Collections pass me by...

I've been reflecting over the last month on the changes in my bead buying and to a certain extent my interest in collections; I've become far less bothered about the main collection release dates at the time of their release.

Trollbeads Cambridge Preview Event - January 2015

2015 started as it usually does, and I really enjoyed the preview evening at Trollbeads Cambridge for the Spring Collection and the event at Jeffries Jewellers in South Wales for the Trollbeads Easter Collection in March, but after those two releases I've somewhat lost my way.

Wrist Shot - Jeffries Jewellers - Easter Event March 2015

I've not gone to see any of the new collections on release day, and I've not seen some of them at all - and I'm not talking about just the recent Spring or Valentine beads released in 2016 either.

If I look at what I bought over the course of 2015, it was a real mix of new, preloved, main brands and artisans - but, and here is the main difference... compared to previous years there has been a lot less of buying new collection pieces on, or near, release day*.

Ohm's Bead of the Month - October 2015

*with the exception of the Ohm's Bead of the Month beads and Elfbeads Deal of the Year, as those were a buy now or forever regret your decision kind of purchase!

So where is all this rambling taking me today, well nowhere really, since I started with my New Year's Bead Resolutions I've become fascinated with my own spending habits and bead acquisition in it's own right and I've noticed a stark contrast to how this year has started compared to previous years.

But don't worry, I've already spent March's bead budget before January finished - some things never change!

Have your bead buying habits changed over the years?