Several years ago, my collection of handmade books made a showing at the Wells Book Arts Center in upstate New York. Transported in shoe boxes, I presented them to fellow book artists who were interested in my technique. It became clear that a book presentation begins with its housing—a shoe box, even with a branded logo, was a misstep!

The Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artist Guild (CBBAG) recently offered a four-day workshop at its Toronto Bindery where Don Taylor taught Crucial Boxes—four box structures over two weekends.

The first weekend, we made two boxes: one with a separate lid, and another with a hinged lid. Thankfully Don pre-cut the box board pieces!

Made from Eska board, cloth, and paper, each box measures approximately 6″ x 4″ x 1.5″. Inside, the base and lid are lined with cloth; the side walls with paper.

In the two-week break between classes, I practiced making several hinged boxes on my own. Sadly, the first was beyond redemption and is now gracing the inside of a recycling bin, but things got better after that. Precise measurements, within a board thickness, are crucial to a well-made box!

This one features Madeleine Durham’s lovely pasted paper; the inside is cloth lined.

Robert Wu’s hand marbled paper (this photo doesn’t capture the shiny gold) decorates this hinged box. The inside features a combination of cloth and paper.

The second weekend, the class tackled two more crucial box structures. The pencil box with a sliding lid presented the challenge of a moving part that glided along a groove. A well-fitting lid swooshes elegantly. The artful stack of pencil boxes represents student work.

And lastly, we constructed a box with a drawer featuring four compartments. Lining the sections looks complicated, but Don’s instructions made it straightforward. Now my beach glass (or jewels) have a classy home!

Jewellery Box with drawer and compartments; covered with cloth and paper

After practising on several dozen more boxes to refine technique and sharpen measuring skills, I’ll be ready to build well-designed homes for my books—and to present them with pride!