TWO THINGS

Hi Everyone!
First thanks again for all the healing energy and prayers that are being sent for my brother, Vince Yesterday was a very good day for him and things are actually looking better. Haaaa can't keep a Campanella down! :)

Now for the second thing. There are only two days left on world wide free shipping in my Beadwright artfire and Beadwright etsy stores. OKKK, so I have to pay for this trip some how. (said in a mock Italian accent) LOL

I am feeling better thanks to all you.

Everyone have a great day with lots of blessings.

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

THE WINNER ISSSSSSSS

Hi Everyone!

Here it is. I brought all of the names from the comments and the names for people who had extra chances. This has been huge and I appreciate everyone who has joined in. Nicholas and I placed all the names in a box and shook it up and down over and around. I blind folded Nik and then twirled him around. We were laughing so hard..... Then I opened the box and with out hesitation he reached in and pulled out a name. I removed the blind fold and had him read it to me.
Druuuummmm Rooolllllllllllllll and the winner is.........

Tristan from Enchanted Revelry Congratulations!!!!

Hey Tristan email me with your mailing address


Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

Hi Everyone!
First off I can not thank all of you enough for the gifts of friendship and love that you have sent to me and my family. Vince is hanging in. He is a fighter! Life takes us on paths that we couldn't even imagine. This is one of them. So again thank you everyone.

On a happier note and one that I have been waiting........My wonderful Nephew Nicholas, (yes he was named after me) and I are going to draw the winning name for my birthday giveaway. He arrives home from school at noon. OH.... that is pacific time btw. So get ready and keep your fingers crossed.

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

NICOLE'S BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY

Not I am keeping this on top of the page so please scroll down to see new posts.

Hi Everyone!

Every year on my birthday I give something away. OK so my birthday isn't until April 27, however, I thought I would do this a bit differently this year and give all of you time to join in. I have taken some ideas from some of my blogging friends on giveaway. So here is what you must do to have a chance to win.

#1 leave a comment on this post

#2 link this post to your blogs and or websites

#3 be one of my followers on this blog ( if you already follow then you are one step ahead.)

#4 any new follower who joins in and mentions your name gives you an extra chance to win.

I will announce the winner on April 27, 2010

Sooo what will you win?????? big smiles and a drum rolllll

Because of all the wonderful comments and emails I received from OWOH giveaway my birthday giveaway is this silver beaded gourd!! It is small but dynamic. Measures 12" around.

Good luck everyone!!

Bead with Honor and Integrity

Nicole/Beadwright

VINCE AND CALIFORNIA

Hi Everyone!
I don't want to be all sad and icky...... however, it is a sad situation here. My brother Vince is hanging on to dear life, literally. So blogging will not be as I thought it would be. I really just wanted to stop in(while Vince is sleeping) to say hi and to thank all of you for the wonderful comments. I have not had time to read emails so forgive me on that part. Tomorrow I will announce the winner of my birthday giveaway. My nephew is helping me.

Everyone have a great week.
Nicole

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

LEAVING FOR VINCE

Hi Everyone!

I will be leaving tomorrow for my brother's house. I know so many of you have been sending healing energy and prayers. I know that this circle of healing love has helped, however, sometimes things are just out of our hands. Vince is failing and I need to be there with him. Mike will drive me to Grants Pass, OR. where we will meet my mom and from there take off for Sacramento, CA. I will have my laptop and my brother's computer so I will still be blogging as much as I can. I couldn't go through this without all of you, my dear and wonderful friends.

Here is a photo of me and Vince last year.

I still have obligations that must be kept. Sooooo I am taking my birthday gourd with me and I will still have the drawing for the lucky birthday winner. I must keep some normalcy and giving seems to be how I can do this. Also I have so many comments this month that I am announcing two monthly comment winners. You know the monthly free bead thing. Like I say who doesn't like free beads????

I am off to pack my bags and some beading supplies.

Bead with Honor and Integrity

Nicole/Beadwright

FAR AWAY DREAMS

Hi Everyone!

I almost can't believe that the sun is going to shine today. I guess it is fitting though because yesterday I receive sunshine from a far away place of my dreams. In keeping with yesterday's post, here is another story. A few years ago I met a beautiful young woman through blogging. We commented on each others blogs in a casual way and emailing now and then. However, something clicked last year and this amazing woman and I have become great friends. She lives in a place that my heart has longed for my whole life. Yesssss yes yes it is in a desert land and one that my dreams take me on grand adventures. Okaayyy I won't get all carried away with that LOL! Back to yesterday. Part of my mail pick up was this funny looking package. I actually thought it was advertising. (So glad I didn't toss it away) I got home and after looking it over I realized it was a.......BIRTHDAY PACKAGE FROM MY FRIEND!!!! OMG... now I ripped open the funny package and there to my extreme delight was my sunshine and a wish. How appropriate. I carefully opened the handmade wrapper and then slowly pulled out the surprise. My heart skipped a beat as I saw the sunshine from Australia. Everything about this beautiful necklace, for me represents the beauty of the land I desire, the talent and the generosity of the woman who created it. So---- who is this person who sent me sunshine from Australia? My dear and wonderful friend Belinda Saville. Now if you don't know who she is you better finish reading this leave a comment and head over to her blog. She is an amazing mom, wife, artist, and she is a pilot. I love that!!! Anyway stop by and say hi to Belinda and tell her Nicole sent you.


Here is my Australia sunshine









Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

WHAT A STELLAR DAY

Hi Everyone!

I have a story to tell you that more than touched my heart and makes what I do, art, all worth it.

About 5 years ago one of my designer necklaces was published in Bead Unique Magazine. The necklace was done in Pinks, haaa colors I am not fond of. I am not a frilly pink kind of girl. However, I used my Curls n Swirls, and scalloped brick stitch techniques so the pink was ok. The necklace made the cover of the magazine and I was thrilled! A week or so after the publication hit the streets I received an email from a very nice lady ( I will call her Suzie, not her real name.) wanting to know how much I would charge for the necklace. I replied quoting a price. I didn't hear back and figured she wanted to make the necklace to sell for herself and wanted pricing. hmmmm not ethical but hey you can't watch everyone. Fast forward to last week. I receive an email from a lady, I don't know, saying she is writing for Suzie and wants to know if she could have my phone number or mailing address so Suzie could get a hold of me. Now I remember this Suzie name so I thought it was an old customer. I sent the information. That evening I received a call from Suzie. She was a delightful woman who said she has been waiting 5 years to buy my Curls n Swirls necklace and asked if I was still making them. I told her I had the original that was actually published. I also told her if I had an extra copy of the magazine I would send it along as well. She told me "Noooo she has the magazine right by her bed." So I quoted a price and she said the check is being mailed the next day. We had a fun chat on the phone and said good bye. Sure enough a few days later there was her check. How cool is this!! Not so much the sale, but the fact that this woman remembered me and my jewelry. So I sent off the necklace. Today I received a lovely hand written card that in part reads,

"Received in excellent condition. More beautiful than I imagined."

Now I ask you, just how blessed am I?

Art, it brings people together from far off places.

I have another story for you tomorrow about a far off place so come back.

The cover Curls n Swirls

My lovely card.

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

THE 6TH PHOTO

Hi Everyone!

I was invited to play the 6th photo game. This is where you grab the 6th photo you ever posted and critique it. Then pass the game on. So who invited me Mortira from http://inspirationalbeading.blogspot.com/ So here is my photo.

This is a beaded gourd night light with shell. OMG the photo is horrible. There is NOOOOO good light where I live and so this photo is dark and dull. The piece is actually very bright and full of color. Cropped a bit too much also. sigghhhhh.... to have some sunshine......

So I invite the following people to play along.

http://belindasaville.blogspot.com/

http://threefatesdesign.blogspot.com/

http://craftymoosecrafts.blogspot.com/

So my time has run out and I need to head out the door.

Have a great day everyone.

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

THE STORY OF ALVIN

Hi Everyone!

I don't normally cry over split milk, however, this morning I just about cried over this disastrous mess. Boo hoo hoo. No... really I am just a bit disappointed but not to tears. Here is Alvin, you remember him from an earlier post. He is my strange alien human sculpture I finished yesterday. He dried beautifully and was ready to bead. I picked him up looked him over and then he went flying out of my hands!!!!! There Alvin was all in pieces on the floor. And the pieces were scattered everywhere! OMG poor Alvin. Naaahhhh I don't think I will cry I will just make another one.

Alvin started out like this

Alvin can see


Alvin has a face


Alvin is dead



Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

TIME IS NEARING

Hi Everyone!

The time is nearing for my birthday giveaway. If you have not joined in you still have time. All you have to do is leave a comment on the birthday post at the top of this blog. Follow me on this blog and post the giveaway on your blog, website, facebook or any other URL you may have. Because you receive extra chances to win by people signing up and mentioning your name I have been writing down names as they come in. I will be placing all the names in a hat and one name will be drawn. I am pretty excited about this giveaway and huge thanks to everyone who has commented. Next month I will be announcing a challenge for my new book so get ready.

Wishing everyone a great day and I hope the sun is shinning where you live.

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

TUESDAY NIGHT

Hi Everyone!

This day was full of art and lots of accomplishments. I sculpted my gourd today and as soon as it is dry will decided if I will air brush and paint it or bead it. I am very happy with how it turned out. I will show you photos when I am completely finished. I think I have mentioned I don't show my works in progress. I also started beading one of my new face cabs today I think she will go on one of my altered couture bags. Will show you that when I am finished as well. LOL

Hope everyone had a great day.

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

MONDAY

Hi Everyone!

I know I said this before, however, I am so amazed at how fast my weeks are flying by. One minute it is Monday and a blink of my eyes and it is a week later and Monday again. I have been getting a lot accomplished so maybe my weeks passing so fast is ok. Just feels like I am missing something. LOL

Today I want to share with you a special lady that creates beautiful bead art. Here name is Grace from, where else, GraceBeading. She is another of the great flatwork beaders that uses my BeadBacking for her creations. With permission from Grace I have taken a few photo from her blog. Hope you enjoy her beading.

Two perfect example of great beadwork on my BeadBacking.

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

HAPPY SUNDAY

Hi Everyone!

So far today, Sunday, it has been pretty happy. All my orders are finished, supply orders are ready for Monday's mail, the laundry is done, food on the stove for dinner tonight, and I am ready to start a new project. Haaaa does that mean I am caught up??? LOL

Here is a piece I finished this morning. This is a Czech replica buttons. If you have not use these the detail and quality is as good if not better than the antiques. I have some of the antique buttons that I hoard so I am glad for the new ones.

Wishing everyone a happy Sunday

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

JUST A REMINDER

Hi Everyone!

This is just a reminder because I have been forgetting to remind all of you that there is only 13 days left for FREE SHIPPING in my Beadwright artfire and Beadwright Etsy stores. This is FREE SHIPPING domestic and international. MY gift to you for my birthday month. Here are just a few of the new items I listed today.

Ohhhhh Miyuki 3mm cube shimmer beads. Can't go wrong with these. And don't forget you can use beads in your card and tag projects.

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

ARTBEADS.COM BEAUTY OF SPRING

Hi Everyone!

A few weeks ago I posted the lay out necklace for my Beauty of Spring for Artbeads.com. However, when I started to sew everything together the Zircon beads were just too heavy.




Off to plan B. As most of you know my heart longs for the desert. I miss it terribly and can't wait to get back there. I will be visiting there this June and that brought me to the thoughts of golden/pink sunset skies, golden sand with pink wild flowers. So last night I gathered up my size 15/0 galvanized gold and pink seed beads and started beading. No plan just beading. Using three different stitches, brick, RAW, and Peyote I am very pleased with this. Sometimes the beads and beading is all you need to carry you away on a spring desert dream.
Now if you are a seed beader and have not used size 15/o seed beads then here a the time to try.
These size 15/0 seed beads are on sale at Artbeads. com. They are Toho seed beads, so the galvanization will not rub off. Great beads!!!!










Snap button clasp



Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

I am a reviewer of products for Artbeads.com. I received the beads above free of charge. I have used and reviewed this product and my statements are an honest description. I receive no compensation from Artbeads.com for my endorsement as it pertains to the product above.

ARTFIRE ALERT ALERT ALERT

Hi Everyone!
Yesterday, just minutes after listing some bracelets in my Artfire store, I received an email from a guy wanting to know my banking info so he could purchase a bracelet with his US credit card. He also wanted to know if I ship to Tokyo. I did respond telling him that all transactions had to go through paypal.
Just now I received this email from Artfire.

Greetings, Our records show that you recently received communication from through ArtFire\'s Contact Artisan Messaging system from MarkHowardGallery555@yahoo.com This communication was flagged to be a possible phishing attempt and could potentially be a scam. As a precaution, we are contacting all members who received communication from this individual to notify them. It is strongly suggested that you do not reply to the individuals provided email address with any requested information. ArtFire has created a \"Avoiding Scams and Frauds While Doing Business Online\" help guide. If you have not read it, we would like to suggest that you review this guide to be aware of the Potential frauds you may encounter doing business online. This guide is accessible in the Help Guides section of our forum, or by copying and pasting the link provided below : http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=forums&op=view_topic&tid=2350 NOTE : Please do not reply to this communication as the \"ARTFIRESERVICE\" message box on ArtFire is not frequently monitored. Please direct any communication directly to our Customer Service Department\'s email box at service@artfire.com with any questions or concerns you may have.

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

WHAT THE HECK

Hi Everyone!

The sun seems to be trying to come out today and all of you know how happy that makes me!!!

But can someone please explain this one.

The other day I was leaving my house and noticed that there were some beautiful pansies growing on the outside of our fence. My thought was, "ooohhhhh how can those be growing there and in all of this rain be blooming?" I had to leave right then, however, when I returned I walked over to see the pretty flowers. OMG....these were not growing there at all. Someone had tossed them out their car window as they drove by. What the Heck!!!!

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

GOOD NEWS

Hi Everyone!
Hurrraaayyyyy great news!!! My brother, Vince, was released from hospital today! He is not out of the woods but at least they let him go home. He is back on dialysis 3 times a week and we are hoping, praying, and wishing that his pancreas kicks back in. Thank you so very very much for all the well wishes, positive healing energy, and prayers sent out way. They have all played a part in Vince coming home.
I need to go cry and let out all of this emotion.
Love all of you!!!
Nicole/Beadwright

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

GOURD TIME

Hi Everyone!

Today I am getting organized. OMGGGG did I say the " O " word organized?? What I mean is, I have so many things on my to do list that I have been putting off for tomorrow, that this is my tomorrow. So far so good. I have accomplished several things already. Here is another one of my beaded gourds. Old Town Market starts soon and I want lots of new goodies to sell.
I couldn't get a real good photo of the twisted bead work, sorry.
Hope you enjoy.












Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

REVIEW ON MY KITS

Hi Everyone!!!

Well I am so blessed that it might be a crime. LOL or maybe I just need it right now. Triz from Bead Mania has written up a review on my new beading kits. I am so honored that she took the time to do this. Please go visit Triz she has not been feeling well and could use a hello. Triz is one of the most exciting bead artists I know. I have watched her grow as a beader and a teacher in her country of Israel. Be sure to tell her Nicole sent you.

Also remember I am still giving free shipping as my birthday gift to all, domestic and international purchases.

This is the completed project by Triz. Check out the entire post.

To purchase my kits, with an array of different cabochons and free shipping go to

Beadwright kits

Happy Beading.

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

I AM SWEET ????

Hi Everyone!

Am I sweet??? Mike says I am, my kids and grand kids say I am, and now my blogging friends say I am. It is unanimous!!!! Hurrraayyy. Susan from Pieces of Fate has passed this lovely award on to me. How sweet is that???? Susan is an amazing woman and if you have not been to her blog then head on over there.

Now I have to pass this on to six sweet people. This is so difficult because there are so many deserving this award. OK here it goes.

Belinda Saville.

Marie Segal

Triz Tager

Deronda

Debbie

D. Aryd'ell

Have a great day everyone.

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

BEADS BEADS BEADS AND MORE BEADS

Hi Everyone!

Today the sun is shinning in Florence and it is actually warm. Hurrraaaayyyyy. Mike and I walk every chance we get. So with the sun out we drove over to the park and did our 5 miles. Then off to buy groceries..... yuckkkk..... then to the post office. Yeeeaaaahhhhhh. Today I receive my 1 1/2 pounds of beads from Kelly. OMGGGGGG..... you would not believe the treasures!!! Ohhh soooo much better than I ever thought. There are so many very cool beads in my box. I must be the luckiest girl a live. Anyway I feel that way.

If you don't know who Kelly is then you are just missing out. Head over to visit Kelly's blog you will be so glad you did.

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

SUNSHINE IN FLORENCE

Hello Everyone!

First and foremost is thank you for all of the kindness, the caring, the wonderfulness of all of you. Hmmm wonderfulness? is that a word??? LOL Well if it isn't is should be. I am overwhelmed with love and happiness that all of you have passed on to me, Vince, and my family.

Soooooo.... I wrote to Marie this morning telling her that I am so tired of being sad and worried. I will still be sad and worried, however, I need to stay busy and do fun things. OH... does that mean I can stop the spring cleaning????? :) Yesterday I actually got a lot done around here. Everything on my work table is finished and I started a project that has been rattling in my head for awhile. Now I hardly EVER show works in progress. But I am hoping this will bring a smile to your face. Mike is cracking up over it. He can't "see" my vision. ha ha ha he usually can't until the art is done.

Here is one of your laughs for today

Take the top of a gourd. Clean it inside and out. Stain it, polish it then carve out eye sockets.

Then pop the eye balls in. You have to admit it... you are at least smiling.

ha ha ha

P.S. The sun is shinning in Florence today.

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

AND THE HITS JUST KEEP ON COMING

Hi Everyone!

I have been trying to keep very very busy today. My brother Vince has taken a turn for the worse. So when I say, "and the hits just keep on coming," I do mean hits. Vince had to have blood last night from anemia. Hmmmm he has been in hospital 15 days now. Yaaaa think the medical staff could have seen anemia???? In addition his kidney has failed. He is back on dialysis. I have spoken to him a few times today but he is heavily sedated. I am heart sick and feel so helpless.

So that is my day in a nutshell. I sure hope all of you are having a good day.

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

BEAUTIFUL JEWELRY

Hi Everyone!

I am so blessed to be a winner of a giveaway from Rose Works Jewelry. I was awarded a $20.00 gift certificate in both of Ruthie's etsy and artfire stores. Well I didn't have to look long or hard. I saw exactly what I wanted right off. The quality of work womanship that Ruthie parts into her jewelry is some of the best I have ever seen. I wore the crystal earrings today. I will wear the bracelet and earrings to lunch with my beading pals next week. Stop by Ruthie's stores. She has some fine pieces just right for Mother's day.

Beadwrigh Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

BUSY BUSY SATURDAY

Hi Everyone!

It has been extremely busy for me today. Thank you for all the well wishes for my brother Vince, I am asking that you please continue sending healing energy his way. He is back on dialysis trying to give his donor kidney a rest. He still has an infection that the medical staff can not find and now today there is blood in his urine and he has a fever. I am amazed at my brother's will, his good humor through all of this, and his mental stamina. His name is Vince, he is a single dad of a 16 year old boy, he has battled health issues his entire life due to diabetes diagnosed at the age of 4 years old. If you could meet Vince, he would have you laughing so hard you would pee your pants, your cheeks would be sore, and tears would run down your face. He is so funny. Please what ever your beliefs are what ever your prayer system, say some for Vince.

Thank you so much!!!!

Now that was not going to be my post for today. That all just flowed out. I was going to show you a bracelet I made the other day to go with the ring I posted the other day.

Hope you enjoy the photo

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

BEAD UNIQUE

Hi Everyone!

Today I have so much energy I can't stand it. Must be all the beads I won today. LOL! OK, so that was uncalled for I should gloat. So in staying with the spring cleaning I got my living room and work area all clean spic n span. I am so proud of myself. Mike came in with the mail and Wow my Bead Unique magazine arrived. This issue I have and instructional article for some really cool summer earrings. You can see me on page 12. However, I am not happy with my bio photo. I look like a chip muck with a square head. LOL aaahhh ha ha ha. I am not photogenic at alllllll. Besides that there are some other great articles and a reminder that Tahoe Mountain Bead Retreat is getting underway. Registration begins April 15. If you are not familiar with

Bead Unique you need to check it out. Pam Hawkins the founder and editor along with Joanna Feller put together a beading wonder in every issue.

To see more of my publications click here

To see some of my other publications click here

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

BEADS BEADS BEADS

Hi Everyone!!!

This morning I dragged myself out of bed, shuffled through the chilly house into the kitchen to start the coffee. I yawned, and ran my hands through my hair. Peeked out the window to see if it was raining then headed for the bathroom. (OK we all do that) Started to wake up got a cup of coffee turned on the computer and started to answer emails. Hmmmmm I came across one that read, "Guess what I need you mailing address" hmmmm the email was from Kelley Wenzel her blog is Kelly's Bead Studio. All of a sudden I got a chill down my spine and thought, "could it be? could it really be?" I headed over to Kelly's blog and there it was in black and purple (her font color) I AM THE WINNER OF KELLY'S GIVEAWAY!!! ONE AND A HALF POUNDS OF BEADS!!! OMG..... How fantastic is this!!!!! There is not a better gift to a bead artist than beads!!! I am so beyond excited I can hardly sit still. Be sure to head over to Kelly's blog and tell her Nicole sent you. I forgot to ask Kelly for permission to use her photo on my blog, so click on the link to see some of the beads that are coming my way.

Ohhhhh...... I need to breath...... yes breathing would be good......

I am so blessed.

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright

A HUGE THANK YOU

Hi Everyone!

I am so amazed at the emails and comments I have received for my brother Vince. Hmmm Well really I am not. All of my dear friends in blog land have become more than just cyber names on my follow list. Some of you have become "forever friends" and that means so much to me. I believe we really do care about each other here and that blesses me.

So a huge thank you to all of you.

Yesterday I tried to keep my mind on every day things. So I started spring cleaning. Ohhh... that is not an everyday thing. WAHT AM I THINKING???? LOL

I started with the kitchen and dinning room. Ohh...I forgot my dinning room is my publishing area. We eat in the living room. Ohh... I forgot the living room is my beading and computer area. Ok so you get the idea my whole house is living and business. I did get the kitchen and dinning areas clean and smelling spring time fresh. hee hee hee

As you know I had lunch with my beading pals the other day and it was a great afternoon. To my happy surprise I was treated to birthday gifts from my sweet and dear friends Kelly and Roma.

Kelly brought BEADS. Roma brought the "gourd woman" me, three amazing carved and torched gourd rattles. This all goes in concert with all of you. I have the best of the best people around me.

Bead with Honor and Integrity
Nicole/Beadwright