THE WORLD OF CRAFTS

I've enjoyed making things ever since childhood. Building models, folding origami, playing with Lego blocks, or woodworking have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Let me point out that I am not what you would call a 'handyman.' I've never been good at fixing things or doing minor house repairs, but I am good at being creative. Ideas for new innovative projects come to me every waking hour. I can't help it. It's just the way I am. Some of these ideas are pretty good in theory, but, unfortunately, not always that impressive after a few hours on the workbench.

How to Make a Wax-Filled Wooden Writing Tablet

Materials Needed

Two wooden panels(preferably hardwood like beech, oak, or walnut)
Carving tools(chisel, gouge, or router)
Beeswax(natural, optionally tinted with soot or pigment)
Linseed oil or wood finish(optional, for sealing)
Cord or leather thong(to bind multiple tablets into a diptych or triptych)
Optional stylus(metal, bone, or wood)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Wooden Panels

Cut two rectangular panels, approx. 15 × 10 cm and 1–1.5 cm thick.
Sand the surfaces smooth, especially the inner sides.

2. Carve the Wax Recess

On the inner face of each panel, carve a shallow rectangular recess:
- Depth: ~3–5 mm
- Leave a margin of ~1 cm around the edges
Ensure the recess is even and smooth to hold wax properly.

3. Seal the Wood

Apply a thin coat of linseed oil or beeswax to the wood to prevent warping and extend its lifespan.
Let it dry completely before adding wax.

4. Prepare the Wax

Melt beeswax gently in a double boiler.
For a traditional look, mix in a small amount of soot or lampblack to darken the wax (this improves stylus visibility).
Pour the melted wax into the recess slowly, filling it evenly.
Let it cool and harden completely.

5. Bind the Tablets

Drill small holes along one edge of each panel.
Use cord, leather, or metal hinges to bind them into a diptych or triptych.

6. Craft a Stylus

Use a pointed tool to inscribe letters into the wax.
The opposite end can be flattened or rounded to smooth out the wax for reuse.

Historical Notes

Roman students and scribes used these tablets for temporary notes, calculations, and correspondence.
The wax could be smoothed and reused many times.
Some tablets were bound together to form primitive "notebooks"—a precursor to codices.