Getting In Shape with Velvet by Caela Conn Tyler

This needlework piece explores covering a box – with a twist. The emphasis of the design is shape. The designer selected a shape template (in this case, a rubber stamp), embossed the shape on velvet to be used on the box sides, and developed a design which was inspired by and echoed the shape.

The exact replica of the rubber stamp shape was repeated on one corner of the box top. If one considers the "envelope" of the stamp shape, it is a diamond. Therefore, all other aspects of the design were created with diamond shaped stitch motifs. To reinforce the diamond shape concept, all design areas were established on a diagonal plane, as in one side of a diamond. At the same time, a diamond is so obviously symmetrical, that an asymmetrical composition was needed for balance and interest. Although there is significant repetition in this design, contrasts were achieved through varied approaches to diamond shaped stitch motifs and through the use of a wide range of materials – silk and cotton threads, metallic threads, sequins, and metallic kid.