As we shot a DVD about the construction of puzzle boxes, Jeff Vollmer (author of Puzzle Boxes) was my guest. I spoke with Jeff about the origins and construction of his puzzle boxes while filming segments.
Jeff is a Cincinnati native, and when he and his wife Lynn lost their jobs in the early 90s they turned to creative arts. Jeff decided to put his hobbyist woodworking skills to use in making wooden gifts to sell at local shops and festivals.
While he and his wife are most recognized for their box making, Jeff told me that puzzle boxes werent his first woodworking wares. It all started during a season at the Ohio Renaissance Festival, when he and his family brought several turned goblets and wooden jewelry to sell at their custom booth. These turnings took him many weeks to make and finish. He was certain that festival patrons would buy them because they were 16-century-appropriate. Within the first hour of the first day of the festival, Jeff sold his most-expensive goblet.
The following week, Jeff sold none.
Returning from the festival, Jeff hurriedly cut a box in his basement shop. With his wifes approval, they quickly made a few boxes to sell for the following weekend. He was still spraying lacquer in the van on the way to the festival.
That day he sold all of his boxes within the first few minutes of the show. His wife and he spent the following week creating as many boxes as possible, and they sold again. The puzzle boxes were a hit! What about his other products?
Jeff stated that many people received turnings for Christmas.
Soon after, Jeff & Lynn started hitting the art-show circuit together with their boxes. Currently, their boxes and other artwork can be found in gift shops and galleries in all 50 States and across Europe.
It was great to meet Jeff and hear his stories. Besides being such an interesting man, hes very generous. You can see the box he is sanding in this image. After our conversation, he said, Here, have this. Sand it and finish it.
Thanks, Jeff. I will.
Visit Jeffs website, Merchants of Mirth.
Jeff also teaches classes for the Marc Adams School of Woodworking.
