I finished the second version today and am happy with how it came out. I can’t seem to capture the nuance of the textures and sparkle but here are my attempts.

Having the laser do all of the cutting enables me to focus on the development of my FMQ skills and of course, assembly. I’m pretty happy overall with the end products; nothing being perfect of course. I had a sewing acquaintance many years ago who used to say “can you see it while galloping past it seated on a horse?” when some of us would criticize our own work and point out areas where we could have done better. She was wise. Now I create with two things in mind. One, do my level best on every project. Two, allow myself to celebrate and appreciate the work as a hand made (but not hand cut in this case) piece of art constructed by an imperfect, evolving human!