A spirited journey through the world of collectible artisan puzzles
Pairing craft cocktails with crafty puzzles
Booker Prize
It’s always a good time for reading here at Bookses and Booze. I’ll take any excuse, and March 2 was “Read Across America Day”, which counts in my book.
Boxes and Books
In celebration of World Book Day (April 23), I had the inspired idea to pick up a book. OK, I know what you’re thinking …
Book Puzzle Boxes
It’s time to reach for a good book. We love books at Boxes and Booze headquarters, and puzzle boxes compete for space on the bookshelves with them here. Monday Aug 9 (2021) is National Book Lover’s Day, which is cause for celebration, and calls for an apropos special offering.
Milestone Book (Stickman 25)
To celebrate the occasion I’d like to present a rather auspicious creation from someone whose work I have featured here more than any other, my friend Robert Yarger.
The Fairy’s Door
We are here to celebrate the original fairy door this time, finally, the one that inspired the rest. Mike Toulouzas is a highly talented woodworker from Greece whose hobby has earned him tremendous accolades in the puzzle world.
Secret Book Box
This year I present the stunning “Secret Book Box” from the Karakuri Creation Group artist Hideaki Kawashima.
Victorian Book
Appearing as though it were plucked from the shelf of an old library hidden away inside the musty mansion of some secret society, the “Victorian Book” puzzle box, by Jesse Born from New York State, exudes an instant air of mystery.
Born Book Puzzle
This week we are featuring a beautiful wooden book created by up and coming woodworker Jesse Born from Rome, New York. His “Book” puzzle is an elegantly crafted delight to hold and explore. Made from maple, cherry and pine woods, it has additional accents of mahogany and spalted maple.
Zougan Book
Akio Kamei of the Karakuri Creation Group (inspirer of many fine boxes and booze) made a series of special book puzzles with differing designs. Some have geometric patterns with classic Yosegi marquetry wood inlay, some have cute stripes in alternating colors, and some have a beautiful “Zougan” style wooden inlay depicting lovely cranes.
