Sunday, October 30, 2011

Happy Halloween!!

Hope you have cute tricker treater coming to your door!! Saturday was my turn to post on TaDa Creative Studios and it was all about Halloween!!

Here's a sneak peek of my page...


HA! Not much I know but go to my Happy Halloween post on TaDa's blog and I promise you there will enough to inspire you!!!

How about an Authentique Halloween project?! I wanted to use up as much of the Glowing Collection as I can. I found this Rossette Pumpkin from one of Archivers' email ads. Had no idea the size or how many to create so I just winged it - lol! LOVED how this turned out but I think I'll lay off on the rosettes for awhile. HA!

Pumpkin Treat Bag & Pumpkin by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: WorldWin Paper; Patterned Papers: Authentique Paper (Glowing Collection); Ink: Clearsnap; Marker: Copic; Tools: ScorPal, Artistic Wire (Coiling Gizmo); Wire: Artistic Wire; Twine: Divine Twine; Rhinestone: Want2Scrap; Die: Spellbinders™ Paper Art (S4-281 Jack O' Lantern & S7-017 On The Vine Border Grand); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Brown Twine and Mini Sack



My past posts also have some fun Halloween projects like my Happy Accident post (this can also be a great holiday project too). OR my take on the Authentique sketch challenge and a couple more Halloween projects in my It's October post.

Have a safe Halloween!!
Thanks for stopping by :)
MargieH

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Tuesday Trigger: Finesse the Dress Challenge

Hi, all!

Thought I'd try my hand at Paper Crafts' Tuesday Trigger. Today I created a card based on this beautiful dress...

The pattern of skirt and the scalloped edge caught my eye. LOVE the color combination and immediately thought of Authentique's Journey Collection! So this is my take on the challenge.

Wonder by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: The Paper Company; Patterned Papers and Die Cut: Authentique Paper; Stamp: Unity Stamp Company (Authentique); Ink: Clearsnap; Die Cuts: Spellbinders™ Paper Arts (S4-314 Lacey Ovals, S4-110 Classic Ovals LG, E8-003 Classic Triple Scallop); Tool: ScorPal; Flower: Prima; Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Pearl and Foam Tape

So what do you think? My favorite part is the double layers of scallops from Spellbinders Edgeabilities® die template called Triple Scallop. Isn't gorgeous?! Love my Edgeabilities dies!

ETA: Where can you purchase these great die templates? I have a favorite online store, Scrap-Mart, and they offer FREE SHIP along with a discount on some of their items. Here is the page on Spellbinders Edgeabilities die templates! Just sayin'

Also a personal note...I received word that my aunt had passed away in Japan today. She was my father's big sister and lived a full life of 90 years! Although I didn't see much of her, she had always lent an ear when I needed it. I will miss her - this card is for her! Rest in peace, dear Aunt MINAKATA and hug my father for me! xo

Monday, October 17, 2011

A Happy Accident?

Well, I had my heart set on creating a "SPOOKY" banner with my Authentique Paper's Glowing Collection. But after cutting all the dies out with my Spellbinders™ Paper Arts die templates, I played around with the die cuts to end up with a cone....now how did that happen?

Halloween Cone by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: Creative Memories; Patterned Papers: Authentique Paper (Glowing Collection); Ink: Ranger; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-029 Nested Lacey Pennants, S5-028 Nested Pennants, S4-279 Graveyard Scene and Shapes and S4-345 Picot Edge Circles); Ribbon: Offray; Trinket Pin: Maya Road; Tools: ScorPal and ScraPerfect (The Embellie Gellie); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Tissue Paper and Googly Eyes 

What do you think? I scored 3/8" on both sides of two banners with the ScorPal. Using ScraPerfect's The Best Glue Ever to adhered all three sides together to end up with a cone.


Then I accordian folded a strip of paper, glue the ends to form a ring, flattened and glued the back with a scrap piece of paper (make sure to put something heavy over it and leave to dry). I cut/embossed Graveyard Scene and Shapes Skelton Head, adhered to the center and embellished.

OH!! One of my favorite designers, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer created a scrapbook page "Art Institute of Chicago" and kindly included a picture of me!! She debuted her designs on The Crafter's Workshop at 2011 Summer CHA (Craft & Hobby Assoc.) Conference and Trade Show. On the post, she is giving away one of her templates!!! Go NOW!

I have another project on my table and hoping to finish to share BEFORE Halloween gets here! LOL! Thanks for stopping by!!
MargieH

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

It's October...nearer to Halloween!

We are heading toward the middle of October and as I walked through the neighborhood, Halloween decorations are increasing by the day! Although my kids are older, they still go treat or treating...always a kid even though their teenagers! LOL!!

Today is the last day of Authentique Paper's October Sketch Challenge. They had one for a page and one for a card. I ran out of time so I was only able to get a card completed. Here's their sketch


...and here's my take on it :)

Happy Halloween by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: Creative Memories and Core'dinations; Patterned Papers: Authentique Paper (Black Script, Lace Spiderweb/Glowing Collection); Ink: Clearsnap and Ranger; Paint Pen: EK Success; Rhinestones: Taylored Expressions; Dies: Spellbinders™ Paper Arts (E8-001 Classic Scallop; S5-030 Fancy Tags Two; S4-280 Halloween Fence Scene and Shapes); Adhersive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Foam Tape, Googley Eye

I really enjoy Authentique's designs and how easy their die cut elements help create a finished look. Unfortunately, my LSS ran out of those die cut elements so I made due with a little handwritten "Happy Halloween" in silver paint pen.

Last month, Spellbinders Blog Team Member Linda Duke created this REAL COOL bottlecap Halloween scene that I just had to "lift." Hers is much better with great details...mine is a quickie! Thanks, Linda, for the inspiration! Not sure how long this S4-279 Graveyard Scene and Shapes die template is available (limited edition) but if you're interested, RUN and ORDER NOW!! If you're in the Chicago area, I know Craft Fancy (Arlington Hts. IL) had one left (call ahead - just in case)!! This baby is displayed at the store :)

Graveyard Scene BottleCap by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: Core'dinations; Glitter and Paints: Ranger; BottleCap: Maya Road; Die: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-279 Graveyard Scene and Shapes; S4-114 Standard Circles LG); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Sandpaper

Can you stand for another Halloween-themed project? Yesterday was my turn at posting something FUN for TaDa Creative Studio's FaceBook page so I thought a Halloween ATC would be appropriate :) This line, Just Chillin' Collection, is actually for teens but the colors and some of the patterns kind of remind me of Halloween, no?

BOO ATC by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: Creative Memories; Patterned Paper and Stamp: TaDa Creative Studios (Just Chillin' Collection); Inks: Ranger and VersaMark; Embossing Powder: Sparkle N' Sprinkle; Punch: Spellbinders Paper Arts Presto Punch™ Machine (Plain Jane Capital and Lower Case); Baker's Twine: Divine Twine; Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Googley Eyes

So which one did you like?
Thanks for stopping!!
MargieH

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

TaDa Happenings - Oct 2011



TaDa Creative Studios Contest In Progress!!
Don’t miss it!!

Want a chance to win free TaDa product?
It’s easy as pie…

TO ENTER in TaDa’s Friend of a Friend Contest. Go to TaDa Creative Studios Blog's Friend Of A Friend Contest to find out details for your chance to win!

HINT: It really IS EASY TO ENTER! Oh and tell them MARGIE SENT YOU!!!

You will have from 7 AM (U.S. Eastern Standard Time) Monday, Oct. 3rd to 5 PM, Friday, Oct. 7th – do it now!!

Winners announced on Monday, Oct 9th at NOON EST!!! Good luck!

PUT YOUR BID IN - ONLINE AUCTION FOR
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS



Guess what my creative friend, Cindi Bisson, is up to!! See this mixed-media project?! Well, she created this beauty using TaDa’s BFF Collection (#BFF11103 Flower Friend-zy paper) and she has donated it for a Charity Wings online auction.

The proceeds will go to raise funds for breast cancer awareness. Anyone interested in Cindi’s project and the auction, click on to Cindi’s blog, Fat Cat Creations. You ROCK, Cindi!!

ENTER TO WIN - "UNDER THE BIG TOP" SWEEPSTAKES (ENDS OCT 10 2011)

Don’t forget TaDa Creative Studios is a sponsor of Paper Crafts Magazine’s “Under The Big Top” Sweepstakes – go enter a chance to win some great prizes. You have until 11:59 PM (U.S. Mountain Standard Time) Monday, Oct 10th!! GOOD LUCK!!!

ATTN: Conrad Iowa!!! NEW STORE ALERT!!!

Sorry!! Don't have a picture of the store but here is the key!!!
Look at that ribbon - it's perfect for Hen & Chicks Studio!! Love it!!

You have a new store in town called Hen & Chicks Studio. They have opened its doors at 101 North Main Street, Conrad IA!!! Store hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

They have an upstairs studio and will have retreats starting from November - they already have a booking!! It can be from a day gathering to an overnite or two...many different plans. Call or visit their web site for more details.

So excited for Heidi and she has TaDa Creative Studios products so get ‘em while they’re HOT!!! Thank you, Heidi, for including TaDa in your new store!!

PHEW! I think I'm done with TaDa News for the day!! LOL!
Thanks for reading this far - have a great TUESDAY!!
MargieH

Sunday, October 02, 2011

2011 World Card Making Day - Part 2!

Wanted to post last night but I passed out once I got home from the crop...too much talking and laughing? LOL!!! A SHOUT OUT to my tablemates and sweet friends - thanks for putting up with me :) The power of the internet...we met through some kind of connection with it and the circle of friends keep getting wider and wider!!

Top (L to R): Mary Beth, Liz and Chris
Bottom: ME!! and Joyce
As promised I am posting a couple of holiday cards that I created last night....the rest....well, I have to keep under wraps because they are manufacturers' projects. Once I get the OK, I will post those too :)

Hope by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper and Die Cut: Authentique; Ink: Ranger; Twine: Divine Twine; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-116 Standard Circles SM; S4-292 Beaded Circles); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever)

To Be Jolly by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Papers and Die Cut: Authentique; Ink: Ranger; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-283  2010 Heirloom Ornaments); Tool: ScorPal; Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever)
Most of these supplies I purchased at my LSS (Local Scrapbook Store), Craft Fancy!!! If you're are in the Arlington Heights IL area, visit them - they have a ton of great products and classes to offer :0)

Thanks for stopping by!! Off to clean house....hubby coming home from a business trip!!
MargieH xo

Saturday, October 01, 2011

2011 World Card Making Day!!

Hope you are ready to create some cards this day of World Card Making!! I am at a crop and plan/hope to create some more...depending on how chatty we get. LOL!!!

I took the afternoon yesterday relaxing at my LSS, Craft Fancy, in Arlington Hts. IL. Well, it was more productive as I ended up selling a handful of Spellbinders™ die templates to fellow crafters - LOVE my Spellbinders die templates!! They also had a lunchtime MnT and who couldn't resist that!

Happy Haunting MnT by Craft Fancy/Melissa Rusk
Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Papers: Bella Blvd; Stamp: Lawn Fawn; Ink: Ranger/Jenni Bowlin; Twine: Divine Twine; Tools: Fiskars; Adhesives:SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L

So cute!! Thanks to Melissa for a fun time at the store - she let me hang out a bit. I also left some card samples at the store for display...

Journey by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: The Paper Company; Patterned Paper and Die Cut Word: Authentique; Ink: Ranger; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-329 Butterflies Circles and Nested Butterflies-RETIRED); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Tool: ScorPal and ScraPerfect (Embellie Gellie)

You've seen this shape before but I LOVE circles and wanted to create one with my newest acquisition, Authentique Papers. Great combination of blues and yellows :)

Happiness by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Patterned Papers and Die Cuts: Authentique; Ink: Ranger; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-348 Postage Stamps and S4-128 Classic Square SM); Tool: ScorPal; Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever)

Another favorite shape is definitely the Post Stamp die template. I also got it in the Spellbinders Edgeabilities® too - E-8 Classic Postage Stamp!! Once I create something with that die template - I will share.

Off to create some holiday cards at the crop!!
Thanks for stopping by!
MargieH