A spirited journey through the world of collectible artisan puzzles

Pairing craft cocktails with crafty puzzles

Boxes and Booze 2/2/19 Boxes and Booze 2/2/19

I’m Home

Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home – John Howard Payne

Boxes and Booze 1/27/18 Boxes and Booze 1/27/18

See a star and think

The stars evoke a universal feeling of wonder and awe, and provide a common global reference point reminding us all of our humble place in the universe.

Boxes and Booze 5/13/17 Boxes and Booze 5/13/17

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.

Boxes and Booze 12/3/16 Boxes and Booze 12/3/16

Button Box (BB)

Kyoko Hoshino of the Karakuri Creation Group makes her puzzle boxes distinct with her use of cloth and other materials in and on her boxes.

Boxes and Booze 12/26/15 Boxes and Booze 12/26/15

Wrapping Box

A great example of one of these annual puzzle box treats with a sense of humor is the “Wrapping Box” by Kyoko Hoshino. It was created to resemble an actual present, wrapping paper and all, complete with a ribbon and little bells. Hoshino likes to incorporate cloth and other unusual materials into her designs. In this case, the puzzle box is all wrapped up in festive cloth. You can feel the box inside, but you can’t unwrap it. How will you open it?

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