Around a year ago, I had a couple of really large boxes to make, around 22 x 30 inches, and my hands quickly grew tired of holding my folder when smoothing the large amount of cloth. I tried using a printmakers baren, but the round shape felt awkward for book work. Then a few weeks ago, while poking around an antique mall, I picked up an antique chalkboard eraser, liked the ergonomics of it, and realized if it were made from Delrin, it would be perfect. The rectangular baren was born.

The size is comfortable to hold with one hand or two. Perfect for big projects, edition binding, paper conservation, or for anyone who finds gripping small folders difficult. The tool has a pleasing heft, around 1.7 pounds, which seems to help adhere the covering materials without undue hand pressure. Approximately 6 x 2.5 × 2”.