The Runner Up!

Rose Yamakawa won the Runner Up to the Grand Prize and the Fancy Mirror frame for her efforts.  Not only is her basket beautiful, but it incorporated a playful element that made me beg for more pictures so I could see the pieces changed in and out.  And add on to that - these elements were totally grounded in 17th century miniatures that she had viewed on exhibit last summer in the exhibition by the Royal Collection.  The catalogs of this exhibit formed most of the prizes in this contest.  Look closely at all the pictures to see the changing garments on the queen!

I “encountered” Queen Elizabeth I a few years ago at the National Portrait Gallery in London.   That experience started a strong fascination that led to research and museum visits.  This past summer, I was lucky enough to see the “In Fine Style” and “Elizabeth I and her People” exhibitions. My mind was overflowing with design ideas for the beaded basket contest.  Although I have not seen a Queen Elizabeth I casket or basket, these exhibits led me to imagine a little girl in the 17^th century who was fascinated with her as much as I am.  Just like me, she would have seen a magnificent life size or a miniature portrait of the late Queen and designed her little basket in her honor.  It would have been her own little portrait of the Queen, complete with mica overlays to change her attire and it had to be red, white and gold, just like the Tudor Rose.

http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/exhibitions/in-fine-style-the-art-of-tudor-and-stuart-fashion-QGBP

http://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/elizabethi/exhibition.php

Rose gave me some more information about the size and materials she used.  I was just blown away by her painting on the mica!

I used just the bottom rim that you provided.  Made a bigger one for the top.  The basket beading is just as per your instructions.The design of the decorations is all mine except for the gold lace ruff.  I used an early lace pattern by Gillian Dye.
I tried to use all historically acceptable materials:Mica overlays were painted with oilThe Queen's face was made of parchment molded over a small pebbleAll embroidery done in silk and GSTAll natural pearls and stones. 

Maybe if we all beg a lot, Rose will send us a set of pictures with the rest of the mica overlays in place -- this has to be the absolute best 'Paper Doll' I have ever seen!  I awarded Rose the Runner Up award because of the beauty, the workmanship, the color, and the ingenuity with a historical context!  I hope you agree!