A spirited journey through the world of collectible artisan puzzles
Pairing craft cocktails with crafty puzzles
The Devil’s Advocate
There’s a chill in the air and the dark creeps in a little sooner, a little longer, stretching the shadows and turning all things spooky.
Feeling Dizzy
I continue to be impressed and inspired by the big ideas from QuizBrix, and thrilled with their wonderfully fun creations which are made completely out of Lego bricks.
Out of this World
“We come in peace” or “Take me to your leader”? Which side of the alien invasion theory are you on? You’d better decide quickly, because TETRA has arrived and you’ll need a plan!
Mona Lisa Smile
Incisors, canines, premolars or molars, pick your favorite out of thirty two choices.
Adventure on the High Seas
“De Vliegende Hollander” is a myth, a legend, a ghost story from the seventeenth century era when the Dutch East India Company controlled commerce on the seven seas.
Animal Cruelty
The story begins in 1975, when the Japanese amusement ride company TOGO released Mogura Taij (Mole Buster), a franticly fun mole smashing game invented by Kazuo Yamada.
Putting It In Writing
It should come as no surprise that I am particularly fond of “meta” objects, which embrace this world I dwell in each week – puzzle boxes that are themselves about writing, or stories, or, of course, spirits
Triple Play
It’s always exciting to welcome new designers here, and it’s high time for another such introduction.
Rising Above
Dee Dixon is on a roll. Or at least, his newest puzzle box is, if placed on end at the top of a slope.
Knight Rider
Any witch or wizard worth their wand and in need of transportation, because they are too young to aparate or too old to bother, knows all that is required is to hail the bus.
What about BOB?
Kagen Sound is trying something new. The American master of finely crafted secret opening boxes is incorporating electronics now, but at least in this case, the batteries are included.
Keeping Cool
The record heat wave we are experiencing in Texas has a lot of folks reaching for an ice cold refreshment. I reached for an entire refrigerator and freezer unit.
Haute Springs
Japan has a wealth of natural wonders, not least of which are the famed hot springs (onsen) found in mountainous regions which are caused by geothermal volcanic activity.
Cloak of Invisibility
The Ninja, and related Shinobi warriors, were prominent in 15th century Japan during the Sengoku period.
Ship Shape
On June 8, 1879, George Washington issued the first official presidential order in United States history.
Voyages Extraordinaires – Part I
In 1866 (so the story goes) nations around the globe begin sighting a mysterious sea monster.
Red Handed
A staple of the northern European diet for over three thousand years, the tasty sardine and its big brother the herring can be enjoyed raw, salted, pickled and dried, just to name a few common preparations.