sketch box

Well this is a productive week so far.  I have managed to paint more window frames and clear out our storage area.  Having off site storage is very handy but you keep so much junk!

Anyway tonight I have spent some more time on the box that I started a few weeks ago.

It is done now. 

I think.  

I hope. 
 
This will be great to hold a small sketch book and pencils.

I have another box on its way already so that will be tomorrow night's project.

In the meantime two of my grandkids are blogging.
Matthew here 
and Ally here

help needed please

I have a couple of questions which I am sure someone here will be able to answer.

Problem No 1.  I have bought some "vintage" mens handkerchiefs which are still in the box.  They are made of swiss cotton and unfortunately they have been kept in place in their box with sticky tape.  Over the years the tape and glue have deteriorated and now there are nasty yellow marks that I would like to remove.  Any help would be most welcome.


Problem No 2. This is more of a general question.  I have a hot glue gun which I have all kinds of difficulty with.  Should I just throw it in the bin or can it be useful.  It seems to take forever to heat up but once it does the glue seeps even when I don't want it too and it is really stringy (like cheese on pizza) and I end up in a terrible mess.
If it is a lost cause can I have some suggestions regarding the use of adhesives/glues.  They are my most problematic materials but I do find they have their uses.