Frigid Boxes

 Studio time has been scarce lately, but bit by bit I've made a start on two new reliquaries.  The original intent for the piece was a framed beaded piece, but it kept telling me that it really wanted to be a box.  However, I couldn't choose what box shape I wanted.  As well, it's been a very long time since I last made a box, and it was back to the original book, and starting step by step in refreshing my memory of the construction techniques.  Once the basic background was machine quilted I discovered that there was enough room for the necessary pieces for two boxes, one based on a pentagon and the other loosely based on a simple house.

Here is the original book where the basic concept, several patterns and detailed instruction come from.

Yesterday was spent sorting beads, as many beads will be used in this project, and besides which, I love sorting beads.  Here's my collection of potential candidates for inclusion in the work.

The pentagon box has only two basic pieces. This  contains all of the upright side pieces, as well as the method of closing the box.

This afternoon was dedicated to getting the basic label on both boxes.  I learned how to do this in a workshop earlier this year, but still had to refer to the manual to get it done.  Of course, what could go wrong did go wrong and it was a bit frustrating, but I persevered, and got both boxes labelled.  Looking back, I realize that the titles are a bit weird, but it represented my feelings lately and, besides, it's too late to change anything.  My boxes never sell, so the title is important only to me.  While you might not be able to tell from this photo, the house box has only one piece, but for both of them, I'm not counting the feet, and how those are made is a decision for another day.