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 intricate 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, hand plane, 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. You’ll leave with a beautifully crafted puzzle box and the skills to continue exploring on your own.

About the Instructor: Meena Mangalvedhekar

Your instructor will provide the following:

• wood: 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 and rags

Students are asked to bring:

• seasonally appropriate clothing

• closed-toe shoes

• cool objects, or anything else you might find inspiration from!

• 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

• Note: 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.