AZURE SEAS

While our ship was docked at Sorrento, Italy, a frighteningly exciting storm came up. Although prepared to wait out the winds which churned up the stunning blue waters with frothy white caps, we longed for calm seas, so we could anchor in Capri. Surely you've seen the often scary / beautiful waves----not the destructive ones. We remember ours on 3" pale blue ball. You might want to change yours to white or gold.

Kit Price : $41.25

BARTERED NECKLACE, THE

How times have changes! Seems impossible that less than 100 years ago, a lady of a magnificent Fifth Avenue Mansion in New York City, traded her edifice for---a string of pearls. That building now houses a famous jewelry firm. But does anyone know where that pearl necklace is? Or, what it looked like? On a 3" red ball, studded in pearls, you'd get an entirely different look on white, gold and even baby pink!!!

Kit Price : $55.60

BLUE FOOTED BOOBIE

While in the Galapagos Islands, with its thousands of indigenous creature one is struck by one: "The Blue Footed Boobie", whose feet look as if they had been dipped in dye. They flitted across the crystal waters, flapping their wings as they spread their wings and landed INCHES away, totally unafraid of anyone, having no predators. They looked as if they are saying "oh--Guys, --- POSE. Here comes another group! "We recommend them with a smile, on a 3" white ball, but you might want to do this on, gold pale blue, or if you are adventurous, celery. Look down further on the website and see some new alternate colored "Boobies"

Kit Price : $38.00

Mystery

In mathematics, there is an answer to a problem. Something definite. Something that can be graded. So often, in other areas, the more we learn, the more "the answer" seems to elude and slip away, hiding, but constantly beckoning. And we go on searching--- sometimes for a lifetime. Study this design: the more you do, the more mysterious it becomes. On a 3" Red ball but you might want to try it on White, Gold, Baby Pink, or even Hot Pink.

Kit Price : $37.75

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER

Sometimes when strolling though a hushed room, gazing into brilliantly lit glass cases of necklaces, bracelets, rings tiaras, and crowns that were worn by elegant lords and ladies in times long gone, one becomes startlingly aware that these WEARERS are long gone too . Sigh!! BUT those "DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER". Our reminder of that is on a 3" royal ball. Your could do this one on any of the 13 colors we offer.

Kit Price : $36.00

Midnight Sun

It is kind of a shock to come out of the theatre from a evening performance ---- in ANY PLACE in Scandinavia, to an almost bright blue sky. You are "prepared" for darkness, and you blink in disbelief, thinking perhaps the Hans Christian Anderson magically transported you to a fairyland. You are definitely THERE, even if it wasn't HE who beamed you. Eyes adjust, and if you really squint, you can see distant twinkling. On a 3" pale blue ball. For a totally different effect, try it on White, Gold, Red, Black, Purple or Lavender.

Kit Price : $86.50

EMBRACEABLE

On a cruise, we met a very wealthy gentleman who was traveling with, and overwhelmed by, a lovely lady companion. To prove his ardor, in Dubai he bought her a "slave bracelet" which consisted of a ring for every finger, each of which was "connected" to an elaborate bracelet at the wrist. It would have been "too much" at the formal affair but we found the design fascinating and we called it "EMBRACEABLE". On a 3" hot pink ball, but you might want to try it on any of the colors listed at the top of the price list that goes with PINK.

Kit Price : $38.10

HOUSE OF LORDS

There can be some argument, we suppose, for sweeping away the cobwebs of ancient tradition, such as powdered wigs, but somehow making the HOUSE OF LORDS more "modern", and therefore "accessible", does seem to rob that august body of some of its mystery and awe. In May 1999, we were honored to be escorted through the House by one of its members, and herewith we tip our hats, both to its noble past and its illustrious future. On a 3" dark purple ball, but you can do this on SOME of our others 3" colors.

Kit Price : $33.20

MIDNIGHT DREAM

Everybody tries to find a little "secret" place to be totally alone, even for a little while. It probably is nowhere real.... just a small corner in the shadows of one's mind. Sometimes you've just heard about.. Somewhere you'd like to go. Only you know about it. You've never shared. A----MIDNIGHT DREAM. On a 3" black ball here, but since everything on it is white and gold you can put it on any of the alternative colors at the top of the price list.

Kit Price : $53.75

Emerald Isle

The Emerald Isle has much to be proud of, and one is bragging about "forty shades of green", and it should be green. I guess, since it rains a LOT!! (Like 17 out of the 19 days we were there). But when the rain stops, and the sun comes out, everything sparkles and glows.... and if the wind is blowing a bit over the water, little whitecaps make it seem like Eden. On a 3" emerald ball, but you can change the ball color to any of the alternative 20 colors we offer.

Kit Price : $36.20

Mini Superstar Gold

Some of you have requested a smaller star for the tree top and some have asked for a rotating tree stand topper. We listened, and here it is!! Paul's original instructions for the large superstar have been slightly modified to accommodate this 6" star.

Kit Price : $48.95

Mini Superstar Silver

Some of you have requested a smaller star for the tree top and some have asked for a rotating tree stand topper. We listened, and here it is! Paul's original instructions for the large superstar have been slightly modified to accommodate this 6" star.

Kit Price : $42.95

Down Under

On a December cruise around New Zealand and Australia, we were lured by enticing reports of how warmed and cozy it would be, SURPRISE!! "Nippy" would be a nice word. Even though there were "pleasant" days, we were somewhat unprepared for the VERY heavy seas, sweeping winds, and banging waves on the open water between the two countries. Forced to retreat from our balcony, the ocean spray ran down the glass doors, reflecting the lavender sunset. Complain some people did & loudly. Not us. Those blurry sparkles, dripping down to the deck became "DOWN UNDER", on a 3" lavender ball but you could do this easily on Gold, White, Navy, or even Purple.

Kit Price : $36.85

Frosted Violets

While it is true that food fads come and go----(who would have DREAMED of eating raw fish years ago) there really is a most delicious candy made from violets. On a 3" lavender ball, this may look good enough to eat, but control yourself. For a touch of "ice cream", try it on white. Originally designed in 1992.

Kit Price : $49.95

Fan Dances

Dancing with fans had been used for hundreds of years by many cultures, often to flirt, or court--- but observing an artist with fans in hand, it seems to have been turned into an art form. How the fan is grasped, the tilt of the head, the arch of the back---all have very specific meanings. In no time, you could lose your heart. And often, much more than that. One might think this kind of communication to be quite quaint. However, it is still actively practiced in some parts of the world today! Particularly in the Far East! Maybe change to white? (New in March 2009)

Kit Price : $41.20

Marquise

Sapphire and crystal beads glisten from a 3" white satin ball. Inspired by a magnificent diamond ring in a museum collection, it is loveliest on white but can be done on any ball color that goes with pale blue rocailles. Originally designed in 1979.

Kit Price : $23.65

Cathederal

Inspired by the pointed, arched, and beveled stained glass windows of a 17th century cathedral in Italy. Adapted her on a 3" white satin ball. Alternate: any color that goes with gold and emerald. Originally designed in 1983.

Kit Price : $52.25

Crown Jewels

OUTRAGEOUS!! Drizzled with over 400 strung faceted "diamonds" each in its own setting; dripping with over 200 crystal rhinestones. And still maintains a restricted elegance. On a 3" white satin ball, but can be done on any color. Originally designed by Walter in 1983, and still one of his most cherished ornaments kits.

Kit Price : $105.00

Emerald Footed Boobie

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Blue-footed Booby kit, we decided to offer the kit in alternate bead and trim color. Not sure there are such things as a red-footed, gold-footed, emerald-footed, royal-footed and silver footed bird, but there should be, what do you think? While in the Galapagos Islands, with its thousands of indigenous creature one is struck by one: "The Blue Footed Boobie", whose feet look as if they had been dipped in dye. They flitted across the crystal waters, flapping their wings as they spread their wings and landed INCHES away, totally unafraid of anyone, having no predators. They looked as if they are saying "oh--Guys, --- POSE. Here comes another group! "We recommend them, with a smile, on a 3" white ball.

Kit Price : $38.00

Gold Footed Boobie

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Blue-footed Booby kit, we decided to offer the kit in alternate bead and trim color. Not sure there are such things as a red-footed, gold-footed, emerald-footed, royal-footed and silver footed bird, but there should be, what do you think? While in the Galapagos Islands, with its thousands of indigenous creature one is struck by one: "The Blue Footed Boobie", whose feet look as if they had been dipped in dye. They flitted across the crystal waters, flapping their wings as they spread their wings and landed INCHES away, totally unafraid of anyone, having no predators. They looked as if they are saying "oh--Guys, --- POSE. Here comes another group! "We recommend them with a smile, on a 3" white ball.

Kit Price : $38.00

Eye Opener

Once you hang this one on your tree, from the light fixture over your dining room table or in that picture window, all your friends and neighbors will know you are broadcasting happy holidays to EVERYBODY--- even, and especially, perhaps to Tiny Tim. Designed on a 3" WHITE ball, but you may want to try it on Gold, Celery, Hot Pink, or Baby Pink.

Kit Price : $28.20

Ball Gown

Some Ladies were all in white. Some Ladies were in black. But suddenly all eyes turned---- a muffled gasp went through the room. An emerald green gown seemingly drizzles in diamonds, edged in paler green simply took one's breath away. But not our pencil. A quick sketch and now a new design to "dress" your tree. On a 3" emerald green ball. Alternative colors could be white or gold.

Kit Price : $28.25

Icicle Fantasy

Driving on a back road late on a winter night, it was cold and quiet. A silent snow covered the countryside earlier, and a full moon cast haunting etching shadows. Around a corner, an old stone house sat silhouetted against the dark blue sky, and a glittering fantasy of icicles hung from the textured slate roof in uneven shimmering crystal drops. On a 3" royal ball, but you can change this to any of the alternative colors we offer.

Kit Price : $41.50

Halls Of Ivy

Don't exactly know why, but wherever there is a college or university, from Boston to Bangkok, from New York to New Delhi, from Chicago to Copenhagen, there seems to be ivy clutching tenaciously to those hallowed walls. We herewith salute and honor them all. Ours, here on a 3" white ball, but your might want to try this on a gold or celery ball.

Kit Price : $31.95

Grand Baroque

All over Europe, in France, Germany and England especially, one can still see the style that swept the continent from 1550 to the late 18th century in both art and architecture characterized by the use of intricately curved forms. And most certainly in BRIGHT colors, high-lighted in GOLD! Our BAROQUE reminder on a 3" red ball, but you could do this one on gold or white.

Kit Price : $80.00

Ballroon Dancing

We understand that ballroom dancing will now be an Olympic sport!!. One may smile & perhaps slyly, at that news. But, if you've watched those couples on TV, weaving , turning, lifting & always to the music's beat-- and unlike sprinters, runners, weight lifters---in elegant clothes. No sweat!!! Literally!! Whatever, their turning inspired this design on a 3" celery ball. You might do your tribute to those athletes on white, gold and if you're kind of brave on royal.

Kit Price : $28.40

French Renaissance

Although we give the names of KINGS to certain French styles which developed during their reigns it is to some very notable ladies that the credit must go for such exquisite taste. We pay homage to 3 formidable ladies; Mesdames Pompadour, DuBarry , and Marie Antoinette whose influences can be seen to this day, all over "La Belle France" Our nod to them on a 3" hot pink ball, with so many pink goodies ON the ball you could change to white or baby pink.

Kit Price : $28.40

Cherry Blossom Time on White

On a recent trip throughout Japan, we admittedly had a culture shock. In all the world, this is only the 2nd place we've ever been where there was no graffiti anywhere, and no trash, either!! The people were so kind, polite, considerate, and respectful, and the children! So gorgeously behaved and responsive, and all of this amid a wild blooming of Cherry Blossoms! We thought the sets for Madame Butterfly were untrue!

Kit Price : $29.25

Cherry Blossom Time on Hot Pink

On a recent trip throughout Japan, we admittedly had a culture shock. In all the world, this is only the 2nd place we've ever been where there was no graffiti anywhere, and no trash, either!! The people were so kind, polite, considerate, and respectful, and the children! So gorgeously behaved and responsive, and all of this amid a wild blooming of Cherry Blossoms! We thought the sets for Madame Butterfly were untrue!

Kit Price : $29.25

Clouds Across the Moon

Man's landing on the moon has not diminished the romance one can sense on a clear cool night, to see, unexpectedly "Clouds Across the Moon".

Kit Price : $54.65

Enchanted Forest on Pine Green

This kit that has been on many wish lists forever and was thought to be unavailable, due to the glass jewels. I guess "no" is not "never". Here it is on one of the new released colors. Pine Green. One of the stops on Alice's visit to wonderland could have been this crystal forest where you may become enchanted--- alone or with that special person.

Kit Price : $71.85

Enchanted Forest on Dusty Rose

This kit that has been on many wish lists forever and was thought to be unavailable, due to the glass jewels. I guess "no" is not "never". Here it is on one of the new released colors, Dusty Rose. One of the stops on Alice's visit to wonderland could have been this crystal forest where you may become enchanted--- alone or with that special person.

Kit Price : $71.85

Enchanted Forest Revisited on PB w/Crystal Jewels

A long time friend of The Cracker Box (Betty in TX) spoke to Paul many times about redesigning Enchanted Forest. The two of them simply could not find the right jewel. About a year ago, she found an acrylic jewel that Walter felt was a good alternative for the ornament. We are even able to offer the design with two different colored jewels (Crystal and Emerald). We have named this kit Enchanted Forest Revisited. One of the stops on Alice's visit to wonderland could have been this crystal forest where you may become enchanted--- alone or with that special person.

Kit Price : $36.45

Enchanted Forest Revisited white w/emerald jewels

A long time friend of The Cracker Box (Betty in TX) spoke to Paul many times about redesigning Enchanted Forest. The two of them simply could not find the right jewel. About a year ago, she found an acrylic jewel that Walter felt was a good alternative for the ornament. We are even able to offer the design with two different colored jewels (Crystal and Emerald). We have named this kit Enchanted Forest Revisited. One of the stops on Alice's visit to wonderland could have been this crystal forest where you may become enchanted--- alone or with that special person.

Kit Price : $36.45

Art Noveau

What a shock it must have been just before the turn of the 20th century when artisits and architects came out of hiding with radically new designs and shapes. The art world was turned topsy turvy. Some praised. Others were highly vocal in their slander. Today that style is highly honored and much sought after. The sinuous lines of still-standing houses are in Madrid, Paris and Vienna. And one hopes Paris sees the visual pleasure of their subway entrances as the national heritage they are. On a 3" celery ball. All that gold would look great on just about any of our other colors.

Kit Price : $33.35

Enchanted Forest Revisited Navy w/Crystal Jewels

A long time friend of The Cracker Box (Betty in TX) spoke to Paul many times about redesigning Enchanted Forest. The two of them simply could not find the right jewel. About a year ago, she found an acrylic jewel that Walter felt was a good alternative for the ornament. We are even able to offer the design with two different colored jewels (Crystal and Emerald). We have named this kit Enchanted Forest Revisited. One of the stops on Alice's visit to wonderland could have been this crystal forest where you may become enchanted--- alone or with that special person.

Kit Price : $36.45

Folk Dance

Over the past 20+ years, our visits to St. Petersburg have inspired our designs "Jewels of the Hermitage" and "Catherine the Great." This year, we met lovely people of a decidedly more modest life style, who performed regional dances in simple looking, but intricately embroidered, local costumes worn at festival time. So, here is "Folk Dance."

Kit Price : $37.25

Golden Bells (All in Gold)

Designed here on one of the new ball colors and modified to accent the ornament, it is totally in gold. Hang it up--- forget the agony and listen with rapture to "I heard the bells on Christmas Day"--- **************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** COPY THIS LINK TO YOUR BROWSER AND CLICK ON THE PLAY BUTTON. LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS. http://www.digitaltorch.com/crackerbox/GB2.htm *********************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Kit Price : $36.65

Jubilee

"Jubilee" is a word usually reserved for some kind of auspicious regal occasion. But for us, it is a season of general joy, which can be experienced with some special someone, some special time or in some special place. This was inspired by an intricate marble floor design in the foyer of our suite while cruising the waters around New Zealand and Australia.

Kit Price : $37.85

Enchanted Forest

This kit that has been on many wish lists forever and was thought to be unavailable, due to the glass jewels. I guess "no" is not "never". One of the stops on Alice's visit to wonderland could have been this crystal forest where you may become enchanted--- alone or with that special person.

Kit Price : $71.85

Citron

A tangy treat of lemon and lime, laced with a silver ice. Not too tart; not too sweet. On a 3" yellow ball, but also tasty on white. A very good starter.

Kit Price : $20.50

Agrigento

If you've only visited Italy proper and NOT Sicily, make new travel plans, you will discover some of the most magnificent extant GREEK ruins, many so imposing, they literally take your breath away. In Agrigento, with the mediterranean costal waves glistening im the backround, huge golden temples were built on a promontory to frighten any would-be attacker from the sea. And at "NIGHT!!!. Cleverly aimed lights make one think of a kid's primer. The sky SO dark blue, the stars SO twinkly... and those temples are no longer just marble but glistening jewels! Romantic? You bet!. On a 3" royal blue ball, but you can dream away on any of the alternative color we offer.

Kit Price : $51.00

Bravo

The FIRST way to let a performer know you are pleased, is obviously, APPLAUSE. The SECOND is when the audience has been so moved, they get out of their seats to give a STANDING OVATION. But if you really want to let that performer know how thrilled you are, open your mouth, and loudly shout "BRAVO!" And with all the work you will have done here, you should holler "BRAVO!!" On a 3" hot pink ball, but you can get kudos on White, Baby Pink or just about any of these alternative colors: Royal, Emerald, Red, Gold, Lavender, Purple, Pale Blue, Moss, Celery, Yellow and even Black

Kit Price : $54.10

Cotton Candy

On market day, the town of Dijon in southern France, somehow magically is transformed overnight. Suddenly  out of nowhere  appear multi booths, offering everything from the finest most fragrant cheeses, vegetables so bright they look unreal, live animals, caged singing birds  EVERYTHING! Small children, eyes aglow with excitement, and faces smeared pink from clouds of cotton candy. We remember on a 3" BABY PINK ball (dont confuse with HOT pink) but you might want to try it on white.

Kit Price : $26.75