Silent all these years

I'm quite pleased with the way this has turned out :D
The first challenge it was made for was Stamp It Crazy's "Favourite Song". Well, after running through many many many songs in my head, because I don't think I have a single favourite, I settled on "Silent All These Years" by Tori Amos. In case you're not familiar with the song, I guess I better explain how it all ties in. "What if I'm a mermaid" is a refrain in the chorus, and the whole song is about how the singer's voice has been there all the time, just silent (hence I sewed the mermaid's mouth shut). Another two lines that I picked up on are "my scream got lost in a paper cup" (all the smoke pouring out of the cup is meant to be a trapped scream) and "the orange clouds raining in my head".
And the second challenge was set by Paper Jewels, who are having a jewellery-inspired challenge, sponsored by Gotta Have Bling. I used these beads as inspiration for my background piece, I love the uneven strips of colour all swirled into each other. AND there are two chances to win with this particular challenge, because Nicole at the Gotta Have Bling blog is also offering one lucky contestant a prize, just for entering the challenge and leaving a comment. Hurrah for pretty bling things, I'd LOVE to make my own jewellery but sadly my eyesight just won't let me thread those smaller beads :(