I keep thinking that writing boxes could be very useful. I drew up some plans to actually build one for myself. I have this tendency to try and get or build myself tools for writing. Usually it's just a distraction so I don't write. When it's done, I don't use it.

So who actually uses these? Or finds them useful? Any hands on experiences?



Edit: I've read the posts about them here, but looking for more info.

I use two differnt ones over time and have found them very useful. It is good to have a place where pen, ink, paper, envelopes, stamps are all together so you just move it around to where you want to write and go!

I wish I'd have bought one of the Pelikan folding desks when someone had them for sale. <_<

oh well

I have a writing box, the kind that opens to a slanted writing surface.
I use it everytime I write. I find the slanted surface results in much less fatigue when I write. I also like having all my gear in a central location (paper,envelopes, and pens.
I highly recommend it

Sounds interesting, but i've never actually seen one.

I would love to own an attractive writing box, and likely, as soon as I see a good one, I'll buy it. A writing desk would be even better, and I often look for those too.

Currently I have a very simple slope/board, which I always use for correspondence and handwriting practice. Otherwise, I tend to lean over my writing and end up with neck cramps, so it’s great for me.

Do you have a pic somewhere? I'm a student of desk design and would love to see one.

Laura, I'm just curious, what would be a reasonable price that you would pay for an attractive writing box?

Laura, is your slope designed as a writing surface or did you rig something up for yourself? I really would like to get a slanted writing surface. Of course, that would mean making space for it on my terrible desk.

cmenice: Probably a couple of hundred dollars, if not a little more - I was thinking all I'd be able to find in the Australian market would be an antique writing box. Modern slopes, like Levenger have, are simply never seen here.

sonia_simone: A calligraphy supplies store here in Australia sells the slope I bought ready-made, it is an incredibly simple design than anyone could make, and improve upon. They come raw, so I just stained and varnished it. I use a clothes peg or bulldog clip to hold my paper in place on the slope.

It’s constructed from two pieces of A3 size plywood, joined with piano hinge. The bottom has rubber feet on the outside to stop it moving about, and the inside of the bottom has two bits of wood attached with grooves cut out of them. The inside of the top piece has two small 'legs' attached with a hinge, and the legs fit into the cut grooves. It has three grooves, so the hinged legs can be set to three different slope angles. It has two little canvas handles so it can be carried about.

A picture: (A bit dark sorry, took it late afternoon - let me know if you want to see a better one.)

Thank you for the picture! I am going to commission my long-suffering husband to make one for me!

The one I made plans for kind of looks like this.

At least the dimensions will be similar. The details will be much different. I have a desk in mind that will match as well. But I plan on doing the writing box first. I might even start it this week.

Thanks for the picture Laura. I have seen those slopes around.

Christopher

I picked up this at an antiques fair. Antique it's not! I'd say that some time in the past it was a freebie with some Remy Martin. However for £9 I couldn't say no

David

Very interesting! Judging by the photographs, I would think the writing box would be sort of small. I'm the sort that when my hand hangs off the bottom of a notebook or journal, I have to find something of the proper thickness to compensate for the drop. I seem to be sensitive to this (I prefer to write on a single sheet of paper). I would think the box would make it difficult for me. I do like the idea though, and I do like to make things.

The angle that Laura shows is very neat, but very large. Still, I think I'm going to have to try that and maybe try to incorporate the idea into a design I have been working on.

At Your Service,
Clydesdave

Try this for examples: http://www.hygra.com/writing.html

The bottom section of the box hold around 80 sheets of A4, there is plenty of space to rest your hand and wrist, i'll see if i can sort out some photo's for scale

David