I have been collecting eggs for some 20 years and my mantle is full of them but not all of them b/c there are simply too many so the most prized ones I love most are on the mantle (DH said choose b/c I didn't have for my Galileo Thermomether, the Brass Candle Stick Holders, or the photo of my daughter & SIL on their wedding day not to mention a few pieces of Native American Indian art & carved items from the reservation (I'm half Cherokee/half Arapaho), and then there's the beautiful smaller vases yet stunning in their own right made by Ben Owens, who is a multi-generational potter - an actual Master Potter. One of the vases from him is in Patina whereas the other is in Chinese Red. He's the only potter I know who can make that shade of Chinese Red. I had the pleasure of spending some time with him at his studio in Seagrove, NC; he was kind enough to show me how to make the shape of these larger vases I loved, which meant I had to place my hands over his & his fingers to feel what he was doing with the clay b/c I've lost almost all my vision. I'd give anything for a studio in my yard, a kiln, & a pugmill but all the money I had saved to make it happen had to be used to survive while waiting (still waiting) on DH's disability claim after he suffered massive heart attacks that req'd quadruple heart bypass that left him on a heart-lung bypass machine for a month or so b4 his body could do the work; it's complicated by his diabetes. We're living hand to mouth right now w/only my SSDI from blindness to support the two of us and our 14yo child who is still in the home. Our oldest is married w/2 step-sons & working 2-3 jobs as is her husband while helping his ex- and her husband care for the boys. I'm so proud they all work together for the benefit of the boys. It's so uplifting to hear of ex's and new wives/new husbands all working for the common goal and priority - the kids from a former marriage. I'm actually proud of all four of them (that's including the ex-wife & her husband too)

I'd love to make these but I don't know if I have enough residual remaining vision to do it or if I can do it tactilely esp given the loss of sensation in my hands from nerve damage due to Lupus (SLE), Sjogren's, & Fibro. I adore my eggs & want to collect as many unique ones, esp elegant ones like this one as I can. I'd love a curio cabinet w/shelves & glass to house them but I just don't know if I can do it. Pottery is much more forgiving but without a kiln, pugger, or a studio building (I have my tools, electric wheel - my 1st wheel was a manual one so it took time to learn to use an electric) I feel as if I have lost my dream & the health issues makes it even worse.

Wow, this is amazing. I'm looking for inspirations for a birthday gift for my sister who LOVES Faberge eggs, but can't afford any, so I'm planning to make her one.

Yours is so amazing, I love the details, and everything about it, don't think there is anything I don't like with this, looks professional. I only have a few questions, if you don't mind sharing.
1: what kind of glue do you use?
2: how do you attach the fabric on the inside?
3: how can you cut the egg so perfect?

I like yours far better than the Faberge.

Very well done.

Congratulations, your egg is incredible! I noticed that the findings were almost identical, and that the cabochon work was so well done. Where did you get your opals? I have never made anything with eggs, but all of the beautiful work here is inspiring. As if I need yet another hobby. Anyway, congratulations on creating an heirloom for the grandchildren to fight over. :-)

COLD!!!! I hate winter. I learned to drive in Alabama. It snows, they just close down the state. Works for me.

Congratulations!!! What can I say? It's breathtaking. It was my favorite from the start. Great job.

Wow! That is an amazing egg, and you won!

Congratulations! This is a very elegant egg! You do wonderful work. I love the relief carvings, they are quite beautiful. The size of them must make it very long to work on.

i kinda had a feeling this one would be the winner. congrats on being a winner, its a very pretty egg.

WoooHooo! You won! Awsome! :) :) :)

Congratulations! Lovely entry.

Congratulation Pat. I thought it would be your or Brian, and I was right. I know you and your hubby are thrilled, just as all of us are thrilled for you. Congratualtions again. Carole

FANTASTIC! You must be so thrilled! I am too as I picked yours to win! All the best! Glenis

Congratulations on being the grand prize winner!!! This is such an outstanding egg! I love the classic design and hard work that obviously went into it.

I knew you would do it! Well done on reaching the finals with this clever design! Well thought out and so Faberge. All the best! Glenis

As always your work is beautiful Pat. It is no surprise that you are a Finalist. My Best Wishes to you. Carole B.

Beautiful! Congrats on being a finalist!

Wow, this one is even more beautiful than the first! I realy like the cabochon opals. Dave told me about the site so thought I would add my vote. :o)

beautiful and elegant

This egg is simply elegant, yet has a feel of royalty to it. I an avid beader as well as paper crafter. I have netted beads and quilled paper around eggs, but this is just something that I need to learn. Do you know how I can get started?

This egg is absolutely breath taking in person! A beautiful egg created by a very special person! Thank you for sharing your eggs for the world to see! Thank you for helping everyone you help!