Problem IX
Problem IX
BOXES
Time: 6 hours.Materials: Newsboard, stay-tape or vellum, and a thin paper.
First determine the size of the box, which should be made for a definite purpose. Consider the proportions of the width, length, and height; also the height of the sides of the cover.
A box consists of foundations of newsboard, the edges of which are stayed with strips of tape or vellum, and the outside covered with paper. The cover should be larger than the bottom by ⅛ inch in both directions to allow it to slip over the box. This amount will vary somewhat with the thickness of the newsboard, the paper with which it is covered, and the skill of the worker.
The foundation for each part is to be developed from a single piece of newsboard. The box and cover are to be covered with a thin paper. A great variety of paper for this purpose may be purchased, either figured or in plain colors.
For the box plan a strip of paper long enough to extend around the four sides and to provide for a lap where the ends join. Be generous with this lap, as it will be found that the paper “takes up” when it is pasted on. The width of the strip should be at least one inch more than the depth of the box. For the cover, plan covering paper like the newsboard development, but with its sides ½ inch or more wider to fold over the edges. Let the corner squares serve as laps. Make dimensioned sketches of all pieces and lay out and cut all parts. (See Plate XXIX.)
Along folding lines of the foundations score deeply with a knife, one blade of the scissors, or with a pin, and fold with the crease on the outside. It is essential to the success of the box to have this crease on the outside to insure a sharp, straight, and strong edge, which might otherwise be rounded, irregular, and weak.
Plate XXIX.Drawings of the pieces required in making boxes.
Plate XXIX.Drawings of the pieces required in making boxes.
Fasten the corners of both box and cover together with pieces of tape or strips of vellum, lapping onto the sides. (See Plate XXX.) If possible, allow the corners to dry before proceeding further.
Paste the strip of paper around the box, allowing ½ inch to project beyond both top and bottom edges. Rub down well. Make a vertical cut at each corner of upper projection and fold and paste laps down on the inside. (See Plate XXXI.)
Make a V-cut at each corner of the lower projection, fold and paste the laps against the bottom. (See Plate XXXII.) It will probably be necessary to apply more paste before finally rubbing these laps down.
Plate XXX.The box in process of construction showing method of “staying” the corners.
Plate XXX.The box in process of construction showing method of “staying” the corners.
Plate XXXI.Showing method of pastingthe laps to the inside of the box.
Plate XXXI.Showing method of pastingthe laps to the inside of the box.
Paste top of cover to the paper, leaving equal margins on all sides. From the two long edges make cuts to the corners of the newsboard foundation at right angles to itsedges. Fold and paste paper over the ends of cover first, and then onto the inside, using the thumb to push the paper over the edges. (See Plate XXXI.) The cuts made from the long edges give an extra length to end coverings. Paste this extra piece onto long sides and then paste the part naturally to be used to cover these sides. The appearance of the boxwill be greatly improved by running the thumb and finger along the folded edges of the cover to sharpen them.
Plate XXXII.The laps are being pastedto the bottom of the box.
Plate XXXII.The laps are being pastedto the bottom of the box.
Plate XXXIII.Here the paper is being pastedto the side of the cover.
Plate XXXIII.Here the paper is being pastedto the side of the cover.
In this manner, boxes of any size may be made. Small boxes may be covered with linen, cretonne, or other kinds of cloth. In this case it may be better (after making the foundations as already described) to paste the covering to the inside of the foundation only, otherwise the surface might be discolored by the paste oozing through the cloth.
A box with a glass top is sometimes desirable for holding specimens of various kinds. Such a box may be made as above described with the following changes: If it is to be a sealed box the specimens should be properly placed in the box and the glass (which should be as large as the outside measurement of the box to prevent its dropping in) laid over the top before pasting down that part of the covering which projects above the box itself. When properly arranged this should then be pasted to the glass exactly as the laps are pasted to the bottom of the box.
If a removable cover is desired, cut strips of newsboard for the sides and a strip of material for covering them in the same manner that the box is covered. After staying the corners with vellum, paste on the strip of covering material; one edge of this should lap over the newsboard and be pasted to the inside of the cover and the other should hold the glass in position after it has been placed on the newsboard.