The Making of a Harry Potter-Themed Puzzle Box
When we received an invitation to a classic Scandinavian confirmation, we knew we wanted to create a gift that would stand out, especially for our Potterhead guest of honor. Inspired by the enchanting world of Harry Potter, we set out on a mission to craft a puzzle box that would bring a touch of adventure and magic to the celebration. Here's how we transformed a simple chest into a portal to a world of mystery and wonder:
Finding the Perfect Chest
Our quest began in the realm of online thrift stores, searching with terms like "escritoire," "Apothecary Cabinet," "Camphor chest," and "shrine." We sought a piece that evoked the eclectic and mystical aesthetic of the Harry Potter films—antique, English in style, yet whimsically blending elements from various eras and regions. Our budget constrained us, balancing the cost of the chest against the value of the final grand prize. Additionally, since we intended to modify the chest into a puzzle box, we prioritized finding a piece that could withstand the addition of locks without compromising its historical charm. Eventually, we discovered an ideal chest: dark wood, ornately decorated, and bearing the marks of its storied past, ready to be transformed into a wizarding wonder.
Crafting the Locking System
The chest's original locking mechanism had long since failed, leaving us with the task of reimagining how to secure its contents. We fashioned new metal pins, designed to lock the drawers, integrating them seamlessly with the chest's ancient aesthetic. The process required patience and precision, as aligning metal with wood proved challenging, but the result was a functional and fittingly magical locking system.
Making Riddles and Finding Props
The heart of our puzzle box lay in the riddles and props that would guide our recipient on their magical quest (see detailed riddles here). We curated a collection of thrifted books on subjects like herbology, botany, and magic, and crafted wands from hazel wood harvested from our own woodland garden. Though we toyed with the idea of including a "silver egg" with a water-soluble lock, we ultimately focused on elements we could seamlessly integrate: the wands set upon a fur hide, a miniature library of mystical texts, a satchel filled with magical ingredients, and a vial of a potion that looked as if it had been plucked straight from the shelves of a Hogwarts classroom.
Adding to the enchantment of creating the Harry Potter-themed puzzle box was the location where the magic came to life: our beloved "robbers nest" with its magical storeroom aura. This crafting-and-entertainment room, nestled within our aside cabin, has long been a haven for messy creativity and blunt camaraderie. It's where we gather with friends for a drink, share stories, and dive into various projects that ignite our imaginations.
The result was a Harry Potter-themed puzzle box that was not just a gift but an experience—a journey through riddles and magic that captured the imagination of our guest of honor. When the moment came, and she hesitantly asked if she could truly keep all the magical items, including the wands and chest, our hearts swelled with joy.
P.S. In the midst of our excitement and focus on crafting the perfect Harry Potter-themed puzzle box, we encountered an unexpected yet charming hurdle: our cat, Tiger. Throughout the project, Tiger had claimed the chest as his own personal domain, taking every opportunity to lounge atop its dark wood surface or curl up inside its yet-to-be-modified drawers. His fondness for the chest became a running joke among us, as we navigated crafting sessions around his naps and curious inspections.
Even now, after the chest has found its new home, Tiger seems to miss his makeshift throne, occasionally searching the "robbers cabin" for his favorite spot… Perhaps one day we will have to make a chest, just for him!
More about our puzzle-chest gift:
