Yes, I know, I’m somewhat mad! A 1,500 pieces puzzle that is mainly black … what’s not to like? When Ravensburger approached me and asked if I’d like to try out this ‘Map of the Universe’ puzzle, I jumped at the chance. I like puzzles, and I figured that I’d learn some interesting facts about galaxies and stars along the way.
The design
Looking at the puzzle image on the box, everything about the universe is covered. It’s very detailed. Frighteningly so actually! The colour isn’t quite black, it’s a very deep midnight blue. I’ve been studying the picture with a magnifying glass, as the words are SO small in the puzzle design on the box. With this design, I think a good-sized magnifying glass will be very handy indeed.
To be perfectly honest, when the puzzle arrived and I realised the complexity of it, it made me feel rather scared. Look at all these same-coloured puzzle pieces! Have I bitten off more than I can chew?
With a quiet weekend ahead planned, I’ve decided that this will be the best time to start. But before then I need to sort out the edges from the centre pieces. This, in itself is no mean fete.
Step 1: Sorting
Whenever I start a puzzle I always like to separate the centre puzzle pieces from the edge pieces, identifying the four corners as I go. I started to sort this puzzle 3 hours ago … it took that long!
However, I’ve managed to separate the components and have found the four corner pieces. So, we’re all set for the building to commence at the weekend.
Step 2: Edges, and beyond
Well, you’ll have to come back to see Step 2, as I’ve not started to build the puzzle yet. My plan though is to get the four sides built. There’s text going all the way around the margin, so I’ll use the magnifying glass to help me work out what words go where.
Step 3 will be difficult, but I’ll try to focus on the ‘colourful’ parts of the puzzle and make small groups of pieces that I can approximately place. Then I’ll look at pieces with coloured lines through them, to see if I can work out where they belong.
Challenge
There’s no denying that this is the biggest puzzle challenge I’ve ever taken on. I can’t waiting to see it finished … if I achieve it, this may well be a puzzle that ends up framed and hanging on the wall!
Come back to visit when you can – I promise to post updates here as they happen!
Wish me luck!
