Rhiannon Alpers: 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.

Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Students

• Cutting mat (12″ x 18″ or larger)
• Apron and washcloth for cleaning hands
• Ruler 6″ or longer
• 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)
• Small and regular-sized scissors
• Microspatula Mechanical pencil

See Materials Glossary for definitions and images

Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Instructor

• Pre-cut book board
• Extra book board for adjustments /alterations
• Bookcloth
• Decorative paper
• Templates for covering materials and book board pieces
• Binding handouts
• Small brushes and foam rollers
• Wax paper
• PVA and other adhesives
• Waste paper for gluing
• Glue pots for each person
• Small weights
• Extra tools for students
• 3″ custom plexi-triangle for each student Custom book board templates

Instructor Biography

Rhiannon Alpers is a papermaker, letterpress printer, and book artist based in Portland, Oregon. She holds both a BA and an MFA in Book and Paper Arts. She has exhibited nationally and internationally. Her work is held in the collections of the Library of Congress, the University of Denver, Yale University, Stanford University, and others. Her limited-edition and one-of-a-kind artist books are published under the Gazelle and Goat Press imprint. More information about her work is available at rhiannonalpers.com.

Instagram: @gazelle_n_goat