thanks for the comments :) alakker, the image shows the structure of the fairy. i made a 3ds model, created a transperant mat for it and then placed a small radial light at the centre. i used the default light settings with intensities ranging from 20 to 30 for each of the models. found some of the results to be very colourful while experimenting. if you'd like to IM me your email addy i can send you a zip of the 3ds file and the mat i made - that is, if you use a PC. was going to upload it and provide a link but i can't contact my host sever at the moment - annoying in more ways that one. when i get the server sorted i'll upload it to free stuff, but don't know when that'll be.