This week I will be busy preparing to teach a two-day workshop on clamshell boxes for the West Shore Graphic Arts Society next weekend.  I am really looking forward to it because boxes are some of my very favorite objects to make and use.

Clamshell boxes are wonderful for a variety of reasons.  Their strong construction makes them a perfect protective container for a sentimental old book, collector’s edition, stack of papers, or manuscripts.  Dressed up in fancy fabric, they can become an elegant way to present a series of drawings or art objects.  With the addition of drawers or multiple compartments, they can serve as packaging for promotional materials or a design portfolio.  Lined with decorative paper, they can be smart presentation for designer notecards or stationery.  They can easily be gift boxes, jewelry organizers, photo containers, and tool boxes.  The possibilities are endless.  Size, shape, construction, materials, and titling are all customizable.

If you are in the West Michigan area, there is still time to sign up to learn how to make your very own.  The workshop will be held at the Muskegon Community College on Saturday and Sunday, April 17-18, from 10:30-1:30.  Call the Muskegon Museum of Art at 616.720.2570 to register.

The most recent project out of the bindery is this four-flap portfolio box. I had been wanting to add this style of box to my repertoire for a while, but until a client asked for this box above I hadn’t had a chance to make one.

The objects fit into the tray of the box the same way as in a clamshell box, in this case it will hold a stack of photographs.  But instead of a lid closing over the top, the flaps fold up one at a time.  This appeals to me so much because it allows for a bit of anticipation while opening, and requires a bit of purpose and pause while closing it back up at the end.

The multiple layers of board provide a sturdy and protective enclosure for the valuable objects inside.

A bone folder clasp or button closure provide elegant solutions to securing the box once it is wrapped up.

And like any item that comes out of the bindery, foil embossed stamping can be added to personalize or title the portfolio.