Blue Box by Sheila Ary

Although I did not know it at the time, this box was launched many years ago when I read a description of a small temple lined with tiles in all shades of blue, sparked with an occasional gold tile. I was sure this color scheme could be used in a needlework piece, but none of my early efforts satisfied me. The box project prompted me to try again, and this time I am well pleased with the outcome. I have used about ten shades of blue on each side, both DMC and Anchor cotton floss. I chose to use the Smyrna Cross stitch throughout, thinking that consistency from stitch to stitch would allow the many shades of blue to be more prominent than the details of the stitches.

If I were to make another box like this I would line each piece separately, and then join all the pieces together. This would give a neater look to the inside of the box.

Incidentally, I also tried a box in shades of green, but it was so much less attractive than the blue box that I abandoned it after the first side.