Trollbeads Newport aka Jeffries Jewellers Event Saturday 21st March 2015

I seem to be developing a habit of being fashionably late with event posts at the moment... however this is the last one, so definitely a case of last but not least!

Invitation from Trollbeads Newport

This was an event I'd been looking forward to for several months, way before I even knew what the Trollbeads Easter 2015 Release would be - back then like many others I thought it would be another variation on bunnies & eggs, so I was far more focused on the trollbeads community side than the actual beads.

Trollbeads Bag owned by a lovely collector,
please can we have some of this in the UK?

I've been writing about Trollbeads Newport aka Jeffries Jewellers for a while now, they were brought to my attention by another collector who was singing their praises and I've featured them a few times since... I've always been impressed by the lengths they go to for their customers and my dealings with them have always been exemplary.

Trollbeads Easter Collection 2015
Photo credit: Trollbeads Stock Photo

So, given that the Easter Release was finally revealed as Dragon themed and I was going to Wales to buy Dragons and meet people I've "known" for a long time but I've never met in real life; I was super excited!

There was only one snag... the dreaded Bead Budget, now I had been saving up for this trip as I knew Jeffries would have some special deals, and I *really* like dragons, so I had set aside quite a stash so I could plunder the booty - actually I'm quite well behaved so read "plunder the booty" as "legitimately buy in a legal sense some pretty beads".

However, I also really like my Bus... and she was misbehaving at the MOT station at the time and with plans for the Summer I had to divert the majority of my stash to steer my ship, er, I mean, my bus!  So with reduced budget, but enough money to make the trip itself, I set sail for Wales! In the car.  As the bus was in the garage.  Do keep up!

Pirate Cake

I have to say upfront that I have very few photos from the day itself, when I arrived, super early I thought, the shop was already heaving with customers... apparently they had been queueing outside for half an hour before the shop was due to open!!

Serious business of choosing beads by a collector

So after a chaotic start, I kid ye not, I had to fight my way to the till!  I was able to choose my own beads, take part in the Lucky Dip, pick up a unique and also received my half (lock and silver) of the Good Luck starter bracelet from a Trollbead friend - despite my lowered budget I did come away with quite a haul!

My treasure from the day!

My bracelet was free as part of one of the many promotional offers that Jeffries were running that day as I had bought the Dragon lock from the Easter Collection - buy a lock get a bracelet free.  I also picked up the lovely little Dragon as I had to choose between this and the egg due to budget constraints.

My second lock and silver were from the Good Luck Starter Bracelet that I had split with a friend earlier that month, (pre MOT) but we decided it would be fun to try and meet up to exchange rather than do by post, so glad we did!

Some of the booty... aka the Lucky Dip!

I picked up a black armadillo bead in the Lucky Dip (free Lucky Dip bead with any purchase) and bought a rather nice peacock unique... I'd no intention of buying anything other than what was on my list, but I'd wanted a second peacock bead for a while and this was such a nice example!

Tea anyone?

There was time for tea and lots of chatting, and of course we managed to get in a wrist shot or two, I did mean to borrow some photos from the day, as others were far more efficient at photographing the event, even bloggers sometimes have an off day ;)

Wrist Shot!!

After all that shopping we nipped out for a spot of lunch and managed to catch the Rugby game which the rest of the pub had come out to watch, the group got split up for lunch but this gave me a chance to catch up with Kay, who I've known for years but only "met" in person at Cambridge and ditto Tracy who I was "meeting" in person for the first time, as Tracy and I keep missing each other at previous events (sometimes by minutes) so it was really nice to get the timing right this year!

Time for cake!

Back at the shop it was time for a bit of last minute shopping for some, browsing the beads whilst it had got a bit quieter and of course, it was time for cake and fizz!

I said my goodbyes and ran to catch the train from Newport Station, yes, yes, I drove to Wales, but then got a lift to Newport and the train back... I think I was seeing just how many forms of transport I could shoehorn into one blog post!

I had a fabulous short weekend in Wales, many thanks to Jeffries Jewellers for hosting the event and in particular Liz for all her fab organisation, and of course Scott for opening up early!

Lastly thank you to all the lovely Trollbeads aficionados who were there on the day, it was so nice to meet so many of you and I really enjoyed chatting with you all, especially all the Forum friends from Trollbeads Gallery... so much so, I forgot to take photos for the blog!

I'm curious, is it just me who gets carried away when I'm enjoying myself?

What have you enjoyed so much that you forgot to do the obvious?!

Ahoy, all aboard Trollbeads Newport - 21st March 2015

Photo by Kay

Time to set sail for Wales!  Well if I'm going to buy any of the new Trollbeads Dragon beads where else would I go to buy them?

Your invitation to join Trollbeads Newport!

Next weekend (if all goes to plan aka bus willing) I hope to be finally attending one of the events from the up and coming Trollbeads Newport - a Trollbeads retailer for barely a year but making a very positive impression with their customers and other Trollbeads fans!

Photos by Trollbeads Newport

If the name seems familiar you may have read about them on World Trollbeads Day as part of the feature published on Curling Stones, or perhaps their more recent Winter Wonderland event from a few months ago.

Liz tells me that it's going to be a day of many offers,

a real treasure hunt for bargains!

Either way they are a shop to watch out for... better still, if you can, nip along next Saturday and join in the fun!

Tales from Jeffries Winter Wonderland Event

Well, if like me, this was an event that you couldn't attend then fear not, as Curling Stones will attempt to bring the event to you!

I must admit this is getting to be a nasty habit missing out on all the lovely Trollbeads fun!

The event unfolds from the viewpoint of the customers and finishes with Liz telling her story from the other side of the counter... me? I just interrupt here and there... oh and I get to have the last word too!

Kay

Benfleet, Essex to Newport, Gwent - - joy, I am there for Trollbeads Winter Wonderland at Jeffries the Jewellers!!

Arrived midday just after a Trollie invasion had left! The window was sparkling with fabulous bead arrangements set in a twinkling snowflake display.

 

Inside, festive decorations adorned the walls, a selection of drinks and tasty nibbles invited me to sit and enjoy whilst being warmly welcomed by Liz.

The displays were eye-catching, featuring the distinctive Schmuck Vitrine box, to be won in a raffle held for Sparkle, a charity for disadvantaged children in the area.

The Trollbeads candlesticks and dish were prominent, awaiting the draw to be presented to a loving owner. On arriving home this week, I discovered it was . . .ME!!

Congratulations Kay!! What an amazing surprise to come home to - Mars xx

Liz showed me the uniques for the event and a multitude of beads - of course! I selected the Magical Winter bead with SPARKLE, an Amber Violet as the violet colour was so very rich and deep, the Koala to remind me of a friends recent visit to Australia and, inspired by the simplicity and beauty of the window display, the most stunning Christmas Tree. I had not thought much of it in pictures, but in the ‘flesh’ . . .WOW!

So thanks to the breathtaking combination on a bangle by Liz, that caught my eye and her guidance to assemble the bead, I am one thrilled owner.

Then, surprise, Liz had added an Advent calendar to her display as an extra surprise treat. Choose a date - I chose 2nd and Honey Dawn was my gift. Now came more, my purchases had hit the jackpot and Liz produced the sublime Trollbeads jewel box as a gift!! I was in heaven!!!! What a lunchtime spectacular and one elated and shocked Trollie!!

This was my 2nd visit to Jeffries, having discovered they had recently started to stock Trollbeads, Liz is the most engaging lady and a fabulous representative for Trollbeads. I had the most wonderful time and was thrilled with my haul!

I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day Kay; and to cram it all into a lunchtime I'm so impressed! I did spend the whole day thinking about this event and really wishing I'd been able to go!  Especially as I am desperately in need of more bead storage and LOVE the Trollbeads White Jewellery Box - Mars xx

Tracy

I heard about the event at Jeffries through the 'Curling Stones For Lego People' blog which I also follow on Facebook.

Yay I'm so pleased my little space on the Internet is connecting people and places together, it makes me all warm and glowing inside! Mars xx

The event sounded amazing with lots of goodies on offer with a free, yes I said free, Trollbeads White Storage Box with a spend of £150 or over!

I know, I know, pics of mine below, I so want another one of these!! Mars xx

My excitement soon turned to disappointment....

Firstly, many months ago my best friend and I purchased tickets to see Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbot of Beautiful South fame in concert. My daughter-in-law Abi was finally given the date for her major knee surgery and forgetting all about the concert I booked a week off work to go away to look after her (my son works very long hours). It wasn't until I mentioned the date to my friend she realised it was in the same week, the Jeffries event clashed too!

Argh, I feel so selfish moaning about not being able to go... what a hero offering to forgo a gig and look after your daughter-in-law! Mars xx

However fate looked kindly on me, Abi's operation turned out not to be as extensive as originally planned.

Hoorah!! Speedy recovery to Abi too, hope you're feeling better! Mars xx

So I was able to hop on a train on Thursday afternoon of the 27th Nov and another two train changes later arrived in Cardiff just in time for the concert (which was excellent by the way).

Yay! I have to confess I saw them at a little intimate show they did recently (pic below) and I was quite blown away by the pair... Mars xx

This also meant I would be free for the Trollbeads or so I thought!

Our street get together once a year to put the outdoor Christmas lights up and as the forecast was good it was now happening on the Saturday morning. I couldn't believe it, would there be any goodies left by the afternoon? I could only hope.....

Argh, I can't believe your tale Tracy... did you ever get there??????????

I hadn't been to Newport for years as I do all my non food shopping in Cardiff but managed to find the store, walked in and all was quiet. I was introduced to Liz and made to feel very welcome. She said there had been a mad rush in the morning. I was given a glass of bubbly and sat down to gaze at the gorgeous  beads Liz put in front of me. Liz mentioned all the boxes had gone but amazingly kindly offered to order me one. I was excited beyond belief at the prospect of getting my hands on one of those.

Do you know after all that I can't think of a nicer person for that to happen to, bless you Liz for doing this! Mars xx

Then to top it all you also got to choose a number on the advent calendar. There were only 3 numbers left out of 24 which shows how busy they were earlier. Out popped the very lovely 'Cool Dusk' this, together with a goody bag, meant I left the shop on cloud nine!

I believe except for a small selection in John Lewis there are no Troll stockists in Cardiff so Jeffries will now be top of my list for the continuation of my Trollbeads adventures!

Absolutely great selection, I do love Lotus Top!  Black Sahara is a favourite of mine and I just love those pinks and purples! Mars xx

A quick selection of combos plus the box which arrived 3 days later, now that's what I call brilliant service!

The good thing about getting a free bead is it can set you off thinking of creating a new project!

I just adore your Ageless Beauty with last year's Christmas Sparkle beads, I so wish I'd bought multiples myself instead of just one! Mars xx

Angela

As soon as the invitation was extended to attend “Winter Wonderland” there was an expectation that we would have a good day following the “World Trollbeads Day” event on August 1st.

I left bright and early to travel the 26 miles to Newport and others travelled even further, by car and by train, to join in the fun.

On entering the shop it was obvious how much effort had been put into making the shop a winter wonderland, so very tastefully decorated.

Tea and coffee was available throughout the day and we mustn’t forget the mince pies and chocolate cake on offer.

Liz had made every effort to source beads to cater for all our tastes and she also wanted to make the day a happy, fun event for us. It must be very difficult to continually improve on each event but there were lots of little touches that made this day a success.

After making a purchase we were asked to choose a number on the advent calendar. Each number held a Trollbeads in the pocket – how great is that…to have a free bead? I love mine!

There was also a free draw (with purchase) to win a starter bracelet and the raffle for the local children’s charity is ongoing. The absolute best offer of the day was the gift of the white Trollbeads jewellery box with a qualifying spend. There were lots of happy trollies clutching boxes as they left the shop…and I was one of them!

Thank you Liz and Scott for your hospitality and generosity – I, for one, had a lovely day with my friends and appreciate all your efforts to make “Winter Wonderland” the success it was.

Okay, now I need a Tardis so I can travel back in time and get me another white jewellery box... curating this tale of such a wonderful event is getting me all hot under the colour about missing out!

By the way did you know in our house the 25th December is known as "Dr Who Day"?  All communication devices are unplugged and turned off lest we get disturbed during that special time.

Still can't get my hands on a Tardis though to rectify not attending this event!  Mars xx

Liz

Here are the pictures I managed to take at the event, not as many as I would have liked because far more people than I expected turned up...

Okay confession time, I've been using some of Liz's pics up above as well, along with Tracy and Kay's so there's a mix and match of whose photos they are!  Mars xx

The day was absolutely amazing, I couldn't believe how many people turned up! My only regret is it went by in a whirlwind and I didn't get to talk to everyone!! 

The "spend over £150 to receive the free white jewellery box" incentive went very well and by midday all the boxes we had were gone! I made the exception to order some more from

TB HQ for those who felt they had missed out.

That was clearly very appreciated by your customers, and just reading Tracy's tale of how she almost didn't get there makes me so glad she did get one!  Mars xx

We had an advent calendar in shape of a tree which in each numbered pouch had a free bead behind it. The first 24 people got to pick a number from this calendar after their initial purchase!

There were free gift bags for every customer containing Trollbeads merchandise and sweets. 

We had the offer on of if you buy 5 uniques you get a 6th for free of your choice.

There was refreshments - tea, coffee and fizz... Viennese whirls, chocolate cakes and crisps...

Amanda brought a bottle of cava and announced the launch of her website - which she had asked beforehand if it was okay to do at the event - of course!! Bless her for bringing extra drink...I had bought some already to celebrate with her! ;) haha.

Her website is called wikibeadia & is a fantastic idea to keep Trollbeads archived information! 

I was honoured she chose our event to promote it and am still popping her business cards in Trollbeads bags!

Argh now I find out I missed out on cava... I was lucky enough to have a sneak peek of Wikibeadia... if you've not had a chance to have a read pop over there and enjoy your exploring!  Mars xx

Every Trollbeads customer was entered into a prize draw to win a starter bracelet...which had the pink fantasy flower bead along with a flower lock on it.

There was also two candle and bowl sets up for grabs...one of which we promoted through a facebook like and share competition, the other we thought we'd have exclusively for those who attended the event...to upload a picture to facebook or Instagram of their purchases from the day and tag us in them!

We had a great response and loved seeing what everyone had done with their purchases from the day!

All winners have since been drawn from a hat and announced.

We managed to raise more money for the sparkle appeal through the raffle but are aiming for more.... Hopefully throughout December we will raise a lot more for them!

It was so lovely to see everyone and already I am planning a spring event! Watch this space as we have some very exciting things to come in the future! :) 

I really hope my schedule allows me to come next time Liz, they truly look amazing!  Mars xx

Mars

WARNING - SHAMELESS PLUG FOR JEFFRIES CHARITY RAFFLE AND THEIR CHOSEN CHARITY SPARKLE!

Don't forget that you can still enter Jeffries Charity Raffle for children's charity Sparkle... details can all be found here on their website.  If you're local you can pop in to see them and buy a ticket in person, or just to drool over the Collector's Case in person!

Best of luck to Jeffries in raising money for such a good cause, I hope you raise LOTS of money, and best of luck to all who have bought tickets!  I have mine; do you have yours?

What do you think about these special Trollbeads Events?

How far would you travel for an event like this?

Thanks to Kay, Tracy, Angela & Liz for their words and photos (please do not reproduce without permission)