12 Tips on How to Avoid a Jigsaw Puzzle Slump 💜🧩

[@clarkkent7973]

Wonderful tips in this great video! My #1 advice is to watch puzzle videos to inspire you!

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

Well that's a great tip! Not sure why I didn't think of it hehehe 💜🧩

[@nemesiaas]

"Stop impulse buying" - why do I feel this is directed at me? 😂

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

🤣🤣🤣 I think a few people will feel the same.

[@nicoleh5768]

If you always puzzle with ribbon cut/standard piece shapes, try random cut/irregular piece shapes

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

Yes! Such a great suggestion. Changing up the piece cut would definitely add some variety to the puzzling experience.

[@LucasStenner-c6w]

Great ideas will 100 percent try these

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

[@jbloomfield619]

Hello DonnaLouise. During the year I do multiple types of hobbies, begining of year I puzzle. (When it's -30 degrees Celsius no one wants to go out.) I diamond art during summer too hot to get outside. (40 degrees Celsius) During fall, I get into crocheting good time for blankets on my lap. I also do many different brands cobble hill, eeboo, ravenburger and others.

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

It sounds like you have a good balance of hobbies which is great - and so smart to try a variety of brands, not just get stuck on one. I must admit that I do not miss those extremes of cold winter and hot humid summers. NZ is a much easier climate to live in. I only miss snow on Christmas Eve and Day. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jbloomfield619]

@fortheloveofpuzzles I am in Souther Alberta, Canada. I can't even get the puppy or cats to step outside at times. Lol During Christmas time my puzzle table ends up being apart of my Christmas Village. I get grumpy when I can't do puzzles or crafts. Then January comes around every three days a new 1000 piece puzzle is done. Lol

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

@@jbloomfield619 I did me Masters out in Calgary so I feel you for the weather! I think you should buy a folding trestle table to use for puzzles during the Christmas season so that the Christmas Village doesn't stop your puzzling.

[@Msmaria84]

Great video! I normally puzzle only during the wintermonth's, but this year I'm going to try to puzzle all year, to see if speed jigsawpuzzling is something for me. Watching people puzzle is a really good motivation to keep the motivation up. Keep up those good videos ❤

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

Ah giving speed puzzling a go - nice! Let me know what you think of it and if you enjoy. 💜🧩

[@JavysPuzzleOdyssey]

Great tips for puzzle slumps! I'm always trying out new brands and different styles, and when I get bored of a certain style, I switch it up, and it always helps me!

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

Good on you - I wish I had easier access to more brands here in NZ. I should try to do more puzzles with wonky donkey shapes - that definitely switches things up. 💜🧩

[@In2_pieces]

I did a cull of my to do pile recently and it felt good! Better it gets moved on to someone else who might enjoy it rather than it languishing on my shelf for ages.

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

Exactly! I felt so good decluttering my puzzles. I ended up selling 40 at the market this past weekend. Most of the ones that did not sell will get traded or donated.

[@Laura_Stanford]

Wonderful suggestions. One suggestion could be doing a puzzle bingo grid and trying different themes every month.

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

Puzzle bingo!!! Yes! I don't think I've really done one of these...but sounds fun and interesting to do. 💜🧩

[@Marlene7388]

Hi Donnalouise! I think you about covered it...I cannot think of anything else. Great video and thank you for sharing!

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

Ah great - I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. I was quite happy with how this video turned out.

[@rosehall1685]

Great video Donnalouise, very sound advice and tips. Thank you so much.

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

So glad you enjoyed! 💜🧩

[@lolacorinne5384]

Now this is a topic I never would have thought of! You’ve got some very good points, some of which I wouldn’t have come up with. Thank you, Donnalouise!

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

So pleased you enjoyed! I do hope people find some tips helpful.

[@PuzzCatLife]

I've never been in a slump, probably because I've taken years long breaks between puzzles at times. Since I started up puzzling again a few years ago, I just pull out a puzzle to do in my small collection, put on music, or a podcast or audiobook, and have a nice relaxing day of it. Or hour of it. And if I don't feel like working on it for a day or five, I just go do something else. I stopped puzzling for years because I got so into geocaching, I wanted to do that all the time. But where I live now, geocaching is not popular and it's necessary to drive a lot to get to the safer places to do that. I've been very much enjoying going back to puzzling.

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

Sounds like you have a great balance and know how to truly enjoy yourself when puzzling. I accidentally stumbled upon a geocache once and it was really cool. Not sure if there are many of them in NZ...??

[@PuzzCatLife]

@@fortheloveofpuzzles There are around 32,000 geocaches in NZ. The funny thing is, since I've started a YT channel, I can't seem to stop acquiring more puzzles! How does that happen? LOL

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

@@PuzzCatLife Don't get me started!! So many puzzles, so little time!

[@loispa]

Buying puzzles and doing puzzles are two separate (but overlapping) hobbies. FOMO and puzzle sales have been my temptation and I have accumulated many puzzles I know I don't want to do.

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

I challenge you to try and only buy puzzles that you know you will want to do. In fact, maybe try to sell/trade the ones you know you won't ever do. Because then, you will have room and money for new puzzles that you will want to do... Something to think about.

[@purplecat7457]

Great tips, thank you for sharing! I do some of these, but I will keep your tip about changing techniques in mind. I'm an edge first person 😆I also like switching brands a lot. It guarantees a different experience, usually a different image style, or a different cut. I like to keep it varied with larger pieces or smaller, round puzzles, landscape and vertical, random cut or weird shapes vs regular ribbon cut. No impulse buying is a real challenge, but as a rule I only buy puzzles with images I really like. Those smaller piece counts are ideal for me, so I can just sit down for an hour or even less and finish a puzzle.

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

I didn't think to mention getting a puzzle with wonky donkey shapes - such a good idea! Alison and I just did one from WeekShoppe and it was a nice challenge. I'm glad that you only buy puzzles with images you really like. That's so smart!

[@stacyssassystyles]

Another good thing to note- Pintoo/Piece Relax- you can get a 4k or 4800 and the bags inside are broke down- so you'll get a huge count at the end but get to do smaller size bites to get there!! I got a 4k Pintoo I have had on my wish list for ages for Christmas and Im SO excited to do it!!

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

Oh yes, that's a great suggestion! Start by doing just one bag and if you found it too easy, you can mix two bags.But I agree, it's a nice way to do a large piece count jigsaw puzzle without feeling overwhelmed as it is broken up into smaller sections.

[@stacyssassystyles]

@@fortheloveofpuzzles yep!!! It's really a great way to go!!

[@Lori-lf9gx]

Excellent list of tips! Thanks for sharing! I'm going to try a few of these!

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

So pleased you enjoyed! Hopefully they help.

[@kmwrites7456]

exactly what I needed to see this morning. Been struggling for 3 days to get just 10 pcs to match. My problem is I get obsessive with working on one space instead of moving to another part of the puzzle. So, I will try that today, but if no fun, I'm heading to BestBuy just to look at the new computers, or Bluetooth speakers, or shop Amazon to buy the new slippers I need, or, just read a good book. Thank you Donnalouise.

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

That's a good tip - when struggling with one area or thing, move onto a different section. Kind of like not doing the border first. I hope this helps and let me know if it did. But if you are still finding it no fun, best to move on and going to Best Buy sounds good to me. 🤣

[@Messy_Twins]

Great video with much needed tips to be honest 😅 Especially "stop impulse buying" puzzles🤣

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

I have a feeling that many people will be able to relate to that tip. 🤣🤣

[@ivanchuang7291]

Great tips !!

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

Thanks! Others have made some great suggestions in the comments as well.

[@coqui5049]

I have been working extremely long hours for the last month and a half, so I have not been able to puzzle much. I miss the relaxation puzzling brings to my life. Say hi to Wendy, your hubby, and your babies. Miss hearing about them.

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

I hope things start to calm for you soon and you get back to puzzling. I saw Wendy today and she is doing great. My pups are loving the beautiful summer weather here in the southern hemisphere. And just so you are aware - and I have mentioned this publicly but some may not know, hubby and I separated back in June. It's amicable and things are as good as one could want. This is why I am moving in the next few weeks and down to doing just one video a week for the next wee while. But we are both doing well. 💜🧩

[@coqui5049]

@@fortheloveofpuzzles I hope so too. Just redid our puzzle area to hopefully get in there soon. Sorry to hear about the hubby. I was not aware, but glad things are amicable. Big hugs to you and the pups and Kia ora to Wendy. Hope to see her in a video soon.

[@LJG7654]

You have some good ideas here!

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

Thank you!

[@janspearman9310]

Great ideas! I got in a slump doing a 6000 piece, but it's still out waiting on me to come back. Gone too far to give up!!

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

It's tough to give up on any puzzle - especially larger piece count one - after investing so much time. I must admit, I don't even think twice about that Educa Around the World one though. Which 6k puzzle are you working on again? Good to take a break from it like you are doing and just work on it when the mood hits.

[@janspearman9310]

@fortheloveofpuzzles it's educa entering the bedroom

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

Oh....it's an Educa one...I don't think you want my advice then so you can stop reading if you want but...I might love the Educa images but I just do not enjoy the puzzling experience with their pieces and cuts. Are you more than halfway done? I mean...do you really want to keep going...? It's okay either way...I just want you to enjoy puzzling and not force yourself to finish it.

[@janspearman9310]

@@fortheloveofpuzzles yes I feel I'm over half way. I did the "Life" puzzle 24,000 piece and love it. It took me 10 months but I never wanted to quit. I watched your videos on the 42,000 piece one (and all your videos) and I agree with your decision to stop because you weren't enjoying it. I have been doing smaller puzzles and growing my collection. Thank you so much for your videos and for responding to my comments. Looking forward to your next video!

[@puzzlepiece9509]

Good suggestions there many of which may have already been utilised by puzzlers. I certainly abandon a puzzle that I am not getting on with. I do a mix of puzzle counts so that I am not always doing the same counts. Not in a position now to puzzle with anyone else but I don't really mind that. Look forward to your next video.

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

Thanks! I really enjoyed filming this video and coming up with tips to share.

[@texadianstitcher]

I've got a puzzle with completely unique shapes. I challenge myself to put it together without flipping over all the pieces or even spreading out the pieces. Then to make it more difficult, I have to have every new piece connect to each other. So it's a memory game combined with puzzling. If you pick up a piece that doesn't connect (a few pieces look similar on the back), you have to hold onto those in your hand & can't put them down. I also occasionally just leave a puzzle out & nibble away at it. There's been a few tricky ones where if you wait long enough, suddenly you spot the connections and zoom zoom. Mt worst puzzle was one of those squint/unfocus your eyes and a hidden image will appear. The border was 2 shapes of pieces and 4 corners, the inside was 2 shapes. All red/white zigzag blobby mess. The only way to do this puzzle was trial & error. Go through the stack of long skinny until you get as many fits as you think fit, then repeat with the short squats. Ugh, that got passed on immediately after finishing it. Your strawberry shortcake puzzle looks easy in comparison.

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

Now this sounds like a fun challenge! I love how creative you are at making a game out of puzzling - a challenging one - but if that's what you need then great! Not sure if I could do it... I can't stand unfocus images! I can't imagine doing the puzzle you described...ugh!!! I agree, Strawberry Shortcake will hopefully not be anywhere near as challenging.

[@dreadheadlover2627]

Nice puzzle at the end 🧡🧩

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

[@christinathomas9548]

I hit a slump when I find my children have dismantled my puzzle I just don't have the heart to do it all again, mind 2000 pieces is a bit much for me especially when I have 3 kids, I probably stick to doing my 500 piece puzzles.

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

I would agree that maybe going down to 500 pieces or less would be best in yoru case. Maybe even get some 100 pieces so the kids can "help" you with those. You could work on your while they "help" not realising that they are pieces from a different puzzle.

[@christinathomas9548]

@fortheloveofpuzzles yes we are working on a 20 piece puzzle one of my sons has special needs, I only do my puzzles when everyone is in bed, find it easier that way, I love your videos ❤️

[@AbluMu]

Just commenting to help the channel grow. 😄🤗

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

Oh thank you!! I really appreciate it.

[@Dailydoodler-888]

I’d say if you always do the same brand or brands then try some new to you brands. There are so many new brands out there now. If you always do ribbon cut, try random cut. I’ve been puzzling for 12 years now and have not had a puzzle slump and I have done most of the things you’ve suggested.

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

Very good suggestions - especially about trying random cut puzzles if you always do ribbon cut ones. I'm glad you've never encountered a slump - may we all be puzzle slump free in 2025 hehehehe

[@AminaB-i1w]

OHAN Amina punset ❤

[@SaraMGreads]

Yes I DNF puzzles all the time! Life is too short to slog through any hobby.

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

Exactly! 💜🧩

[@jeancarroccino8574]

I will occasionally not puzzle for a few days then I am good again. ❤❤

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

It's always a good idea to take a break I think with anything...hobby, work, family 🤣

[@sheilamargus5335]

Guilty - I have so much Lego I never do Lego I just love the box sets 😂😂😂😂

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

Lego - I could easily get into it but avoid or else...I know what will happen! 🤣

[@purplecat7457]

Welcome to my world. I'm into Lego and puzzling, and I actively do them both. Plus I collect books. I may have a problem. 🤣

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

@@purplecat7457 Lego, puzzles, books...OH MY! 🤣🤣

[@bbmeltdown2665]

2025 is my year to get through my huge stack of Eeboo puzzles I got on super discount ($2-$3 a piece). Figure out which ones to keep or donate. Then I'll get my journals prepped which includes my puzzle collection n progress before I finally tackle practicing speed puzzling with my 500 piece collection. Phew!! Im almost there!

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

That's so cheap!! Good on you for donating the ones you don't want to keep. Speaking of speed puzzling - the Dunedin Regionals is coming up in March and they are using eeBoo puzzles. I've only ever really done like 3 of their puzzles so I am not prepared whatsoever. We are trying to get our hands on more but even the 500 piece ones are pricey here in NZ.

[@bbmeltdown2665]

They were at Ollie's, a liquidation discount warehouse. And post holiday sales drop those puzzles next to nothing. I'd practice with one Eeboo for the puzzle texture, it's smooth plastic on top. So get used to flipping and twisting. Their round puzzle cuts remind me of Ravensburger. The center are 4 pieces that connect together at the sides to form an outer smooth circle. And pieces curve around it. Edges are similar to Ravensburger circle cut. Their 1000k square, the frame is the long thin pieces go on top and bottom and the chunkier frame pieces are left and right. If you'd like I can send you my photos of those puzzles if you wanna study their puzzle cuts more. Style wise, the vast majority do the painterly squish colorful strokes - not watercolor or oil paintings. See a bunch and you'll notice. There's only a few that fit outside the norm but you seem to have had a good batch to meet those. Most tend to have people or involve greenery or some feminist or planet earth theme. I'll see what I have left and maybe I can send you a few to share in NZ. Mine are from their earliest works.

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

@@bbmeltdown2665 Ah thank you - that's so sweet to offer. A few friends have found some 500 and 1000 piece eeBoos in their stash and we are all sharing them to practice. I also contacted once store that I know to see what they have available. Good information though on the pieces and the border - thank you for sharing!

[@puzzlingread]

These are all great tips. Tidying up my puzzles and puzzling space recently helped me get out of a puzzling slump. 😊💚🧩

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

That's a good one! I am definitely someone who needs my ares clean and tidy or else I just get so anxious.

[@AbluMu]

Just commenting to help the channel grow. 😄🤗

[@AbluMu]

Have no idea why it came up twice. Twice as much growth? 😄

[@fortheloveofpuzzles]

@@AbluMu It sometimes does this - it's KZbin - but hey, I'll leave them both up. Double the help! 🤣

[@AbluMu]

😄