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There’s a quiet joy in creating something by hand. For me, it began with a simple idea: to make puzzles that are more than just a pastime — puzzles that reflect my love of art, design and craftsmanship. It’s about bringing a bit of beauty and thoughtfulness into the world.
I love knowing that each puzzle has its own distinct character, shaped by the material and the craft, with a sense of individuality and produced with limitations. It’s always been important to me that nothing I create could ever look like it came from a mass-market chain. I don’t have grand ambitions to flood the market — I simply want to share what I appreciate with those who might feel the same way. In this digital age, I’m returning to simpler stuff. Analog past-times.
The beauty of wood
I’ve always been drawn to wood as a material; as a youngster, I excelled in woodworking class. My father was a skilled hobby craftsman, and any time of the day, I prefer tools and interior design made out of wood. A raw wooden surface warns me of splinters, and I instinctively pull back, whereas with a hand-sanded and polished piece, I have a hard time keeping my hands off. It has a warmth and character, almost like it has a story of its own. There’s something deeply satisfying about the feel of a wooden piece — the grain, the texture, the scent, and the weight in your hands. When I started Rainy Day Puzzle, I knew that wood had to be a key ingredient of every puzzle somehow.
A bed in cross cut pine. The mouth of truth bed by artist Mario Ceroli. Stamped by the artist and Poltronova. I saw it at an exhibiton at Jackson’s showroom in Stockholm last year and have been dreaming about it since.
An alternative to the ordinary
In a world filled with cardboard puzzles, often mass-produced and found in chain stores, I wanted to create something different. Something for those who appreciate the details — the nuance of a well-chosen motif, the artistry of an unexpected image, and the quality that can be felt in every element, from the intricately shaped wooden pieces to the hand-made cardboard box that holds them.
I don’t remember the name of the place, but I spotted this gorgeous collection of vintage Japanese Kokeshi dolls in a design store in Copenhagen. Simple wooden dolls without arms or legs painted with fine facial expressions and elaborate clothes designs. They used to be created for children but have become collectibles with the makers signing their work. They have been crafted for more than 150 years and a big inspiration and proof that craft is timeless.
Collaborations and creativity
What excites me most is the opportunity to collaborate with artists, photographers, and designers whose work inspires me. There’s a joy in seeing how their creativity translates into the format of a puzzle, how an image can challenge and captivate in new ways. Each piece is not just a part of a puzzle but a small canvas, a fragment of a larger story that unfolds as you work.
An invitation to explore
I’m excited to see where this path leads, and I hope these puzzles find a place with people who, like me, value things made with intention and care. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, an art lover, or someone who simply enjoys the meditative act of puzzling, I hope you’ll find something here that resonates with you. Here are a few links with what inspires me:
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