The picture does not do this piece justice -- it is absolutely gorgeous in real life!!!  Stitched with silk and metallic threads on light blue Congress cloth, the balloon is reminiscent of the ethereal crafts of the Montgolfière brothers who pioneered hot air ballooning.  The gondola teacup rests on the ground, loosely tethered to the balloon. Retail cost: $75.00 for the complete kit, which includes Congress cloth, all materials (silks, metallic threads, and beads)  needed to complete the stitching, a comprehensive instruction booklet, and color photocopy of the original piece. Please note that there is a shipping charge of $7.50 for each kit.