I had no idea what I was doing at first, I just started playing with selections for the hell of it...

very nice E !

obviously i like the gems

it could be a box from one of Tolkien´s stories

Thanks E. I couldn't get into Tolkein - I was never into fairy tale creatures in fiction - I prefer more human fantasy like Moorcock and Donaldson. I did start modding a Might and Magic game once and I wish I had had the skills then that I have now.

Erisian, That's good, way beyond my skills! It's a bit medieval, how about a bit aged or weathered look? Kind of like me

Odin - are you Gandalf or Rincewind?

No question, Gandalf Gandalf, the wanderer.

ed, to be honest, who's Rincewind?

One weathered look coming up Gandalf.

That is very nice Erisian, a couple little sparkles will bring the shine to your gems.

Thank you Molly and thanks for the suggestion.

erisian: oh, how lovely is that?! chiseled wood and imprinted metal and sparkling gems
i liked the gandalf one best, but maybe the gems need a little polishing?
(are you a thomas covenant reader, btw? my brother tried to force those books on all his sisters but i only ever liked mordant's need and the short stories. and you're so wrong about fairy tale creatures, a little horns and tails and elven shimmer a day keeps the doctor away!)
odinbc: rincewind is from terry pratchett's discworld stories - an entirely different kind of wizard from gandalf . rincewind is the most incompetent wizard in the multiverse and i think he's worth meeting if you haven't already!

In perfect sync theme with this on my player started "the Court of the Crimson King " by the King Crismon
(from their very first album )

I've heard of the Discworld series but haven't read any of it, I'll have to have a look at the library. I was into Tolkien as a teen.

AnMal. I love fairy tale creatures in art but I can't take them seriously enough in fiction. The only Donaldson books I've read are the Chronicles and Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the unbeliever. There's a third chronicles out now and I really ought to read it.

odinbc: do try pratchett - he never fails to make me smile.

erisian: i'm warning you, you're gonna get my long lecture on stephen donaldson's uspides and downsides one of these days . big brother was disappointed in the third chronicles, but then he's disappointed in most things that are not theoretical physics these days.

I went to Amazon and grabbed, "The Colour of Magic". Will give it a go.

That's really nice, any chance of a hint as to how the jewels were made.

yes please !

I'll get back to you on this - I need to create a mini tutorial.