On Saturday, June 15, the Limited Edition Brush of Blue Kit will be released to celebrate Trollbeads Day. It will cost $366 USD ($444 CDN). I was very curious when I first heard that porcelain beads were coming out, as it’s a new material for Trollbeads. I had some porcelain beads years ago from Perlen and they were really sturdy, so I was never concerned about durability. These ones are glazed and actually feel like glass. The samples I received are larger than I thought they’d be given the recent move towards smaller beads and I’m not sure if they will all be this big. From the promo images I was not quite sold on them, but now having had a chance to play around with them, I think they are just lovely. Also, initially I thought just one or two would be nice to have but now I see the advantage of having the whole kit. After all, blue and white together are so fantastic! These are designed by one of my favourite Trollbeads designers, Kim Buck and they are hand painted in China. There is a video to see how they are made-just Google ‘Trollbeads Day 2019 video’.
Below left to right are Vine Brush, Lotus Brush (although some people are calling it the tulip one), Chrysanthemum Brush, Bamboo Brush, Plum Tree Brush and Fish Brush.
The details wrap around to the sides of the beads.
I love how the pattern in my dish from Japan goes with the flower in the Plum Tree Brush.
The first thing I tried out was the beads with a Lapis Lazuli, Denim Prisms and Pearls.
Just a couple of the porcelain beads on a bangle help keep the look young and fresh. My office partner at school is young and she preferred this bangle below.
She wasn’t too keen on this necklace, but I loved it! 😀
Since I have the whole kit I wanted to try a few ways of using it. First up is a big bracelet that uses my pink and red Uniques.
Next I went for a minimalist station kind of bracelet, adding in some browns with a Smoky Quartz, two Grey Prisms, the Antique Lace Lock and a Smoky Quartz Facet Tassel.
Then, I made another large bracelet incorporating some Grey Moonstones.
That old Arctic Stripes bead in the middle proved to be a perfect match for the porcelain beads!
The Fish Brush bead has really grown on me. The fish really seems to have a personality!
In the promo images, Trollbeads used the Blue Leather Bracelet, which again, gives a more casual, modern look.
Lastly, here are a couple of bangles adding a touch of gold. I expect to see all kinds of fabulous pictures on Instagram of collectors using these beads with a lot of gold. Can’t wait to see what people do with them!
There will be so many ways to use the Brush of Blue Kit. This barely scratches the surface, but I hope it’s enough to whet your appetite for seeing more on Trollbeads Day. Do let me know what you think of these beads!
Disclosure: As always, these beads are samples courtesy of TrollbeadsUSA.
Oh wow Martha, I’ve been waiting for this review, and it doesn’t disappoint! I love the combinations you’ve come up with and am in love with this set. My absolute favorite is the grey moonstone combination. Such a classic, timeless piece reminiscent of a more opulent era. I read some comments on other blogs recently saying how these were too “old” looking and I couldn’t disagree more! I consider myself “youngish”, certainly not close to being a senior citizen and I am always looking for timeless, less trendy jewelry. The blue and white pallet for me screams summer and particularly reminds me of something one might find decorating a posh Hamptons beach home (I’ve only ever worked in them as a college student ;). I’m so glad Trollbeads has tried something new here and perhaps there will be more porcelain/China pattern inspired beads in the future!
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Great comment Tanya!
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Thanks Marisa 😘
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Tanya, your mention of a Hamptons beach house makes me think of Ralph Lauren. After I made that blue/white/brown station bracelet, I was picturing blue and white dishes with old, worn brown leather and I couldn’t figure out why. I remember going to the Ralph Lauren store in NYC ages ago and seeing room after room with rich colours and blue and white china, so that must be what I was picturing.
For me, here is what is fun with beads-if you want to go for a timeless, classic look with a full bracelet, go ahead! If you want to wear one bead on a leather bracelet, go ahead! In the end it is not important at all and we should all just have fun with these lovely little pieces of art. 🙂
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Yes, yes, for some reason had RL summer home on the brain even though these are traditional Asian designs. You captured my thoughts exactly (wouldn’t RL be a fun collaboration with Trollbeads…a stateside girl can dream ;). Yes, that is exactly what I love about beads too. So many styles for so many tastes. Possibilities are endless if you have the imagination.
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Can I buy just one?
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Hi Emma, yes, they will be $61 USD each, $74 CDN.
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Hooray, that is what I wanted to know.
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Thankyou that’s good, just spent £110 for the free blue ocean bead so must be good now or it’s beans up toast.
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That was a really good deal for the Blue Ocean Bead, though! I must get mine out as my little students will love the fish! We had beans and grilled cheese sandwiches the other night! 😅😉
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I’ve been intrigued with this kit since I first laid eyes on it. There’s something so beautiful and simple about them and I love that they are hand painted. I might go see them in person at my local shop so I can see the sizes since I do prefer a smaller bead (14mm ish). I love them with Lapis and red!! Im happy to see your review and get some other ideas. Lately, I am preferring smaller, mini combos rather than a full bracelet and all 6 of these with a small silver in between will be just the ticket!!
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Hi Deidre! How wonderful that you have a local shop. I also prefer small combos these days and pretty much just wear one simple bangle every day. Just the 6 beads with small silvers sounds delightful!
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Wonderful photos! I’m going to check them out at my local Trollbeads shop on Saturday.
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Thanks April! I hope you have a good time on Saturday and that you see something you like.
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Wonderful review Martha, you’ve shown how versatile these gorgeous beads are. I’m leaning more towards bangle but the full bracelets are lovely. I was wondering how they would look with moonstones… and you’ve done it already! Fabulous 😍
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Glad I was able to help with your vision of the moonstones, Marisa! I look forward to seeing everyone’s photos of them.
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For me the price is a huge no no BUT something makes me want these beads! I have yet to purchase any TB day beads and I think this is the year. I really love the plum tree but also the vine.
I really enjoy your approach to your designs. It makes me want more stones, again price. I will definitely make a bangle but first I need to see what I have to match 🤔 My next little project!
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Hi Jamie! They are definitely not inexpensive but if it is something that calls to you then it might be worth it to splurge. That’s what I do with Uniques-if I keep thinking about one and really think it would make me happy then I’ll take the plunge, even though with our currency exchange they are quite pricey. How fun to have a next project to think about!
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Yes! Uniques are my calling! Most of my collection is glass and I’m very color organized. Since getting into bangles I have groups of beads I set aside for how I’m feeling that day. With these they are out of my style zone but worth a few extra beads. Now to get a little blue and white collection going, possibly a FN design. I have no idea what I did before i got mine. Beautiful necklace!
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I also find the Fantasy Necklace so easy to use. Pop one or more beads on and you’re good to go!
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Hi Martha! Your beautiful pics confirm my love at first sight for this kit! I have a favorite trio but I think I will get the all kit…step by step 😄 I can’t wait to see it in person on Saturday 💙
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Hi Roberta! I look forward to seeing which ones you get first. Have a super time on Saturday!
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Oh wow! Different type of bead for Trollbeads for sure and I love them!! Love the colors and especially the designs!!! So are these beads lighter or heavier than the typical glass beads?
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Hi Jahndra! I’m at work and didn’t wear them today, but they feel slightly lighter if not the same as glass, in my opinion. Usually Trollbeads actually lists the weight of beads, so when they come out on Saturday we will likely see that on the website.
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Great photos, as usual, Martha! These really are pretty beads. I’m not sure if I’ll indulge yet, but I definitely enjoyed seeing all your designs. The pink and red was a really fun idea, but my favorites were the station bracelet and the simple bangle. I’m mostly a bangle wearer these days too.
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Thanks Kim! I can see how these aren’t calling you as they’re perhaps not really your style. I’ve got to be honest and say that most days I pop on a bangle with 2 silvers and 3 glass beads…it’s so easy to make if I’m in a hurry.
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It’s not that I don’t like them, but I have so many Trollbeads which I seldom wear anymore, as my collection has mostly gone in a different direction lately. And at that price point, I have to think about whether I’d wear them enough to justify the cost. But I’ll look forward to seeing everyone’s photos, and you never know, I may get inspired!
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Martha,
These beads are gorgeous, your bracelets and bangles are creative and very pretty and I really enjoyed your review; you truly sparked my interest. I look forward to joining Charmbead on Saturday and seeing this collection in person.
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Hi Carol! Have a wonderful time on Saturday! I’m sure April will send me some pictures and I hope you both find something you like.
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These beads are exquisite! I love the details on the sides and that they are hand painted.
I was at the Gardiner Museum a couple of weeks ago to see “Unbroken”, the Ai Weiwei Exhibit. His “Blue and White Alabaster Jars and Covers ” were entrancing in their details and profoundly moving as I stared into the patterns which revealed a harrowing story. I have always loved and collected porcelain and pottery and find these beads to be oh, so desirable!
I like the combination with the pink and red as they really pop and and have a cold, clear beauty in contrast to the glowing colours.
I wish I could buy the whole kit, but will certainly buy at least one(, (or two), when I next go to a a Trollbeads store, after spending and hour examining each and every one!
Your stylings are beautiful, as ever.
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Sarah, how wonderful that you went to the Gardiner to see the Ai Weiwei Exhibit! Wouldn’t these beads be perfect to sell in the gift shop there?
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Absolutely Martha, I thought the same thing!
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These beads are really lovely Martha. Great bracelet/bangle designs and beautiful photos as always. Thank you also for staying independent and fully real with your own reviews (Some other bead bloggers have sold out and are now fully affiliated with a sole business operator). I appreciate real reviews from the heart so you are my number one bead blogger from now on.
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Glad you enjoyed the photos, Gayle. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to do this just as a hobby over the years. Sorry there aren’t many blog posts these days. When I was just working part time it was easy to do lots of blog posts, but now, not so much.
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