How could I acheive this effect?

I have posted an image at the following URL, and I would like to obtain a similar effect.

http://img32.exs.cx/img32/8316/transparenttoolbar.jpg

Note that the image shows a semi transparent form housing buttons (toolbar if you wish) But notice that the buttons themself are not transparent.. they are opaque.

When I try to do this with a top level form setting the opacity property, the buttons also become semi-transparent.

Also, if I had multiple "pages" on that toolbar (different sets of controls would appear depending on the current mode), does anyone have any suggestions on how I could manage that Multiple forms within one parent form and show() / hide() as necessary

How could I support being able to "tear away" any given page to make it floating such that the user could place it anywhere that wanted

your help is greatly appreicated.
flyte.

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How could I acheive this effect?

aarrgghh
You could do that with VG.net. The "toolbar" would be a Picture, and the transparent part would be a rectangle. The "buttons" would be child Pictures within the toolbar, that are not transparent.

Showing and hiding different sets of "buttons" would require some custom code to make buttons visible/invisible and position them.
How could I acheive this effect?

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