Jigsaw puzzling can be relaxing and challenging at the same time. One moment it’s going great, the next you’re stuck in one place. To help you have a more enjoyable puzzling experience, we’ve put together five simple but effective tips that will make solving jigsaw puzzles easier – and a little bit smarter.

1. Start with a frame

A true puzzle enthusiast knows that the frame is the basis of everything. The edge pieces have one straight side, which makes them the easiest to recognize. Assembling the frame creates a structure that is easier to navigate. Sort the edge pieces separately before you start. Some people have a system: e.g. left edge, right edge, top and bottom.

2. Sort by colour and pattern

There’s no point in starting a jigsaw puzzle by just fitting random pieces together. A successful puzzler will sort the pieces by colour, pattern or motif, for example:

• red mushrooms
• green leaves
• animal body parts
• geometric lines

This helps to maintain focus and reduces search time.

3. Use small “sub-projects”

If the puzzle feels too big and complex, focus on smaller objects and areas in isolation. Try first to put together an animal, a house, a distinctive pattern, etc. Assemble these areas separately outside the main frame and move them to a suitable location later. This will keep motivation up and create successive small successes.

4. Take breaks – don’t push through

Solving the puzzle is not a race. Unless it’s a championship :). If you feel that nothing is moving, take a 10-15 minute break. Often miracles happen – when you come back, you’ll immediately see the pieces you missed before.

Tip: Adding music in the background or making a nice cup of tea will make the process more enjoyable and help create a ritual of jiggling that makes it more likely to enter a state of ‘flow’.

5. It’s easier and more fun together

With two or more pairs of eyes, the jigsaw is completed more quickly and often with more laughter. Doing puzzles together brings out different approaches, enriching everyone involved. Puzzling is a meditative and sociable activity that creates a natural backdrop for conversation, thereby strengthening the bond with a friend, family member or partner.

To sum up

Puzzling is like life – it’s more fulfilling when you:

• have a framework
• break a big task into smaller pieces
• work together and take a break from time to time

Share your puzzle on social media using the hashtag #artikpuzzles and tag @artikpuzzles on Facebook – we’ll be happy to share your achievement!

When people talk about jigsaw puzzling, they often imagine a peaceful moment – a cup of tea, good light, nice music and often a woman working thoughtfully on a jigsaw. But this is not just a romantic stereotype. In reality, both research and empirical statistics show that women are indeed very skilled puzzlers – for neurological, social and creative reasons.

Women’s brains are detailed and visually oriented

Researchers have found that women’s brains on average tend to process more from the right hemisphere, which is responsible for visual, creative and holistic perception. This makes them particularly strong at noticing details, recognising visual patterns and understanding colours, shapes and compositions. There is no doubt that such skills will come in handy when puzzling.

Reference: Gur et al., 1999 – Journal of Neuroscience

Women are better able to concentrate and work patiently

Puzzling requires consistent and deep attention, which can be frustrating and frustrating. But research shows that women are often better able to focus on repetitive and systematic tasks, especially if they offer aesthetic or creative satisfaction.

Reference: Weiss et al., 2003 – Cognitive Brain Research: “Gender differences in sustained attention tasks”.

Puzzling is perfect for women’s creativity and sense of aesthetics

ARTiK art puzzles are inspired by nature, illustrations and colour. These are areas where women excel, both as creators and as observers. Women are often more prone to interior design, and the frames that come with ARTiK jigsaws provide a unique opportunity to combine these worlds. In addition, women are also more likely to choose jigsaws as gifts that reflect personal and aesthetic values.

Pusled has taken on a new meaning, especially in women’s communities

In the last few years, puzzling has even become a symbol of women’s spiritual well-being and personal space. Instagram and TikTok puzzle communities are home to thousands of women who share their creations, discuss difficulty levels and motifs, and create puzzling challenges.

The hashtag #puzzlegirl has garnered hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok and Instagram – it’s the new slow creativity movement.

Pusleting championship

Research and competition results show that women have been active and successful in jigsaw puzzles at the competitive level, especially in the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship (WJPC).

For example, at the 2022 WJPC, more than 70% of participants were women. Overall, they dominate the individual events as well as the pairs and team events, taking first place in the 2019 (Jana Hanzelková) and 2024 (Kristin Thuv) WJPCs.

Finally

Whether through science, creativity or experience, it is clear that women have many good qualities when it comes to jigsaws, and it is no wonder that they are often the ones who buy, gift, assemble and frame them. Thank you! But playing puzzles is an accessible, appropriate and meaningful activity for everyone, regardless of age, gender or other demographics.

Estonian artist Navitrolla is associated with an instantly recognisable style for many: fanciful landscapes, bizarre animals and understated humour. His paintings are at once dreamlike and precise, childlike and deeply meaningful. But what happens when these worlds become a tangle? ARTiK has brought Navitrolla’s art into a new format – a wall hanging art puzzle. ARTiK jigsaw puzzles are not just a commodity, but a slow way to consume art – suitable for gifts, interior design and creative pastimes.

Why Navitrolla?

Navitrolla’s work is perfectly suited to the world of puzzles, as his paintings are finely detailed, patterned and contain imaginative elements. The fresh colouring will arouse curiosity in each piece and also make the assembled picture a unique interior design element.

In addition, Navitrolla’s images are not just aesthetic, they invite reflection and interpretation.

Jigsaw puzzles as a contemporary art form

In collaboration with ARTiK, Navitrolla’s paintings have become unique art puzzles that allow people to engage with his work in a personal and slow way.

Assembling a jigsaw puzzle creates a meditative space to spend time with art. A personal stake makes you take more care to notice details that would otherwise be hard to spot. ARTiK brings Navitrolla’s artwork from the gallery to you in a way that turns a painting you may have seen in print or on a wall into an experience you put together yourself – piece by piece.

Once the jigsaw is put together, it becomes a finished work of art with personal value. It’s not just Navitrolla’s creation – it’s your contribution to this world.

Framing the puzzle is easy (see video on our blog).
The finished piece is perfect as a gift, home decoration or keepsake.

Invitation to a fantasy sheath

ARTiK art puzzles from Navitrolla paintings are a gift for creativity. It is a worthy investment in their own well-being, building a bridge between sculpting and Estonian art. Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, discover Navitrolla’s fantasy world in every ARTiK puzzle!

Visit the official Navitrolla website: https://navitrolla.ee/

ARTiK art puzzles are more than a pastime – they are a meaningful activity that focuses attention and evokes meaning. But how do you find just the right jigsaw puzzle when there are giraffes, mushrooms, social messages and feather illustrations to choose from? Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right jigsaw puzzle for yourself or as a gift.

Fantasy and humour

Want something fun and playful? Colourful animals and mushrooms bring a smile to your face and are perfect for people who appreciate fantasy and personality. These puzzles are also great for youngsters and teenagers.

“Masha And Bear”

“Laundry Day”

“Pandas Love Birch”

Puzzles with a social or cultural message

If you value thought-provoking messages alongside good design, choose a jigsaw puzzle with a social or cultural undertone. ARTiK’s collection of art jigsaws includes pieces that speak about identity, society and worldview. They are the perfect gifts for yourself or for your fellow citizens, inviting you to think.

“If All The Mushrooms In The World United”

“Change Is Hard But Good”

“Welcoming Macroplastics”

“Between Two Branches”

For loved ones

Looking for a jigsaw puzzle with a heartfelt and more personal tone? In the ARTiK collection, you’ll find puzzles that convey warm messages and emotional connections to your partner or mum and dad. They’re the perfect gift for someone you really care about!

“The Key To Heaven’s Gate”

“Cubs Of The Big Bear”

Choose a feeling, not just an image

Pusle doesn’t have to be just for fun, it can also be soul food. Think about the recipient’s interests, personality and what kind of picture would suit their room or heart. ARTiK’s wall hanging art puzzles are heartfelt and fun messages to uplift your own and others’ senses!

Share your jigsaw puzzle on social media with the hashtag #artikpuzzles and tag us on Facebook @artikpuzzles – we’d love to share!

ARTiK art puzzles are designed to live in the interior of your home. All ARTiK puzzles come with a special folding design cardboard puzzle frame. There are three colour frames to choose from, giving you more options to personalise each puzzle.

When you have finished the jigsaw, find the surface of the frame in the packaging. Fold the frame that comes with the jigsaw along the corresponding fold lines. The more carefully you do this, the tighter and more compact the result will be, and the more the jigsaw will stay in the frame. Watch the video below to see how to fold the frame!

Once framed, hang the jigsaw puzzle on a well-lit wall – for example in the living room, office or children’s room. If possible, also consider the colours and tone of the piece to match the overall look of the room.

Framing an ARTiK art puzzle is a pleasantly hands-on activity. A wall hanging of the final result is a good way to remember the time you spent assembling the jigsaw puzzle. and celebrate the finished work as something personal and special.

Is your jigsaw puzzle already decorating the wall?

Share your result on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #artikpuzzles and tag us on Facebook @artikpuzzles. We are happy to share!

Are you looking for a gift that is thoughtful, reassuring and memorable all at the same time? Forget chocolates and gift cards for a moment – puzzles are back and better than ever. Here are five great reasons why a jigsaw is a great gift for people of all ages.

1. Lasting joy

A jigsaw is not something you unpack and forget. It’s an activity that lasts for hours. It offers the joy of solving, the satisfaction and the small victories every time a piece fits. You’re not just giving an object, you’re giving an experience – and it’s one to remember.

2. A calm mind is a sharp mind

Assembling a jigsaw puzzle isn’t just for fun – it’s a workout for your brain. Studies have shown that solving puzzles improves concentration, develops spatial thinking and reduces stress. The perfect gift for people who value mental balance and meaningful time with themselves and loved ones.

3. Quality time together

Want something to bring generations together? The puzzle is perfect for families, couples and friends alike. It’s a joint project that creates an opportunity to socialise, laugh and spend time together. Piece by piece, not only a picture grows, but also cooperation and closeness!

4. Pictures that tell stories

ARTiK jigsaws are works of art created by Estonian artists and designers. Assembling these images is also about getting in touch with art. When the jigsaw is finished, it can become a wall decoration in your home.

5. Reasoned and sustainable choice

A jigsaw is a gift that won’t break quickly and won’t stand still. It can be reassembled, re-lent or even framed and hung on the wall like the ARTiK art puzzles that come with a special folding frame. Each jigsaw puzzle is unique, calming and provides a meaningful activity.

Give the gift of jigsaw puzzling – gift of time, attention and creativity

Each ARTiK art puzzle is an opportunity to pause, focus and create. If you’re looking for something aesthetic, developmental and personal, choose a jigsaw. It’s a gift that doesn’t ask for age or time – it just fits.

Jigsaw puzzles: More than just entertainment – A source of relaxation and peace of mind

Jigsaw puzzles are a time-honored pastime with a long and respected history, enjoyed across years and generations. Jigsaw puzzling is not just a pleasant form of entertainment, but also an effective way to train the brain and relieve stress. In this article, we’ll explore why jigsaw puzzles are so popular and how they help support our mental well-being.

What jigsaw puzzles do to our brains?

Puzzles require undistracted attention, logical thinking and problem-solving to keep our brains active. Here are some of the specific benefits of playing puzzles:

1. Improved memory and concentration
   When solving puzzles, we need to memorise shapes, colours and patterns, which helps to improve short-term memory. In addition, we concentrate on solving a single task for a longer period of time, which is good for our concentration.
2. Problem-solving skills
   Puzzle solving is a continuous trial-and-error process of fitting puzzle pieces with different properties into a coherent whole. It develops our ability to approach challenges from different angles and find creative solutions.
3. Spatial and visual perception
   Jigsaw puzzles also develop our ability to perceive the spatial relationship between the pieces of the puzzle and to imagine how they will eventually fit together. It’s a skill we also use in everyday life, for example when parking a car or arranging furniture.

Jigsaw puzzle as a stress reliever

As well as providing a mental workout, puzzling also has a calming effect. Solving puzzles helps to reduce stress in several ways:

• Mental presence and concentration
  By fitting the pieces of the jigsaw, we can forget our worries and focus on the moment. This is similar to the practice of mindfulness, where presence and deep concentration on a single activity are essential. This kind of concentrated activity helps calm anxiety and stress.
• “Flow” condition
  Solving puzzles has the potential to put us in a state of “flow”, where we are completely engrossed in the activity of the puzzle and lose track of time. This state is known for its calming effect and helps the mind to rest.

Summary

Jigsaw puzzles offer much more than just entertainment. They develop our brains, help relieve stress, and provide satisfaction as the chaotic sea of jigsaws steadily builds to an ever more perfect end result. Puzzles are suitable for all ages, genders and skill levels. Inspired by Navitrolla’s beautiful paintings of nature, the ARTiK puzzles come with a folding frame to hang the picture on the wall if desired.

Every day, we are surrounded by screens. Powerful computers collect, process and exchange information on us and on our behalf. Hot food and cold drinks delivered to our doorstep in all weathers are just a mobile app click away. There are kilometres of electrical wiring in vehicles. Getting around is easier than ever, yet we are in a hurry. To the extent that the automatic function completes our sentences and on instant messaging platforms we write in flashes of thumbs. Every year, we delegate more and more seemingly trivial daily tasks to (digital) technology to manage, freeing up our time and increasing our capacity to finally get on with what has been put off for so long.

But then you have to answer emails and take your vehicle in for maintenance. A screen that’s been knocked out means your smart device needs replacing, and without it we feel uneasy. You then have to book an appointment with your physician and work an hour longer to keep up with the increasing charges. By the time it’s all done, it’s getting late and energy reserves are exhausted. Are such paradoxes of modern times inevitable? Does the rise in living standards match the quality of life? If there are core values to being human, can rediscovering and practising them have a positive impact on our lives?

We are more extraordinary than any technology. Our brains and nervous systems are capable of impressive achievements if we choose to respect their potential. So it is essential that we learn to trust our innate capacity. It doesn’t take a lot of time or money, but it does require awareness and a will for consistent practise. In the highly stimulating world of cyberspace and the Internet of Things (IoT), an individual who can express themselves with paper and pen without becoming agitated is a rarity. In a world of fragmented attention, your thinking is holistic and your focus is deep. You can read a book and use your imagination. Mind’s Eye is your cinema, with a visualisation studio that is able to handle different concepts with puzzling playfulness. Your intelligence lies in your ability to make connections. You do not need quick entertainment because you are content. Confident in your skills, free from dependency and experiencing the inspiring thrust of freedom. These are ARTiK’s core values of being human.

We believe that technology is a good enabler, yet a silent master in many lives if not understood properly. While we value and use a variety of digital solutions, we do so with stoic moderation. Because, as the legendary Naksitrall Sammalhabe knew: there must be balance in nature!

The beginning of the success story of puzzles is closely linked to education. The urbanisation and industrial development of the 18th-century also led to new ideas in educational theory. One of the leading authorities in the field at the time was the philosopher John Locke, who argued that the use of various toys as learning tools could help to complement traditional teaching methods, enrich the learning experience and facilitate the engagement of ticklish students. Locke’s theory still lends credence to the fact that education and entertainment aka edutainment is a common concept today.

As the wealthy and influential wanted to give their children every possible competitive edge, such ideas attracted heightened interest. This helped to lay the foundations for the emergence of a corresponding market. As a natural continuation of these developments, the English cartographer John Spilsbury played an important role in popularising the first jigsaws. In the 1760s, he started printing world maps on mahogany plates and dissecting them. He branded his produce as “dissected maps” and marketed them as a geography teaching tool to the influential of the time. The most expensive of these could cost up to 21 shillings, when the average worker earned just 1 or 2 shillings a day. Cheaper, simplified versions were also often difficult for the working class to access, costing 5-7 shillings.

It is said that knowledge is power. The value of knowledge lies in its use to model reality. Thus, spatial thinking, hands on activities, erudition and other qualities have been highly valued throughout history, both morally and monetarily. Due to their educational, challenging, engaging and cognition enhancing nature, the first puzzles attracted the most attention and market share among the upper echelons of society and the intelligentsia at large. The King of England, George III, even had a special room to store his own collection of puzzles, which were used to teach his descendants. There are also many famous puzzle enthusiasts from recent history such as Albert Einstein, Queen Elizabeth, Stephen King, Hugh Jackman and many more.

Today, almost three centuries have passed since Spilsbury created his “dissected maps”. With the leaps and bounds of society and technology that have taken place in that time, the seemingly modest puzzles are still with us. Developing our young and sharpening our greats, testifying that there is genius in simplicity.

Gilboy, E. W. (1934). Wages in Eighteenth Century England. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

Locke, J. (1989). Some Thoughts Concerning Education. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

Williams, A., D. (2004). The Jigsaw Puzzle: Piecing Together a History. The Penguin Group.

Einstein syndrome is a condition in which a child does not learn to speak at the same time and to the same extent as their peers, but shows proficiency in other areas such as analytical thinking.

Albert Einstein is known to have been a child who was a little tongue-tied compared to his peers, but a gifted jigsaw puzzle enthusiast. It is thought that his interest in puzzles and other games that applied analytical and spatial thinking was linked to his later remarkable ability to playfully manipulate different concepts in his mind’s eye.

American physicist and lecturer Gerard Holton observed that Einstein was able to effectively combine and manipulate objects and ideas in his imagination in much the same way as the thought processes at work when assembling a jigsaw puzzle. Einstein himself has said of his world-famous theory of relativity that his childlike way of thinking about time and space played an important role in its formulation. He later added that every meaningful idea is the result of a combinatorial thought process, and that finding the right language to reproduce the concepts achieved is a secondary, effort-intensive process.

It’s interesting to note how Einstein’s development of such grandiose ideas was a childishly playful activity based on imagination. While Einstein was undoubtedly a revolutionary genius, we too can use puzzles to develop our thinking, and in so doing perhaps gain a better understanding of this extraordinary genius, as well as the rest of the world.

Erikson, E., H. (1977). Toys and Reasons: Stages in the Ritualization of Experience. W. W. Norton & Company.
Late talker. (14.01.2022). Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Viewed 23.01.22 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Late_talker.
Williams, A., D. (2004). The Jigsaw Puzzle: Piecing Together a History. The Penguin Group.