For the first time in 8 years I went on a trip (Disney World) and didn’t take any beads or bracelets with me. I knew I would be wearing a MagicBand the whole time, so really, there was no point. This weekend I had some free time and looked through my bead boxes and wondered what I could do to make more use out of the many gorgeous beads I have. I’ve been getting samples and doing this blog since 2016, so there are many beads just sitting around, and I feel a bit sad for them! I don’t build bracelets every day anymore, maybe just once or twice a week. So, I made up a bunch of ‘grab and go’ bracelets that I hope to keep permanently. Fortunately I have quite a few Trollbeads chains and locks, so the basics were already there. I’m not going to list what all these beads are but if you have any questions I can try to help.
The first one I made uses Moress Charms and Elfbeads. That sushi pig one is so funny! I really like their Lili Tae inspired beads, especially the Eternal Ballerina with the three little dangles.
This bracelet consists of Redbalifrog beads and Elfbeads glass. I really like this one and can’t wait to wear it.
This sunny yellow bracelet uses Argo Studios beads, Chronicles Amber beads and two matte silver balls from Ilko Beads. I’m really happy with how this one turned out.
Next up are a couple of OHM bracelets. The first one uses some of the beautiful pink and purple beads. No theme here, just some of my favourite beads from years past.
This next one will be great to wear with black clothes. The Luna bead is quite a treasure!
My last new permanent bracelet uses the sweet Kokeshi dolls from Spiritbeads and some more Elfbeads glass.
Here’s one more bracelet, although it won’t be a permanent one. It’s all Trollbeads and I adore these colours together.
That’s all for today! I thought I’d make this quick little post to perhaps inspire someone else who is in a bead rut and trying to figure out how to use what they have. Do you have some old favourites that need more love? What are your go to bracelets these days? I’d love to hear about them!
marthnickbeads 
You did a lot in one day! I have to get back to creating!
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It’s easy to get out of the habit!
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You have so many stunning bracelets Martha. I especially love the picnic basket one 😍😍😍
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Thanks Alex! I like that one too. So many fun and cute beads on it!
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What is the name of the bead in between dreamscape and cotton candy ( the square boxy one ) I know it’s Ohm but I can’t figure which one 🤔 💖
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That’s actually the typewriter! It was super windy today and it flipped over as I was taking the picture!
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I need to do the same. When I first starting buying Pandora, I was obsessed with filling a bracelet. I’ve so many beads now, all in bead boxes colours and silvers in themes. I’ll get more enjoyment and wear out if my bracelets if I make some grab and go ones!
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I did the same as you! I started with Pandora, but as we all know, twisting the beads around the grooves was so time consuming that I think most people made up bracelets and never took them apart. When I next started getting into Troll, without having to twist the beads around the threads, it was easier to make something for the day and quickly take it apart at night. But after years and years of playing with beads, I’m now not so interested in that but still like to wear something, so I often gravitate towards a bracelet that is ready made. That’s cool how you’ve organized your silvers by theme!
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Morning Martha,
I would love to look in your bead box! 😂 My permanent bracelets are Pandora ones, I have 4 or 5 that I don’t really change. My Trollbeads are my play beads mostly, and how often I get to play depends on my shifts at work and sometimes my mood. But if I want something to grab and wear I go for a ready made Pandora or empty Pandora bangles.
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Me too, Sarah! As I just replied to incylala, all my Pandora bracelets I keep together and are easy to grab. I love how Trollbeads don’t have to be twisted around the threads-makes it SO much easier to try out different combinations!
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Such a good idea, Martha! I really need to take some time and make use of the many beads I already have (rather than continuously buying more, lol). I love the idea of ‘grab and go’ bracelets and yours turned out lovely 🥰❤️.
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Thanks Sierra! I was literally just thinking you could do that with all your Ogerbeads. 😀
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lovely bracelets Martha! I love the yellow one and the kokeshi dolls
I have most of these too, but I find them a bit heavy so only feature a couple in any bracelet design The troll is great too……………..I also have stopped making many new designs but I do rotate what I wear as I hate to not get use out of my many beads (I cull/swap/sell every 2 years or so if beads are too unloved)
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That just reminded me Fiona, that my friend Trisha and I are going to sell off a lot of our beads this summer. That’s a great idea to do it every two years!
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Hi Martha!
I enjoyed your moment of wanting to use more ‘unused’ beads – I too have homeless ones and feel kind of ‘bead-mom’ bad that I haven’t found use for them.
I started my bead journey with “Persona”- they were going out of business in the mall and had them on sale (more than 80 percent off) It was an impulse buy and I bought all of the Snoopy ones. Then when I got home I realized they kept falling off the bracelet when I was trying to attach it, and realized I needed some kind of stopper. So that led me to the internet, I Googled bead stoppers and lo and behold your beautiful blog showed up!!!! I was smitten by all the beautiful pictures you had- and learned about Trollbeads, etc. The rest is history and bead bliss! Who knew?
My go to beads are OHM, I love their quirky and unique beads, and the barrel shaped glass. I usually keep two ready made ones, and two ready made Trollbeads. The bangles I switch out every now and then, and I tend to gravitate more towards the glass beads than the silver beads.
Thanks for sharing such beautiful pictures and inspiring ideas!
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Hi Lisa! Thanks for telling your story about how you started collecting. I always love finding out how people got started with beads! That was a pretty good Persona sale!
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Soon i will leave comment. Alot of trouble logging in with dumb wordpress
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Just wanted to say your bracelets are so wonderful Martha! You are an inspiration.
Thank you
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Thanks very much! I had a lot of fun making these!
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Hi Martha,
I had the same brainwave a couple of weeks ago and made up quite a few bracelets and quite a few bangles to keep permanently. As I’m not taking photos anymore it seemed the logical thing to do. I really love the idea of grab and go. Of course I still have a ton of beads I can still use to change them up when I decide to.
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Hi Lesley! Interesting that we both had the same thought! I remember you had mentioned that you’ve sold off a lot of beads and Trisha and I are going to do a joint bead sale this summer. We think it’s a great idea to downsize a bit. Hope you’re well!
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That’s a great idea to have a sale and downsize. Less is definitely more when it comes to creativity and I feel not so overwhelming. I think I’ve basically sold half of my collection and couldn’t be happier 😀
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Hello Martha,
I have been collecting Trollbeads since 2011 and have built up quite a collection, with buying treats for myself (when sales are on) and birthday/Christmas gifts from family. I used to store them in Stackers charm trays but have just bought Trollbeads collection case for them. I had great fun organising my beads in either colours or kits. I don’t keep any grab and go bangles or bracelets as I still like to have a play and put something together to wear for the week ahead. The Trollbeads case is wonderful, as now I can see beads that haven’t been worn for a while and show them some love! 😍
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That’s wonderful how you’re enjoying being able to see the beads! And so much fun to organize, I bet. You must have quite the collection, have collected for over 11 years now!
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I do Martha, I am very lucky to have them to enjoy! I’m in the UK and when we have holidays here I always try and find a retailer to see Trollbeads in the flesh! Although some have since closed or given up the brand unfortunately. Have a lovely weekend 🌞
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I’m in Canada but the USA just closed another store, so it’s getting harder to see them in person across the pond, also. Have a lovely weekend yourself!
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I think you mean the store in Brandon FLA I am heartbroken for the staff the manger had come over from Puerto Rica (from the store there before the hurricanes) and she did a wonderful job building this store I was there in late January for a bead binge as we were over from Australia to our home in Orlando (it was a special detour on the way to Tampa). the staff did not seem to have any indication that the store was closing a mere six weeks later…………….
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Yes, such a shame. Another store closed also, in Poughkeepsie, NY.
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Oh wow. Poughkeepsie closed? I had planned to eventually visit that store. I guess I can scratch that off my bucket list, unfortunately. Sad.
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Didn’t know about that one! they had the new releases up on Insta this week! I think Trollbeads should partner with some other brand for retail stores rather than flagship (bags, accessories etc,.) maybe Danish/Scandi brands and have part of a store like Anthropologie The issue is, if people come in once and are not into beads there is nothing to bring them back in….. we are a faithful bunch of collectors everywhere and the staff are always great, but there may not be enough of us for the high retail costs and they need to ADVERTISE (for broader brand recognition)
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Hi Martha, First I want to say how much I enjoy your blog. Every time I’ve asked Google a bead question your blog comes up with an answer! Your Trollbeads bracelet is beautiful. The light greens and blues look similar to watercolor. I’m fairly new to bead collecting and only have two Pandora bracelets. I’ve found recently that some beads are too small to fit Pandora. Would you please recommend a brand that I could use for smaller bead cores? I have to be careful what I spend $$ on and won’t buy a bracelet for each bead brand. Thank you for any help, Helen
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Hi Helen! Yes, Pandora bracelets are made with that twisty part which many other beads will not fit over. A lot of people just buy a Trollbeads bracelet, as most beads will fit on those. Every bead I own will fit on a Trollbeads chain. You have to buy a lock for them though and the sizing can get confusing. Here’s a link to an article describing how the sizing works. Let me know if you have any more questions! https://www.greatlakesboutique.net/blogs/endangered-trolls/trollbeads-bracelet-size-guide
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Martha, Thank you for your helpful reply. After reading it I went ahead and ordered a Trollbeads chain and lock. Also, that article on sizing did help! Thanks so much, Helen
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Super, hope it works out for you!
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I also have a few Pandora snake chain bracelets that you don’t have to screw the beads onto. They used to call them ‘smooth’ I think. But mostly I use Trollbead bracelets like you.
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