Presentation Stand and Box - A reintroduction to paring, stamping, and creativity

In the beginning, there was a library conservation lecture series. I led that series for the first 8 years, something that was a terrific opportunity to introduce leaders in the field to Syracuse to present a lecture and lead a workshop. April 2nd marked the 20th event, so time to give a special gift to the donor. As a metaphor for the series, a beautiful hand-crafted and decorated bone folder made by Shanna Leino was selected. My part of the gift was a custom display stand and box.

For me, the scale of this project and the tools and techniques applied were in many respects the ideal re-entry to creative bench work, something I haven't really done any of in over 2 years for a variety of reasons. As a recent retiree, this will [hopefully] be a start to much more of this kind of work.

The materials and initial idea.

Fritz Otto documenting my first efforts paring leather and
reacquainting myself with my first "Schärf-fix, purchased
1987 in Ascona, CH. Haven't used it almost 2 decades as
I had a new one, now sold to a NBSS alum.
Note to self: the hind quarters of old leather are not the best 
re-entry into paring. 🙄

The closed box.

The box opened showing folder and label.
Also my first time using my Quikprint in a l.o.n.g. time.
I can live with it, but there's room for improvement.
My body works differently now, time to adapt to it ... 🙄

The folder is held in place with parchment tackets and sits
on a raised, stained wood pedestal.

Zooming in ...

And, zooming in some more to show the pedestal.

And here at the presentation with
Joan Brodsky and Syracuse University's Chancellor, Kent Syverud.