Small Paper Boxes for Lightweight Specimens

The storage boxes are constructed by cutting, folding, and adhering standard herbarium mounting paper (Fig. 1).



Figure 1. Assembled paper storage boxes.

The dimensions are 6in wide and 4in high with depths up to 3in. The boxes are designed to be stored inside metal card file cases or on the shelves of standard herbarium cases (Fig. 2). They will not be insect-proof and should not be used as stand-alone storage.



Figure 2. Paper storage boxes in 4 x 6 card file storage drawer.

• 100% rag mounting paper, neutral pH, 11.5in x 16.5in, caliper 0.012 or 0.015
• Bone folder
• Ethylhydroxyethylcellulose adhesive, mixed 2gm to 50ml distilled water
• Metal straightedge
• Tacking iron (optional)
• Wooden block the size of the finished box (optional)
  
  
  

1. Enlarge the diagram in figure 3 to fit a standard sheet of herbarium paper. The depth of the boxes can be varied (up to 3in) by increasing the width of the top and bottom sections.
2. Cut the herbarium paper on the solid lines.
3. Score the paper along the dotted lines with a bone folder and a metal straightedge.
4. Adhere the side flaps with the ethylhydroxyethylcellulose solution according to the directions on the diagram (Fig. 3).
   
   
   Figure 3. Pattern for storage boxes constructed from mounting paper
   
   
   

Applying heat with an iron helps the adhesive to set. A wooden block that is the same size as the finished dimensions of the box will provide interior support to set the adhesive with an iron while forming the box.