A spirited journey through the world of collectible artisan puzzles
Pairing craft cocktails with crafty puzzles
House Secret Box
The “Secret Box House” was created by the master craftsmen in Hakone, Japan, the cradle of yosegi marquetry woodwork and origin of the “himitsu-bako”, or secret box. The house is adorned with incredible yosegi details, including the bricks of the house, the chimney, and the shingles on the roof.
Salt and Pepper Shakers
The deviously puzzling Sandfield brothers, Robert and Norman, designed their Salt and Pepper Shakers to exchange at IPP 22 held in Antwerp in 2002.
Waterfall Box
Considered by many to be a master of the art, Kagen Sound (nee Schaeffer) crafts his artisanal puzzle boxes in Colorado using his mathematical mindset and wood working techniques usually reserved for fine musical instruments.
Autumn Box (Stickman No 10)
The Autumn Box by Robert Yarger takes on a more traditional rectangular prism (box) shape than many of his designs, yet remains one of his more beautiful creations thanks to the vibrant fall colors it features.
ReBanded Dovetail
The Sandfield’s ReBanded Dovetail was their IPP 32 exchange puzzle in 2012. Designed by Robert and Kathleen and crafted by Kathleen from light baltic birch plywood, walnut and lacewood, these little boxes feature a double dovetail on the ends and are wrapped tightly with double bands of shimmering lacewood.
Pirate’s Wallet (Stickman No 27)
What perfect puzzle awaits our picaroon pirates today? Why, it's the aptly named “Pirate’s Wallet”, created by none other than that Admiral of the Black, Robert Yaaaaarrrger.
Double Crossed Box
Leaving Oklahoma and the Stickman Cross Box, we make our way down to Texas (don’t mess with us) where we find another master of wooden puzzle madness named Randal Gatewood. He ups the ante with not one but two crosses, in his “Double Crossed” Puzzle Box.
Cross Box (Stickman No 12)
The Southern Cross (the constellation “Crux”) has been used to navigate the seas in the southern hemisphere for centuries, much like its friend the “North Star” in the other half of the world.
Tinker Box
The Tinker Box is a gorgeous piece of woodwork which requires 49 steps to reveal all three secret compartments. The main structure is made from beautiful leopardwood and gives the box a striking patterned appearance.
Snail Box (Creative Secret 1)
Sloeing things down a bit on the puzzling side as well, I present the “Snail” box, a collaborative effort from the Karakuri Creation Group.