Beautiful Boxes

Introduction

Beautiful Boxes by Doug Stowe is a comprehensive guide to making unique and functional boxes that are both visually appealing and structurally sound. The book is an excellent resource for box makers of all skill levels, providing detailed instructions, inspiring photographs, and valuable insights into the design and construction of beautiful boxes. This review will examine the key features of the book, its strengths and weaknesses, and its overall value to box makers.

Overview

The book is divide into four sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of box making. The first section, “Materials and Tools,” covers the basics of box making, including the tools and materials needed to get starte. The second section, “Design,” explores the principles of good design and provides guidance on how to create boxes that are both functional and visually appealing. The third section, “Joinery,” focuses on the various techniques used to join the components of a box, including dovetails, box joints, and miters. The final section, “Finishing and Hardware,” covers the finishing techniques and hardware options available to box makers.

Strengths

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its clear and concise writing style. Doug Stowe’s explanations of box making concepts are easy to understand and follow, making the book accessible to box makers of all skill levels. Additionally, the book is fill with high-quality photographs that illustrate the various steps and techniques involved in box making. The photographs are not only informative but also inspiring, showcasing the beauty and versatility of boxes.

Another strength of the book is its focus on design. Stowe provides a thorough explanation of the principles of good design and how they apply to box making. He emphasizes the importance of considering both form and function when designing a box, and provides numerous examples of well-designed boxes to inspire readers.

Weaknesses

One potential weakness of the book is its relatively narrow focus on traditional box making techniques. While the book does cover a wide range of techniques, such as dovetails and box joints, it does not explore more modern approaches to box making, such as laser cutting or 3D printing. However, this may be a deliberate choice on the part of the author, as he appears to place a high value on the craftsmanship and tradition of box making.

Another potential weakness of the book is its lack of in-depth instruction on certain techniques. For example, while Stowe covers the basics of making dovetails, he does not provide detailed instructions on how to make them. This may be frustrating for beginners who are looking for more comprehensive instruction.

Value

Overall, Beautiful Boxes is an excellent resource for box makers of all skill levels. The book’s clear writing style, high-quality photographs, and emphasis on design make it a valuable addition to any box maker’s library. While it may not be comprehensive enough to serve as a sole reference for box making, it is a great starting point for those looking to learn more about the craft.

Conclusion

Beautiful Boxes by Doug Stowe is a must-read for anyone interest in box making. The book provides clear and concise instruction on a wide range of techniques, as well as valuable insights into the principles of good design. While it may not be perfect, it is an excellent resource that will inspire and inform box makers of all skill levels.