About Us
Jeff and Lynn Vollmer have been creating unique and puzzling boxes for over 20 years. Both had been employed by a major Cincinnati retailer until 1992. When their jobs ceased to exist, they turned to more creative ventures. Jeff had been a hobbyist woodworker and Lynn a student of the arts. So they decided to make their living making boxes.
Currently, the "Priceless Hills" of Cincinnati's west side provide the setting for their church-turned-studio. Hanging from the hillside , overlooking the mighty(?) Ohio river, their studio provides 3600 sq. ft. to create. 25% of this space is needed just to store the wood, which must dry for up to 5 years before it can be used. The rest of the space allows them to spread out the boxes so that they can have several pieces in progress, at stages of completion at all times .
Each puzzle box creation has many , many hands-on hours involved. The simplest box will take 3 hours over a two week period before it is ready to be cherished. The most complex piece will require approximately 46 hours over a 3 week period. Each box requires both Jeff's and Lynn's attention. Working as a team, they alone lovingly create each piece. Daughters, Alexandra and Sydney sometimes help in the creative process.
All of our boxes are crafted with care and pride. Because all Merchants of Mirth boxes are created using domestic root burls, the unique textures and colorations are natural. Oils are used to stabilize the wood. It will never change due to temperature or humidity. Each box or puzzle is one of a kind, and will last for generations to come.
Currently, the "Priceless Hills" of Cincinnati's west side provide the setting for their church-turned-studio. Hanging from the hillside , overlooking the mighty(?) Ohio river, their studio provides 3600 sq. ft. to create. 25% of this space is needed just to store the wood, which must dry for up to 5 years before it can be used. The rest of the space allows them to spread out the boxes so that they can have several pieces in progress, at stages of completion at all times .
Each puzzle box creation has many , many hands-on hours involved. The simplest box will take 3 hours over a two week period before it is ready to be cherished. The most complex piece will require approximately 46 hours over a 3 week period. Each box requires both Jeff's and Lynn's attention. Working as a team, they alone lovingly create each piece. Daughters, Alexandra and Sydney sometimes help in the creative process.
All of our boxes are crafted with care and pride. Because all Merchants of Mirth boxes are created using domestic root burls, the unique textures and colorations are natural. Oils are used to stabilize the wood. It will never change due to temperature or humidity. Each box or puzzle is one of a kind, and will last for generations to come.