The base of my designs is carton, greyboard sheets.

I cut these sheets to size by hand (picture 1).

I assemble the cut to size greyboard with PVA glue and fixate it with masking tape to dry.

When the glue is dried, I remove the tape and sand the edges if necessary (picture 2).

I line the design with linen or velvet and assemble all parts into one beautiful box or cartonnage design (picture 3).

To personalize the design, I can foil press your logo or a text with my foil press.

To make it unique! (picture 4).

A fun introduction into French cartonnage!

Click on the button to receive the pdf in your mailbox.

Enjoy crafting!

Cartonnage dates back to ancient Egyptian times when they made individually cast and decorated covers for the deceased; sometimes just masks but also whole coffins.

Cartonnage was made originally from strips of linen glued together, layer upon layer, just as we do with papier mache today. When dry, these casings were finished off with a layer of gesso. Very intricate and detailed decorations were painted onto the finished surface. Some of them also had gold leaf added.

Very early examples of cartonnage have been discovered, but it is in the 18th Dynasty that it became the norm. It stayed popular right through the Roman period.

Later on, linen was not used so much. Instead, recycled papyrus from old documents were used (so they were even recycling all those years ago!).

Through the years, the term ‘cartonnage’ has metamorphosed into the meaning of today. If you were to walk into a bookstore now and asked for a book on ‘cartonnage’, you would most likely be directed to the arts and crafts corner. Here you would find many books on ‘the art of box making’. These boxes are decorated with fabric or sometimes patterned paper.

The modern cartonnage users often claim that the art form originated in France. Indeed, in the mid 1800's in a town called Valréas, it was re-discovered.

Atelier de Cartonnage in Valréas, France

In the middle of the 19th century, Ferdinand Revoul from Vaucluse developed a box designed to transport silkworm eggs imported from China and Japan.

These boxes allowed air to pass through thanks to small holes in the bottom and the lid. It was an ingenious system that marked the beginning of the whole packaging industry in Valréas.

In Valréas a museum opened in 1991 that houses souvenirs of the packaging and printing trade which has brought prosperity to the town since the middle of the 19th century. It shows the methods of manufacture and printing of cardboard boxes from its beginnings to today. Have a look if you’re there or passing by!

Atelier de Cartonnage in Valréas, France

Text source: www.papiermarche.co.uk

Photos: www.vaucluse-provence-pass.com

Beautiful craftswomen of French cartonnage, also known as cartonnières, at work in the 18th and 19th Century

It is such a joy working with Sabrine.

She created the most exquisite keepsake boxes for my clients' invitation suites,

and they are the most lovely quality.

She took my vision for a box that would reflect my branding and executed it perfectly.

Not only are they beautiful, each box is made perfectly and without a flaw.

I am so proud to send my work to my clients in The Cartonnerie's linen keepsake boxes

and will continue to maintain this partnership with Sabrine, not only because of the high quality of her products,

but because working with her was so easy and refreshing.

CLAIRE CARSTENS, SUGARED FIG PAPERIE

I was looking for something very special and high end for when

a client first unveils their wedding invitations, something we have spent weeks creating for them.

Sabrine did not disappoint, the craftsmanship on our boxes was second to none

and anyone that comes in contact with one is blown away by their sheer beauty.

Our expectations have been exceeded and the quality of her work is just impeccable, we are in awe!

AILBHE CRONIN, APPLEBERRY ATELIER

I love these boxes!

They are absolutely beautiful. I'm speechless.

Thank you for all the time and hard work you put into making them.

I'm blown away by your kindness and talent.

Thank you for making these for me.

MALLORY DAWN PHOTOGRAPHY

I have been looking for some bespoke invitation boxes for a while and was so excited to discover Sabrine!

Her work is absolutely breath-taking and I am in love with my branded velvet boxes.

I can't wait to hand them out to wedding suppliers!

Sabrine was really easy to work with and the quality of her work is beautiful, I am so happy I found her!

PAIGE CARTLEDGE, PAIGE & CO

Working with Sabrine was so seamless.

She was quick to respond and made sure she had my vision in mind for my box.

And she absolutely delivered! The box I received was so beautiful.

You can tell she handmakes each item and spends time making sure they're absolutely perfect.

I couldn't be more pleased!

ARIELLE PETERS PHOTOGRAPHY

A true master at her craft.

Sabrine was so lovely to work with on my branded boxes.

Carefully bound to hold a timeless keepsake.

MELISSA NEZEZON, STATUERUE

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