Sea stars and sand dollars abound in the Sea Stars puzzle by photographer Peter Doran. In short, this challenging 1000-piece beach jigsaw puzzle is a treat for anyone who loves beachcombing.
About the Artwork
Sea stars and sand dollars cover the scene, each with its own shape, color and texture. It’s like the best beachcombing haul you’ve ever found.
Because it’s a photograph, the puzzle captures the real details of every sea star arm and sand dollar pattern. In addition, the natural colors give the scene a calm, coastal feel.
If you enjoy Peter Doran’s photography, be sure to look at She Sells Sea Shells and Low Tide too.
Where to Start
Start with the border, then build the largest sea stars, using their arms as a guide, since it stands out right away. Next, work on the sand dollars, matching their patterns. After that, piece together the smaller sea stars and details. Finally, fill in the sand, sorting those pieces by shade.
Sea Stars Puzzle Details
- Pieces: 1000
- Finished size: 30″ x 24″
- Photographer: Peter Doran
- Part number: 40578
- Made in the USA by Heritage Puzzle
A Challenging 1000-Piece Beach Puzzle
Overall, at 1000 pieces, the Sea Stars puzzle is a rewarding challenge for experienced puzzlers. In addition, the many similar shapes reward a careful eye and a little patience.
For example, set it up after a beach trip and compare it with your own sea star and sand dollar finds. Also, it’s a fun way to teach kids about life on the shore.
It also makes a thoughtful gift for shell collectors and anyone who loves walking the tide line.
Framing Your Sea Stars Puzzle
When you finish, the puzzle measures 30″ x 24″. Then glue it, let it dry flat and frame it for a bathroom, sunroom or beach house.
Explore More
Finally, see more puzzles by Peter Doran, or browse our Seashell Puzzles and Beach Puzzles collections.
Sue Lehner –
“Sea Stars” was a difficult puzzle for me because it took so long to do. After you folks were kind enough to send this to me, when I called to tell you about a missing piece in “Rainbow Reef”. I enjoyed doing it but towards the end I kept thinking that there has to be some missing pieces again. but, there were no missing pieces. It turned out to be a very beautiful picture, and I had a terrific time putting both of them together. Looking forward to doing another one soon. Thank you.
Lisa Gibney –
My son really enjoyed this puzzle. The quality of the puzzle pieces were outstanding…perfect size to pick up and made of hard material. The picture was clear and beautiful.
Deborah Smith –
I love this puzzle, but it is the largest one I have done (1000 pieces) and I’ve been working on it since the first week of October 2018!!! Very difficult for me since all the colors blend so closely together. I think I am missing at least 1 piece, but since I’m not finished, I’m not sure yet! But I’m determined to push through and get it finished, hopefully before Christmas!!
James DeLong –
While hard it is doable. You have to change your strategy as you build it.
First the edges. While typically the easiest to do, I found I had one side at 23 inches, and the other at 25 inches. All pieces fit together perfectly. The only way to find the error was to build the inside and see what didn’t fit. That told me exactly where the problem was, but wasn’t discovered until I was 90% done.
Then I attacked the large star fish. Isolate the pieces and use the box picture to match the angle to ID which piece belonged to which star fish arm. Same for the two small star fish.
Then build each shells following the edges. You will then be able to fit some to the edge pieces. Watch the whites for minor variations.
Last is all the sand that all looks alike. I isolated the pieces into 5 box tops. No tabs, 1 tab, 2 tabs, 3 tabs, and 4 tabs. The trial and error making the fits.
Took longer than any I’ve done before and the box colors are more vibrant than the puzzle pieces, plus I found a number that would fit in more that one spot. Need to look at the values carefully.
Not for the puzzle novice, but provides a challenge and sense of accomplishment when done! Would have given it a 5 star except for the color variations between the box and the pieces.