All the Special Things: A Bus and a Bracelet Crafted With Love

Normally I blog new charms separately; especially when I'm introducing a new brand to Curling Stones, but you know what... sometimes it's just fun to rip the format up and do something a bit special!

This is also a tale of my love affair with the new lady in my life...

View of the Sunset from the very first night we spent together under the stars

Ever since I was in my teens and once hitched a lift in a single decker bus, with a wood burning stove in the middle, chimney peaking out of the roof, a bed and sofa in the back, and a rocking chair for a passenger seat I've always dreamt of having a bus of my own.

Roll forward more years than I care to mention (but it's er, a lot) and I've finally been able to realise that dream, and although she's as tall as that single decker was, and almost as wide (I now have to stick to those "any vehicle" lanes where there are restrictions), she's not quite as long (thankfully as I've no idea where I'd park her if she was) but at just under 18ft, she will do nicely for me and mine!

I've also come to realise that I'm in need of access to a scrap yard, a bit more cash and a hotline to a decent mechanic!


My Bus
I should point out at this stage that I fell in love with her as soon as I saw the first photo, let alone that first glimpse as we drove hundreds of miles to see her, before I heard her deep rumble, battled with her non power "oh my god I'm driving a bus" steering and even when she broke down it didn't diminish, although I might have sworn a bit, after 3 times in 2 weeks.  As a result I'm now on 1st name terms with the breakdown & recovery guys!

Owning a bus is not a practical decision, it's definitely more a lifestyle thing and this bus is functioning as a camper... when she's behaving herself that is.

Her colours are now purple and cream on the outside and green and warm wood tones on the inside!

Update
Since I published this post this morning, I've had a few requests across social media and on here to put pics up of our lovely bus.  

As she's rather distinctive looking (once seen never forgotten), I'd decided not to put pics on of our actual bus, but I do get that it's hard to just imagine what she's like, after all buses come in many shapes and sizes, so... I've come up with a solution!!

I've found an original spec sheet of the same model, so you can see her shape and size and this was actually her original colour - Sunshine Yellow! 

The bus as a bus!

There are sliding driver and passenger front entry doors (great for driving on hot days with the doors open) and double doors on the rear, which when we're parked up we just sit with these open, the bus equivalent of French Doors!

The original wheelchair lift has been taken off and any seats that nay have been in the back have been completely removed leaving a very large space that has been converted.

Structure wise there is now a front driver and passenger cab which is screened off with a middle door into the back of the bus, but the outside is completely untouched so you still have that full on bus experience and all the windows still have the clear glass, so there's a lot of curtains or blinds to draw at night but the views are spectacular!

The passenger carrying part of the bus was divided into a fully working kitchen area in the first part of the passenger area with a full sized cooker, sink, draining board and fridge.

At the back is a rather large lounge by day and bedroom by night.  There's a table that fits in the middle of the settees (which are long enough to lie down on with a good book) and at night these convert into one supersized king size bed spanning the width of the bus!  There's also a fire for those colder nights (definitely not needed this week) and more storage than you can shake a stick at, both in the kitchen and the lounge.


The Bracelet
I wanted to pick up on her new colour scheme in my bracelet (not the Sunshine Yellow that she was), and I wanted it big and chunky, like the bus, and to try and convey some of my feelings and emotions about finally having a bus and this bus in particular... Perhaps a tall order but here goes the reasoning behind the choice of beads!

I'll start with the silver and brass charms as the glass is mostly about her colour scheme.  The brass is not to represent any rust, honest... although there is rust given she's almost 30 years young!

Waxing Poetic - Dream Come True
I think this one is self explanatory - what you won't know is that I saw, and bought this charm on the very day that I bought my bus, and indeed I bought it whilst on the bus!  It's also my very first Waxing Poetic Charm so it would have been a very special "first" charm in it's own right.

Now, although I had to wait for it to be delivered, charm wise, it will always remind me of that first day and first night on the bus!  Did you notice the cloud formation as the sun set was rather similar!

Trollbeads - Spirit of Freedom
This is a bead I've had on my wishlist since I first started collecting, over 3 years ago.  It's only recently come into my possession and sums up the feeling I get when we're away in the bus.

Trollbeads - In Your Heart
A favourite on my Fantasy Necklace but the first time I've worn this on a bracelet, I wanted to make a big heart gesture to try and convey just how much I love my bus!

Redbalifrog - Aladdin's Lamp in Brass
I've always liked this charm, but when Amanda released this in brass, this was a must and was ordered immediately!  For my bus bracelet, this adds to my feeling that I really have been granted one of my big wishes!

Trollbeads - The Hare and the Tortoise
The tortoise is there to remind us that slow and steady is okay, although the tailback of drivers wherever we go may not agree, we are slightly more popular than a tractor!

Trollbeads - Lock with Buds
Lock with buds in this instance is in my mind "Lock with Bumps" to signify the bumps in the road, the bumpy start we've had with her and indeed a hair raising attempt at a bump start whilst being towed around a residential area one Sunday!

Trollbeads - Angles Tip
Angles Tip is an old retired silver bead and represents some of the moving parts of the bus, particularly the alternator!

Trollbeads - Black Silk
I have a particularly purple version of this, but the reason I chose to include it is because it reminds me of oil and given I've spend a lot of time with my head under the bonnet, it seemed apt!

Trollbeads - New Black, White and Grey "Peace" unique (CND symbol)
This is one of the newish uniques and it found it's way into my bead box early on, it's the first time I've used this and given the amount of times I've been asked about festivals, or if I'm going to read my crystal ball in the back of my "Hippy Bus" I figured the pop culture symbol was perfect for this bracelet.

I hope you like my bus bracelet, beads are listed below working from the Lock and travelling clockwise.

Beads clockwise from lock (Trollbeads unless marked otherwise) : Lock with Buds, Safety Chain, Stopper,
Purple Prism, Peace Unique, The Hare and the Tortoise, Purple Unique, Redbalifrog - Aladdin's Lamp in brass,
Lake Eye, In your Heart with Purple Unique, Inner Glow, Spirit of Freedom, Luccicare - Purple Unique with CZ,
Green Unique, Waxing Poetic - Dream Come True charm, Purple Stripe Unique, Lake Eye (extra big version),
Angles Tip, Black Silk, Green Python Unique, Purple Prism, Stopper.

Well this is the first time I've ever made a bracelet for a vehicle; but then again I've never had a bus before!

Have you ever made a bracelet for an unusual reason?

If not, would you consider it?  Have I just got bus madness...

Hit the comments and tell me all!

Trollbeads Bangle - Green & Orange on Black with an Lemon Twist!

There have been some lovely new uniques from Trollbeads recently and the centre bead in this bangle was one that was part of the UK set available from Macrow Beads.

It was the only one I bought (see I do try and be good sometimes) and it's taken a while to get around to using it in a new combo as I've been so enamoured of the bangles and bracelets I already have made up!

I knew I wanted it to feature prominently in it's first combo, and I love that it has a black base so I took inspiration from this and paired it with my new (to me) Onyx Beads.  I was lucky to pick this fab pair of onyx beads preloved and the twist was that I threw in some lemon prisms for contrast.

Once this bangle came together, I suddenly realised that it might just compliment another bracelet I have made up, what do you think?

I love my new orange/green/black unique.  I'm being good and haven't picked up any of the newest batches but I love all the variety, something for everyone!

What new beads & brands do you have your eye on?

I can't believe I need to cut back just as it's all got very exciting again!

Hit the comments and share what you're currently coveting!

Themed Jewellery - Valentine's Day: Traditional Bracelet, Bangle & Fantasy Necklace Set

Sometimes when you're just bead playing you end up making something a bit special; at least that is what happened to me when I received some beads and a lock in the post.

Trollbeads don't have that many true red beads in the collection so when I picked up a second scarlet bud, two white stripes, another red stripe and a Heart Lock in a sale (one of the infamous liquidation sales earlier this year), I knew I wanted to have a go at making a more traditional Valentine's Day bracelet, and I had just the right heart unique to build the bracelet around.

Only I didn't stop at just the bracelet, I got a bit carried away and made a necklace and 2 bangles as well.

I tend to only dabble with themed jewellery when the mood takes me, or I've been inspired by a particular bead or set of beads; yet I know that this seems to be one of the most popular ways of putting together bracelets for some.

My everyday method is a bit more functional, I tend to match jewellery to my outfit (or in some cases choosing an outfit to go with a ready made bracelet) but I've played around with a few themes recently, just for fun like the set above, and quite enjoyed myself!

Now I'm curious! Do you make / wear themed jewellery at certain times of year?

What do you wear / make and what themes are your favourites?

Hit the comments and tell me more...

Oh by the way, you also need to "forget" ever seeing this post so I can reuse it come next February ;)

Ohm Beads Love Hurts - Valentine's Bangle for Jess

When I first set eyes on Ohm's Love Hurts, I knew that this was the bead for me.

Not only did I know this immediately but something strange actually happened in that I had quite a visceral reaction to the bead itself and it seems I wasn't the only one.

Each scar on my heart represents a person to whom I have given my love.  Each patch represents the love I have received.

No doubt for me that this was in part due to the day it was launched; as this happened to coincide with the anniversary of saying goodbye to a much loved companion, my dog Jess.

Very quickly where the bead appeared for sale, it then appeared out of stock!  Love Hurts is a limited edition and I knew I wanted it as soon as possible.  Ever the bargain hunter, but I didn't even pause for breath to take Ohm up on their fabulous offer - as a Gift with Purchase free with a 100 euro spend on other Ohm beads - I ordered it direct for immediate delivery.

Service from Ohm was great and Love Hurts duly arrived - I wasn't disappointed, the bead is every bit as good as it looks in the stock photos, boasting a different view from every angle.  The detailing is superb, hence the upside down and side photos as well, and I'm told the bead is big by Ohm standards if you're already familiar with the brand.

I've been waiting anxiously for several other beads to arrive as I knew what I wanted to make - a black and red bangle using Trollbeads new Sahara Night beads from the most recent collection and old favourites, the red prisms, with tiny small heart silvers and a black spinel tassel.

L-R: stopper, TB Red Prism, Hearts small, Sahara Night, Ohm Love Hurts,
TB Sahara Night, Hearts Small, Red Prism, Black Spinel Tasel, stopper.

The final delivery actually didn't arrive until after lunchtime on Valentine's Day - I've literally only just been able to put Jess's bangle together; it was totally worth the wait.

Jess: 1991 - 2006

Thank you Ohm for making this bead.

Pretty in Pink III - Retired Red Pink Prism, the sequel!

So I had 2 retired red pink prisms but they were very different...

So when I saw another preloved with great definition and a great price I thought it was time for 2 to become 3!

Okay I might have a touch of multiples disease now... this is the first time I've had 3 beads the same, only that's the point they're not quite the same, one would think that 3 is a good place to stop, I've always liked 3 as a number...

Only I, er, didn't, 5 is such a good number don't you think?

This is a good photo as it shows the variety and the depth of the pink in this particular prism, the only remaining question is will I stop at 5... 7 is such a good number don't you think?

Small and Beautiful - Blue Galaxy Bracelet

So, I was on a roll making new bracelets and today was the day to use another small and beautiful bead, Blue Galaxy.  Now in comparison with Navy Galaxy, Blue Galaxy was much easier to find at retail price, but much harder to match into a bracelet, but the nicest kind of problem to have in case you think I'm complaining!

L-R: Clear Blue Bubbles, LE World Tour Hong Kong - Skyline, Blue Galaxy, Milky Way, Azure Bubbles, Cool Dusk

I tried matching the bead up with other production blues, but found that it's slightly off colour to anything I currently own and nothing was quite working... cue another sale and an opportunity to pick up Denim Prism, shown below with all my other prisms, 3rd from the left.

L-R: Turquoise Prism, Light Turquoise Prism, Denim Prism, Red Prism, Bright Red Prism,
Retired Red Pink Prism x 3, Purple Prism, Retired Pink Prism x 2,
Lavender Prism, (Current Production) Pink Prism

So after a few false starts I finally got there by starting off with that timely Denim Prism, and alternating silvers, blues and purples.  I find a glass/silver alternating pattern works well to both highlight individual beads in addition to getting around that not quite matching with anything issue!

L-R from lock: stopper, Denim Prism, Happy Fish, S&B Blue Galaxy, Penguin & Baby, Purple Wave, Endless,
Light Turquoise Prism, Porcupine, Milky Way, Hare and the Tortoise, Turquoise Stripe, Snowball,
Whirling Adventure, Midgard Serpent, LE Hong Kong Skyline, Happy Dragon, Striped Turquoise Agate,
Angles Tip, S&B Light Blue Stripes, stopper, Swan Lock.

Bracelet has been worn on it's own, but I also tweeted a photo when I wore this double stacked with Wisdom and got some great feedback via Twitter.

If you want to follow me on Twitter you can find me at @TrollbeadBlog.

Pretty in Pink I - Retired Red Pink Prism

Another retired bead I've always kept an eye out for has been the retired red pink prism, it has been on my very first wishlist since I started collecting but I hadn't seen any until very recently.  I particularly like dual toned prisms so it was always going to appeal to me.

I've discovered that prisms are a bit like buses, you wait ages for 1 and then 3 come along at once... although I declined No.3 and plumped for No. 2 which had great definition and also went the opposite way to No.1 just for a bit of variety... does this mean it's not a multiple??

Well it seemed like it was a good time to put together a new bracelet!

L-R from lock: stopper, Lucky Knot, Rose Ribbon, Golden Cave, Snow, retired Red Pink Prism, retired Pink Prism,
Aries and Scorpio Zodiac Birthstone Star, LE Pink Jasper, Labradorite, LE Green Jasper,
Aries and Scorpio Zodiac Birthstone Star, retired pink prism, retired red pink prism, Brew of the Moor,
Purple Mosaic, Pink Desert, Lucky Knot, stopper, Freya Knot Lock

The colour combination on this bracelet was inspired by seeing one of Anne's red/pink bracelets, this one has already had a lot of wear and is one of the ones that has been kept together... although it has been updated with a little something... but more on that another day!

How having a plan doesn't always work (quite the way you intended)

Looking back at January from the safety of February I think I can say for certain I went a bit mad.

It started off innocently enough as my New Year's Bead Resolutions were my attempt to focus my bead collecting, and equally importantly my spending, into a streamlined method of acquiring and buying that would be more cost effective and would let me achieve certain goals, such as having an amber bracelet, without getting too sidetracked or having multiple bracelet ideas on the go and having to buy even more beads just to get one finished.

I should have known that as logical as I can be in my working life, that the bead collecting part of my brain wouldn't respond in such a sensible manner.  What actually happened was I bought more beads than I've ever bought in 1 month before, and I went so over budget that the budget line couldn't even be seen with The Hubble Telescope.

To be fair to myself, I did stick within my New Year's Bead Resolutions, I, er, just hadn't thought it through enough to put a definite limit on quantity - the quality I think I have down to a tee.  From this point of view I think you'll enjoy the beads to come.

One of my resolutions was to focus on the buying of bargain beads off my wish list.  The first sale opportunity was offered by SWAG with a whacking great big discount on beads; this saw me secure Silver Jugend (a bead I have been after for a long time), Lavender Prism, Light Turquoise Prism and Labradorite.

My original list was a lot longer and indeed for several days it looked like I was going to secure my first ever gold and silver bead, Daisy, along with the silver snow bead (which I am still looking for) and a multiple of turquoise prism.  Unfortunately the Sale was plagued with a lot of problems and was very oversubscribed so that left quite a few orders that couldn't be completed, and even with the best efforts by staff to locate beads and deal with the orders there were still some disappointments.  A month further along and those have passed and we are all left with some great beads at what were some of the lowest prices I've ever seen for new trollbeads!

Buying Labradorite online sight unseen was a huge risk, the photos of the bead look as if it has some "flash" in the bead but these are only ever picked up by the camera, in reality this is a lovely green faceted bead which will work well with natural colours on a bracelet, it goes very nicely with my Limited Edition green jasper bead and I imagine it would work well with a lot of my brown beads, but no flash.

Silver Jugend on the other hand is every bit as lovely as it looks, it really is a beautiful silver bead and if you were going to get just one of the chunkier silvers this would be my No.1 recommendation.  It works well with Transformation and I currently have these sat on a... oh sorry I'm getting ahead of myself there.  That will all come later as I have a few more, a'hem, a lot more beads to blog about before I can tell that particular story!

Finally I was able to add to my prism collection with light turquoise prism and lavender prism.  Some of you may remember I came close to having light turquoise prism earlier but was foiled by some flimsy packaging!

I had started (in earnest) following my resolutions and was very pleased with the progress I'd made by early January.  At the time I naively thought this was a head start, not the continued pace of what was to come!

Another fab parcel from Goldmine (Red and Green Bracelet)

I had been trying to make a red and green bracelet in the run up to Christmas but I wasn't having a lot of luck, I don't have many red beads and of those, some are not that red, the combinations I was trying just weren't working out for me.

So when Goldmine Boutique held a bead party on facebook in early December I saw my chance to rectify my lack of red beads.  I was lucky enough to get the chance to buy 2 gorgeous red beads and a lovely purple one, and when enquiring about payment methods (I'd bought from their website before but not chosen beads via their photos on facebook) the lovely people at Goldmine were keen to point out that I could choose a 4th bead free, in their buy 3 uniques get the 4th free promotion.  So I chose another red bead, with glitter dots!  (Glitter is getting to be quite a habit recently in my bead buying.)

I love getting parcels from Goldmine, they are always lovely.  This one had a padded cushion in a box and even better had a FIFTH FREE BEAD, even more special was the fact it was a teal coloured bubble bead which is EXACTLY what I'd been looking at the week before but I had decided to be good(ish) and leave it for another day.  It came as a surprise because even though they said they were putting in "presents" over the holiday period I had completely forgotten about this and I wasn't expecting another bead!

Lovely ooaks (uniques) all lined up... and I finally got to make a red and green bracelet I was happy with.

I've used lighthouse as the focal point as we used to live by Roath Park Lake in Cardiff, Wales (UK)
which has a lighthouse on the boating lake.

My Penguin bead has found a new home too, next to red stripe!

I love this bracelet and have been thinking of it as my "Christmas Bracelet" as that was the original intention, however driving home from work tonight it also struck me that the Welsh Flag has red and green in it's colours so until next December this may well get known as my "Welsh Bracelet"... 

Should you wish to visit Goldmine here is a link to their shop www.trollbeadboutique.com

don't forget to check out their promotions for some good bargains!