Trollbeads tell their story

by Rachel Pugh
Weekender General Manager
Times Leader Director of Community Relations

Two weeks ago, I was browsing through Dundee Gardens on the Sans Souci Parkway in Hanover Twp. One of its employees, Mary Ellen, approached me and asked if I had heard about the Trollbeads. Intrigued because I had not, she guided me to a showcase full of elaborate beads. Some were stones, other sterling silver animal-shaped beads and some 18 karat gold beads that all stood for something different. She explained that each bead has a different meaning, and when strung together, they form your very own unique story. I needed to hear more, especially since the company was more than 30-years-old, originated in Denmark and I had never heard of it.

I watched as Mary Ellen reached for a beautifully designed bracelet adorned with many colorful beads and animals. This was a bracelet she had created based off the popular book and movie “Twilight.” I admitted I had not read the book or seen the movie and I knew nothing of the plot. So she explained it to me, but this movie review was like no other. I learned the entire “Twilight” story, the characters, vampires’ weaknesses, the entire plotline, but by means of a bracelet. Each bead stood for a moment or character from the popular story. Strung together, I was able to grasp the entire message of “Twilight.”

I thought the craft unusual and creative — an interesting take on the basic charm industry. These “charms” weren’t just accessories; they, combined with others, were complete stories with an introduction, body and conclusion to complete an entire plotline.

The Trollbeads trademark is “every story has a bead,” and its catalogue or “storybook” lists hundreds of beads, all with specific names such as the White Steel, which has steel wool inside clear glass that makes it look magnifying; the Light Blue Pastel, “an early morning sunrise over a clear blue sea”; or The Orange Armadillo, “The armadillo is a nocturnal animal from the American continent. An old Indian prayer to the armadillo says ‘Protect my borders, teach me my shield, reflect my pain so I shall not yield.’”

Some beads are self-explanatory, such as The White Flower, which has a white flower on a dark background. That’s simply what it is; how you use it is up to you.

The interesting thing about Trollbeads is the variety. Although some beads’ descriptions simply state exactly what it is, others describe a mood, an adage, a personality. The trick is to use your imagination and create symbolism within your bracelet. This in itself is what sets Trollbeads apart from the rest.

Trollbeads also vary according to tastes in sterling silver or gold. If sterling silver is more your style, you’ll find a large abundance of selections. The same applies for gold lovers. To make them even more unique and to fit everyone’s tastes, each bead is designed by an artist. The Storybook lists 22 artists, all of different backgrounds.

I instantly thought this would be a great project for mother and daughter, creating bracelets that told a personal story for each other. Because of the price range of the beads — some beads are $23, others sell for $400 — this creative moment is best suited for special occasions such as a Sweet Sixteen birthday. Another way to craft the Trollbeads bracelet is to simply buy them one at a time with either a story in mind or choosing symbolic beads that represent that person. The possibilities are endless.

Swing by Dundee Gardens yourself and ask Mary Ellen to tell you her story she made from Trollbeads. You’ll be nothing if not impressed. I have a feeling, however, that your story will begin before even leaving Dundee Gardens, and you’ll be well on your way to crafting the perfect Trollbeads bracelet. Start your first chapter today.

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