Hidden Compartment Magic Box- Sold Out

Instructor: Nancy Akerly

This workshop was previously scheduled in September of 2023, but needed to be postponed to this new date. 

Days & Dates: Wednesday and Thursday, January 10 & 11, 2024 

Time: Pacific time, 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., with classroom doors open at 9:45 AM

Venue: Nancy Akerly’s Zoom, to be recorded with recording access for two months following class, for registrants only, password protected, not downloadable and only shared with class registrants.

Skill Level: Previous Box Making Experience Necessary

Class Description: In Japanese the Hidden Compartment Box is called Karakuri Bako or trick box. Its charm lies in there being 2 compartments when opened one way, and a secret hidden compartment when opened the opposite way. There are many variations, such as having the compartments of different sizes, or only having two compartments instead of three – I have even seen them with up to five. They are often used to hold jewelry, but work well as a pencil box, with room for a post it note at the end. You need strong paper, which is why I recommend Japanese Chiyogami paper, with its long fibers to withstand acting as a hinge. Because this is a one sided paper, and both sides are visible with this box, we need to create doubled pieces and glue them back to back for the hinge section. I use good quality bookboard as the amount of glue used can cause warping – although slight warping will correct itself if dried under a weight. The key to this box is sharp creasing, accurate measuring, and an eye for symmetry.

Class Fees: Early Enrollment Program (EEP): $200 Member: $250 Non-member $325

Material Fee: Each SDBA class price includes the material fees and shipping costs. The included materials are archival, acid free bookboard, traditional hand printed Japanese Chiyogami papers, and Lokta paper from Nepal, as well as an optional knobs and closures when applicable.

EEP Deadline: November 10, 2023

Registration Deadline: December 10, 2023

Artist Bio: Nancy Akerly