Many woodworkers find it difficult to discard small leftover parts and cutoffs. Some might call them “scraps,” but to box makers, they are the stock from which treasured keepsakes are made. This class introduces the basics of making small decorative boxes. Students will begin with a shared design to learn essential techniques, with options for customizing each box. After the first few days, they will design and make their own boxes as additional techniques are demonstrated throughout the week. Students will explore classical design proportions, including the Golden Rectangle, Double Cube, Root of Two, and 1:2:3, and learn to calculate box dimensions using each one. Techniques will include lift-off and hinged lids; mitered and finger-joint corners; three-corner grain matching; floating panel tops and bottoms; story sticks; and corner treatments using miter keys, dowels, rods, and hidden splines. The instructor will explain and demonstrate each jig or fixture as it is introduced. Students are encouraged to bring domestic wood for use in their own designs.