FOBA Workshop Resources / Boxmaking Fundamentals

Updated on June 1, 2026 by Rhiannon Alpers

Boxmaking Fundamentals

This is a resource for tool shopping and optional recommendations. Please see the FOBA Website for basic info and descriptions.

John Neal Books has a kit available for sale with the items that they carry in stock.

You can also view this Amazon wishlist with 3-4 options of many things from the list below to see brands and types I would recommend.

Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Students

Cutting mat (12″ x 18″ or larger)
Apron and washcloth for cleaning hands
Ruler 6″ or longer (some examples)
- Westcott® 8ths Clear Beveled Ruler - 6 inch and 12inch
- Omnigrid Clear Plastic Ruler - 6inch and 12 inch
X-Acto, snap blade, or scalpel knife
Extra blades
Bone or teflon folder
Awl
Dividers (please inquire directly with the instructor if you do not have a pair already)
Regular scissors
Small scissors (some examples...mustache or haircutting scissors are sometimes sharper than embroidery)
- Fiskars micro-tip scissors
- Ontaki Mustache Scissors
- Nevannon can be bought from (Colophon book arts or talas online)
Microspatula
Mechanical pencil

Optional tools and Supplies: These are not required but can be helpful or recommended

Small metal 45 degree triangle
- https://www.talasonline.com/Sages-Magic-Triangle
- https://www.colophonbookarts.com/binding/steel-triangle-ruler
- https://www.beidlermade.com/handtools/brass-triangle
- https://www.talasonline.com/Triangle
Nylon artist brush / PVA Brush
- Round Anza Brush (sage Brush)
- Professional Watercolor Brushes - Flat 1/2" short handle nylon
- Sage brush

Optional Papers to bring for your own use:

I will be providing handmade lokta papers in a large variety of colors and patterns for you to use. They are easy to work with, thin, and the grain is in both directions because they are from handmade fibers. They are a good value for the money and allow for a lot of creativity without fuss or expense.

You can bring other thin decorative papers you would like to work with, and email me if you have specific types or brands of paper that you have questions about.

Again, these are optional, but some recommendations are:
(Stay away from Batik or Inclusion papers with natural items that might flake or fall off)

Nepal / Lokta papers from John Neal -

Nepal / Lokta Papers from Hiromi Papers -

Yuzen / Chiagami Papers from Mulberry papers and more -

Boxmaking Fundamentals Workshop Description:
Boxes can be both elegant and deeply personal—beautiful containers for books, sculptures, or collections. But for many book artists, boxmaking can feel intimidating. This two-day workshop is designed to demystify the process and build confidence through hands-on practice with one of the most essential forms: the clamshell box.

With all materials and component pieces pre-cut, students can focus on mastering the assembly and craft of the structure. Each participant will build and cover a clamshell box using a combination of bookcloth and decorative paper, learning techniques they can carry into future projects.

We will cover the key formulas for designing custom boxes at home, how to modify patterns for different needs, and which materials and adhesives work best. Time will be set aside to explore alternative structures and creative adaptations—so bring your sketches and questions!

Basic bookbinding experience is strongly recommended, including comfort with measuring, cutting, and gluing. This foundation will allow students to fully engage with the creative aspects of the process.