I found some interesting puzzles at the thrift store last week. I love buying them there. It’s not just the deal, it’s the thrill of discovery. But getting puzzles second-hand can have it’s problems.
I just finished White Mountain’s Neuschwanstein Castle. It took me just over 16 hours (roughly a minute per piece; this is my time not looking at image on the box for reference.) It’s the first used puzzle I’ve bought that has actually been assembled before. The pieces were in the original bag wrapped with a rubber band, but there were pieces loose in the box when I opened it.
Why does this matter? Because one piece is missing. Because of it’s shape and color, I realized it was missing early on. As soon as I finished and saw it was indeed missing, I started searching, assuming I had dropped it. I did find a puzzle piece, just not for this puzzle!
I have already packed the puzzle back up, but I will definitely be keeping an eye open in case the missing piece is my fault and not that of the previous owner. Oddly enough, that’s what bothering me most about this — that I may be the one who lost the piece.
Would it bother you to be missing a piece to a puzzle?
FYI: I didn’t post last week because I’ve been sick. Expect more puzzle content, because that’s about all I’ve been up for lately.
It would definitely bother me! Compulsive person as I am, it would really bother me! Sorry you’ve been sick. 🤒 Hope you feel better sooner than later. Glad you have something to do in the meantime!
I’m putting my house on the market end of February. Daughter Beth and I are moving to Portland, Oregon.🥹
Apparently there are ways to make a piece to replace a lost one… need to look into that!
Thanks for the kind wishes. It’s just my chronic stuff acting up. I’m making lots of changes that I hope will help.
Portland is lovely. I hope your whole transition goes smoothly.
I used to find that really annoying but I’m learning to let it go. What choice do we have? Take it as it is, or don’t bother at all. Frustrating though….
I thought it would feel unfinished, but it really is the fear that I dropped the piece somewhere that bugs me. If it was already missing, then I am done. If it’s here in my room somewhere, I am not done…
Yes. That said. the rest of the puzzle pieces can be used in collage. I’m sure there are other ways to use the “leftovers”. I have bought used puzzles for the colors.
I’ve got a whole puzzle I have turned into craft supplies because the quality is so poor. It was a really frustrating experience to solve it, so frustrating that I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. But this was fun to do even missing a piece. I’ll keep it a puzzle for now.
It does NOT bother me if a piece or two are missing from a puzzle. I know that things happen and a piece or two can get knocked off the table (or in our case, sucked into the mouth of a nosy dog). I accept that a previously assemble puzzle may have lost pieces and pleasantly surprised when that’s not the case. I do, however, dislike puzzles that have pet fur mixed into their pieces. Those puzzles go back into the box and one time, I tossed one into the trash. I only buy used puzzles that are taped shut.
That’s a great attitude to have! I haven’t encountered pet hair yet. The boxes I buy are always taped shut. I’m surprised how often the puzzle pieces are still in their original bag. Most of the used puzzles I have bought are still unopened.
That’s two puzzles for the price of one! What happened to the missing piece is much more intriguing than just sticking that final piece into the obvious spot. May you solve happily!
What a great way to look at it!