learn french CARTONNAGE

how to craft a box, FOLDER, FOLIO & PORTFOLIO

IN JUST A FEW STEPS, IN LESS THAN 30 MINUTES PER COURSE

Learning French Cartonnage offers an exciting and rewarding journey into the world of handcrafted artistry, combining practical skills with sophisticated design techniques. Box making, in its most basic form, involves creating sturdy, yet aesthetically pleasing trays that can be used for presentation, storage, organization, or decorative purposes.

However, when paired with French Cartonnage, a traditional French craft that uses heavy-duty greyboard and decorative materials to create elegant, durable boxes, folders, folios & portfolios transforms into an art form.

 

French Cartonnage is characterized by its intricate construction process, where layers of greyboard are carefully cut, assembled, and covered with beautiful fabrics or decorative papers. This technique has been used for centuries to create exquisite boxes and cartonnage pieces, with a focus on precision, craftsmanship, and luxurious finishing.

 

By learning French Cartonnage, creatives not only master the fundamental skills of measurement, cutting, and assembly but also discover the endless possibilities for creativity and personalization. The combination of practicality and artistic expression allows for the creation of functional, beautiful pieces that can be used as gifts, home décor, or cherished keepsakes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, exploring these techniques opens up a world of craftsmanship that celebrates both tradition and innovation.

   

Enjoy crafting,

 

instruction book & videos

Below is an example of a page from the instruction book and video for the 'Box with hinged lid' course.

Each step is accompanied by a photo and brief instructions. The instruction book complements the video tutorials,

which do not include spoken words; you can refer to the book for additional explanations.

You can progress through the course at your own pace

 

Course box making and French cartonnage

courses

The very nature of online courses mean that they are

non returnable and as such, no refunds will be given

You can pay via Paypal after checkout

For EU students 21% VAT will be added if you want to pay in Euros

You'll receive the log in for the course(s) within 1-2 working days

BOX WITH DRAWER

 

A box with a drawer opens by sliding the inside drawer out from both sides of the sleeve, and can be wrapped with a ribbon to close 

$159.00

BOX WITH FITTED LID

 

A box with fitted lid has a lid that fits perfectly in the tray and can be wrapped with a ribbon to close

$159.00

BOX WITH HINGED LID

 

A box with hinged lid has a tray with a lid and spine that is attached to the tray

$159.00

BOX WITH MAGNETIC CLOSURE

 

A box with magnetic closure has a tray with a lid that is attached to the tray with magnets

$159.00

BOX WITH SLIDING LID

 

LAUNCHING FEBRUARY 2025

A box with sliding lid consists of two separate components: a tray and a lid that slides into the tray

 

Please note that this course is for advanced cartonnage artists

$159.00

CLAMSHELL BOX

 

A clamshell box - also called solander box - is constructed with two trays that fold into each other

$159.00

FOLDER

 

A folder is made with accordion hinges between hard covers

The folder is closed with a ribbon 

$159.00

FOLIO

 

A folio is a hard covered portfolio with interior pockets

The folio is closed with a ribbon 

$159.00

PORTFOLIO

 

A portfolio is constructed with pages bound between hard covers

In the course you learn how to bind the portfolio with screws or a ribbon 

$159.00

Tutorials

 

Learn how to

- craft & line an interior lid

- craft & line an interior tray

- line a tray & lid out of one piece of book cloth

- craft & line neckpieces

- craft & line a notched walled tray

- craft & line a three walled tray

 

You'll receive an instruction ebook (PDF)

 

$29.00

LOVELY WORDS & crafted designs

I loved every part of the course from The Cartonnerie! From when the supplies arrived, packed so beautifully and then to follow the instructions that were so easy to understand and the end result is just gorgeous. I love my box and will definitely keep making them.

MALIN PALM VESTLUND, STUDIO BRANDIS

  

Your courses have helped me refine my skills of cartonnage over the last several years which in turn have also helped me teach my assistant as well! I love being able to create everything bespoke for my couples, even their keepsake boxes!

EMILEE STUCKY, EMILIMEDESIGNS

   

Sabrine's course is fantastic! I was hesitant to invest the money into something I felt I could figure out on my own but I'm glad I made the purchase. Her instructions are detailed and the video is soothing to watch. I've made several of the hinged boxes and they turn out beautiful due to her course.

I will definately purchase additional courses in the future.

ANGELA GODFREY

Sabrine's courses are amazing! They are very easy to follow, along with the instruction videos and handouts. It might take some more time if you decide to create a hinged box in a different size than the course (like I did right from the start, as I wanted to challenge myself a bit having some experience in bookbinding), but she gives all information you need to know to create beautiful packaging. I truly love this craft and am inspired to keep creating more!

NAOMI BONG A JAN, PEN TO PAPER

 

The journey in learning these new skills has been absolutely wonderful and I highly recommend it. The video and picture pdf guide were a perfect bundle to guide a course taker through the entire project. They were clear, concise and easy to understand. The final products look beautiful! Being able to give a touch of elegance|luxury, and overall elevating my simple wedding stationery and pictures made a remarkable difference. 

SHRAVANI KHER, MARIGOLD & DAHLIA

 

 


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