzle from ‘World Wide Series’ , the first Ravensburger interlocking puzzles.
1964 2011 2025
A quarantine craze
Smartphones and social media have threatened puzzling’s popularity, but that hasn’t stopped the recent boon – especially in 2020, during lockdown. And it wasn’t just children enjoying a jigsaw or two, but adults too. Puzzling was the perfect antidote to pandemic life.
2020
Why puzzling will continue…
Our interest in jigsaws is still going strong and why wouldn’t it? People are realising all the wonderful reasons why puzzling is good for us. There are cognitive benefits, such as improved problem-solving and short-term memory, and it’s great for hand-eye co-ordination. Not only that, it’s a form of active meditation that boosts the dopamine in our brains so we feel happy and fulfilled. It seems that, more than ever in our hectic world, we should make room for a jigsaw. It helps us focus on the present and reduces stress. Long may puzzling continue!
Ariel Castle Cinderella Castle Snow White Castle
Tiana Castle
Elsa Castle
Display Pieces
Every puzzle you complete is a work of art. It’s a picture that you pieced together yourself, creating memories along the way. Your favourite puzzles can be used to decorate your home in unique ways - from simply framing them to thinking even further outside the box.
Let’s stick together!
Puzzle Conserver is designed to hold your puzzle together perfectly for framing. Scan this QR code to see a video on how to use it.
You don’t have to frame the whole puzzle to create an impactful display. Here we used a frame we had handy and just showcased part of this puzzle which is actually circular. Using a photo-mount meant we didn’t need to cut the puzzle at all, as the edges were hidden.
We loved using just a snippet of this stunning puzzle to create a handy tray for all our bits and bobs.
Featured puzzles; Circle of Colours Animals, 500pc Rainbow of Birds, 1000pc
Fabulous Fauna
Animal Spirit 750pc
Archipelago 500pc
Part of our new Cherish Your World series
Puzzle Picks
There are over a hundred new Ravensburger puzzles to choose from this spring! We’ve gathered just a few to tempt you here. Will you find a new favourite?
Cats of Mykonos 1500pc
Busy Day by the Canal
Our cover puzzle is Little Garden World, a 1000- piece jigsaw by Kent-based illustrator, Emma Allen.