Solve It! Secret Box Workshop

This beginner-friendly class introduces students to the art of creating unique wooden boxes inspired by traditional Eastern techniques. Through hands-on learning, students will explore how to design and assemble sliding mechanisms that unlock hidden compartments.

This workshop will cover the following:

• Box construction basics: Build a sturdy box-in-box framework as the foundation for your secret box.
• Sliding mechanisms: Create secret sliding dovetail joints and moving parts that make the box a puzzle to open.
• Precision hand tool work: Master the use of a pull saw and other tools to craft fine details with accuracy.

Once the fundamentals are covered, students are encouraged to unleash their creativity and design their own secret, to-be-solved-to-open box. It’s an enriching experience that bridges building and puzzle-solving. You’ll leave with a beautifully crafted puzzle box and the skills to continue exploring on your own. Difficulty Level: 5/10.

The box exterior will measure 4″ x 4″ x 4″, an ideal size for holding a small item such as sticky notes, paper clips, binder clips, and erasers, earbuds, SD cards, thumb drives

Your instructor will provide the following:

All materials needed for this project, including: 

• Wood: pre-milled lumber. Some precut parts.
• Pull saw and custom saw guide
• Small hand tools as needed
• Masking tape, pencils, calipers, squares
• Sandpaper, glue, food grade finishing oil and rags

Students are asked to bring:

• seasonally appropriate clothing
• closed-toe shoes
• Optional: pencils, tape measure, or a ruler you own that you would be unhappy without.
• Since your class runs over the lunch hour, we recommend you bring a lunch or click HERE to learn about local eating opportunities. 

Skill Level 

No experience required. 

Age Requirement

Students ages 12 and older are welcome to attend this class. Ages 12-17 must register with another registered adult. 

Location Details 

Marine Mills Folk School

550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

Cost Details

Tuition: $100

Materials Fee: $45

Total Cost: $145

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance teachers’ need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible! If interested, you can find our cancellation policy HERE.