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by Cathryn Cook
This is a guest blog from Cathryn Cook from London. Cathryn tells us about her Trollbeads journey and how she went from casual browsing to global friendships in just two and half years. Trollbeads - so much more than just jewellery. Cathryn also writes her own blog, where she regularly talks about her Trollbeads.
In December 2007, my monthly scrapbooking magazine came through the door and I flipped straight to the section I enjoy the most – the readers' gallery. It was there I spotted a layout with a photo of an intriguing looking bracelet from a brand called ‘Trollbeads.’ It appeared to be a silver chain with a removable lock, which could be filled with glass and silver beads.
A month later I was on the internet and the brand name popped into my head so I ran a search. This came up with the UK distributor’s website, Fable Trading, and I gleefully drooled over all the beautiful designs! Wanting more information, I found the Trollbeads Society forums and admired collectors’ bracelets from around the world – I knew I just had to have one!
Later that month I received a bonus from work and it seemed like the perfect time to start my collection. I decided to start with a necklace because I could wear it straight away with just a bead or two. I patiently wore my empty chain for a whole month (!) and then on Valentines Day my lovely husband took me shopping to choose my first bead. I chose glass China and hubby liked it so much he ordered me another, Mardi Gras, when we got home!
Cathryn's Winning Photo
Six months further down the line, my birthday came around and I was able to fill my first bracelet much quicker than anticipated. Also that summer I was delighted to win a Trollbeads photo competition, ‘Be Original’ – my prize? Gold and Silver Around the World! This is a major highlight of my collection so far, a very exciting time!
Online social networks have connected me with other collectors around the world and I’ve made many firm friends, both pen pals and those I’ve been lucky enough to meet with in real life, including those from Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany and even the USA! Trollbeads seem to connect us in a way I’ve never experienced as a collector elsewhere and it’s great to see how each person’s bracelet is totally unique to them, their experiences and their style.
Lampworking in Progress
Among my favourite beads are the limited editions – I loved the 30th Anniversary bracelet so much that I collected it bead-by-bead over a two year period. Another highlight of my collection was going to ‘Meet the Beadmaker’ in December 2009. All the way from Trollbeads HQ in Copenhagen, the beadmaker asked what I’d like to have made – how to choose?! In the end I asked for a purple version of the 30th Anniversary Caterpillar to add to my bracelet. Seeing it made right there in front of me made it all the more special – it’s a very treasured bead indeed!
I’m also a big fan of OOAKs (one of a kind glass beads) as there are always new and interesting patterns that can be mixed in with the main production line – the rarity of these makes for all the more unique bracelet designs.
I tend to buy silver beads to celebrate milestones, for example, the Graduation bead to celebrate completing a Professional Diploma at night school last year, but I’m more attracted to glass, so if it’s an impulse buy I usually go for glass beads that jump out at me for their colour or pattern.
Two and a half years into my collection (and four bracelets later), I think it’s safe to say I’ll always be a Trollbeads collector!
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Tags: charm bracelet, Denmark, lampwork beads, personal achievements, retired trollbeads