Spirit in the Sky Braclet & Babylonian Nymph Bangle

I had a burning urge to finish my Spirit in the Sky bracelet, I recognised that feeling, this one wasn't going to go away until I'd fed it what it wanted.  Er, yes, I sometimes have the equivalent of a bead demon on my shoulder... and when it does visit, it doesn't go away.

Time to get to work, I thought I needed a few more beads to finish this bracelet so I duly carried on with my buying pattern.  Turns out it's a really good idea to revisit your actual project (not the image in your head) as I didn't have as much space available as I thought... more than enough beads bought (oops) and it was time to reorganise.

Trollbeads Spirit in the Sky Bracelet (final version)

I mentioned that were a few beads left over but I didn't want to make another complementary bangle as such, as my Spirit in the Sky bracelet will be worn by itself, and besides, the beads I had left were small and beautiful versions, i.e. super tiny!  It did however, give me a great chance to use another bead I love but haven't got much use out of yet!

My Babylonian Nymph arrived a year ago, and as much as I love this bead A LOT, it has been relatively under used - I've found previously that the setting is never good enough to show her off.  I think she's finally found her home!

So two epic wrist appendages achieved and all because I accidentally over bought on those navy galaxies... very happy Mars today indeed!

I'm chuffed to bits to have finished such a long term project

and have a beautiful bracelet (and unexpected bangle) as the result.

What long term project do you hope to finish/have finished that makes you happy?

(My) Trollbeads Spring Collection has arrived!

Last month saw the debut of the Trollbeads Spring Collection; a collection that I had been eagerly waiting for and have so far resisted the urge to go squee or indeed squeek with excitement; although that is probably the side effect of being laid up with lurgy in the run up to the release launch!

Unfortunately due to this, I didn't get to see the collection make it's debut on the day so I set about choosing my beads in a wholly different manner from normal; unusually I didn't hand pick my glass beads by sight either... so I wasn't sure what exactly would arrive through the post.

I love opening up the box to find out what delights are contained inside, and even though I obviously knew what I'd ordered (my fever wasn't running *that* high) I never tire of that first sight of a set of beads!  I was good this time and did stick to my original list without sneaking in any extras!

Beads still in the box

My first impressions of the Sparkle Kit were good overall, I knew I'd always be a bit self critical for not taking my time to hand pick my choices but I'm not disappointed by my kit either.  I can see me picking up multiples in the future as I come across nice examples either in person or by photo, but the general consensus is if you like sparkly beads you won't be disappointed with this kit.

Trollbeads Sparkle Kit from the Spring Collection 2014
Clockwise from knot: Magical Lamp, Scirocco, Desert Rose, Oasis, Fountain of Life, Ancient Palace.

The beads that actually knocked my socks off were the Sahara Night Facet ones, I'm not sure my friends understood my enthusiasm for these beads until I showed them some side shots, I've chosen to make a collage of these so you can see how they look from different angles.  I *love* the berry hue (thanks Victoria for that description) that you see when viewing the beads from an angle.

Mine are both different, one has a smaller inner core and large clear overlay and the other has a much fatter core and smaller overlay which changes the way the beads look.  For those "must be matched" fans who can't hand pick their beads you might want to ask online retailers to do an overhead shot of the side of your bead/s as well as the normal head on vertical ones on rods to make sure you get the ones you want.

Sahara Night Facet Beads

Finally my Babylonian Nymph, I love the detailing on this bead!

Babylonian Nymph

I'm really pleased with my initial choices and a quick peek in my bead box revealed that there are lots of beads I can use with the new arrivals to conjure up some new bracelets, bangles and necklaces.

Have you bought any of the new collection yet?  Do you plan to?  What do you think??