About Us

From a hobby, a manufactory was born

The story of elbPLANKE began in 2015 – back then, still under the name Fotoart-Hamburg. In 2019, the decision was made to create its own brand that would reflect both the woodworking and the manufacturing location on the Elbe: elbPLANKE was born.

A laser cutter, an idea, and a puzzle night

During the Corona period, I began experimenting with a laser cutter. Initially, only logos were engraved onto key racks and wooden pictures – but engraving soon turned into cutting. The decisive spark was ignited during a cozy puzzle night with my wife in 2020: Why not cut a puzzle myself?

As a passionate photographer, I sifted through my archive and found a picture of the St. Pauli Landungsbrücken. A paper label on a wooden board, a classic cutting pattern from the internet – and off into the laser. I was immediately thrilled with the result.

From experiment to market stall

At the end of 2021, I took my first puzzles to a craft market – and they were well received. Since then, I have been producing small series. Since 2022, I have been offering my designs in 3 difficulty levels (Classic, Organic & Fractal) and more than 5 different sizes.

Everything from a single source

Every elbPUZZLE is created entirely by me: from the selection of self-taken photographic motifs to the design of individual cutting patterns (via self-programmed generators), all the way to cutting, engraving, and packaging in self-designed wooden boxes. The puzzles are made from MDF wood.

Solo, with passion – and always moving

I run my puzzle manufactory as a solo self-employed person alongside my main job. A hobby has become a business – but it should continue to grow without pressure or compulsion. Since 2026, I have been working on a new product line: 3D puzzles from a 3D printer. The first models are already available.

Handmade in Hamburg. With attention to detail.