3D WORKS: Fabric Boxes, Bowls & more

Three Dimensional or 3D, refers to objects that have multiple surfaces and can be shaped any way from round to angular. They may jut out from a flat surface or stand alone like a large statue or an object you can hold in your hand. Almost anything can be incorporated in some way into a 3D piece. There are few rules, no size limits and therefore the artist is free to do almost anything. In Fiber Art, there are many materials to work with from string, twine, yarns, roving, rope and fabric. The materials can be woven, knit, knotted, twisted, corded, coiled, stitched, glued, tacked, stapled, folded, stretched, draped, pinned and stuffed either alone or in combination with other materials to fashion a multitude of shapes.

Because fiber can be soft or stiff, it is possible to make it bend without breaking or become a sturdy component to an artwork. 3D fiber creations have a history in the practical and utilitarian, such as handbags, baskets, hats and of course clothing (wearables). I experimented with making a box out of fabric for my mother a few years ago. I looked around and found mostly tissue boxes covered in fabric. I wanted to make something more creative and found that a small box did not need much support if it were made of at least 3 layers (the middle being a stabilizer) and the layers were reinforced with stitching. From that initial experiment, I developed a few patterns for Folded Fabric Boxes which I call BelleBoites. I have also created smaller, simpler folded boxes that I call BabyBoites.

Fabric Bowls and Trivets: I have also experimented with coiled fabric bowls and Trivets. Cotton laundry twine is wrapped with narrow strips of fabric, folded or torn, and the coils are stitched together with a zig-zag stitch. The process is very simple but time-consuming. The resulting pieces are thick, sturdy and functional. They can be rustic or very formal depending on the choice of fabric and used to hold fruit or act as a placemat or hot pad. It is possible to make two deeply curved bowls and sew them together to make a larger vase shape. I have yet to try this technique.

Folded Fabric Boxes: "BelleBoites" (pronounced "bell bwat" -French for Beautiful Boxes) are my own original designs and can be made of any fabric that strikes one's fancy. I often created my own fabric such as a small, pieced, traditional quilt block or appliquéd design or used scraps of fabrics placed in a pleasing arrangement and heavily stitched (making sure all raw edges are safely tacked down). Once the box is folded and secured glass beads are selected (sometimes a lengthy process to get just the right ones) and attached to the lid.

"BabyBoites" (Baby Boxes) are my small, approx. 2" square, folded, fabric boxes. Also an original design, they are made from a single, folded, 3-layer form (an outer fabric, stabilizer and lining fabric) and fastened together with Jeweler's wire. Many of them have free-motion stitching and other surface embellishments. (see Glossary for expanded technical details)