I have had a passion for boxes ever since I completed my large box project during my apprenticeship at the Royal School of Needlework. Although box-making has fallen out of fashion in recent years it is my aim with this book to bring it to the forefront of craft making. By using traditional techniques with contemporary designs and methods I hope that you will find constructing a box as fascinating and rewarding as I do. For me, embroidery (along with many other crafts) has been a lifelong love, starting with learning to make lace at the age of five.