A year ago special projects editor Matt Kenney challenged himself to build 52 distinct boxes in 52 weeks. Building 52 boxes in a year isn’t that big of a deal. Designing 52 boxes in a year is a big deal. Watching Matt’s progression from box 1 to box 52 was inspiring. Matt was a talented box maker and designer before he set out on this journey, but in this collection of blog posts you’ll watch him take his boxes and his craft to the next level. The progression isn’t linear. Some branches break off and go in their own direction with themes continuing on their own. 

Not only did Matt enjoy the satisfaction of seeing his challenge through to the end, but he also savored the feeling of winning a bet against Mike Pekovich and (then FWW web producer) Ed Pirnik. Ed said that Matt would get 41 of the 52 boxes done, while Mike thought he’d fizzle out around box 26. Last night Mike paid up his end of the bet buying Matt two well deserved beers. I was willing to back up my predecessor’s end of the deal but thankfully we decided to head home early. 

Here are links to all of Matt’s posts on FWW about his challenge. It’s well worth the time to go through and study the progressions.

52 boxes in 52 weeks

52 boxes, 52 weeks: Box 3

52 boxes, 52 weeks: Box 4

52 boxes, 52 weeks: Box 5

52 boxes, 52 weeks: Box 6

52 boxes, 52 weeks: Boxes 7 and 8

52 boxes, 52 weeks: Boxes 9, 10, and 11

52 Boxes, 52 Weeks: I’ve passed the half way point

52 boxes, 52 weeks: Another 2 boxes made

52 boxes, 52 weeks: 3 more boxes done

52 boxes, 52 weeks: Boxes 35-42

52 boxes in 52 weeks: Boxes 43, 44, and 45

52 boxes, 52 weeks: Boxes 46-52

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