So I gather holograms have a life span. I thought these things went forever, can someone shed light on the process of making one that'll  explain why the fade/die?

After speaking in depth to designer John Trudeau about the holo issue at the U.K. Pin Show a couple of years ago, The working life of the holo was expected to be around a couple of years which was quoted by the maker's. And any longer would be a bonus. So any one who still has a original holo and its still green think yourself very lucky, Anyone who has a original holo that's turned blue just think yourself  lucky. And anyone who has a totally non working one "me" tough!