Inspired by the elaborately decorated boxes and caskets of centuries gone by, Janet Edmunds shows how to create a beautiful collection of richly stitched boxes using a combination of machine and hand embroidery. The author's exquisite boxes are constructed simply by machine stitching layers of fabric together. She then layers, blends and enriches the surfaces using lustrous threads, goldwork, random stitching, complementary fabrics, metals, wire, beads and stamped images. Handmade cords, braids and tassels complete the designs, which glow with the richness of their decoration. This lavishly illustrated book is packed with detailed information on all the techniques - from the original design ideas right through to the final embellishments. Detailed step-by-step photographs accompany easy-to-follow text, and a sequence of projects illustrate how to construct, decorate and complete a range of different-shaped boxes - from small rectangles to pentagons and chests.