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Original poster

And then she lost her mind

70 replies

OhToBeASeahorse · 05/02/2021 15:34

Here is a little story...

2 years ago DH and I bought a puzzle. It was of a place that has some lovely memories for us and also is in the same colours as our new kitchen. So we thought it would be nice to do it then frame it.

We started it but then life got in the way.

A couple of months ago we had some free evenings so decided to try and finish it. In a couple of nights we were down to the last few bits to do. One night we finished it - well, almost. As I reached to get the last piece I found to my horror that it wasnt there.

The puzzle has not been moved. So i contacted the manufacturer who offered a free replacement if your puzzle is incomplete. However, they were out of stock.

As I began my descent into madness I started to look on ebay and found they go for more than they were new. But I was determined. Eventually I got one for a reasonable price.

Today, with the baby asleep in her sling, I started going through the box for the missing piece.

I've been through it twice. No pieces fit.

Oh my god.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
HollowTalk · 05/02/2021 15:41

Does each set have the same number of pieces?

Original poster
OhToBeASeahorse · 05/02/2021 15:45

I bought the second one in good faith assuming it has 1000 pieces but I havent counted them...

OP posts:
starfish88 · 05/02/2021 15:48

I would start wondering if it was a manufacturing fault and none of the boxes have the piece.

Original poster
OhToBeASeahorse · 05/02/2021 15:52

None of the reviews have said that though. Would explain why some are on ebay though...

OP posts:
EscapeTheCastle · 05/02/2021 15:54

You could blackmail the puzzle company over this. "Hand over 1 million pounds or this is going viral!!!!!"

Original poster
OhToBeASeahorse · 05/02/2021 15:59

Dont tempt me. With lockdown, a newborn who has had various issues and been seriously let down by our doctor, toddler who tantrums at everything and a mother in a mental health unit... this might be the bit that pushes me over the edge!!!

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Original poster
OhToBeASeahorse · 05/02/2021 16:01

I've put a picture of it here - maybe someone has done it and has it?!?!

And then she lost her mind
OP posts:
LOTM · 05/02/2021 16:03

Could you bodge something for the missing piece?

Photoshop / bit of glue / bit of cardboard might work...

DasPepe · 05/02/2021 16:08

It looks like the missing piece isn’t part of the design - just background.

I would say, you frame it as it is, because - that’s life: unfinished puzzle :)

You have some options:
Use same colour background, so most people won’t notice (if you can live with it)
Use a contrasting background- with a funny anecdote (should COVID ever go away an dwe actually have strangers in our homes again)

Theme each year with an alternative piece, made from play dough / crochet, cardboard, cheese . .
Then you can name your own years (year of the cheese :) ) and have your own memory making puzzle

Marmite27 · 05/02/2021 16:10

Some puzzles, clemontoni, ravensberger etc are individually cut. Which is why they can’t just send you one piece, it has to be a brand new full set.

HoneysuckIejasmine · 05/02/2021 16:12

Yes, I'd frame it as it is too, and consider it one of life's jokes.

Daydrambeliever · 05/02/2021 16:16

I was about to say the same. I know how utterly gutting it is to get to the end of a jigsaw puzzle and for there to be no last bit BUT.... I would frame it as is and accept that it was a metaphorical sign that although life never feels complete, it can still be beautiful.

dontthinkitsme · 05/02/2021 16:20

Sums up life in 2020/21 really doesn't it? Grin

Keratinsmooth · 05/02/2021 16:21

Take both sets into the garden and set them on fire?

IAmongstTheWorld · 05/02/2021 16:23

Could you make the piece as it's plain white?

Original poster
OhToBeASeahorse · 05/02/2021 16:25

I'm definitely on @Keratinsmooth kind of mindset atm!

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VinylDetective · 05/02/2021 16:27

@Daydrambeliever

I was about to say the same. I know how utterly gutting it is to get to the end of a jigsaw puzzle and for there to be no last bit BUT.... I would frame it as is and accept that it was a metaphorical sign that although life never feels complete, it can still be beautiful.
This. There’s something wonderfully symbolic about that missing piece. For framing purposes I think it adds to it.
TerpsichoreanMuse · 05/02/2021 16:29

jigsawdoctor.com

Makes missing pieces. Not cheap mind.

Systemagic · 05/02/2021 16:31

Something similar happened to a friend. She realised that although the replacement puzzle had the same picture, it had actually been cut differently.

merryhouse · 05/02/2021 16:32

Jigsaws aren't all cut the same. I had a leaflet with my last one which said if it's not complete I should send them 6 pieces and they'll send me a full new one, because they're all cut differently.

I'm afraid you'll simply have to do the new jigsaw all over again. Don't mix the pieces!

Systemagic · 05/02/2021 16:37

Also....I once found a missing piece, weeks later, in the bottom of a handbag that must have been under the table at that point. Could something like that have happened? Have you checked the hoover?!

NoProblem123 · 05/02/2021 16:47

Check kid’s bedrooms & pockets !
My daughter always takes a few so she gets to finish it - usually straight after I’ve lost my mind !
Unfortunately I take so long she completely forgets her stash 😠

Mix56 · 05/02/2021 16:50

Oh God,
So you don't have a spare bit ? The shape looks odd in the photo
I started mega puzzle on Xmas day with DD, Yesterday I moved it to her house, (on a plywood base) as it takes up a lot of space & I decided it was her turn to have a go suffer. Driving down a bumpy earth road.... some of the bits got shot around the back of the car, who knows if a piece has been lost (haven't told her, eek)
I have also discovered that the pieces can be put in the wrong spot... almost impossible to know until I get stuck on the neighbouring pieces...
I was going to post a photo, its not working; 'its of an aurora borealis over water) Virtually impossible.

Mix56 · 05/02/2021 16:57

Here it is

And then she lost her mind
Original poster
OhToBeASeahorse · 05/02/2021 17:25

Wow that's gorgeous!

I'm sure the piece isnt here

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