Hi. Tested this in versions 1.11 and 1.12 - the Path Effect Envelope Deformation. The gif file below shows each "side" being contorted, and even adding workable nodes to each side (by double clicking on the path line.)

Using Windows 10.

Hope this helps someone ... to see that you can contort text changed to a path, and other paths.

Use your browser to view it.

Blessings to you all.

Hi Ken,

I like what you did with shaping text with the deformation envelope.  I goofed around with it in my tutorial on typography (Tutorial 9).  I invite you to take a peek at https://roy-torley.github.io/Inkscape_Tutorial/Tutorial09/Tutorial09.html and let your imagination run amok.  (Am I preaching to the choir?).

Ah, okay, the message went off prematurely, but that's okay.  I had a finger glitch.  I want to end with my appreciation of your adding to the ferment of raw visual, playful, imaginative, and mind-stimulating creativity that makes this place a great forum.  Thanks, Ken!  Roy

Hey, Roy, your typography tutorial is juicy, informative, creative, and more. All your tutorials enrich the Inkscape playing fields and are professional gems. Thank you for creating them.

Thanks also for encouraging positive "movement" (in tai chi, inkscape, and my noggin'.)

Hi. I also add to this topic, for further exploration of Inkscape and using the Clipboard with the Envelope Deformation Path Effect.

See the graphics below and make something beautiful, useful, and often.

Hi Ken,

Your reference line technique is elegance in simplicity.  Very nice!  I like!  And many thanks for the thumbs-up.  I'm glad you like!  We're so likeable, Roy

How do I install this effect? I am unable to find the download to add it to Inkscape.