R is for Red

Red, I've heard, can be quite a hard colour to get right when working glass, I love true red beads!

These are most of the true red beads I have from Trollbeads (a bead brand).

Beads 1&2 and 6&7 are what we call production beads (that you can buy all year round) and like many a bead addict I have multiples of these. Well my theme is Addicted to Beads, what else would a bead addict do?!

The 3 beads in the middle are uniques; they're not strictly unique as you can probably find others like them but they are not made in big numbers or to a set pattern so are not production beads that form part of the permanent collection.

In my own experiments in glass I've yet to pluck up the courage to buy any red transparent glass but I do wish to master red one day... probably once I've learnt how to make a neat, non-wonky bead!!

What advanced skill would you love to learn once you've mastered the basics?

Story by Kranz and Ziegler - Red Snakeskin Bracelet & Footprint Charm

Writing down my resolutions earlier this month reminded me of a promise I made to myself a long time ago.

Photo courtesy of Endangered Trolls
Please do not reproduce without permission

I saw this bracelet on Endangered Trolls back in 2012 and ever since I've really wanted one for myself; I totally adored it.

However, when it came time to choose my own first Story Bracelet, I was far more practical opting for the black lambskin starter bracelet; in all fairness this went with everything I was wearing at the time, and still does, it gets a lot of use!

Late last year a retailer was reducing their stock, both in price and size and as a result I have my own bracelet to admire!

Sadly I believe they are dropping Story as a brand in favour of a cheaper competitor - I used to have 3 stockists quite near me but now I only have 1.  I think I definitely have a thing for Danish brands!  

I've teamed it with another charm from the same sale that's also been on my Wishlist for a few years too - Footprint.  This has often been marketed by some Jewellers as charms for Men, but I never take any notice of whether something has been marketed to a specific gender... I think we can all choose our own jewellery based on our individual tastes.

Story Footprint Charm

I've been wearing this solo for a while, but like all Story Bracelets it's a great stacker too!

Story Red Snakeskin Bracelet with Footprint Charm

I've waited to buy this for two years - it's slipped further and further down my wishlist whilst I chose more practical bracelets first.

Let's just say the wear it's getting now is more than making up for it!

What have you waited years for that was worth the wait?