Craft tips for box making

Lining

Besides being beautiful, book cloth is used to protect corners. With just paper lining, the corners are weak and the paper can tear. Do you want to use paper? Combine the two like I did with this box.

Gluing

Use double-side tape to better secure book cloth parts together. You can easily glue over this tape. I use double-sided tape by 3M with a width of 0.3" | 8 mm.

Cutting lining

Always cut the lining after gluing and lining one side of the greyboard. NOT after you've lined all sides of the greyboard! This makes the corner finishes more beautiful.

Cutting greyboard

When you cut greyboard by hand, there's always a chance that it's slightly off. Use this side at the bottom or inside of your design. Use the most right-angled side in plain sight.

Tools

Use a teflon folder instead of a bonefolder for cartonnage. A teflon folder won't leave a slightly polished or glazed finish on book cloth on paper where the folder has been used. This is the best investment I've ever made!

Book cloth

When you fold over a piece of book cloth, cut away the parts that stick out with your scissors. Be careful not to cut away the lined greyboard! 

Gluing

Use PVA glue for box making. Add some water before applying. Cover the glue if you're not using it for a while.

Gluing

Let your PVA glue dry in the open air if you want to clean the tray. When the glue has dried, you can pull it straight out of the tray to use it again. 

Workspace

In my studio I have items from IKEA. I have four tables, consisting of two MITTBAK TRESTLES and one LAGKAPTEN table top. Under the table I have an ALEX drawer to store things that I do not need on my work table.

Workspace

When I started box making more than 20 years ago, the first item I bought was this 0.2" | 6 mm tempered glass plate with rounded edges to cut on. I still work on the same glass plate. You can easily clean it and it's the best investment I've ever made!