I start by pulling pieces together that look pleasing to my eye...color combinations, textures with one or two pieces to become focal points.
I may not know what the story is going to be, though while putting a piece together, it usually develops and becomes loud and clear to me.
While putting this piece together, the little pale green crystal frog became the central character to my story...so I added a brass plate and card spelling out the attributes of the frog.
This piece is for purchase in my shop on Etsy...