Pretty Wild - Kel Snake

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I like retrofitting boxes that I find into functioning puzzle boxes.

This particular hexagon shaped box is adorned with a 1/32" layer of abalone.  The idea of trying to design a mechanism where I needed to drill through the outside was feeling risky.  My only option it seemed was to use a mechanism that worked inside from the bottom.

A very special magnetic wand activates mechanisms from inside as well as from the outside, but not at the same time.  There is lots of fun mechanical stuff going on under the locking disc.

By placing the ladybug on the right spot before you begin, she helps to track your progress. 

I figured that by the time the guy finally opens it and looks inside he might say to himself 'that's pretty wild'!  

A dad joke in the making, haha.

~ Mystery by Design ~

12 Comments

so cool . did you create the original also ? where do you get the plans for these incredible puzzle boxes ?

working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.

Wow!

Ryan/// ~sigh~ I blew up another bowl. Moke told me "I made the inside bigger than the outside".

GR8 JOB 😍😎👍

*TONY ** Reinholds* ALWAYS REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN

Hey thanks Guys,
I actually sourced this box in an antique store.  The sticker that was on the bottom said it was from the Philippines.  It was so interesting I had to have it to retrofit one day.
No plans, I create them in all my head.  Each box brings its own unique challenges, one of the most daunting is that it is possible to lock it shut on yourself and never get it open before its honed just right to optimal operation.
How do I allow for the ideas to flow into my mind?  Well, that's a bigger question but ultimately is more about 'letting go' of any forced ideas of what I might think I want to build and just 'flow with the river' and see where each idea takes me closer to the completion of a puzzle.  Rinse and repeat until done.  
I probably made that sound too easy but wtf at the same time, lol.
I was once told that I was an Engineer that never went to school, who knows?

~ Mystery by Design ~

you have a very creative mind kel.

working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.

Hey thanks Pottz.  They say that creativity is the path to inner healing, lol, I guess I have had a lot to do.

~ Mystery by Design ~

Very nice, and looks extremely intimidating because there are no items on the outside but the ladybug.

.................. John D....................

Beautiful and well done as always !!
Nicely done, a great looking box.

Main Street to the Mountains

Another puzzle box by Kel Snake! It's always fun to see what you create.
Hey thanks Steve!

~ Mystery by Design ~