Dowdle Folk Art "Santa Monica" Map Puzzle

I have this dream to have a wall of my home with framed California map puzzles, both vintage and current.  This "Santa Monica" puzzle from Dowdle was on my list, and I was fortunate to find it complete at a thrift store.  I don't have the wall space now, but I'll be saving this to hang next to my Hennessy Puzzles California map.

This is the first time I've tried the brand Dowdle.  They are a Utah company, which is where I went to high school, so I like the idea of supporting a local family business when buying new from them.  The pieces are thick; they fit together tightly and well.  The designs are always quite busy, with a flair of charicature in the colors and overall style of the art. 

Would you consider doing a puzzle in this style of design?

Cobble Hill "Dog Park" by McKenna Ryan Quilt Designs

This weekend I completed a Cobble Hill puzzle, "Dog Portrait," in celebration of finishing a major work project.  I'm so thankful to have my free time back, and taking a few hours to complete this puzzle felt like the perfect way to slow down and recharge.  I've also adopted a new puppy since losing my Caitie last September.  Welcome Callie (below) to my family!   

In full disclosure, this puzzle was sent to me by the company for a product review request.  But it's one that would definitely have been on my purchase list had it not been gifted to me!  I love crafting, so the quilt look to this design is perfect for me.  And the theme reminds me of good times with my own pups at our favorite parks.  

"Dog Park" is a 500 pc puzzle with random cut pieces, measuring 18 x 24 inches when complete.  The puzzle size was a nice fit for my kitchen table, and the pieces were comfortingly large to make you feel an accomplishment quickly as it came together.  At a modest piece count, I had the puzzle complete in just two evenings.  I like that I can complete something and not have it sitting on my table for weeks at a time.  I glued the puzzle on the night I completed it and will be able to frame it as a gift for my dog walker or dog trainer.  Either one will be tickled with this image! 

I love Cobble Hill puzzles for their quality.  The pieces fit snugly together to the point that I could lift the puzzle for a photo even if I hadn't taken the time to glue the back.  They have a wide selection of images and themes available for purchase, so if dogs aren't your thing, there will be another puzzle that fits your personality.  Next up for me will be a Cobble Hill design of butterflies that reminds me of my grandmother.  I'll look forward to memories of her as I sit down with the puzzle.