A spirited journey through the world of collectible artisan puzzles
Pairing craft cocktails with crafty puzzles
Dad’s Two Cents
The box which holds the garnet is called “Dad’s Two Cents” and contains its own secret, with a rather unique feature not seen on any other puzzle box that I have encountered.
Topless Box
Getting down to puzzling business is hard work, at times – North Carolina puzzlesmith Eric Fuller might even suggest you take your shirt off. At least, his Topless Box would suggest it.
Sweet Tooth Tiger
The Japanese zodiac is divided into a twelve year cycle, with repeating blocks of years represented by a different animal. It is said that you pick up a few characteristics from the animal year you were born during.
Butterfly Box (Pleasure and Pain)
Now for something pleasant. And painful. From the international man of mystery and mayhem, the Dutch devil of devious delights – that’s right, Wil Strijbos, the brilliant puzzle designer from the Netherlands – comes more mischievous merriment.
Secret Book Box
This year I present the stunning “Secret Book Box” from the Karakuri Creation Group artist Hideaki Kawashima.
Diamond Box
It’s always a treat to discuss one of Kagen Sound’s fine boxes. He has made a reputation for himself as one of the world’s foremost puzzle box makers. The description doesn’t quite do justice to his work.
Sequence Logic
Back from the Victorian Age where he got lost in a good book, returns American craftsman Jesse Born to his workshop in upstate New York.
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.