“To me, the most fascinating thing about Trollbeads is the incredible way in which the glass charm beads are made. I remember watching a video that demonstrated the amazing skill involved in forming such intricate and colourful designs in glass. I have been privileged in dealing with, and getting to know, the beads each day, and being a part of their journey to the customer.

Trollbeads Lucky Knot

Trollbeads are all about creating a story, and mine begins with Lucky Knot. As well as its simple elegance, I love the bead because it was the first code that I learnt working here – a pretty easy 11112!

Trollbeads Labradorite

My favourite bead is Labradorite. Mine has a beautiful distinct blue flash to it, which emphasises the blue colours of my other beads, such as Blue Petals, and makes it so unusual.

Trollbeads Triple Pearl White

I have greatly enjoyed my six months working with the Trollbeads team, and have made amazing friends. Triple-Pearl White will complete my Trollbeads story, since my two closest friends here, Tara and Erin, are also getting it. Each pearl represents one of us, and will remind me of home when I am away travelling.  I probably won’t be wearing it in the jungle though!”

Thank you Trollbeads!

Good luck to you Elly on your travels, please send us a postcard if you can!

Each outfit is then accessorised.  Her motto is to never knowingly be underdressed; this occasionally comes at a price!  Whatever the attire, jewellery always plays a  key part, and Samantha Ria is never spotted without being draped with some sort of jewel.  Jewellery can add glamour to the appearance and interpretation of a trend.

Bracelets are the one accessory worn with every single look she creates; and the more worn, the better! Favourite colours being pearl, with a combination of gold and silver, and a dash of a bright shade; turquoise more often than not.

In the event stud earrings are worn (always mismatched in her 5 holes), extravagant neckwear will be opted for. This always livens up the most monotonous of outfits, and creates a focal point.  Not one to hide in a crowd, the more outrageous, and unique something is, the more attractive it becomes.  It was this crave to be different that drew Samantha Ria to Trollbeads.

Trollbeads Big Iris earrings

With an array of different colours and styles of bead, no piece need ever look the same!  Most desirable colour combinations would be gold with a dash of turquoise and purple, or silver with navy and red.  Rarely matching the colour of the jewellery to the outfit, for a contrast fit, and to create a statement.

Dress to be seen.

]]> http://www.trollbeads.co.uk/blog/articles/how-i-met-trollbeads-samantha-ria.html/feed 4 http://www.trollbeads.co.uk/blog/articles/how-i-met-trollbeads-by-amanda-cottingham.html http://www.trollbeads.co.uk/blog/articles/how-i-met-trollbeads-by-amanda-cottingham.html#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:39:47 +0000 Trollbeads http://www.trollbeads.co.uk/blog/?p=7468 Amanda Cottingham definitely deserves a place in the How I Met Trollbeads slot.  Read her inspiring story here -

If you follow me on twitter you will notice on my profile, I list my Trollbeads bracelet as one of my loves. I have had my Trollbeads bracelet for two years now, my lovely sister in law gave my two daughters one each.  Miss N’s is very nearly complete, and Miss A’s has been squirreled away until she is old enough. Tall Dad luckily realised how much I absolutely loved them, and so bought me one that Christmas, together with two beads.

I have included in this post, photographs of a few of my favourite beads that I own and their meanings.  Here is my bracelet:

Amanda Cottingham's Trollbeads Bracelet - click to see larger image

I even got a mention on the Trollbeads UK and Ireland website when I submitted my idea for a Fashionista collection, you can view it HERE.

And so to the question of my Trollbeads story:

Purple Mosaic: Persian flower mosaic cast in purple with a shiny shadow of dichroic glass.

Well, I liked Trollbeads on Facebook, My Trollbeads, straight away, and in turn I became a member of twitter (@gidders1)   and followed them there - mytrollbeads, the official Trollbeads twitter page for Trollbeads UK & Ireland. Meanwhile my collection grew as I was given beads to represent many different things in my life.  To me, my Trollbead bracelet means so much more than just a piece of jewellery it symbolises so much!

Forget Me Not: Like a promise and a romantic memory in the dazzling beauty of spring that you’ve never forgotten

You will have to bear with me here as I try to explain. My bracelet feel like it has been the catalyst to so many things. At first I started entering Facebook and twitter MyTrollbeads competitions and to tweet fellow trollies. I almost feel like I know them up at Trollbeads towers (Fable Trading Ltd!), and love their little updates and facts throughout the day.

Daisy:We know them from our gardens. Little white flowers scattered all over the lawn. And if you put them on a string, they make a lovely garland to give away to someone special.

From there I met other tweeters and people who I now consider my very dear friends. Drawn into the just as addictive world of #magpiemonday and #handmadethursday, I realised I had much more to say than the 140 characters allowed on twitter.  So I became a blogger (http://theanamumdiary.wordpress.com/)!   I have now met lots of my online blogging friends, on holiday, conferences and for coffee and mulled wine.

Pink Desert:A tranquil desert sunrise, the rosy pink sky reflecting like a million small suns in the glittering sand.

I have bought their crafty and vintage wares, I have shared many ups and downs, so much laughter and the odd virtual drink. So I hope that explains a little about what my bracelet means to me and why I wear it every day!

Pink Desert:A tranquil desert sunrise, the rosy pink sky reflecting like a million small suns in the glittering sand.

Thank you Amanda for taking the time out of your very busy day to write this lovely blog.  Wishing you and your family and very happy Christmas from us all here at Trollbeads UK & Ireland!

If you would like to write a blog for our website, just post a comment here and let us know.  We look forward to hearing from you…

Trollbeads Blue Flower - Jacquie's first Trollbeads charm bead

“I first noticed a friend of mine in work had a new fancy bracelet in 2006, it looked amazing, she told me all about Trollbeads and I vowed to get one for myself.  Christmas 2006 came along and my lovely husband bought me a Trollbeads bracelet and the Blue Flower glass bead, pictured here.  My mum brought me a bead back from Australia and my two best friends bought me a bead each too, I was instantly hooked!  Each time someone wanted to treat me for birthday, anniversary, Christmas, leaving a job, moving home, doing a favour etc… I asked for a Trollbeads charm bead.  Each one of my beads means something special to me and tells a story.  When I am away from home, I look at all my beads and remember the love they were given with.  I am still collecting and the bracelet is nearly full and getting very heavy.  I love the coloured glass beads, the designs are beautiful.

Trollbeads collector - Jacquie Bennett

I should get it separately insured really as its now worth more than my engagement ring and wedding ring combined!  My mother told me I should have got a diamond bracelet instead for the money it has cost but that wouldn’t mean half as much to me.  I am very fickle with jewellery and this is the only piece I have worn over and over again, I never get tired of it. I don’t have a stopper or safety chain yet, maybe Santa could bring me one this Christmas!

Trollbeads Lucky Dragon

My Trollbeads bracelet is refined and in my opinion the best quality and most stylish bead bracelet on the market.

Thank you Trollbeads!

We love to hear your Trollbeads stories.  If you would like to see your name in lights too just contact us, in a comment below, and tell us all about how Trollbeads is in your life!

Bustling, bounding Trollbeaders! Steffans Trollbeads Convention in Northampton was overwhelmed by the crowds of happy faces leaving The Deco on Sunday afternoon.  A representative from Steffans commented  “With a wonderful selection of Trollbeads Assorted beads available, a collection of retired beads for nostalgic collectors and Trollbeads mesmerising lampworker on hand for those who wanted a unique memoir, we feel that the day was a huge success. There was a fantastic atmosphere between all involved, allowing the workers to talk freely and happily with Trollbeads fans!  We look forward to hosting the event for the third time next year!”

Steffans Trollbeads Convention

W H Peplow in Worcester held a very special event showcasing the new Trollbeads Christmas Collections 2011.   Georgina Black, Trollbeads Lampworker,  was on hand all day demonstrating just how the beautiful glass Trollbeads are made.  Customers were treated to Cupcakes, themed in the Trollbeads Desert beads, champagne and a competition was held to win a Trollbeads Debut bracelet or take part in a lucky dip to win various Trollbeads prizes.  The lucky dip raised over £200 in aid of St Richards Hospice.  Suzi Newsome of Peplows said, “The event exceeded all our expectations, it was fantastic to be a part of it.  The positive feedback we have received from both our new and existing customers is overwhelming”.

W H Peplow's Trollbeads Event

Townhall Treasures also held a very special Trollbeads get together day on Sunday 13th November in Penrith, Cumbria.  Trollbeads collectors, new and old, were inspired by the choice of Trollbeads charm beads on offer and met up with fellow Trollbeads enthusiasts.  There were Trollbeads goody bags,  a swap shop area and special offers on the day.  A fabulous time was had by all. ” What a lovely way to spend a Sunday, seeing people’s individual Trollbeads collections and helping them to choose more!  Seeing regular Trollbeads customers and meeting new enthusiasts over a bucks fizz and a cupcake was a total joy. Everyone seemed to enjoy our raffles and picture quizzes and seeing the beautiful new Trollbeads Christmas Collection 2011.  Hopefully it will become an annual event for us!”

Townhall Treasures Trollbeads Event

Trollbeads UK & Ireland would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Trollbeads retailers for your support, passion and enthusiasm for this wonderfully unique product.  To find out if your Trollbeads retailer is holding a Trollbeads event in the near future, just click on the Events section on our website page for more information.