Kelpicorn
What's your name?
Lynn aka Kelpicorn
Where are you based?
Scotland
Tell us about what your ordinary day looks like.
I work as a college librarian and I'm in my 2nd last year of my Environmental Science degree. My partner, son and I have recently moved into a new home, so much of my spare time is spent decorating and making the space our own. When I'm not studying or cataloguing books, I enjoy art, journaling, puzzling, reading, gaming and watching TV. I have a lot of hobbies!
How did you get into the world of puzzling?
I first fell in love with puzzles as a child, spending hours building, taking apart and rebuilding a 100-piece Bambi puzzle. My parents soon encouraged me with more puzzles, each one gradually becoming more challenging as I grew. I was always excited to get a new puzzle during our caravan holidays across the UK. However I stopped puzzling during high school when school work took over and I found less time for it. But in 2020 during lockdown, I returned to puzzling and rediscovered how much joy and calm it had always brought me.
What makes you keep puzzling & how often do you puzzle?
I keep puzzling because it brings me joy and helps calm my overactive mind. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I discovered I had AuDHD and I find puzzling helps quiet my thoughts and prevent burnout. I’d love to try speed puzzling to challenge myself, but for now I try work on at least one puzzle each week.
What is your favorite type of puzzle?
My favourite type of puzzles are ones with colourful art and pretty illustrations. I mostly complete 500 and 1000 piece puzzles. I also love puzzles that support the artists behind them.
During puzzling sessions, do you listen to anything or puzzle in silence?
I usually have YouTube or Twitch playing in the background. My favourites are Smosh Reddit Stories, Gab Smolders, AmandaRachLee, Critical Role and Spilled Ink. If I'm working on a puzzle that requires intense concentration or I need to de-stress then I'll listen to Lofi Girl.
If you were to describe what puzzling means to you, what would it be?
To me puzzling means peace. It's a relaxing escape that gives me the freedom to slow down or push myself, depending on what I need in the moment. Each puzzle can be as simple or as challenging as I choose, which makes the experience rewarding.
Tell us about your other interests & joys.
I love art, playing cozy games, and space. My son is very interested in astronomy so I've been learning more alongside him and going out at night to find celestial events together. I also enjoy reading, my favourite genre is Fantasy and my favourite books are The Hobbit and The Last Unicorn.
Do you have anything you want to share?
The puzzle community have been so supportive and kind. I hope to connect with even more people in the community, and I look forward to sharing the jigsaws I've built, journal spreads and creative projects I'm working on.