A spirited journey through the world of collectible artisan puzzles
Pairing craft cocktails with crafty puzzles
Penny Arcade
Who doesn't have fond memories of strolling along the boardwalk as a child? If you were deprived of that wonderful experience, I can tell you it was a place full of magic, excitement, sweet delicacies and adventure. If not, then you know what I mean.
Small Button Box
The Small Button Box is a truly amazing little marvel. It’s difficult to fathom the level of precise complexity that is packed inside this tiny puzzle.
Tin Woodman
We’re off to see the wizard this week as we get slightly sentimental. Created as part of the Karakuri Creation Group’s “Story” exhibition, the Tin Woodman from Japanese artist Yoh Kakuda might just melt your heart.
Carousel Box
From the creative mind of Canadian puzzle box maker Kelly Snache comes the Carousel Box. Kel produced this as an homage to another fine box full of gears, the Stickman No. 3 Puzzle Box by his friend Robert Yarger.
Whisky Bottle
Happy World Whisky Day! This holiday really takes me back. All the way to Babylon and Mesopotamia in 2000 BC! Evidence of fermented, distilled grain (whisky!) exists from archaeological sites in the middle east dating all the way back to those ancient times.
Travel Pillow
Boxes and Booze is on the road, traveling a bit over the next few weeks. It seems like a good time to bring out my travel pillow. This one is from Kyoko Hoshino, one of the very few women crafting puzzle boxes today.
Shrinking Box
The idea of a box which needs to literally shrink in order to open is simply fascinating to me, and apparently to Hiroshi Iwahara, who designed it, and Tatsuo Miyamoto, who crafted it, as well.
Pinko Ringo / Ze Orange
This time the fruits of his labor have yielded an orange, complete with a silver stem. It’s a lovely piece of art and would be perfectly satisfying as an exceptionally skillful bit of wood turning, complete with textured skin.
Gordian Knot
The legend of the Gordian Knot dates back to ancient Macedonia, when a prophecy telling of a man driving an oxcart into the capital city of Phrygia came true and Gordia became king.
Roll Box
At first glance, it appears to be a handsomely made chest with a wooden-hinged lid, locked shut at the front. There is a prominent bar on the front decorated in a contrasting, directional wood pattern which seems to be telling you something. Indeed this is a sliding bar with a little keyhole.
Two-Dimensional Secret Box
One of the Japanese Karakuri Creation Group artists who has delighted in pushing the boundaries of what is possible is Hiroshi Iwahara.
One Ring Box
“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” – J.R.R.Tolkien
Matchbox (Stickman No 29)
Things are really heating up at Boxes and Booze headquarters. The kindling is ready, the wood and whiskey set out. Yes, it’s getting warmer here in Houston, but the rain has been putting a damper on that. Looks like we’ll need something to help get it all started … does anyone have a match?
Byways Secret
One of the most prolific and creative modern puzzle box artists from the Karakuri Creation Group, Hiroshi Iwahara, decided he would turn the tradition inside out with his “Byways Secret” box set.
