about the jigsaw puzzle
In recent years health issues have had a huge impact on my life and work. Thanks to the love and care of my family and health professionals I am learning to live within this new reality. Drawing Koalas is something I have loved doing since I was a kid. I started drawing Koalas again and it became a daily rhythm, a way of dealing with the changes in my life and work. It has opened up a way of relaxing and it has become a type of therapy and an obsession for me. This artwork for the jigsaw puzzle came out of my times of “Koala Therapy”. Over a period of time I drew Koalas at cafes, sitting in the native bush areas near where I live or in front of a computer, sometimes to match my mood on that particular day but most often drawing characters in the hope it may bring a smile or sense of joy.
Why a jigsaw puzzle? As I began drawing, the artwork became more complex and detailed. I started to think that maybe it could be a challenging puzzle, one which could also be a form of therapy for others just as drawing it has been for me. Over 380 different Koalas in gum trees fill the space along with a range of Australian birds. It is a highly detailed, fun packed image.
The benefits of doing a jigsaw puzzle. Jigsaw puzzles can be very satisfying and a wonderful form of relaxation. You can do it by yourself or collaboration with others in a marathon session or over a long period of time. Jigsaw puzzles are great for your mind, body and spirit.
Problem Solving because the puzzler is drawn to the problem of putting the pieces together.
Memory and Attention Span because the puzzler needs to remember colour, shape and piece patterns in order to put the puzzle together.
Social Skills because working with others promotes inclusion, listening and interaction. This builds confidence and self-esteem.
Independence which is just as important as doing puzzles with others. Completing a jigsaw puzzle alone gives a greater sense of accomplishment.
Reduce Stress by occupying and engaging the mind to create a sense of calm and serenity.
Source: Holdson Puzzles. New Zealand
Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to connect with family
Starting a jigsaw puzzle and keeping it on a table in your living room or kitchen is an invitation for the whole family to participate, whenever they have a few minutes to sit down and focus. It’s a tactic that parents of teens can use for starting a conversation while working toward a shared goal.
Jigsaw puzzles are a great meditation tool and stress reliever
Focusing on one image for a long period of time, without extraneous thoughts entering your mind, is in itself meditation. By doing a jigsaw puzzle, you’re getting the same benefits as if you meditated. The stress of everyday life evaporates and is replaced by a sense of peace and tranquility that lowers your blood pressure and heart rate.
The jigsaw pieces are produced in New Zealand by Holdson (creating puzzles and games since 1938). The jigsaw puzzles are made of specially formulated 100% recycled board and printed using non-toxic inks. After cutting, they remain in assembled form and are visually checked to ensure no pieces are missing. Each puzzle then goes through an automatic break-up machine, designed so that it is virtually impossible to lose a piece. It is collected and sealed in a bag such as you find upon opening the box.
Our hope with this jigsaw puzzle is that the Koalas bring a smile to your face and that it is a fun challenge.
Take the challenge - enjoy the challenge!
TIP: Once you have completed the perimeter of the puzzle. Seek out all pieces with the Australian birds on them and roughly place according to the poster guide. This helps to begin to fill out the puzzle as the surrounding pieces come together.
For those who wish to use phones or tablets to view the puzzle instead of the poster guide we have broken it down into a grid comprising of 10 sections allowing puzzlers to zoom in on sections of the puzzle. CLICK HERE