(Please note that all images used here are the property of Heidi’s Trollbeads and More and have been reproduced with their express permission.)
As is always the case with the Trollbead’s World Tour collection’s, fans have vastly differing ideas on what should be represented. We all have different tastes and it’s impossible for these sets to please all. When the announcement of the Austrian World Tour first broke in September, people began discussing what they would like to see translated to a bead. One such idea that came under discussion on my Facebook page was the Riesenrad Ferris Wheel in Vienna.
The Trollbead’s Austrian World Tour didn’t quite suit my tastes with the exception of the wonderful Amadeus bead. I’ll admit though that the Wiener Melange may also become an addition at some stage, though I do wish it sat differently on the bracelet (given my love for coffee, this bead would be highly appropriate for me.) I did stumble across something quite exciting though. After early discussions regarding Austrian bead ideas, I had really been hoping for a Riesenrad wheel for my bracelet so imagine my excitement when I found this..
Not only is it an incredibly cute representation of one of Vienna’s tourist attractions but it’s made by the wonderful *Redbalifrog* and I make no secret of adoring their beads. One of my reasons for being so enthusiastic about the *Redbalifrog* collection is the attention to detail in all the beads. This little Riesenrad bead is no exception and the picture clearly shows the intricate nature of this design.
It was while I was still cooing over this darling little bead when I spotted a couple more. As many readers will now know, I’m not a fan of flowered glass beads. (Equally I refuse to wear floral patterns of any description). As such, the glass Apricot Flowers from the Trollbead’s World Tour collection simply doesn’t appeal to me. As a replacement for this bead (for me at least) comes this beautiful Edelweiss.
For anyone unfamiliar with this flower, it grows high in the Alps so what a perfect representation of Austria.
Despite it’s small size, Austria is a cultural gemstone with many famed musicians and artists. *Redbalifrog* and Heidi’s chose to pay homage to the artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. He was famed for his vibrantly colourful artwork often depicting circles or spirals.
I have to say, I think this is both a fabulous representation of this artist and an amazing bead in it’s own right. The flecks of colour are a subtle admiration of the artist’s work while not being excessive and making the bead unwearable. Circles and spirals are always popular in jewellery design and in beads there is no exception. The retired Trollbead’s Joyful remains one of the most sought after silver beads around.
Finally, for the fantasy fans out there, it’s quite difficult to think of Austria and not think of dragons. I’ll admit that I was desperate for another dragon bead in the Trollbead’s World Tour collection as I’m afraid for me, there can never be too many dragons. Completing this mini collection of Austrian themed *Redbalifrog* beads comes Joshua.
How absolutely adorable is Joshua?! (Incidentally if, like me, you are a fan of dragons and indeed in fantasy creatures in general, the *Redbalifrog* range is definitely worth looking into as Amanda definitely caters for our tastes. You’ll find dragons, mermaids, a beautiful unicorn, a fallen angel and even a dragon lock which is just to die for.) Joshua would look absolutely beautiful used in combination with the *Redbalifrog* Dragon Lock.
It always seems to be the case for me that just as I think *Redbalifrog* can’t get any better, Amanda releases more new beads or, in this case, I stumble across some I never even knew about. If you’re now coveting these beads as much as I am (who could resist Joshua) here’s the details. This set of beads were made in association with and exclusively for Heidi’s Trollbead’s and More. Fortunately this store offer world wide delivery so there is absolutely no issue in obtaining them but don’t waste time on trying to locate them elsewhere. (It’s also worth noting that all these beads are in stock at the time of writing this.) Keep in mind also that they have the full range of Trollbead’s Austrian World Tour beads.
Whether you’ve now succumbed to all of the Trollbead’s Austrian World Tour collection or, like me, are looking for something to supplement or replace it, these beads are simply divine. I’m so happy that I stumbled across these beads despite the fact it was completely by accident and my wishlist just got even longer.
[...] retailer, *Redbalifrog* produced three exclusive Austrian inspired beads last year. I reviewed them here and I have to say they’re stunning examples of the quality designs that *Redbalifrog* is [...]