Dutch puzzle designer Wil Strijbos made his first puzzle box in 1984. It was destined to become a classic and was the start of a long career in puzzle design and accolades. His distinctive anodized metal puzzles are prized the world over and represent some of the finest examples of sequential discovery style.
Inspiration can strike at any moment, and in the most unusual ways, if you let it. The international man of mystery and metal mayhem, the diabolical Dutch designer of devious delights, yes the one and only Wil Strijbos, knows how to let life inspire him.
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.
Like pinball, with many tiny metal balls cascading their way down the playing field, pachinko is part arcade game, part casino game, and wildly popular in Japan.
At last we get to the first. The First Box, by Dutch puzzle designer William Strijbos, that is. Wil’s Streetwise puzzle company produces beautiful anodized aluminum mechanical puzzles. He travels the world looking for design ideas and inspiration.
I decided to combine my two recent pass times, making craft cocktails and collecting puzzle boxes.
The Lotus flower is an important symbol for many Eastern cultures and religions, representing the concepts of purity, enlightenment, regeneration and rebirth.