FOBA 2026 - Rhiannon Alpers - Layer By Layer: Stacked Boxes With Magnetic Closure

Focus on Book Arts 2026

Rhiannon Alpers
Layer By Layer: Stacked Boxes With Magnetic Closure - Saturday & Sunday, June 27-28, 2026

Read more about FOBA 2026 on their website!
https://focusonbookarts.org/2026-foba-conference/

Workshop Description:

This two-day workshop is designed for intermediate box makers looking to deepen their skills and explore creative  possibilities in structure and design. We will construct a multi-tiered interlocking tray system housed within a wrapped enclosure featuring a hidden magnetic closure, utilizing pre-cut components to streamline the build process.

Participants will tailor their boxes with customized dividers and design choices that reflect their own themes and color palettes.  Students will use a combination of paper and book cloth, allowing for a highly personalized finish.

With a foundation in gluing, measuring, and tray construction, students will focus on refining techniques and making design decisions that elevate their finished piece—resulting in a beautifully crafted and uniquely expressive box.

Prerequisites (participants should know how to):
Determine paper grain and match the grain of different components of a book; have completed a hard-sided box and lid

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 if you do not have a pair already)
• Small and regular-sized scissors
• Microspatula
• Mechanical pencil