Here is a little box I made based on a simple archival four-flap, or phase box. I wanted to create something more elegant than a standard box, and without the fuss of cotton fore-edge ties. It was made with just a few hand tools and requires minimal gluing; I am quite pleased with the results!
The success of this box – like all boxes – relies on two main factors: accurate measuring and cutting, and good quality materials. The paper used was No. 80 Zaansche Bord, a hand-made 65% cotton 35% hemp/flax paper from the Netherlands. The box is fastened with a tongue and a slot which is laced through the cover. The slot sits neatly within the fore-edge, so doesn’t abrade the book.
Arthur Green, July 2019
Beautiful and elegant indeed!
Many thanks for your kind words.
Thank you for this, I shall make some practice ones immediately. This is ideal for fragile old books and especially pamphlets, where a book shoe isn’t ideal because there is no title on the spine. I like the canny lacing through of the slot.
Thanks Victor, it is a very useful box.
This looks so good, I’m going to try one with some card but I have a couple of questions!. What weight is the paper and do you think it matters what the grain direction is?
Hello. Thanks, do let me know how you get on. Something about 300gsm; my box was made with handmade paper so no grain direction as such.