Solve it – Secret Box Workshop – Saturday, January 17, 2026

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 intricate sliding mechanisms that unlock hidden compartments.

What You will Learn in a 3-4 hour class:

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, hand plane, and other tools to craft fine details with accuracy.

You will leave with a beautifully crafted puzzle box and the skills to continue exploring on your own.

Your instructor will provide the following:

• Baltic, Birch, Plywood, Basswood, Cherry, and Walnut
• A custom saw guide
• hand tools like miter boxes
• pull saws
• hand planes
• blue masking tape
• pencils
• scribers
• calipers
• squares
• router
• sanders
• sandpaper
• food grade finishing oil
• rags

Students are asked to bring:

• Seasonally appropriate clothing
• Closed toe shoes
• Anything else you might find inspiration from, or cool objects!
• Bubble Wrap or cardboard boxes to carry home the work
• pencils and erasers
• sketchbook
• tools you own that you would be unhappy without
• Water Bottle
• no pets, no headphones with music playing
• 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.