MICA CHARM SWAP and a RAK from Spain!

Fool that I am I committed to a "mica charm swap" over at Charmsters. I had never worked with mica before, and I have to say - it is NOT my favorite substance to work with. My punches had a rough time punching through the mica and i did not have good control with thinning the mica and yet keeping enough thickness for it to remain strong and substantial to take the abuse a charm will get. Also, all of the edges had to be sealed so it would not fall apart later, and the mica had to be reinforced so that the hanging ring would not pull through. Maybe because I am working it just seemed a daunting task. Also, when using it as a transparency, again it had to be so thin it just looked like yellowed plastic to me. yeah, I know, it's a mineral and natural and all that, but I did not find it's look all that appealing to me......but hey - what do I know? Maybe I just don't know how to use it properly.....The theme was "home", and this is what I came up with, after many failed attempts:
Front:

Back:

On a more exciting note, I sent an "Art in a Carton" to Shakti in Spain-and although she was not supposed to send me anything back - she RAKed me anyway! Look at all of the exciting goodies I received!....a hand decorated box, a beaded coin purse, vials FULL of swarovski crystals ( i can never have enough of those!) a tiny embellished mirror, a mini notebook, lots of beautiful papers and trims and yarns, a jeweled lock keychain, postcards from Spain, Spanish matchbox - and more! Even the addressed paper it was all wrapped in was sheet music on the inside. WAY TOO GENEROUS! Thank you, Shakti! (click to make the picture larger)

What else? I sent in two PMC Charms for the "Charms for Charity" benefit, one of an articulated bird and one a bird's nest with pearl eggs, but I forgot to photograph them...that's what happens when you are in a hurry to get to the Post office!