Tuesday, March 7, 2017

What Was I Thinking?

Probably many of you use Shutterfly for photo services and often get their free deal offers (apart from postage or as Rick would say, "Nothing is more expensive than free.") Their recent offer was a jig saw puzzle. I like puzzles so I ordered one. What was I thinking?


I've always been a sucker for puzzles, but hadn't done one in a long time. Well, not this long, but pretty long! Remember those round ones? I think I still have some of those at the lake!


But back to the puzzle at hand. Harry the Heron in his autumn splendor may make a lovely photo -- but he's one heck of a tough puzzle.


Probably doing this on a wood grained table 'wasn't the smartest move either.


Well, they say it keeps you sharp!

I've been painting a little bit. Here is the Edgartown Harbor in Martha's Vineyard...There's a problem with the edge of the lighthouse. Not sure if I can lighten that one up.


...and one of the gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs.


I need to do these over. Especially the cottage. It's a little over-pink. Practice...(and I did. And it came out worse...sigh. More practice to do...)

I'm out hunting some fun new post ideas this week and may be even more behind visiting or commenting or replying! Hang in there! It's almost spring!

32 comments:

Joanne Huffman said...

I love your watercolors! The puzzle looks hard to do, but really cool (maybe easier on a white surface?). I grew up doing puzzles with my mom and have many happy memories of puzzle time.

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

I like puzzele's, but haven't done one in years. I have been coloring adult books. That is fine.

Hows that beautiful baby?

Mary

Lynne said...

Reminds me . . .i need to check up on my "puzzle friend."
I am overdue . . . I hope she forgives me.
I purchased a cork bulletin board and we do our puzzles on it,
then we can move it off the table, put it away somewhere.
The puzzle you are doing looks VERY difficult . . .
A sense of accomplishment when those difficult ones are completed!
Enjoy your time away . . .

Mae Travels said...

Some of your paintings would make very good jigsaw puzzles, I bet.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, will you frame the puzzle when you are finished? Love Martha's Vineyard and your paintings bring back my wonderful memories!

Joyful said...

I was never any good at puzzles though they were a favourite activity of many family members over the cold, long, northern winters. You look like you are doing pretty good with yours. Your watercolours are lovely.

Valerie-Jael said...

Love your art, both paintings are beautiful, and your jigsaw puzzle will surely keep you occupied for some time, it's a lovely picture. Have fun! Hugs, Valerie

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

HMM. 252 pieces aren't that many in the real scheme of things, but I go by color and it looks like you have already found the disparate pieces.

I enjoyed both your lovely paintings. I especially enjoyed the gingerbread cottage. It was similar to ones I remember seeing on your blog in the past.

My name is Erika. said...

That is a cool puzzle of Harry. Even if it is a little difficult it is so personalized! Hope you have a great trip east and post some photos. I grew up in Central Massachusetts and I know where Marlborough is. Where else are you visiting? Enjoy-have a great trip Jeanie. Hugs-Erika

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Well, you've got the edges and the heron done :) Take a picture when you get the whole thing complete, o.k.? Your watercolours are very sweet. -Jenn

our life in france said...

Oh Jeanie, you have brought back some wonderful memories of myself and my Mum doing jigsaws both when we were children (we had a nice big round one of the queen and all the family) probably the coronation, then in later life to help her after a stroke, you have now made me want a jigsaw will have to look for one when I next go shopping, x

shoreacres said...

Puzzles used to be one way I amused myself when I was sick and confined to the house as a kid. There always were those days when you didn't feel bad any more, but still couldn't go back to school, and puzzles were perfect.

I haven't done one myself for years, although I've helped with some. They are good for evenings at the beach, and such -- although I'd still rather sit and look at the stars. Speaking of: I really like the lighthouse. You want a lighthouse photo that would make a heck of a puzzle? How about this one?

Eilis said...

I didn't know that Shutterfly made puzzles. What a fun idea for a special photo. Your watercolors are charming just the way they are!

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

I did not know Shutterfly made puzzles! You definitely chose a tough picture since so many of the colors blend together (but beautifully!). You have your work cut out for you, but how fun! We did a puzzle on my girls weekend at the lake last August. I should make one for our next girls weekend!

Sounds like you are up to all kinds of fun activities, as usual! If your weather is like ours, you are staying inside to avoid the blustering wind! Our weather went from 65 on Monday to 25 w/ high winds yesterday morning. This hasn't been a bad winter but I'm sooooo ready for spring!!

You are going to love my post today because it's all about wedding DIY projects!!!

La Table De Nana said...

That one looks like it will sharpen your mind to a tack:) Oyoyoy..
Your paintings are charming Jeanie..really!I admire the perfect art..almost as a photograph..but am much more taken w/ not photography like.
I hope I get to MV this Spring/Summer.

FRom now on all your Shuuterfly Freebies w// be Carson:)♥

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I don't do puzzles (no patience) but it does look hard. I love your watercolors and you are one of my inspirations to keep trying to paint. Hugs.

Sandra Cox said...

Love the photos and the puzzle.
Weren't you a little cutie...and of course still are:)

Preppy Empty Nester said...

I think Rick and my Mister went to the same school, Jeanie. I LOVE the pink cottage! Is there such a thing as over-pink?? How is that beautiful grandchild doing? Good luck on your new adventures.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

AU CONTRAIRE! I think your cottage is absolutely PERFECT, Jeanie!

My Grama's Soul said...

Good for you with your painting....keep going. Also...they say puzzles are good for our brains...you are building yours girl.

Jo

Marilyn Miller said...

I adore your paintings. Now I had never thought of having Shutterfly make a puzzle, but what a wonderful idea. That would make an amazing Christmas gift too. I know someone that loves puzzles and I can do it with him. Thanks for the idea!!!!

Cheryl said...

I bought four 500 piece Christmas puzzles... I/we didn't even get ONE put together! I got it half way put together and then I put it back in the box. Honestly, I think they mixed up the pieces with another puzzle at the factory... :-)That sucker was HARD!

~*~Patty S said...

Really lovely watercolors Jeanie!
AND you sure did get yourself a special AND challenging puzzle.
Patience is a virtue afterall ;-)
oxo

Maggie said...

I've never been a fan of jigsaw puzzles but my sister loves them, I think the heron would have me tearing my hair out!
Your watercolours are very good, I especially like the little pink cottage.
Here in Normandy Spring has sprung, the blossom is out and the birds are singing in the sunshine today.

Little Wandering Wren said...

I can see why that puzzle would be ultra tricky, great picture though!!! I think you need to invite your wine friends over, you'd get it done in no time with a little help from your friends!!!
Wren x

doodletllc@yahoo.com said...

Love your sweet paintings, Jeanie...and congratulations on that sweetest of sweet baby. :)

Danielle L Zecher said...

I think your puzzle looks like fun.

Have you seen the mystery puzzles? We did one a few years ago. It's two separate puzzles mixed together in a box, and there's not a picture of either puzzle. You're given some information and use the puzzles to solve a crime. It was challenging, but fun.

Tammie Lee said...

I think the pink cottage is charming. But yes, make it again in another color, you might find it an interesting experience, I do that sometimes.

Was the photo for the puzzle yours?
I am in the mood for a puzzle.

Lovely day to you.

Lynda Shoup said...

Puzzles seem harder to do these days....does that mean I'm getting worse at them?

I admire your tenacity with watercolors. I have not found them to be my friend...so far. Maybe we will bond in the future. By the way, I love the pink of the house. Just the shade I'd want to live in. Keep at it. The results are lovely.

Jenny Woolf said...

That little pink cottage is sweet! I can never settle down to jigsaws, but good luck with that one, Jeanie! It certainly is pretty...

Red Rose Alley said...

I love that little gingerbread cottage you painted, Jeanie. It's delightful in every way. : )

~Sheri

Marcia said...

I absolutely LOVE that cottage illustration. I think it's perfect. It's whimsical, and I'm a huge fan.
The puzzle is a great gift idea.

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