isn't it nice when you like how something turns out?

Do you ever participate in swaps?

Sometimes I sign up for a swap that sounds really
great, and then I'm not sure exactly what to do
when it comes down to the actually making. So,
it's nice when things turn out, maybe not like
I'd planned, but well. Or at least acceptably.


The beads and embossing turned out better
than I had ever hoped for. The beads are
attached with Crystal Effects, which dries
clear and shiny. Like crystal, right?


The image is stamped on vellum, and applied
over patterned paper (from the Basic Grey
Blush series) that has been brushed with some
acrylic, to tone down the design. She's coated
with the Crystal Effects.

The trim is vintage--the embroidered stuff around
the side, it's such a pretty bit of ribbon. I'm
working on filling it with this and that, some
trim, ribbon, beads, buttons . . . it's an Altoid
tin, so not very large. It's something of a
challenge, finding a fun mix of things that fit.

I hope my swap partner likes it.