Slowing down with jigsaws - my top ten

It’s been a while since I popped up on here. The first part of this year flew by at breakneck speed; I was so busy working on the new issue of 91 Magazine as well as a picture research project for a book publisher, amongst other things. Then, in the past six weeks life has changed beyond recognition. The global pandemic we are currently living through has forced us to slow down, many of us finding ourselves with less or no work to do, or even if you are still working, you’re probably finding you have a bit more spare time on your hands than usual. Going out for long, leisurely weekend lunches or spending an afternoon browsing the shops are not an option for the time being, so we are all looking for ways to entertain ourselves at home.

If I’m honest, I’m generally pretty happy with spending a lot of time at home. I already work from home and with a young child I rarely go out in the evenings, so it hasn’t felt like a massive adjustment for me. But, I’ve still enjoyed the challenge of finding other things to do rather than spending all my down time in front of the telly. I can’t quite remember how it happened, but myself and the other half have found ourselves really enjoying jigsaw puzzles. Truthfully, if you had have told me six months ago we would be spending hours of our time hunched over an 1000 piece puzzle, I probably would’ve snorted with laughter, but here we are!

Puzzles pictured: left - 500 piece Cat puzzle, £16, 1000 piece Gradient puzzle, £16.99

Puzzles pictured: left - 500 piece Cat puzzle, £16, 1000 piece Gradient puzzle, £16.99

Activities that occupy your mind, like gardening, colouring and doing jigsaws really are a tonic right now. I know I’m not alone when I say I have had moments where anxiety and worry about the situation has tried to overcome me. I’ve found turning off the news and immersing myself in another activity has really helped.

I must say, I was quite surprised that when I started to look online for jigsaws that there were in fact many more contemporary designs around than I’d expected! Seeing as we are all in the same boat right now, I thought I’d share with you a few that I’ve come across. A few of the ones below have gone out of stock since I initially found them (clearly I’m not the only puzzle fan!), but I’ve included then anyway, as I’m sure they’ll be available again in due course.

I’d love to hear if anyone else has been enjoying a puzzle in recent weeks?! Or if you might now give it a try? :)

Current Obsession: Audrey Jeanne

The eagled-eyed amongst you might remember me mentioning a Audrey Jeanne print which I have in Ruby's room, from when I posted about the nursery makeover? Well, since then I've become a tad obsessed with her lovely work! I bought the 'My Daily Melody' print via Tea and Kate, but a few weeks ago, I ended up ordering some more prints and some cute gift tags direct from Audrey Jeanne's online shop

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They are hung in the hall just outside Ruby's room, teamed with a new Seventy Tree print which is currently reduced in the sale. (in pic below, far right)

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Here is the other print which is in Ruby's room, although I recently relocated it to a different wall, as felt it was hidden too much where I'd originally hung it. 

You may have spotted a bit of a theme running through her work! if you are not a cat fan, it might not be for you! Although she does have *some* non-cat related items! I also ordered these sweet little heart gift tags, and was happy to receive some free postcards with my order too...

Audrey's style is influenced by Scandinavia and Asia, and mostly definitely inspired by her cat, a siamese called Mikado. I've just discovered her Instagram feed too which is lovely! Here are some more examples of her work... what do you think? 

Check out all of Audrey's work on her website