I'm trying to create graphic text elements similar to the graphic text elements in this image:
http://i.imgur.com/bQqkl5r.jpg

In the leftmost image there is the text 'shopname' inside a rectangle.
In the rightmost image there are two curved text elements with borders.

Initially I tried this:
* creating text, selecting it, transforming it to a path
* creating a rectangle
* grouping the text and the rectangle
* applying a 'bend' path effect to the grouped objects.

The result is a distorted, mishhapen and unneven curve. I can't achieve the effect by mannually applying the bend effect.

After getting advice on the #inkscape channel on freenode, I tried another approach:
* Selecting a circle as a path to the clipboard
* Selecting the grouped text and box
* Applying the curve from the clipboard as the effect "bend path"

Again, the result I got was a misshapen, botched set of paths.

So... how can I actually achieve this effect?
Specifically, how can I get the box and the text to curve smoothly, with the text curve matching the box curve?

It's a really common effect, but I'm finding it very difficult to achieve.

Hi.

First - have a look at "The Manual" - http://goinkscape.com/how-to-curve-text-in-inkscape/

If this is not what you want you have other options:

Perform a Google search for "Inkscape curved text"
- click on "Images"
- you will get pages full of pictures of curved text
- most done in Inkscape

Scroll down until you find something similar to what you are trying to achieve.
Click on the image to get a link to the web-page containing the image.

Here are the link to some I found - using the above method - which can be a guide for you:
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/inkscape/ss/Cupcake-Wrappers.htm
http://goinkscape.com/how-to-curve-text-in-inkscape/
https://suite.io/ian-pullen/1v9w2vd
http://inkscapetutorials.org/2014/11/03/tutorial-to-draw-a-badge-with-an-engraved-styled-banner/

Another option is o use the search function in this forum.

As suggested above, text on path is really what you want to use:
text on path.