SCRAPS of (my) Life

Scrap-Mart/The Button Farm Club: Lunch Layout (1/31)

2012-01-31T09:00:00.001-06:00

Hello! This is a continuation of my projects that I am creating from my monthly kit I received from The Button Farm Club. My first project was a Card Folder and Cards Ensemble using just a few sheets of 12 x 12" patterned papers. I took some of those scraps and created a 12 x 12" layout with some additional embellishments that Scrap-Mart has available for purchase to come up with this (click for a closer look)...

Lunch At Chef Ping's by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Patterned Papers: Crate Papers (Farmhouse Collection); Ink: Clearsnap; Marker: EK Success/KURETAKE (Zig Writer); Mist: Tattered Angels (DragonFly); Bling: Want2Scrap and KaiserCrafts; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (E8-003 Classic Triple Scallop, S4-301 Labels Sixteen; NEW S5-083 Antique Frames and Accents, NEW S5-086 Bitty Blossoms), Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever)

I first decided that I wanted to use different patterned papers from this collection but didn't want to crowd it with all sorts of embellishments - keep it simple. I cut/embossed S4-301 Labels Sixteen eight times and inked the edges (later I inked the edges of the 12 x 12" patterned paper too).

After I adhered the squares to the page, I wanted to add some color to the white background so I misted DragonFly Glimmer Mist in three different areas.

Placed all the elements as shown and it's done! This page was from a summer lunch in Schaumburg (IL) when my mom was visiting from Japan. We invited my mom to spend a month with us - lucky to have the time to spend with her....good for the grandkids too!

The Referral Program at The Button Farm Club!

Did you know that we have a new promotion going on NOW! If you refer a friend, and that friend puts your name in the referral box when they order, you will receive $10 off a kit of your choice!! You do not have to be current members AND there's NO limit to the number of referrals you can cash in on. For more details, go to The Button Farm Club (www.buttonfarmclub.com) under Our Referral Program!!

Have a great day!!
MargieH

Spellbinders M-Bossabilities: Parsian Motifs Note Pad

2012-01-26T07:10:00.000-06:00

I wanted to post one more project before leaving for CHA (Craft & Hobby Assoc.) Conference and Trade Show in Anaheim, CA. Using Spellbinders™ Paper Arts most recent release, S5-078 Persian Accents, S5-079 Persian Motifs, Spellbinders Edgeabilities® E8-007 Classic Edges One dies and Spellbinders M-Bossabilities™ EL-002 Regal (Side B) Folder, I created a note pad with pockets.

Persian Motif Note Pad by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: Core'dinations; Patterned Paper: Authentique Papers (Gathering Collection); Ink: Clearsnap; Bling: KaiserCraft; Dies and Foil: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-078 Persian Accents, S5-079 Persian Motifs, EL-002 Regal, E8-007 Classic Edges, LF-168 Grand Large Labels and Premium Craft Foils); Tool: Bind-It-All and ScraPerfect (The Embellie Gellie); Adhesives: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever) and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L

There are a couple of videos I like to share about the Spellbinders M-Bossabilities line. It would be helpful to see how they work in action...

Having trouble? Click to Introducing Spellbinders M-Bossabilities video.

Need a direct link? Click to How To Use Spellbinders M-Bossabilities Folders video.

To create the beautiful embossing on my cover, I used Spellbinders M-Bossabilities EL-002 Regal Side B in my Spellbinders Grand Calibur® Die Cutting Machine (Don't forget that Grand Raspberry Plate). SANDWICH (fm: bottom up): A Base Plate, M-Bossabilities Folder w/ cardstock, Grand Raspberry Plate). Sand the embossed Core'dinations cardstock to highlight even more and cut/embossed with LF-168 Grand Large Labels die. I also cut/embossed with cereal thin chipboard as backing for the covers

Cut/Emboss the S5-079 Persian Motifs with Authentique Papers' Gathering Collection and stenciled with ColorBox Fluid Chalk Ink Chestnut Roan. Note that I nested the small piece into the center of the larger motif. Place the die cuts together like a puzzle and then shift the small piece slightly to get the shown look. Adhered the center with foam square for some dimension.

Next I used the Premium Crafting Foil to cut/emboss the accent pieces from S5-078 Persian Accents and sanded to use for the center. With The Embellie Gellie, I placed pearls on each peak and the center of the motif.

This is how I made the front and back covers as well as the inside front and inside back pages. For a finished look I ink the edges with chalk.

What's a note pad without pocket pages?! So I created a few using the E8-007 Classic Edgers One to make the pockets a little interesting. I love how Spellbinders packaged the Edgeabilities as Edges and Decorative Inserts separately for this release. I can buy multiple sets of edges to make continuous cuts or make a two-sided cuts. They work with all the Edgeabilities introduced this past summer :)

Add 36 blank pages and put it together with the Bind-It-All. It is ready to be given away as a great gift for someone!

Well, I'm almost packed - just a few more projects before I leave tomorrow morning. If you are attending CHA, please visit and say HELLO! at Spellbinders Paper Arts - Booth #1883.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by!!
MargieH

Scrap-Mart/The Button Farm Club: Card Folder Ensemble

2012-01-23T08:51:00.000-06:00

Today I finally get a chance to play with Scrap-Mart's monthly kit offered through The Button Farm Club! Look at what you get! Had a hard time photographing this (forgiving some stacking)! This particular month was FULL OF CRATE PAPERS' FARMHOUSE COLLECTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This kit has the makings for a mini book album - there are wonderful directions with pictures for the visual types (again COUGHmeCOUGH)! Designer Angela did a fabulous job putting this beautiful project together! This is just the front cover...

Since these kits are so versatile, I took my stash to create a card folder and cards ensemble. After searching online for a card folder template, this is what I created...

Card Folder and Cards Ensemble by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Patterned Papers, Embellishments, Buttons: Crate Papers (FarmHouse Collection); Ink: Clearsnap; Tool: ScorPal; Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Folder template (online)

The folder cover and inside look like this...

These cards came together real fast - all you have to do is find a layout and stick with it. The hard decision is what paper and embellishments to add. I used a total of four sheets of 12 x 12" patterned paper, four embellishments, one button and a chipboard piece to create the cards and its folder.

The Referral Program at The Button Farm Club!

TaDa Creative Studios: 2012 Winter CHA Releases!!!

2012-01-20T15:52:00.000-06:00

I'm just a little excited to show you all what TaDa Creative Studios has been doing - creating two more collections for this season's trade show!! Click on image for a closer look :)

Right at this moment, I am wanting to be by the Poolside NOW (as I am staring at the snow covered streets out my window...sigh...)!! Image creating a page of a pool party you went to this past summer! I am a mom of a freshmen boy swimmer :) Did you see the flipside of SPF50 or Cannonball?! OMGosh...I already have a layout in mind...now to take those pictures. LOL!!

TaDa had sold out of their popular E-I-E-I-O Collection and many have been asking for it. They have listened to customers (and designers...heehee!!) and brought back a fresh but same charm design called the Yee Haw Collection! I would love to be standing on those rolling hills right now, enjoying the warm sun! LOL!!!!

So what do you think...which one is your favorite collection or pattern?
MargieH

Scrap-Mart: Good Luck Banner

2012-01-14T23:55:00.001-06:00

I created a banner out of Spellbinders™ Presto Punch machine and punch templates. Today is a special day for a good friend of mine, Beth. She is running a half marathon in AZ...definitely not in Chicago where we both live! LOL!!

It came out of a conversation between her and her sister about vacation - spending time running on a nice sandy beach...somehow turned into running in a half marathon in the desert sand! NOTE TO SELF: never discuss vacation plans with Beth's sister!!!! LOL!!!

Good Luck Beth Banner by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: WorldWin Papers; Patterned Papers, Cloth Pins, Cord, Canvas and Chalkstock: Canvas Corp.; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-029 Nested Lacey Pennants); Punches: Spellbinders Presto Punch Machine and Punch Templates(P3-006 Stars Punch Template; P3-003 Rectangles Punch Template, P3-009 Labels B Punch Template; P3-007 Flowers Punch Template and PT-F03 Noble Roman Punch Template); Adhesives: ScraPerfect and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (Black Foam Squares)

There was a huge stash of Canvas Corp. products so you'll recognize some of the items such as the canvas, patterned kraft papers and Chalkstock. I used the S5-029 Nested Lacey Pennants to mat the canvas triangles. Not only will it make it stronger but looks pretty to frame. Then I punched/embossed shapes as background to the words "good luck beth" which were also punched/embossed with the PT-F03 Noble Roman punch templates.

Next I punched/embossed stars and flowers to embellish the banner just to add a bit of accent and secured with wet adhesive and foam tape.

Pin up the embellished pennants with mini clothes pins on to the cord - it's ready to display!

So here's to you, Beth! Good luck today!!

Thanks for stopping by! And make sure you "LIKE" Scrap-Mart FaceBook page for some great deals on your favorite paper crafting product.
MargieH

TaDa: Cute As A Button

2012-01-11T07:22:00.000-06:00

Today I posted on TaDa Creative Studios' FaceBook page about a shaped card I created with their Goody Two Shoes Collection. Using Spellbinders™ Nestabilities® Decorative Elements dies, I cut/embossed S4-317 Fleur de Lis Rectangles as the shaped card base and came up with this...

Cute As A Button by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock:The Paper Company; Patterned Papers: TaDa Creative Studios (Goody Two Shoes Collection); Twine: Divine Twine; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-317 Fleur de Lis Rectangles, S4-114 Standard Circles LG, S4-124 Classic Scalloped Circles LG and S4-132 Classic Rectangles LG); Tool: ScorPal and ScraPerfect (The Perfect Crafting Pouch); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Buttons, foam tape

I love the colors in the Mommy's Closet paper of the Goody Two Shoes Collection. Did you know that each TaDa collection, there is a Snippets & Clippets sheet? This type of paper can be cut up and used as a journal box, accent element, a title or a frame...TaDa strives to include many elements for any paper crafting project.

I used the GT Snippets & Clippets' "Cute As A Button" element as the card's sentiment by cutting/embossing the outside with the classic scalloped circle and the inside with the standard circle dies. I gave it more dimension by adding buttons and then adhered the circle with foam tape.

For more inspiration, don't forget to "LIKE" TaDa Creative Studios' FaceBook page!

Thanks for stopping by!!
MargieH

Scrap-Mart - Valentines Day

2012-01-07T01:48:00.001-06:00

Greetings!! I am so excited as it is my FIRST Scrap-Mart post - WOOHOO~! Don't forget to "LIKE" Scrap-Mart FaceBook Page! There will be creative inspiration, advance sales notices, special coupon codes and maybe some prizes...just sayin'...

Today I used Spellbinders™ Presto Punch™ machine and Punch Templates (P3-005 Hearts and P3-001 Circles) with my projects. I used the (October Afternoon's Holiday Style Collection) leftovers from our Holiday Blog Hop last month, to make it Valentine's! LOL!

Valentines Notecards and Tote by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: The Paper Company, Bazzill; Patterned Papers: October Afternoon; Punch: Spellbinders Paper Arts (Spellbinders Presto Punch machine, P3-005 Hearts and P3-001 Circles)

I love how this ensemble turned out. One of the cards (the white one), I used the Spellbinders Presto Punch machine and the P3-005 Hearts to punch out a window. To make its frame, I nested the two largest heart punch templates and punched at the same time.

For those visual type (COUGHmeCOUGH), I have included a Presto Punch Intro video that I'd like to share:

If you can't view from here, visit Presto Punch Intro YouTube page.

All the products featured here are available for purchase at Scrap-Mart! Don't forget to "LIKE" us on Scrap-Mart FaceBook Page!!

Thank you stopping by!
MargieH

Thanks Snow Much - TaDa Creative Studios

2011-12-29T08:43:00.000-06:00

Hello! Today is my day to post for TaDa Creative Studios. With all the Christmas cheer coming to an end and we're getting ready for a new year, I need to create some thank you cards for all the goodies we were blessed with. Using scrap left overs from a previous project, I created this fun card...

Thanks Snow Much card by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: WorldWin Papers; Patterned Papers and Stickers: TaDa Creative Studios (Rinky Dink, FT Snippets & Clippets papers and Frozen Tozen Sticker Set/Frozen Tozen Collection); Ink: Clearsnap; Marker: EK Success/KURETAKE; Memo Pin: Advantus; Bling: Prima; Dies: Spellbinders™ Paper Arts (S4-340 Create A Flake Three); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Tool: ScorPal; Other: Foam tape

Here's the inside of the card, I used the FT Snippets & Clippets paper for Frozen Tozen Collection. I love because this paper not only can it provide accents to your projects but also has a selection of journaling boxes....in this case, a place to write your note. TaDa provides this type of paper for each of its collection.

If you're interested in the tutorial on this, visit Thanks Snow Much!! post on TaDa's Blog and visit the many other inspirational posts there too :0)

Thanks for taking the time to visit!
MargieH

2011 Christmas Follow Up!

2011-12-26T09:04:00.000-06:00

Hello! I hope that everyone enjoyed their holidays with family and friends...and of course, FOOD!! We had a very quiet Christmas which is how I like it! The advantage of living overseas away from your family (although has its disadvantages) is the lack of hectic traveling back and forth to everyone's home...and making sure you don't leave anyone out.

This year my husband insisted on a Japanese style Christmas. What does that mean? Well, we usually have a Japanese dinner on Christmas Eve (aka NABE) and on Christmas, I cook up a turkey dinner with the works. This year, we celebrated on Christmas Eve with fried chicken (KARAGE chicken), Japanese potato salad and club sandwiches....and of course, the Japanese Christmas Cake with champagne and red wine flowing :0)

That also included party hats and poppers...I got the wrong thing and ended up purchasing party crackers! OOops! Next year, note to self...poppers! The party hats were boring so I had each person make their own using October Afternoon's Holiday Style. LOVED how they turned out :0)

Put it all together and you have a wonderful Christmas celebration!

Thanks for stopping by!!
MargieH

Snowflake Card

2011-12-21T09:40:00.001-06:00

This is also posted on ScraPerfect Blog today...

Every year we send out family photo cards for the holidays and we still do. But this year, I created this Snowflake card in blue for a special high school friend who I just reconnected with after 30 years…the power of FaceBook! LOL!! I love how it turned out so I wanted to share with you!

I embossed a piece of 4 1/8 x 5 3/8” white shimmery cardstock with the Swiss Dot embossing folder. In its center, I cut/embossed one large S5-054 2011 Snowflake Pendants and the medium center piece nested inside to create an opening. Set aside the die cuts.

Using the same die template set, I cut/embossed another set with another white shimmery cardstock. Placed the embossed card front onto the A2 card base with The Best Glue Ever. Shifted the snowflake die cuts in the desired look and adhered. The center piece, I used foam tape. With The Embellie Gellie, I was able to place the bling perfectly in the center!

For the inside of the card, I needed an embossed sentiment. So I prepped the piece of paper where I will dump the embossing powder on by wiping with the Perfect Crafting Pouch. This will help the powder slide easily back into its container.

Next I used the Perfect Crafting Pouch on the area where I will be stamping. I used my S5-025 Labels Seventeen die template as a guide. It is very important to use the pouch because as you can see, the font is very fine - no room for mistakes! After it was heated and cooled, place the die template over the sentiment and tape with repositionable tape to secure. Cut/emboss and place in the inside of the card. You’re done!

Snowflake Card by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: WorldWin Papers; Stamp: JustRite Stampers; Embossing Powder: American Crafts; Ink: VersaMark; Bling: Prima; Dies: Spellbinders™ Paper Arts (S5-054 2011 Snowflake Pendants, S5-025 Labels Seventeen); Embossing Folder: Sizzix; Tools and Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Perfect Crafting Pouch, The Best Glue Ever, The Embellie Gellie); Other: Foam Tape

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you can get reconnected with friends and loved ones over the holiday season - it's the perfect excuse!!

Happy Holidays and may beautiful moments surround you and your family with joy!!
MargieH

Scrap-Mart 2011 Holiday Blog Hop - Last Day!!

2011-12-10T09:01:00.001-06:00

It's the last day of Scrap-Mart 2011 Holiday Blog Hop and I am sad that it's ending. For five days that started on Dec. 5th through the 10th the FUN began each day Scrap-Mart's Blog. You saw projects from our current design team as well as be introduced to next year's designers - hope you enjoyed them. We were joined in the hop by these great manufacturers:

Not only have you seen tons of holiday inspiration, each of these generous manufacturers will have prizes for you along the way. All you have to do is visit and complete the hop each day from December 5th through the 10th to be eligible to win!!

Scrap-Mart is giving away an autographed TIM HOLTZ Vagabond Die Cutting Machine, Boss Kut Gazelle Digital Die Cutter and a $500 Spellbinders™ Paper Arts Bundle!!!
To be eligible to win of one the three grand prizes, you must LIKE us on Scrap-Mart FaceBook Page and FOLLOW the Scrap-Mart Giveaway LINK. To be eligible to win the Boss Kut Gazelle, you must also LIKE Boss Kut FaceBook Page and comment on Boss Kut Blog each day of the giveaway. GOOD LUCK!!

I created a huge tag of a Christmas tree made out of buttons using October Afternoon Holiday Style Collection and cut/emboss some of Spellbinders Grand Nestabilities Die Templates! What do you think? Guess this recipient won't miss his/her gift - LOL!!

Gift Tag by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Patterned Paper, Buttons, Trim and Stickers: October Afternoon (Holiday Style Collection); Bling: Prima; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (LF-246 Grand Labels Eleven, LF-111 Grand Scalloped Ovals, LF-110 Grand Ovals); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever)

Hope you have a great Saturday - off to teach my Merry Mailbox Featuring Spellbinders Paper Arts class at Craft Fancy (Arlington Hts. IL)!!

MargieH

Scrap-Mart 2011 Holiday Blog Hop - Day 5

2011-12-09T10:49:00.000-06:00

It's Day 5 of Scrap-Mart's 2011 Holiday Blog Hop. For five days starting on Dec. 5th through the 10th the FUN will begin each day Scrap-Mart's Blog. You will see projects from our current design team as well as be introduced to next year's designers. We will be joined in the hop by these great manufacturers:

Not only will you get tons of holiday inspiration, each of these generous manufacturers will have prizes for you along the way. All you have to do is visit and complete the hop each day from December 5th through the 10th to be eligible to win!!

Scrap-Mart is giving away an autographed TIM HOLTZ Vagabond Die Cutting Machine, Boss Kut Gazelle Digital Die Cutter and a $500 Spellbinders™ Paper Arts Bundle!!!
To be eligible to win of one the three grand prizes, you must LIKE us on Scrap-Mart FaceBook Page and FOLLOW the Scrap-Mart Giveaway LINK. To be eligible to win the Boss Kut Gazelle, you must also LIKE Boss Kut FaceBook Page and comment on Boss Kut Blog each day of the giveaway. GOOD LUCK!!

And since you are here, I put together another REAL QUICK card inspired by Karen Walker who posted one on Scrap-Mart 2011 Holiday Blog Hop Day 4 (yesterday!) - her last card.

Joy by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Chalkstock, Notecard, Cord, Canvas Mini Star, Cord: Canvas Corp; Sticker: October Afternoon (Holiday Style Collection); Die: Spellbinders™ Paper Arts (S4-287 Fanciful Holiday); Pearl: Prima; Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Foam

These are the supplies I gathered to put together my card. I wrapped Canvas Corp red cord around the bottom half of the notecard and secured it by double knotting it.

Next, I placed the canvas mini star using ScraPerfect The Best Glue Ever because it is...the best, that is! It adheres to many surfaces and you will see below what other surfaces I used it on.

I cut and embossed the S4-287 Fanciful Holiday deer with chalkstock in my Spellbinders Grand Calibur® Die Cutting Machine - so beautiful! Then I added a red pearl to its nose = PERFECT!

Taking out the Best Glue Ever, I placed two layers of scrap foam from my stash in different areas of the die cut. I realized AFTER taking the picture one piece of foam decided to join another party...it was fixed! LOL!

After placing the die cut on the canvas star, I added October Afternoon's JOY sticker and it's ready for mailing!

Thank you for stopping by and have a great Friday!!
MargieH

Scrap-Mart 2011 Holiday Blog Hop - Day 4

2011-12-08T09:19:00.000-06:00

It's Day 4 of Scrap-Mart's 2011 Holiday Blog Hop. For five days starting on Dec. 5th through the 10th the FUN will begin each day Scrap-Mart's Blog. You will see projects from our current design team as well as be introduced to next year's designers. We will be joined in the hop by these great manufacturers:

Not only will you get tons of holiday inspiration, each of these generous manufacturers will have prizes for you along the way. All you have to do is visit and complete the hop each day from December 5th through the 10th to be eligible to win!!
Scrap-Mart is giving away an autographed TIM HOLTZ Vagabond Die Cutting Machine, Boss Kut Gazelle Digital Die Cutter and a $500 Spellbinders™ Paper Arts Bundle!!! To be eligible to win of one the three grand prizes, you must LIKE us on Scrap-Mart FaceBook Page and FOLLOW the Scrap-Mart Giveaway LINK. To be eligible to win the Boss Kut Gazelle, you must also LIKE Boss Kut FaceBook Page and comment on Boss Kut Blog each day of the giveaway. Good Luck!!

Here is another REAL QUICK ornament I created with Canvas Corp's yummy products - LOVE their canvas minis! Add Spellbinders S5-055 Layered Poinsettia and you're set to go - just 12 minutes on this because I had to wash my die templates! LOL!! Don't forget with Spellbinders Die Templates you can CUT, EMBOSS and STENCIL!!! With this project, the STENCIL part is important - makes the flowers stand out and you can only do that with Spellbinders Paper Arts!

Stenciling is KEY = Beautiful Results!!
Tip: I left the entire paper in throughout the cut/emboss/stencil process. This will keep the stenciling alittle less messy on my work surface.

Jolly Ornament by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: WorldWin Papers; Patterned Paper, Canvas Mini, Cord and Mini Clothes Pins: Canvas Corp; Chalk Ink: Clearsnap; Pearls: Prima; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-055 Layered Poinsettia); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Christmas Tree (lol!)

What do you think? This can also be a gift tag or maybe added to a card front...many ideas! In a pinch for an ornament, give this a try :0)

Thanks for stopping by!!
MargieH

Scrap-Mart 2011 Holiday Blog Hop - Day 3

2011-12-07T11:06:00.000-06:00

It's Day 3 of Scrap-Mart's 2011 Holiday Blog Hop. For five days starting on Dec. 5th through the 10th the FUN will begin each day Scrap-Mart's Blog. You will see projects from our current design team as well as be introduced to next year's designers. We will be joined in the hop by these great manufacturers:

Not only will you get tons of holiday inspiration, each of these generous manufacturers will have prizes for you along the way. All you have to do is visit and complete the hop each day from December 5th through the 10th to be eligible to win!!

Scrap-Mart is giving away an autographed TIM HOLTZ Vagabond Die Cutting Machine, Boss Kut Gazelle Digital Die Cutter and a $500 Spellbinders™ Paper Arts Bundle!!! To be eligible to win of one the three grand prizes, you must LIKE us on Scrap-Mart FaceBook Page and FOLLOW the Scrap-Mart Giveaway LINK. To be eligible to win the Boss Kut Gazelle, you must also LIKE Boss Kut FaceBook Page and comment on Boss Kut Blog each day of the giveaway. GOOD LUCK!!

And since you're here, I thought I put a REAL QUICK tag...ornament together - all made out of Canvas Corp. Took only 10 minutes :0)

Taking advantage of the patterns in the papers, I fussy cut the images I wanted. Then I realized I didn't have any more foam tape so I cut pieces from leftover foam in my scrap pile. True to its name, I used ScraPerfect The Best Glue Ever to adhere two pieces of foam together to create dimension to the cap and boots. Done...

Santa Claus Tag by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Chalkstock: Canvas Corp (Tags & Ties Corner Chalkstock); Patterned Papers: Canvas Corp (Santa Suits on Kraft & Words on White paper); Adhesive: ScarPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Foam

Since the tag is chalkstock, you can write in chalk "To" and "From" on the back to make it a gift tag...maybe for your teacher?! LOVE IT!!

Thanks for stopping by!!
MargieH

Scrap-Mart 2011 Holiday Blog Hop - Day 2

2011-12-06T09:11:00.002-06:00

It's Day 2 of Scrap-Mart's 2011 Holiday Blog Hop! For five days starting Dec. 5th (yesterday) through the 10th, the fun will begin each day on Scrap-Mart's Blog. You will see projects from our current design team as well as be introduced to next year's designers. We will be joined in the hop by these great manufacturers:

Canvas® Corp

Boss Kut

Heartfelt Creations™ (Dec 7th only)

Not only will you get tons of holiday inspiration, each of these generous manufacturers will have prizes for you along the way. All you have to do is visit and complete the hop each day from December 5th through the 10th to be eligible to win!!

Scrap-Mart is giving away an autographed TIM HOLTZ Vagabond Die Cutting Machine, Boss Kut Gazelle Digital Die Cutter and a $500 Spellbinders™ Paper Arts Bundle!!! To be eligible to win of one the three grand prizes, you must LIKE us on Scrap-Mart FaceBook Page and FOLLOW the Scrap-Mart Giveaway LINK. To be eligible to win the Boss Kut Gazelle, you must also LIKE Boss Kut FaceBook Page and comment on Boss Kut Blog each day of the giveaway.

On Day 2 of Scrap-Mart 2011 Holiday Blog Hop, they will feature my projects that I created from October Afternoon. Love the fun patterns and elements from them...so excited to share with you!!

Santa's Mail Box by Margie Higuchi
Featuring October Afternoon's Holiday Style Collection

Gift Bag by Margie Higuchi
Featuring October Afternoon's Holiday Style Collection

For details on how these were created, visit Scrap-Mart 2011 Holiday Blog Hop - Day 2!! Don't forget to enter the contest! Good Luck!

REMINDER: This Saturday, December 10th from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Craft Fancy (Arlington Hts., IL) is my Merry Mailbox class!! Hope you can join!!

Thanks for stopping by!!
MargieH

Scrap-Mart's 2011 Holiday Blog Hop!!

2011-12-05T09:25:00.004-06:00

It's starts TODAY!!! Hello friends! We have some great fun planned for this year's Holiday Blog Hop. It will take place Dec. 5th (today) -10th and will begin each day on Scrap-Mart's blog. You will see projects from our current design team as well as be introduced to next year's designers. We will be joined in the hop by these great manufacturers:

Happy December!!

2011-12-01T09:25:00.000-06:00

Don't know about you but I am REALLY behind on getting Christmas ON at the house...we lost our tree to yet another flood last winter...sigh. So I have to get a tree FAST!!! That also means no holiday decorations to be found...so unlike me :0( BUT I did manage to put together a MERRY MAILBOX Featuring Spellbinders™ Die Templates class for my LSS, Craft Fancy, in Arlington Hts. IL!!!

Merry MailBox Featuring Spellbinders Die Templates by Margie Higuchi
Saturday, December 10 2011 at Craft Fancy (Arlington Hts, IL)
11:00 am to 1:00 pm

One thing that you will need for this class is a glue gun. If you don't have one, you can borrow or buy yourself a gift and purchase Imaginisce's i-bond Cordless Glue Gun - I did at the store! LOL!!

I used a lot of the most recent releases from Spellbinders Paper Arts such as the S5-055 Layered Poinsettia, S4-340 Create A Flake Three and the popular Spellbinders Edgeabilities® E8-003 Classic Triple Scallop. Patterned papers are from Echo Park's Season's Greeting Collection. So I hope you can join us for a couple of creative hours!! It will be a great holiday addition to your home! Give them a call at (847)670-6095

Thanks for stopping by!! Have a good Thursday :0)
MargieH

Warm Wishes!!

2011-11-29T11:59:00.001-06:00

Hello! Hope you are not blowing away as we are here in Chicago...YIKES!! Today is my turn to post on TaDa Creative Studios' Blog and it's all about WARM...as in hot chocolate :0) I created a gift bag perfect for the theme...here's a sneak peek...

Heehee!! For the finished project, you'll have to go to my Sending Warm Wishes! post on TaDa's blog so go visit....please!!!

Head's Up: Scrap-Mart.com will be teaming up with these fabulous manufacturers to bring you a week long blog hop dedicated to Christmas-themed projects!

Boss Kut

October Afternoon™

The Rubber Cafe

Canvas® Corp

Heartfelt Creations™

Want2Scrap™

LaLa Land Crafts

Sizzix®

JustRite® Stampers

Each of the generous manufacturers will have prizes for you along the way so be sure visit and complete the hop each day from Dec. 5th through Dec. 10th to be eligible to win.

Happy Early Thanksgiving!!

2011-11-22T09:51:00.000-06:00

Because I'm not sure if I'll be posting or not before Thanksgiving...so I am wishing you all (in the U.S.) a wonderful and warm Thanksgiving wish :0)

I recently purchased Spellbinders™ Grand Template LF-010 Square Bracket Edge Box from Scrap-Mart.com. I know that the price point can be high but at Scrap-Mart.com I think it's more affordable (esp. with their monthly online coupon - wink wink!).

This die template can be used in SO MANY WAYS - think of all the gifts or home decorations that come to mind! You can customize it to your own theme and they're FUN TO CREATE WITH!! SOOOooo I created a place setting with my die template...

Thanksgiving Place Setting by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: Core'dinations; Patterned Paper: TaDa Creative Studios (Bountiful Blooms Collection); Ink: Clearsnap; Marker: EK Success; Dies and Foil: Spellbinders Paper Arts (LF-010 Square Bracket Edge Box, S5-073 Orchard Havest Tags and Accents, and F-012 Precious Metal Premium Craft Foils Assortment); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever)

What do you think? LOVED how this turned out :0) Do you have the Square Bracket Edge Box? Share your project with me by linking in my comments - would love to see!!

OH...before I forget....the winner of the JustRite Stamper giveaway is....(drum rolling)....

byondbzr said...

Congratulations! I love all the Tim Holtz products available at Scrap-Mart.com! (following ya too!)

WOOHOO!! Congratulations, Rebecca!!! Send me your address through my blog profile email, 'K? Thanks to everyone who participated :0)

Again, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! xo
I am thankful for my friends here!!
Thanks for stopping by!!

November Birthdays...

2011-11-16T19:40:00.001-06:00

I have friends who are celebrating their birthdays this month. Mostly male...my nephew, a sweet friend from the industry, Katie's husband and her twin boys...how do you create a masculine card? This is what I ended up with...

Happy Birthday!! by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: Core'dinations; Patterned Paper: Donna Salazar Designs; Clock Face: 7gypsies; Dies and Premium Craft Foil: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-048 Sprightly Sprockets, S5-049 Carnation Creations and S5-028 Nested Pennants); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Computer Font

And I even managed to get a flower in too! HA! It was cut with a patterned paper of a map and it doesn't look all that girly, right?

Also wanted to add my congratulations to fellow TaDa Creative Studios Design Team Member Lisa Watson for winning the grand prize from ScraPerfect's FaceBook Contest!!!! WOOHOO~! Congrats, Lisa!! See, sometimes it's good to know me ;0P BUT I had nothing to do with picking out the winner - just wanna clarify that point! LOL!!

Don't forget my giveaway below!! It ends tomorrow night at 11:59PM U.S. Central Standard Time - please read carefully...be a follower on my blog, visit Scrap-Mart.com and tell me what you like about it on my post below :0)

Happy birthday (Nov. 17th) to Ken Kume and Kevin Renz!!
Thanks for stopping by!!
MargieH

Scrap-Mart.com Design Team!!!

2011-11-15T22:00:00.002-06:00

I am so stinkin' excited to be a part of Scrap-Mart.com Design Team!! They are my favorite online store! While preparing dinner (not my favorite time of leisure - HA!), Design Team Coordinator Katie Piotrowski rescued me for a few minutes to call and tell me the wonderful news! WOOHOO~!

Scrap-mart.com Design Team:

Margie Higuchi (me!)

Talk about being intimidated!! YIKES! Hope I can reach into my creativity bag and keep up with these talented gals!!

To celebrate my recent apppointment, I am giving away a new set of JustRite Stampers Deck The Hall Cling set which happens to be on Scrap-Mart.com's JustRite Cling page.

TO ENTER:

Be a FOLLOWER on my blog
VISIT Scrap-Mart.com - what do you like about the site (i.e. I like that they offer Copic refills or they offer Spellbinders at a reasonable price...)
Make your COMMENT on THIS POST to enter (DEADLINE: Thursday, November 17th at 11:59PM U.S. Central Standard Time)
INTERNATIONAL entries are WELCOME!!

If you missed your chance to win here, go to their JustRite Stamper Cling Page to order one for you - they offer FREE SHIPPING on this particular item. Join their email list to receive your month 40% coupon. How can you pass up a deal like that?! LOL!!

Thanks for stopping by!!
MargieH

Thank You, Veterans!!

2011-11-11T09:05:00.001-06:00

Today also marks a very important day...Veterans Day. For those of my friends outside of the U.S., Veterans Day is an annual holiday here that honors our military veterans. It started after World War I ended with the Germans signing an armistice (a truce) on the 11th hour on the 11th day on the 11th month of the year (1918). So many thanks and gratitude to our Veterans and their families!!

Speaking of Veterans Day, it is my turn to post on TaDa Creative Studios' FaceBook Page (please go visit and "LIKE" them if you are a FAN) so I thought it was most appropriate to create a card to commemorate this important day...

Stars N Stripe by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: The Paper Company; Patterned Paper: TaDa Creative Studios (Star Spangled Banner paper, Festivus Collection); Embossing Folder: Sizzix; Ribbon: DCWV; Button: Tessa Ann Designs; Bakers Twine: Divine Twine; Tool: ScorPal; Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever)

I created the medallion to reflect a military theme - did it work? It turned out better than I thought. The pleated papers were used from the same patterned paper from TaDa - love how the flags look! Oh! The star embossed button is over the top wonderful - it's handmade by Tessa Ann Designs and is full of glitter :0)

ETA: I wanted to add that I am including this card for Paper Craft's Championing Award Medallions Challenge in the Moxie Fab World!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Hope you have a great 11-11-11 and a wonderful weekend!
MargieH

I am heartbroken...

2011-11-07T16:18:00.000-06:00

My heart is heavy with grief as I write this...a dear friend through this wonderful world of paper crafting, Katie Renz has passed away early this morning.

Katie Renz at 2010 Winter CHA
photo by Vicki Conquest (thank you for capturing the TRUE Katie!!)

Thankfully she passed peacefully in her sleep and was surrounded by her family until the very end. I will truly miss this bubbly personality landing in my email box from time to time...I only wished that I had met her face-to-face over coffee.

Do you know Katie Renz? Would you like to send a card to her family? Please join me in sending sympathy cards to:

The Renz Family

PO Box 5913

Bellingham, WA 98227-5913

This little tidbit, I read on my friend, Kimberly Crawford's blog:

"Also, in case you're interested, the twins, Nate and Will, will be turning 6 on Nov. 19th and Hunter will be 12 on Dec. 1. It would be wonderful if we could shower them with cards for their special day, just like their mom would do. Kevin's birthday is November 17."

Keeping my prayers of comfort for the Renz and the Emerson family. She will be truly missed...rest in peace, my dear sweet Katie...Heaven is lucky to have an angel like you!!! xo

Happy Linky Day!!

2011-11-07T07:59:00.000-06:00

JustRite Stampers is having their very first Linky Party!! This is a great opportunity to share your JustRite Christmas projects. The Linky Party is a week long party - although mine is at the tail end of it (tomorrow is the last day). If you want to join in, go tot JustRite Stampers' Linky Party.

I used JustRite Stampers Deck The Halls Stamp Set and Spellbinders Die Template - S4-334 2011 Heirloom Ornaments.

And came up with this shaped window card...

Deck The Halls by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: WorldWin Papers; Patterned Paper: Authentique Paper (Wonder Collection); Stamp: JustRite Stampers (Deck The Halls); Ink: Clearsnap, VersaMark; Embossing Powder: Sparkle N' Sprinkle; Ribbon: Offray; Adhesive: ScraPefect (The Best Glue Ever); Tool: ScorPal and ScrapPerfect (Perfect Crafting Pouch and Embellie Gellie); Die: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-334 2011 Heirloom Ornament); Other: Foam Tape, Button

Here are some steps that might help when you make your own shaped window card...

It's always handy to have repositionable tape - no slipping or sliding for this die template! And I can use the die cuts for other projects :0)

I used another pattern for the card but you get the idea - lol!! You can't see here but I inked the cut edges of the die template for a reverse stencil on the embossed edges. I love that I can cut, emboss and stencil with Spellbinders dies!!

Before I go...I need to say HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to the most wonderful partner a girl can ever have - LOVE YOU HOSHO!!! xo Nineteen years ago, this guy and I got hitched...it's been a FUN 19 years and hoping for many more to come!!!

Authentique October Color Challenge

2011-11-02T18:26:00.000-05:00

Last minute I decided to enter my take on Authentique Paper's October Color Challenge. This is the color combination we were to be inspired by...

At first I was stumped...maybe because I had Halloween in my brain at the time. All that came to mind was Frankenstein! LOL!!! So making the black and cream as my main colors, I used a touch of green and came up with this gift box...

Blossom Gift Box by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: The Paper Company; Patterned Paper: Authentique Paper; Ink: Clearsnap; Dies: Spellbinders™ Paper Arts (LF-010 Square Bracket Edge Box, S4-351 Spiral Blossoms One and S5-055 Layered Poinsettia); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever)

What do you think? I LOVE how this turned out. Great for birthdays, Mother's Day...any day! I used three different collections for this project - Glowing (box top), Blissful (blossom) and Wonder (leaf).

Thanks for stopping by!
MargieH

Happy Halloween!!

2011-10-30T22:50:00.003-05:00

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

Tuesday Trigger: Finesse the Dress Challenge

2011-10-23T22:51:00.002-05:00

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

A Happy Accident?

2011-10-17T10:33:00.013-05:00

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

It's October...nearer to Halloween!

2011-10-12T11:23:00.000-05:00

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

TaDa Happenings - Oct 2011

2011-10-04T09:34:00.000-05:00

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

2011 World Card Making Day - Part 2!

2011-10-02T09:27:00.003-05:00

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

2011 World Card Making Day!!

2011-10-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

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

Circle of Butterflies on TaDa Creative Studios

2011-09-29T10:26:00.000-05:00

Hi all!

Today is my turn to post on TaDa Creative Studios Blog. I had a Spellbinders die template I was "die"-ing to use...sorry...couldn't resist...haven't had my coffee yet ;0P They introduced it in their 2011 Summer CHA release - S4-329 Butterflies Circles.

Circle of Butterflies Shaped Card by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: The Paper Company; Patterned Papers: TaDa Creative Studios (BFF and Sizzlin' Summer Collections); Tool: ScorPal; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-329 Butterfiles Circles and S4-320 Nested Butterflies Two); Adhesive: The Best Glue Ever

You can create this look too! Visit A Circle of Butterflies post on the TaDa Creative Studios Blog for the tutorial.

Thanks for stopping by!
MargieH

Hobby Craft Fair in NAGOYA JAPAN!!

2011-09-26T09:08:00.003-05:00

名古屋三越星が丘店にメモリープレイスが出店！
ホビークラフトアートフェアin 名古屋。
9月28日～10月3日開催。
スクラップブッキング体験できます。
案内は、ここです（日本語で）。

To all my friends in the NAGOYA/AIICHI PREF area or even in Japan (lol!!), there is a Hobby Craft Fair at the MITSUKOSHI Department Store - HOSHI GA OKA location starting this week.

WHERE: 8th Floor
WHEN: September 28 (Wed) - October 3 (Mon)/10:00am - 7:00pm
GENERAL ADMISSION: Free

One of my favorite stores, Memory Place the store, will have a booth there. BONUS: they will have some of Spellbinders™ Paper Arts newest releases and classic shapes available for purchase!!!!! BE ONE OF THE FIRST IN JAPAN TO OWN THESE!!!! How exciting :0)

I created this shaped card to be displayed in the booth using some FABULOUS Spellbinders die templates :0) Not only do these die templates cut, emboss and stencil but they work well as I ink INSIDE the edges of the die templates to create a letter press effect - one of my favorite technique :)

O'Christmas Tree by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: WorldWin Papers; Patterned Papers: My Mind's Eye; Ink: Clearsnap; Pearls: Kaiser; Glitter: Ranger; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-161 Labels One, S4-287 Fanciful Holiday); Adhesive and Tool: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever and The Embellie Gellie); Other: Foam Tape and Larger Pearls

At the booth, there will be a Halloween mini book make 'n take. If you're interested, please register at the booth - first come, first serve basis. Make'n take time is about 40 mins.

Halloween Mini Book
Date: Sept 29 (Thu) & Sept 30 (Fri)
Time: Between 10:00am - 6:00pm
Fee: Y(en) 1,050

Also at their booth, a mini book class will be offered by Instructor/Designer Toshie Nagatsuka using Bo Bunny and Core'dinations papers.

Elegant Mini Book Class
Date: Oct 1 (Sat) & Oct 2 (Sun)
Times: 10:30am, 1:00pm, 3:30pm
Fee: Y 3,360

If you plan to sign up for the class, you will need to bring the following:　Paper Trimmer, Scissors, Inch Ruler, Liquid Adhesive, Tape Adhesive, Marker/Pen, Needle, Paper Piecer (めうち), Bone Folder and Sand Block or Sand Paper (basic scrapbooking tool kit).

Wish I was there!!

2011 World Card Making Day!

2011-09-20T08:20:00.000-05:00

Can't believe it's already coming up on October 1st! If you participated last year, you know there is a contest with this event :)

For more details, look at 2011 World Card Making Day Card Contest. Speaking of cards, I've been madly creating some cards and samples for a Japanese craft show in NAGOYA - my friends at Memory Place will be exhibiting there. I can't show all of them but I'd like to show one of my favorite ones.

Pink Doily card by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: WorldWin Papers; Stamp: My Mind's Eye; Embossing Ink: VersaMark/TSUKINEKO; Embossing Powder: Sparkle N' Sprinkle; Pearl: Prima; Die: Spellbinders™ Paper Arts (S4-346 Labels Twenty-Two); Adhesive and Tools: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever, The Embellie Gellie & The Perfect Crafting Pouch)

One of my favorite stamp images - so pretty and sparkles so well with the pink glitter embossing powder. Love how it picks up the fine details!

So I hope you join in on all the fun on October 1st for 2011 World Card Making Day! I'll be at a crop and hopefully creating some fun cards! What about you?

Ten Years on 9-11

2011-09-10T22:58:00.003-05:00

Can't believe it's been 10 years...seems like days...we were near by on the NJ side as our townhome was right on the Hudson River facing Manhattan (upper west side). The play backs of that day on the TV just hits too close to home for me.

I refuse to look back at the fear/terror, I look to the good in all this. Like NY/NJ residents opening their homes to perfect strangers when they were walking on the bridges out of NYC. Some couldn’t walk any more, some needed water or a phone to call loved ones.

Yesterday, I received the following email from the MeetUp group which I'd like to share - this is what I'm talking about - the good...

"Fellow Meetuppers,

I don't write to our whole community often, but this week is special because it's the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and many people don't know that Meetup is a 9/11 baby.

Let me tell you the Meetup story. I was living a couple miles from the Twin Towers, and I was the kind of person who thought local community doesn't matter much if we've got the internet and tv. The only time I thought about my neighbors was when I hoped they wouldn't bother me.

When the towers fell, I found myself talking to more neighbors in the days after 9/11 than ever before. People said hello to neighbors (next-door and across the city) who they'd normally ignore. People were looking after each other, helping each other, and meeting up with each other. You know, being neighborly.

A lot of people were thinking that maybe 9/11 could bring people together in a lasting way. So the idea for Meetup was
born: Could we use the internet to get off the internet -- and grow local communities?

We didn't know if it would work. Most people thought it was a crazy idea -- especially because terrorism is designed to make people distrust one another.

A small team came together, and we launched Meetup 9 months after 9/11.

Today, almost 10 years and 10 million Meetuppers later, it's working. Every day, thousands of Meetups happen. Moms Meetups, Small Business Meetups, Fitness Meetups... a wild variety of 100,000 Meetup Groups with not much in common -- except one thing.

Every Meetup starts with people simply saying hello to neighbors. And what often happens next is still amazing to me. They grow businesses and bands together, they teach and motivate each other, they babysit each other's kids and find other ways to work together. They have fun and find solace together. They make friends and form powerful community. It's powerful stuff.

It's a wonderful revolution in local community, and it's thanks to everyone who shows up.

Meetups aren't about 9/11, but they may not be happening if it weren't for 9/11.

9/11 didn't make us too scared to go outside or talk to strangers. 9/11 didn't rip us apart. No, we're building new community together!!!!

The towers fell, but we rise up. And we're just getting started with these Meetups.

Scott Heiferman
(on behalf of 80 people at Meetup HQ)
Co-Founder & CEO, Meetup New York City September 2011"

Thanks Scott!

Thanks for stopping by. Hug your loved ones a little harder today!
MargieH xo

One Year Ago...

2011-09-06T09:13:00.000-05:00

On FaceBook last night, I wrote "One year ago today...love and miss you so much, dad..." and the loving words of support from my friends (even the ones that lurk! lol!) poured in. WOW. Thank you - I needed that. I have to say the power of FaceBook is amazing :0)

I posted A Tribute to My Dad last September and it was a nice reminder of what my dad was all about. Also in that post, I included a picture of him that I took the day I left for home - it was the only picture during my stay that he looked his best. Today I'd like to share an ATC I created using his picture from his school days (I think junior high or high school) in the late 1930s to early 40s...

Dad by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Patterned Paper: Donna Salazar; Dies, Punches (dad) and craft foils: Spellbinders™ Paper Arts; Embellishment: Advantus; Adhesive: ScraPerfect

We had a small family memorial service at home - it's handy to have a Buddhist priest as your hubby! LOL!! The rest of the family held the memorial service at the family temple in Japan so he was "covered" on both countries :0)

Never created an ATC with a picture in it. Have you? I like this idea and plan to use it more often!

Thanks for stopping by!

Rolling Along with TaDa Creative Studios

2011-08-31T10:11:00.000-05:00

Hi, all!

Today is my turn at TaDa Creative Studio's blog. I've seen this technique done before but never had the opportunity to try it out until now...rolled paper! This is what I created...

Well, Hello! by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: Recollection; Patterned Papers: TaDa Creative Studios (Frozen Tozen Collection); Marker: ZIG Writer; Stamp: The Cat's Pajamas; Ink: Ranger; Adhesive & Tool: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever & The Embellie Gellie)

For detailed step-outs, go to Rolling Along at TaDa Creative Studios' Blog and I will show you how easy this is!

Hope everyone is doing well. Cannot believe it's the last day of August!! Where did the time go? LOL!!

As always, thanks for stopping by! I appreciate your comments :0)
MargieH

A Day with Julie Balzer :0)

2011-08-30T11:33:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I hung out with the FABULOUS Julie Balzer! She was in town for the 2011 CREATE Chicago Mixed Media Retreat workshops by Cloth Paper Scissors and Quilting Arts this past weekend. Thanks to Hurricane Irene, Julie ened up with an extra day in Chicago so off to The Art Institute of Chicago! I was thrilled that we could hook up and spend some time being inspired!

First we checked out The Modern Wing which was newest part of the Institute (open May 2009). VERY COOL!! Good timing too - they had a one-hour tour of the wing so we tagged along a bit before going off on our own.

Vater Staat by Thomas Schutte
Translates to "father state"

We had lunch at the Terzo Piano At The Art Institute of Chicago which has a wonderful view of the surrounding areas including Lake Michigan! Very relaxing lunch :0)

And right outside of the restaurant, look what we came across! WOW~! Had to get a picture of Julie with this wonderful FUN art!

Restless Rainbow by Pae White

Such an ARTful gal to hang out with! Thanks, Julie, for all the information and ideas to inspire me with. And speaking of information, please visit Julie's blog post on her adventures at the Institute!

I hope you have a safe trip back home!
MargieH xo

P.S. I'll be PM'ing you with pictures soon!

Let The Routine Begin!

2011-08-23T08:40:00.000-05:00

Routine for me or the boys? LOL!!

Happy First Day of School, boys!!

Today is the first day of school for my boys. My youngest is entering high school this year...sigh. I hope they enjoy their high school and that they stay in one school! I, on the other hand, attended three high schools (York Community H.S., Elmhurst IL; Franklin Road Academy, Nashville TN; Am. School In Japan, Tokyo JPN) so you can imagine when I see a classmate, I sometimes pause to think which school he/she is from! LOL!!

Kwansei Gakuin University Chicago Dinner

Speaking of school, my husband's university chancellor was in the country along with the alumni director. Yes, the chancellor is female and an American! LOL!! My husband's unversity has an American/international background in its founding. Don't let the looks fool you - her Japanese is PERFECT!! After all the preparation and hard work, the dinner was a success. It was held at Maggianos in Schuamburg IL in one of the upstairs rooms....BEAUTIFUL! I was thrilled to hear that Chancellor Grubel is also an international school graduate, Nagoya Int'l School! Having an international school background, no matter what school, creates such a wonderful bond of friendship.

My ePub at Scrapbooking & Beyond!

I have an ePub in Scrapbooking & Beyond Magazine.com's projects page! Look for the title: "How to Scrapbook Using Homemade Adhesive Dots." My "Faith" card is featured and it shows how I used ScraPerfect products to put together one of my favorite projects.

My promise of a giveaway!

To celebrate and who doesn't like a celebation! Amy (ScraPerfect's owner) has a contest over at ScraPerfect FaceBook Page!

The Details:

TO WIN A PRIZE??? Just head over to ScraPerfect Facebook Page, find our "Want to Win a Prize" post and tell us where you heard about this contest for ScraPerfect Products. We'd also like to hear questions or comments about our Magically Perfect Craft Products...Where's you first heard about them? What do you love about them? How you use them most?....

THE PRIZE: The Best Glue Ever, Embellie Gellie, Perfect Crafting Pouch and two Perfect Cleaning Cloths.

CONTEST DETAILS: Contest ends November 15, 2011. Winner will be drawn at random from Facebook posts. Paid shipping to the US, as well as Israel & Brazil where our Design Team Members are based AND they can invite their friends to join in! How cool!!

It's been awhile!

2011-08-18T17:57:00.000-05:00

SORRY!!! I feel so bad it's been a month since I last updated!! Being summer, lots of things have been happening on the home front.

First off to LA to see my brother, Dave, and picked up my mom who stayed with us for a month. Both live in Japan. Bonus: an international school get together was happening that weekend in LA! Saw classmates that I haven't seen since high school graduation (let's just say over 25 years but who's counting - HA!

Then, Craft & Hobby Assoc. (CHA) Conference & Trade Show...

My oldest son is learning to drive! WAHHAA~! He's enjoying it. It's another step towards growing up...look at that happy face! Hold on to your wallet, dear dad (aka insurance rates)! LOL!!

My mom and my brother, Dan, with his family for a VERY short visit with us. His boys were in summer camp here in the U.S. and were leaving from Chicago O'Hare the next day. My mom left the day after for Japan too :0(

Manufacturers' Events at Scrapbook News and Review Magazine has started but prepping for them has been hectic to say the least. So far, they have featured four - I have been fortunate enough to design for three of them :0) Lots of work and planning behind the scenes, I appreciate the leaders, organizers and the MI admin. for all the hours they put into it. We just had a SRM Press Inc. Event - amazing sticker manufacturer yesterday. Go take a look yourselves BUT IT WILL BE THERE FOR A LIMITED TIME (I think until next Wednesday, the 24th) so look NOW!!

Door County Wisconsin Vacation! Hosho decided to take us to Door County (only two days' notice - YIKES!) and he made all the arrangements! After a hectic few months, he thought the family needed a break (esp. ME!). I have a great DH but I'm bias! HA!! This was a sunset night at Egg Harbor WI. So peaceful and relaxing - loved it!!

Next adventure...the first day of school! I have two high schoolers now and they are on the same schedule this year! Our town has two school districts: one for elementary schools/junior high schools and the other is just high schools. Can you imagine trying to get the right kid to school while the other has a day off?! LOL!!

Are you still with me? OK as a reward - next post (give me a few days - lol!!) will be a giveaway so stay tuned!!

Playing Catch Up!

2011-07-15T07:19:00.001-05:00

WHOA~! Quite the absence...sorry! Two BIG reasons: CHA and MOM! What a combo! LOL!!

CHA:

Spellbinders™ and Edgeabilities®!! SO EXCITED about these die templates and I will let the lovely ladies give you all the 411. SO MUCH to tell so they divided them into three segments.

If you can't see it, click on Edgeabilities: Revealing the Secret link.

Again, if you cannot see it, click on Spellbinders Edgeabilities Mix "n" Match link.

If you can't see the video, please click on Edgeabilities How To Techniques link.

MOM:

SO with all this excitement going on, I had to cut out and go to LA last weekend (coming and leaving with the ROYAL COUPLE...well, our timing was the same! Thank goodness, traffic was NOT a problem for me).

My brother had business in CA/TX and brought my mom with from Japan. We wanted her out of the heat and in safer air so she's staying with me in Chicago for a month. I just had to pick her up in LA!!! I had a total of a day and a half so we made the best of it. Once I touched down, we hit one of the shopping areas in the South Bay area and had dinner in Torrance. The next morning, we were off to The Getty Center (fondly called The Getty) for a few hours. If you haven't been, OMGosh...it's beautiful!!!

Some of the buildings and BLUE skies!

My brother, Dave, and MOM!!

From the third level, you see this garden...looks like a postcard!

Afterwards, we dropped mom off at the hotel to rest and the sibs went to an international school gathering in Torrance to see some friends that I haven't seen in 20+ years!!! WOW!

All the American School In Japan (ASIJ) alumni that attended the party
(one in front doesn't count! LOL!)

My classmates!! Miss them already! xo

So jammed packed and that's what has been keeping me busy and off the streets! HA!

Hope you all are having a wonderful week! Those of you going to CHA, come visit me!! I'll be at TaDa Creative Studios' Booth #1315 from 11am to 1pm (Tue & Wed) doing a cute MnT :0)

Happy 4th of JULY!!

2011-07-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

WOW! It's already July! As we closer to the 2011 Summer CHA (Craft & Hobby Assoc.) trade show, the less time I have to update my blog so please forgive the lag time in between now and the end of July. BUT I will do my best to keep up :0)

On the occasion of the 4th, Scrapbook News and Review Magazine's front page features the holiday as a reminder of what the theme is all about! Go over to "A Little Red, White & Blue For You" and not only read it but enjoy the artwork too. I created a couple...here's one of them but you'll have to go there to see the others...so lucky to be part of this talented group.

BBQ Invite by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Patterned Paper and Stamp: We R Memory Keepers; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-110 Classic Ovals LG & S5-029 Nested Lacey Pennants); Ink: TSUKINEKO; Marker: ZIG EK Success; Tool: Scor-Pal; Adhesive: ScarPerfect (Best Glue Ever); Other: white cardstock, ribbon and foam tape

Have a wonderful 4th of July with family and friends!!

Want to shout out to our military and their families for their service and unselfish commitment to our country - THANK YOU & BLESS YOU!! xo

My Girl Gift Bag Set - TaDa Creative Studios

2011-06-24T06:54:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a chance to celebrate with Creating Keepsakes Magazine's FaceBook 40K Fan-Fare Party! Looks like some awesome prizes :0)

Today is my turn on the TaDa Creative Studio Blog! I am addicted to these mini sacks that I purchased from a craft store...heehee! So I altered one and created a tag to go with. Here's a sneak peek...

That's all I'm showing you - HA! For the rest of the project and the tutorial, you'll have to visit My Girl Gift Bag and Tag Set!

Tomorrow is my Grand Birthday Cards And Box class at Craft Fancy - WOOHOOO!! I think I have almost a full house so if you're interested, it's not too late! Or if you can't make it, purchase a kit and they will be more than happy to send it to you. Save shipping and pick it up at the store :0)

TGIF!!
As always, THANK YOU for taking time to stop by!! xo

TaDa Updates!!

2011-06-22T10:37:00.000-05:00

Just announced on TaDa Creative Studios Blog that they will participate in Creating Keepsakes FaceBook event tomorrow!! What event - CK's 40K Fan-Fare Party! They are celebrating their reaching over 40,000 fans - isn't that amazing?! WOW! Of course, there will be some giveaways - yes, TaDa will be participating in that department! LOL!!

To participate, you need to go to Creating Keepsakes FaceBook page for details, and then become a fan of TaDa Creative Studios FaceBook page. Easy Peasy!! Good luck~!

Another annoucement - CHA!!!!!!!!!

TaDa Creative Studios will be exhibiting their newest releases at the Summer 2011 Craft & Hobby Assoc. (CHA) trade show (BOOTH #1315) and we (the DT) are so excited to get our hands on them!!!!!!!! WOOHOO~! We have an idea of what it will be coming down the pipes BUT we haven't seen them yet.

So we will be just as excited as you will be starting on July 1st!! Mark your calendar to visit TaDa Creative Studios Blog - OK?!

Look What I Made!

2011-06-20T12:03:00.000-05:00

OMGosh, so many new products at Craft Fancy when I visited on Saturday. Too many to list but visit the Craft Fancy Blog and they have a little run down of sneak peeks leading up to Saturday. This is what I made at their make'n take - mainly Memory Box (patterned papers, die and stamp)...

Butterfly Card by Memory Box/Marnie Bushmole

Carol (owner) hard at work! Congrats on your third year of business!!

Got to have cupcakes to celebrate! Hey, one's missing (COUGH it was yummy COUGH)!

Crafters hard at work but in good hands with Marnie & April!

Had a great time catching up with friends and making new ones :0) I also came home with a few things and a lighter wallet...heehee!!

Have a great Monday!! xo

Happy Birthday, Craft Fancy!!

2011-06-17T08:40:00.000-05:00

If you are in the Chicago area/Arlington Hts. this Saturday on the 18th (tomorrow!), I hope you come and join Craft Fancy's third birthday celebration!

I just got their newsletter and saw the blurb about my class on the 25th ~ WOOHOOO!! So excited to be teaching!! A little typo: the class starts at 11:00am to 1:00pm (not noon). So sign up soon :0)

One of the cards we will be creating! (Photo Courtesy of Craft Fancy)

Will you be there - hope so! See you there!!

First ScraPerfect Post!!

2011-06-09T17:53:00.000-05:00

Yeah! I've been waiting on pins and needles about my first ScraPerfect blog post. The theme is red, white, blue and GREEN! But not really the color green but to re-use some things around my messy...er, creative table. LOL!!

Challenge: to re-use what's on the table! Since I just created my Memorial Day card, I thought why not use the leftovers to create a thank you for an upcoming 4th of July gathering?! That's all the hints I'm giving you! You'll have to visit ScraPerfect's Blog!

Have a great day...we are having some fierce storms since last night and will continue till Saturday morning = YUK!

Class of 2011 (8th GR) graduate!!

2011-06-07T13:41:00.001-05:00

SO proud that he graduated and completed his 8th grade year last night. Now off to high school!! A new phase in life as he gets closer to college - YIKES!!

It was a hot evening in that gym with only two commercial fans. Lucky that he listened and wore a short sleeved dress shirt - yeah, mom, you were right as he watched his classmates sweat in their long sleeves under those heavy musty gowns! LOL!! Ended with a wonderful dinner at our favorite Japanese restaurant - it was a good night!

Speaking of graduation...my oldest son is on the high school varsity tennis team and his team captain was graduating. So I whipped up a card, slipped some $$ in the pocket and off to the graduation party! I really liked how it turned out since the recipient was a guy, it works...right? The colors are their high school colors - had to include in there some way.

Congratulations by Margie Higuchi
Supplies: Cardstock: Core'dinations; Patterned Paper: Glitz; Stamp: JustRite Stampers; Ink: Tsukineko; Marker: atyou Spica; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-114 Standard Circles LG, S4-116 Standard Circles SM, S4-126 Classic Squares LG, S5-028 Nested Pennants); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (Best Glue Ever)

Inside the card, I created a pocket to hold the graduation money with a little "celebrate" accent and on the other side, I cut/embossed a white square edged in black ink for Taka to write a little note...not pictured because he was still writing! LOL!!

For those of you who are celebrating a special graduate in your life - CONGRATULATIONS!! Many, many successes in your future!!!

Craft Fancy Class - JUNE 25th

2011-06-05T08:52:00.000-05:00

For those of you who live in the Chicago area, I will be teaching a birthday card set in honor of Craft Fancy's birthday! Unfortunately I can only teach this class ONE TIME - JUNE 25th because of my family coming in from Japan this summer. BUT they will be offering this class online CONTACT CRAFT FANCY to purchase your kit!

Want to see what you'll be creating? It's all about Spellbinders™!!! It will include using some of the Grand Nestabilities® and the Grand Calibur™...thus the name GRAND BIRTHDAY CARDS AND BOX!!!!!

Grand Birthday Cards & Box Class
June 25th @ Craft Fancy (Arlington Hts, IL)
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Contact Craft Fancy to reserve your spot - they are limited in numbers. Come join me and let me show you all the FUN things you can create with the Grand Nestabilities and the Grand Calibur!!!

Appreciation...

2011-05-30T00:25:00.000-05:00

Is what I feel for our military. Although Memorial Day is to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, I want to also honor those who are with us now. So to those brave men and women in the military and their supportive families, I appreciate and honor you all today.

SPECIAL THANKS goes out to those who helped Japan during those first few weeks of the earthquake/TSUNAMI disaster and even now as they continue the work there.

Thank You by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Spellbinders: LF-001 Creative Book Pages & S4-092 Stars Five; Cardstock: Core'dinations; Patterned Paper: TaDa Creative Studios (Star Spangled Banner Paper, Festivus Collection); Stamp: Lawn Fawn; Ink: Ranger; Adhesive: ScraPerfect (Best Glue Ever); Other: white cardstock

I used Spellbinders Creative Book Pages die template designed by Donna Salazar as the card base. It is a little larger (6 1/8 x 6 1/2") than an A2 card. With the Stars Five, I made a window card and cut/embossed star frames to give the card a little kick. Here's a look at the inside of the card.

A few days ago, I received my designer's kit from ScraPerfect and wanted to use The Best Glue Ever on my card. There are many applications but I started from the beginning. As recommended by the Company, I did the following steps:

When twisting the top off, you will find a seal. Pull the seal off and place the top back on the bottle. Without squeezing the bottle, shake the glue to the tip. You don't need that much glue...I dotted glue on my project. No wrinkles and it dries clear & fast! Next time, I will try and make those HUGE glue rounds :0)

Thanks for stopping by!
I hope you and your family have a wonderful day!!

Scrapbook News & Review Magazine (SNR) - Featured Project!!

2011-05-27T09:26:00.000-05:00

Must've missed this since it was crazy busy last week...my little tag that I created for SNR's newsletter "7 Days of Artsy Fun" is featured on SNR's blog! So excited! This what I created...

Happiness Flower Tag by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: Core'dinations; Patterned Paper: TaDa Creative Studios; Ink: Ranger, Clearsnap & Stampin' Up; Pen: Stampin' Up; Pearls: Prima; Embossing Folders: Provo Craft; Dies: Spellbinders; Tool: Creative Memories; Other: floral pick, sandpaper and white cardstock

If you would like to see step outs on how this tag was made, it's posted in detail on the Happiness Flower Tag on SNR's blog! I hope it inspires you to create this flower with your own flair and incorporate into your projects!

Thanks, SNR!

Dynamic Duo Blog Hop - LAST DAY!!!

2011-05-27T09:25:00.000-05:00

Alrighty! This is the LAST DAY for this blog hop and it's triple play :0) I hope you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed creating and hoping it! Make sure to follow the rules and GOOD LUCK!!

Don’t miss out on the Dynamic Duo Blog Hop

A TaDa Creative Studios and Punky Sprouts Mini-book Bonanza

May 16th-27th

DETAILS:

Receive a chance to win FREE products!!
Each day go to the following blogs for new inspiration:
TaDa Creative Studios
Punky Sprouts
Post comments to show your participation.

At the end of the 12-day hop, please go to each manufacture’s blog (TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts) and post a comment telling them your favorite album style and favorite paper collection used in the samples shown during the hop. Your name will then be entered in a drawing to win both! Three (3) winners will be picked!

TODAY'S BLOGS TO VISIT:
Punky Sprouts Design Team Member - Shelly Mitchell and Erica Hettwer
TaDa Creative Studios Design Team Member - Lisa Watson

Good luck!
TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts

Dynamic Duo Blog Hop - Day 11!!!

2011-05-26T07:30:00.002-05:00

WOW, tomorrow is the last day for the blog hop and I wonder who the winners will be! Could it be you - well, you won't know unless you play, right! Good Luck!!

Don’t miss out on the Dynamic Duo Blog Hop

A TaDa Creative Studios and Punky Sprouts Mini-book Bonanza

May 16th-27th

DETAILS:

Receive a chance to win FREE products!!
Each day go to the following blogs for new inspiration:
TaDa Creative Studios
Punky Sprouts
Post comments to show your participation.

At the end of the 12-day hop, please go to each manufacture’s blog (TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts) and post a comment telling them your favorite album style and favorite paper collection used in the samples shown during the hop. Your name will then be entered in a drawing to win both! Three (3) winners will be picked!

TODAY'S BLOGS TO VISIT:
TaDa Creative Studios Design Team Members
Christy Davis and Stacey Hansen

NOTE:
Looks like Blogger was at it again.
For a couple of days, it wouldn't let you post. I think it's been corrected so please try again!
We appreciate your time to comment :0)
AND
Life gets in the way sometimes so there may be a delay in posting.
Please keep trying! Thank you!!!

Good luck!
TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts

Hello, ScraPerfect!!

2011-05-26T03:45:00.002-05:00

I am so excited to be on ScraPerfect's first Design Team! As a paper crafter, one always need adhesive for a project, right?

ScraPerfect caught my eye because of its unique formula in their "Best Glue Ever." It can be applied to many media such as plastic, metal, wood, fabric and of course, paper. It dries without wrinkling the paper. You can make glue round adhesives. I mean little to HUGE!!! So those round flowers that I always wanted to try, I can!

Another product they offer is the Embellie Gellie product. It's a pick up embellishment wand that you don't have to worry about it melting and being goopy (in warm weather) or cracking (in cold weather). See that pink case? Inside houses the element that make your Embellie Gellie last you a LONG~~ time!

Something I always like to carry in my tote bag is a cleaning cloth. ScraPerfect has a product called "Perfect Cleaning Cloth." This cloth erases finger prints off of photos as well clean eyeglasses, camera lenses and acrylic albums. When it gets soiled, I can throw it in the machine to clean and reuse again.

Lastly, ScraPerfect has a product called the "Perfect Crafting Pouch" which will help with my heat embossing projects and for printing evenly on vellum, ribbon, glossy paper among many more media! This pouch pictured above is the larger size and covers an entire sheet of vellum or paper. There is a smaller one appropriately named "Little Pouch."

In my submission to ScraPerfect, I sent three projects created with different media and showed how well ScraPerfect would fit into my projects. I can only share two as the third project is selected to be featured in a new scrapbook TV show called Scrapbook Soup. I don't have all the information on this new show but once I find out, I'll post about it!

BU (Bradley Univ., IL) Banner by Margie Higuchi
Shows how I use acrylic media - this is one of my products I designed a couple of years ago with LaserLine Cuts (acrylic triangles - Plain Jane by Margie Higuchi)

I am very excited to join ScraPerfect's Design Team and look forward to showing everyone how versatile these products can be in your crafting needs!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Dynamic Duo Blog Hop - Day 10!!!

2011-05-25T08:16:00.001-05:00

Don’t miss out on the Dynamic Duo Blog Hop

A TaDa Creative Studios and Punky Sprouts Mini-book Bonanza

May 16th-27th

DETAILS:

Receive a chance to win FREE products!!
Each day go to the following blogs for new inspiration:
TaDa Creative Studios
Punky Sprouts
Post comments to show your participation.

At the end of the 12-day hop, please go to each manufacture’s blog (TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts) and post a comment telling them your favorite album style and favorite paper collection used in the samples shown during the hop. Your name will then be entered in a drawing to win both! Three (3) winners will be picked!

TODAY'S BLOGS TO VISIT:
Punky Sprouts Design Team Member - Candice McLean
TaDa Creative Studios Design Team Member - Marianne Luken

Good luck!
TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts

Dynamic Duo Blog Hop - Day 9!!

2011-05-24T09:13:00.000-05:00

We're getting closer to some great prizes...three more days left!

Don’t miss out on the Dynamic Duo Blog Hop

A TaDa Creative Studios and Punky Sprouts Mini-book Bonanza

May 16th-27th

DETAILS:

Receive a chance to win FREE products!!
Each day go to the following blogs for new inspiration:
TaDa Creative Studios
Punky Sprouts
Post comments to show your participation.

At the end of the 12-day hop, please go to each manufacture’s blog (TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts) and post a comment telling them your favorite album style and favorite paper collection used in the samples shown during the hop. Your name will then be entered in a drawing to win both! Three (3) winners will be picked!

TODAY'S BLOGS TO VISIT:
Punky Sprouts Design Team Member - Nana Campana
TaDa Creative Studios Design Team Member - Peggy Packer

Good luck!
TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts

Spellbinders Summer Surprise Blog Event!!!

2011-05-23T07:34:00.002-05:00

Join Spellbinders™ Paper Arts and Crafters Home as they celebrate an exclusive die template release from May 23-27! Ten of Spellbinders’ amazing designers will contribute to the Summer Surprise posts and prizes!

Spellbinders Paper Arts, and participating stores in the Crafters Home Buying Group, are excited to introduce five new die template sets sold exclusively through July!

One lucky winner each day will receive both original projects featured that day (in the Spellbinders Blog), all five of the Summer Surprise die templates shown above, and a copy of Spellbinders' latest book...

Nestabilities®, Basics and Beyond!

The official rules and schedule of designers are posted on the Summer Surprise Announcement. Please read before entering.

Visit Spellbinders Blog for the Summer Surprise Contest!
Good Luck!!!

Spellbinders is a trademark of Spellbinders Paper Arts, llc.

Nestabilities is a registered trademark of Spellbinders Paper Arts, llc.

Dynamic Duo Blog Hop - Day 8!!!

2011-05-23T07:13:00.000-05:00

Don’t miss out on the Dynamic Duo Blog Hop

A TaDa Creative Studios and Punky Sprouts Mini-book Bonanza

May 16th-27th

DETAILS:

Receive a chance to win FREE products!!
Each day go to the following blogs for new inspiration:
TaDa Creative Studios
Punky Sprouts
Post comments to show your participation.

At the end of the 12-day hop, please go to each manufacture’s blog (TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts) and post a comment telling them your favorite album style and favorite paper collection used in the samples shown during the hop. Your name will then be entered in a drawing to win both! Three (3) winners will be picked!

TODAY'S BLOGS TO VISIT:
Punky Sprouts Design Team Member - Lynn Reaney
TaDa Creative Studios Design Team Member - Rita Barakat

Good luck!
TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts

Dynamic Duo Blog Hop - Day 7!!

2011-05-22T09:59:00.000-05:00

Don’t miss out on the Dynamic Duo Blog Hop

A TaDa Creative Studios and Punky Sprouts Mini-book Bonanza

May 16th-27th

DETAILS:

Receive a chance to win FREE products!!
Each day go to the following blogs for new inspiration:
TaDa Creative Studios
Punky Sprouts
Post comments to show your participation.

At the end of the 12-day hop, please go to each manufacture’s blog (TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts) and post a comment telling them your favorite album style and favorite paper collection used in the samples shown during the hop. Your name will then be entered in a drawing to win both! Three (3) winners will be picked!

TODAY'S BLOGS TO VISIT:
Punky Sprouts Design Team Member - Carly Gannon
TaDa Creative Studios Design Team Member - Jill Sarginson

Good luck!
TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts

Dynamic Duo Blog Hop - Day 6!!!

2011-05-21T10:56:00.001-05:00

Don’t miss out on the Dynamic Duo Blog Hop

A TaDa Creative Studios and Punky Sprouts Mini-book Bonanza

May 16th-27th

DETAILS:

Receive a chance to win FREE products!!
Each day go to the following blogs for new inspiration:
TaDa Creative Studios
Punky Sprouts
Post comments to show your participation.

At the end of the 12-day hop, please go to each manufacture’s blog (TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts) and post a comment telling them your favorite album style and favorite paper collection used in the samples shown during the hop. Your name will then be entered in a drawing to win both! Three (3) winners will be picked!

TODAY'S BLOGS TO VISIT:
Punky Sprouts Design Team Member - Kimi Corbin
TaDa Creative Studios Design Team Member - Julie Detlef

Good luck!
TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts

Dynamic Duo Blog Hop - Day 5!!

2011-05-20T08:55:00.000-05:00

Don’t miss out on the Dynamic Duo Blog Hop

A TaDa Creative Studios and Punky Sprouts Mini-book Bonanza

May 16th-27th

DETAILS:

Receive a chance to win FREE products!!
Each day go to the following blogs for new inspiration:
TaDa Creative Studios
Punky Sprouts
Post comments to show your participation.

At the end of the 12-day hop, please go to each manufacture’s blog (TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts) and post a comment telling them your favorite album style and favorite paper collection used in the samples shown during the hop. Your name will then be entered in a drawing to win both! Three (3) winners will be picked!

TODAY'S BLOGS TO VISIT:
Punky Sprouts Design Team Member - Debbie Sherman
Yesterday's Punky Sprouts Design Team Member - Noel Culbertson (please visit her as she couldn't post until late in the day)
TaDa Creative Studios Design Team Member - Sandi Johnson

Good luck!
TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts

Happy 2nd Birthday, Waltzingmouse!

2011-05-20T08:12:00.000-05:00

In celebrating its second birthday on May 21, Waltzingmouse Stamps and Claire are celebrating with a tea party. She is bringing the buns (aka cupcakes) and we are supposed to bring the tea!

She has a challenge for us. We are to use her FREE tea bag baggie template, tea cup template or piece of cake template (the two latter can be purchased through her) - you don't need to purchase to participate. Check her tea party challenge post to see how much time you have left to create - not much time though. Use any of these templates and decorate it for the tea party. Then go and link it to her tea party challenge post - prizes are involved. If you are a fan of her stamps as I am, you will GO FOR IT!!

This is what I am bringing to the party...

Royal Tea Bag Baggie by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Stamps: Waltzingmouse Stamps; Ink: Ranger; Patterned Papers: KaiserCraft (Very Vintage Labels No. 3); Ribbon: Creative Impressions; Bling: Prima; Adhesives: GlueArts & Scrapbook Adhesives By 3L; Craft Foil & Dies: Spellbidners Paper Arts

A tea bag baggie fit for a queen! Happy birthday, Waltzingmouse and Claire!! Wishing many, many more years in the crafty world :0)

ScraPerfect Design Team!!

2011-05-19T23:04:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for the TaDa Creative Studios' and Punky Sprout's Dynamic Duo Blog Hop, click here to DYNAMIC DUO - thank you!

SO THRILLED that I was selected to be in ScraPerfect's first design team!! Even more excited to see that my friend, Becky Conley, was also selected!! A double bonus indeed!

Introducing the 2011 ScraPerfect Design Team

"I’m very excited to introduce the very first ScraPerfect design team!

Susie Bentz

Robyn Coburn

Becky Conley

Margie Higuchi <-- ME!! WOOHOO!!

Einat Kessler

Michele Lourenco

Deborah Mahnken (DT Coordinator)

Cynthia Renaud

Stacy Rodriguez

Starting on Monday we’ll be introducing each one of these talented women on our blog so you can get to know them. I’m sure you’ll be as inspired by them as we were!

We also want to thank each and every one of your who applied for our design team. We were overwhelmed by the submissions and amazed at all the talent. It was extremely difficult decision to make and we want you to know how much we appreciate your sharing your work with us."

What is ScraPerfect?
It started out of frustration in the inconsistency of printing on vellum back in 2003. Amy Roszak (the owner) found a solution and created ScraPerfect's first product, The Perfect Printing Pouch. Three years later, the product was enhanced thanks to customers' feedback and now expanded to The Strap n Tap and The Little Pouch.

But Amy didn't stop there, she kept developing more helpful products for crafters and released the following:

The Perfect Cleaning Cloth (2008)

The Embellie Gellie (2009)

The Best Glue Ever (2010)

I hope to show you all on how each product works with your (and MY) crafting needs! So be on the lookout! Many thanks to ScraPerfect for the wonderful opportunity and the honor to be part of its first design team :0)

Dynamic Duo Blog Hop - Day 4!!

2011-05-19T06:38:00.000-05:00

Don’t miss out on the Dynamic Duo Blog Hop

A TaDa Creative Studios and Punky Sprouts Mini-book Bonanza

May 16th-27th

DETAILS:

Receive a chance to win FREE products!!
Each day go to the following blogs for new inspiration:
TaDa Creative Studios
Punky Sprouts
Post comments to show your participation.

At the end of the 12-day hop, please go to each manufacture’s blog (TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts) and post a comment telling them your favorite album style and favorite paper collection used in the samples shown during the hop. Your name will then be entered in a drawing to win both! Three (3) winners will be picked!

TODAY'S BLOGS TO VISIT:
Punky Sprouts Design Team Member - Noel Culbertson
TaDa Creative Studios Design Team Member - Margie Higuchi (THAT'S ME!!!)

First of all, WELCOME!! Today, I created a mini album from Punky Sprouts' Spunky Sprouts and (mostly) Sizzlin' Summer Collection from TaDa Creative Studios! My theme is "It's A Beautiful Thing..." which is also a sentiment from TaDa Creative Studios' Bountiful Bloom stamp set. I created an album dedicated to my beautiful thing - my family whom I am thankful for!

I loved how this cover turned out! It was a covered corregated page which I exposed by tearing through - it wasn't hard nor did it take too long. What a great look!

Then I cut the Hello Sunshine paper (from TaDa's Sizzlin' Summer Collection) to size. Next, I edged both with white paint.

After determing the placement of each element, I adhered each to the paper and then adhered the embellished page onto the corregated cover.

That's how I created my front cover. Now on to the pages of the mini. For a closer look, please click on the images :0)

Page Two & Three:

I stenciled on page 3. Using the Tea Hee Hee/Star Bursts Oooh La La Layers line, I ink misted on to the canvas. After it dried, I misted two more different colors (drying between colors). Loved how it turned out! I stamped images from the Sizzlin' Summer stamp set and journaled about the pictures.

Page Four & Five:

Page Six & Seven:

Page Eight & Nine:

Page 10 & 11:

Page 12 & 13:

On Page 13, I used one of Punky Sprouts' Lil' Blooms (pre-cut canvas rounds) to create a flower. Then I heat embossed it with pink glittered powder. I used a paper piecer to hold the flower in place so I don't burn myself! LOL!! After placing the flower on to the page, I added a pearl in the middle.

Back Cover:

Hope you enjoyed viewing the mini as much as I enjoyed creating it! If you haven't already done so, please visit the other blogs from the last few days by going to either TaDa's blog or Punky Sprouts' blog for the links. The blog hop will last throught the 27th!

Again, thanks for visiting and Good Luck!

MargieH, TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts

Dynamic Duo Blog Hop - Day 3!!

2011-05-18T07:35:00.000-05:00

Don’t miss out on the Dynamic Duo Blog Hop

A TaDa Creative Studios and Punky Sprouts Mini-book Bonanza

May 16th-27th

DETAILS:

Receive a chance to win FREE products!!
Each day go to the following blogs for new inspiration:
TaDa Creative Studios
Punky Sprouts
Post comments to show your participation.

At the end of the 12-day hop, please go to each manufacture’s blog (TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts) and post a comment telling them your favorite album style and favorite paper collection used in the samples shown during the hop. Your name will then be entered in a drawing to win both! Three (3) winners will be picked!

TODAY'S BLOGS TO VISIT:
Punky Sprouts Design Team Member - Ilene Tell
TaDa Creative Studios Design Team Member - Susan Dupre

Good luck!
TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts

Dynamic Duo Blog Hop - Day 2!!

2011-05-17T08:13:00.000-05:00

Don’t miss out on the Dynamic Duo Blog Hop

A TaDa Creative Studios and Punky Sprouts Mini-book Bonanza

May 16th-27th

DETAILS:

Receive a chance to win FREE products!!
Each day go to the following blogs for new inspiration:
TaDa Creative Studios
Punky Sprouts
Post comments to show your participation.

At the end of the 12-day hop, please go to each manufacture’s blog (TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts) and post a comment telling them your favorite album style and favorite paper collection used in the samples shown during the hop. Your name will then be entered in a drawing to win both! Three (3) winners will be picked!

TODAY'S BLOGS TO VISIT:
Punky Sprouts Design Team Member - Lianna Suwandi
TaDa Creative Studios Design Team Member - Suzanna Lee

Good luck!
TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts

Dynamic Duo Blog Hop - TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts!!!

2011-05-16T09:19:00.016-05:00

Don’t miss out on the Dynamic Duo Blog Hop

A TaDa Creative Studios and Punky Sprouts Mini-book Bonanza

May 16th-27th

DETAILS:

Receive a chance to win FREE products!! Each day go to the following blogs:
TaDa Creative Studios
Punky Sprouts
Post comments to show your participation. New inspiration will be posted daily.

At the end of the 12 day hop, please go to each manufacture’s blog (TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts) and post a comment telling them your favorite album style and favorite paper collection used in the samples shown during the hop. Your name will then be entered in a drawing to win both! Three (3) winners will be picked!

TODAY'S BLOGS TO VISIT:
Punky Sprouts Design Team Member - Leah Farquharson
TaDa Creative Studios Design Team Member - Terri Davenport

Good luck!
TaDa Creative Studios & Punky Sprouts

Flourishes & Spellbinders Blog Hop - Country Charm

2011-05-13T12:35:00.002-05:00

We don’t need to tell you that tags and labels are two of the trendiest items to hit the card making market in a long time! And, to help you add style and pizzazz to your creations, Flourishes has teamed up with Spellbinders™ Paper Arts to make sure you have the perfect set of stamps to match a darling set of tag style dies.

Wonderfully whimsical and reminiscent of Grandma’s calico prints, Flourishes “charming” set offers three labels that coordinate perfectly with Spellbinders S4-322 Grommet Tags. Designed by Becky Fleck, you'll also find six beautiful sentiments and four accent stamps to dress up your labels!

Pair that with Flourishes Country Charm Borders and you have the perfect set to make darling note cards in minutes. Flourishes coordinating Country Charm Borders set features five border strips that match the labels set to a tee. What fun!

Because Flourishes knew this set was PERFECT with Spellbinder's Grommet Tags, both design teams are joining forces for a fun-filled “show and tell” blog hop! This is what I created…

Taking an A2 sized card, I stamped the scalloped border twice with straight edges touching to make a wider border in the middle of the card front.

I stamped the smallest tag image and the “Speak Of Your Gratitude” sentiment onto white cardstock. Using a piece of scrap that was previously cut/embossed the Grommet Tags with, I aligned it over the stamp image. This gives me perfect placement when cutting and embossing. Secure with repositionable tape.

Next, I stamped the narrow border onto pink cardstock and cut with trimmer. Then I cut tails on the ends and gently pleated to form a ribbon.

To assemble the card, I used liquid adhesive for the ribbon to place in the center and foam squares to give the stamped tag dimension.

To give a finished look, I added pearls to each end of the tag before placing on top of the ribbon. Then added three more pearls on the card front for a subtle accent by the border.

Here is a second look…

Speak Of Your Gratitude by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Spellbinders S4-322 Grommet Tags and Grand Calibur™ Die Cutting Machine; Flourishes Country Charm Labels and Country Charm Borders; Cardstock: WorldWin Papers, Core'dinations; Pearls: KasierCraft; Adhesives: Beacon Adhesives, Scrapbook Adhesives BY 3L; Other: pink and green ink

Make sure to hop on over and see....

Margie Higuchi <-- That’s ME!!

Keep in mind, if you like what you see, both the Country Charms Labels and Country Charms Borders are available at Flourishes.

Your next stop will be my talented friend, Holly Simoni!

Thanks for stopping by!
MargieH

Catch Up!

2011-05-12T09:49:00.000-05:00

Hey, everyone! I have a lot of my plate but wanted to follow up with my Mom's Day cards. To my very pleasant surprise, my boys made me a card each! I have to say I was impressed and wanted to share a PROUD MAMA MOMENT :0)

I created the one on the left (details on my Mother's Day post), my oldest made the big one in the center in Chinese! He is taking Chinese class and is doing well. The one on the right is from my youngest son who is taking Japanese classes at his junior high school. So this year, the theme is international! LOL!!

I've got a few things coming down the pipe so be sure to watch tomorrow!! I'm HOPPING with joy...heehee!! A little hint (wink).

Have a good Thursday!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

2011-05-08T10:25:00.000-05:00

Since my mom is in Japan, I already "celebrated" my Mother's Day with her last night with a phone call! LOL!! The good news is she will be spending a few weeks with us here in Chicago which I am very happy (and relieved) about. Hope she doesn't back out...it took all three siblings to convince her! LOL!

Sooo what are you planning this Mother's Day? Did you call your mother? More importantly, did you call your mother-in-law? LOL!!

My Spellbinders Labels Twenty-One die template I ordered came in on Friday and was itching to use it right away. So what better excuse than to create a Mother's Day card with it and Core'dinations (love that stuff!).

Thanks Mom by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: Core'dinations; Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye; Stamp: JustRite Stampers; Ink: Clearsnap; Embossing Folder: Provo Craft; Dies: Spellbinders (S5-027 Labels Twenty-One, S5-031 Fancy Tags Three, S5-034 Parisian Accents, S4-116 Standard Circles SM)

Hope that everyone has a wonderful day!!
As always, thank you for stopping by!!
MargieH

Congratulations to the happy couple!!

2011-04-29T10:39:00.000-05:00

OK so I didn't wake up 4:00am to watch the wedding - sorry I love my sleep too much ;0P But I woke up to see THE KISS! LOL!

With the help of ABC's "Good Morning, America," I took some pictures off my TV so I apologize in advance for the terrible pictures.

The couple first came out alone and then the rest of the family joined them. The yellow outfit behind them is Queen Elizabeth.

Their first kiss - it happened so fast, they had to do a replay. I was lucky to have my camera ready - lol!!

In Japan, we have ROYALs but they are not as exciting as the British Monarchy...good or bad, I'm not sure! LOL!

In celebrating the occasion, I have created a tea bag project (template courtesy of WaltzingMouse Stamps - they have a "Bring The Tea" challenge going on by the way).

Royal Tea Bag Baggie by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Patterned Papers: KaiserCraft; Stamp: WaltzingMouse Stamps; Ink: Ranger Ink; Ribbon: Creative Impressions; Bling: Prima; Adhesives: GlueArts and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES By 3L; Craft Foil and Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (F-012 Precious Metals Premium Craft Foils Assort., S4-189 Labels Three and S4-297 Nested Crowns)

My little way to celebrate the newlyweds!
Congratulations!!

Happy Easter Basket!

2011-04-24T08:23:00.000-05:00

GRRRrr!!! This did not post yesterday BUT since today IS Easter, I guess it was supposed to be! LOL!

Wishing you and your family a Blessed Easter :0)

-------
Today is my turn to post on the TaDa Creative Studios' blog. I have created an Easter basket out of TaDa Creative Studios papers, Spellbinders™ Grand Nestabilities® and the Grand Calibur™ - my favorite combination (wink)!!

I used the LF-249 Grand Big Scalloped Circles to make my base. It is a very easy and fun basket that anyone to create! So I hope you visit TaDa's blog and make your own basket! I am going to tease you with a couple of peeks...

And another...

Now come on over and visit TaDa's Blog, please!!
Thanks for stopping by!
MargieH

Moxie Fab - My Beautiful Balloon Challenge!

2011-04-17T09:14:00.003-05:00

This is my first challenge with Moxie Fab World and I had so much fun! I was itching to create something with the Hello Sunshine paper (Sizzlin' Summer Collection) from TaDa Creative Studios for a long time. As you can see, the hot air balloon challenge was PERFECT for it!

Bon Voyage by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: Canson; Patterned Papers: TaDa Creative Studios (Sizzlin' Summer Collection); Stamp: Inkadinkado (Inspirational Lift Set); Ink: Ranger Ink; Adhesives: Beacon Adhesives (Zip Dry) and GlueArts (GlueGlider PRO); Tool: Spelbinders (S4-116 Standard Circles SM)

What is this challenge? "Create a paper crafted project (card, gift bag, tag, layout home decor, mini book cover, etc.) that INCORPORATES A HOT AIR BALLOON(S) IN AN INNOVATIVE WAY." Other details are on their blog post.

My take on the "innovative way" was paper piecing the flag on top of the ballooon and used foam tape for dimension. The other was to cut and emboss five Spellbinders™ S4-116 Standards Circles SM #3 (#1 being the smallest die template), score in half, adhere the sides to make a dimensional balloon. The patterned paper is from the flip side of Hello Sunshine! LOVED how this turned out :)

If you're interested in joining this challenge (ends tomorrow at Midnight EST) and others, go to their blog (Moxie Fab World) - it's wonderful!!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great SUNDAY!

Margie's Core'dinations Creative Frenzy!

2011-04-13T23:36:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago when I heard about the call, I was trying to organize my cardstock stash and found my stash of Core'dinations cardstock. I had forgotten how AMAZING these cardstock papers are...maybe that's why I purchased them! DUH!! Got lost in the cardstock goodness and started to play! Heehee...

Since Teacher Appreciation Week coming up in May (you knew that, right? lol!), I created a teacher's gift using all sorts of stuff I had in my scrap area. This is what I came up with!

Thank You Standing Clipboard by Margie Higuchi
Cardstock: Core'dinations (Cosmo Cricket Neutral Collection and Jenni Bowlin Red & Black Collection); Chalkboard Paper: Canvas Crop.; Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket; Stamp: Mint Motif; Ink: VersaMark, Clearsnap; Embossing Powder: Stampendous; BingoCard: Jenni Bowlin; Button: Dress It Up; Binder Ring: Tim Holtz; Tool: Spellbinders (S4-310 Labels Eighteen, LF-126 Grand Squares); Other: Library Pocket/Card, Mini Clothes Pin & Charm

Using my Grand Calibur, I cut/embossed the largest size in the Grand Squares with a thin cardboard (think cereal box thin) and Core'dinations cardstock to cover over the cardboard. Then in the back I added an adhesive back easel stand that I purchased at an office supply store.

What I loved about Core'dinations in this project was its durablity...I mean look what I did to a piece of their cardstock?!

The ABUSE - it still held up! LOL! This is the mat behind the picture of my son, Hiroyuki, and his teacher. It turned out to be a great frame for the picture :0)

My next project is a scrapbook layout I created for my hubby (yes, need those brownie points for future scrapbook purchases...heehee!!) and his favorite pastime - GOLF! I had all the papers and pictures in a 12x12" clear envelope for months. Well, at least I was organized in a small way ;0P

Golf by Margie Higuchi
Cardstock: Core'dinations (Graphic45 Timeless Collection & Cosmo Cricket Neutrals Collection); Patterned Paper: Graphic45 (A Proper Gentleman Collection); Metal Accent: Tim Holtz; Adhesives: SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES By 3L 3D Foam Squares, GlueArts & Xyron 150; Tools: Quickutz (Diesel Font), Uchida Marvy Circle Punch and Spellbinders (S5-029 Nested Lacey Pennants, Narrow Ribbon Tail); Other: Button

To save some of the wonderful papers, I cut them so that no one will ever know unless I tell so I'll just show you pictures - my lips are SEALED! LOL!!

OK....I lied...the middle picture I need to explain. I had the four pictures lined up to where I wanted them. Lightly penciled the edges, put the pictures aside and sanded the penciled area (erasing the lines as I went along). Sanding the embossed area, I created a "mat" for the pictures...less layer.

The last project I created was a birthday card - yes, this was posted yesterday but it is made out of Core'dinations too and I loved the colors! I shifted the flower and the sentiment over to the right so technically it's new, right? HAHAHA!

Happy Birthday by Margie Higuchi
Cardstock: Core'dinations (Core Essentials Collection); Patterned Paper: TaDa Creative Studios (Abode a la Mode Collection); Stamp: Flourishes; Ink: Stampin' Up; Bling & Pearl Swirl: KaiserCraft; Adhesives: SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES By 3L, GlueArts & Beacon Adhesives; Tools: Spellbinders (S5-029 Lacey Pennants, Ribbon Tail, LF-161 Grand Labels One); Other: Bakers Twine

To make the flower in the card, I tore a piece of the Core'dination cardstock into a (attempted) circle and then tore a swirl.

Then I rolled it into a blossom and dabbed a drop of liquid adhesive to the end to secure. To give more dimension, I rolled the edges back and sanded some areas until I got the look I wanted. For a finishing touch, I added the bling and adhered to the card. I better send this card off soon!

Here are some my favorite projects I have done in the past using Core'dinations:

I enjoy creating with Core'dinations. Matter of fact, a few days ago I just picked up Tim Holtz/Ranger Distress Collection to split with a friend. Can't wait to create with those sheets :0)

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Birthday to my SWEET & FUNNY Friend, BETH!!!!!

2011-04-13T07:11:00.001-05:00

On her special 29th birthday (wink, wink!), I created a card to celebrate :0) I hope you have a wonderful BETH-DAY, my friend because YOU SO DESERVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMGOSH, I can't even tell you all how long I've known my wonderful friend, Beth. We met at a Delta Zeta Sorority alumnae meeting about 14 years ago. With me moving all over the place, we managed to keep in contact. Being sorority sisters was not the only common bond - a stronger bond took over. SCRAPBOOKING/PAPER CRAFTS! LOL!!

Have a GREAT BIRTHDAY! Those boys better treat you right...well, at least Cindy will! LOL!! xo

One Month Anniversary Yesterday...

2011-04-12T13:51:00.001-05:00

since the TOHOKU Region (Japan) diseaster...more stronger aftershocks, a 7 rating at FUKUSHIMA DAI-ICHI Nuclear Plant last night, SO MANY people still in shelters...a month later.

I have donated to many organizations but this one is close to my heart - my alma mater, The American School In Japan (ASIJ), located in Tokyo. I am ALWAYS proud to be an alumna of this great institution BUT I am EVEN MORE PROUDER after reading what the school has done and step up to help the people in the TOHOKU Region.

I received an email from the school early this morning which I'd like to share with you...

"Japan Relief Update: April 12
It has now been a month since the March 11 disater and in the last few weeks our community has really come together to respond to the situation in Tohoku. The ASIJ community and our friends, including international schools and organizations from all over the world, have already contributed over $65,000 directly into the ASIJ Japan Relief Fund. These funds are supporting our own direct relief efforts in northern Japan. If you would like to make your own contribution, please click here.

With the money raised already we purchased 400 desks and school supplies for four elementary and junior high schools in Ishinomaki City that lost everything in the earthquake and tsunami. Two faculty and staff relief trips to Tagajo and Kesenuma to take up specific supplies and cook dinner for over 360 people were also funded. For many survivors it was their first hot meal in a couple of weeks. Another group of 28 ASIJ employees will travel to Tagajo to volunteer and clean-up the homes of residents so they can move back to their neighborhoods. Long-term, we hope to identify schools in the Fukushima and/or Miyagi areas that ASIJ can assist in their rebuilding efforts.

Each of the school divisions has also started various collections: the Middle School and ELC are collecting ¥500 coins. The “ASIJ MS Cares” collection has already passed ¥189,000. Employees and students in the Elementary and High Schools have contributed and collected everything from toothbrushes to diapers and ready-to-eat food to yo-yos. A total of seven vans full of goods have been forwarded to our neighbor, the Tama Church, our long-time partner Second Harvest Japan, Tagajo City and most recently the Peace Boat—a Japan-based NGO that quickly organized deliveries up to hard-hit Ishinomaki City.

It’s been heart-warming to see how proud our students are when they drop their items into the collection box each morning and be a part of this good work. Students in grades 5 to 12 are also enjoying sorting and boxing the contributions and taking the packages to the RT lobby for dispatch. Everyone is clearly embracing the goal of helping folks up north as much as possible as quickly as possible.
Our PTAs, faculty, student councils and various student clubs are already raising money or are planning dozens of activities to help the ASIJ Japan Relief Fund, including a Futsal tournament just this past Saturday and today’s Variety Show, which evacuees being housed at Ajinomoto Stadium are invited. On April 24, there will be an alumni soccer tourney in support of the fund and many more activities will run through May, including the rescheduled Spring Gala on Sunday May 1.

At ASIJ, we believe in our mission of “developing compassionate, inquisitive learners prepared for global responsibilities.” There will never be a better time than now to live our mission and join hands with others. Thank you to everyone in our community who is helping us achieve this.

If you have any questions on any of these relief activities, or have ideas of your own, please contact the Alumni Office at alumni@asij.ac.jp.

If you would like to make a contribution to the Japan Relief Fund online, please click here."

Continued good thoughts and prayers to Japan :0)
Thanks for stopping by!

P.S. My family are still doing OK...some have plans to come to the States for summer break and in Chicago!! YEAH!! I can't wait to see them!

TaDa Creative Studios - DT 2011

2011-04-07T08:07:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone!

I am JUST SO THRILLED that TaDa Creative Studio Blog is posting about me and my other design team members today! Hi to Sandi, Peggy and Susan!! I am so so lucky to be a part of this wonderful company - they know how to ROCK a collection.

Instead of posting a project made with their newest designs, I wanted to look back at their Festivus Collection especially the Bunny Hop paper. I created this cute little basket to celebrate today and for the upcoming Easter holiday on the 24th. You can use this basket for any occasion - Easter, Valentine's, Birthday, Christmas...you get the idea! LOL!

Easter Bunny Basket by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill (Spring Pastel), Craft Paper by 3M; Patterned Paper: TaDa Creative Studios (Bunny Hop, Festivus Collection); Flower: Prima, Maya Road; Ink: Clearsnap (Pink Vintage); Adhesives: GlueArts (GlueGlider PRO, Micro Squares), SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES By 3L (3D Foam Squares); Tools: Spellbinders™ (S4-232 Blossoms Two; S4-214 Eyelet Borderabilities® Petite); Other: Pink Brads

Instructions:

Score 1.5" each side of a 5x5" square
Cut all the vertical score lines (up to the horizontal score lines)

Cut on an angle each of the corner flaps, put tape adhesive on its outer side, fold in and secure

Ink the edges of the die cut open Blossoms Two and the bunny mosaic. Layer the flower embellishments and secure everything to the front of the basket. Note I stacked the bunny ears square with two foam squares and its face with one.

Cut/emboss a strip of cardstock with Eyelet Borderabilities Petite to create a handle. Then secure the ends with a brad on each side of the basket.

Fill with goodies and it's ready to be shared! I think these would be cute on an Easter tablescape - one for each of the guests! CUTE!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you become a FOLLOWER of mine so that you can enjoy more tutorials...would love the company too!

Again, THRILLED to be a TaDa Gal!

For Christine, SKETCH #10!

2011-04-03T22:15:00.002-05:00

FINALLY I was able to do one of my sweet friend, Christine's sketch card challenge. Ever since she started this, I wasn't able to play...too much on my plate or no time management skills (probably the latter - LOL!!).

Taka had a birthday party yesterday afternoon and needed a card. "Mom, you have a TON of supplies. Can you make one REAL QUICK?" Is he kiddin' - nothing is quick for a slow crafter like me! LOL! BUT I saw Chris' blog post yesterday and had a light bulb moment! So Chris, here it is...got it done in 20 minutes. Sorry, the lighting made the pink lighter than IRL!

Birthday Butterfly by MargieH
Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill (Pink), WorldWin Papers (Aspire Beargrass Linen Cover); Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket (Hey Sugar Collection); Ink: Clearsnap (Queue Ink Pink), Stampin' Up (Pink Passion); Stamp: Mint Motifs; Adhesive: GlueArts (Micro Squres, GlueGlider Pro); Pearls: KaiserCrafts; Rhinestone: Prima; Trinket Pin: Maya Road; Tool: Spellbinders (S5-051 Fanciful Flight, S5-040 Floral Doily Accents); Other: White Textured Cardstock

So thank you, Christine!! You helped me out of a bind :0) I hope to do more of your challenges ;0)
Here's to a great week, everyone!

Hope For Japan - CTMH

2011-03-28T08:04:00.000-05:00

Hey all! Hope everyone had a nice weekend :) I got to spend some time with my father's friends and reminisced about his life - miss you, dad!! xo

It has come to my attention that Close To My Heart (CTMH, a direct sales stamp company started in 1984) is doing something special for something close to MY heart - Japan. I wanted to share this with my paper crafting friends.

"Our hearts go out to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and like so many of you, we’re eager to help. From now until April 30, when you purchase the exclusive “Hope for Japan” A-size stamp set (A1118) for only $5, Close To My Heart will donate 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross’ efforts in Japan."

My friend, Peggy, in Oregon is a CTMH rep. (I live in IL) and we've been friends for years in a Yahoo Group (Paper Piecing Swaps). She had mentioned this so I thought I'd pass the word on my blog. If you don't have a CTMH rep, she will be able to get you this stamp and other products (wink!). I don't have any CTMH products so this will be my first purchase! If you can spare a few dollars, please join us!

Thanks for stopping by - Happy Monday! xo

It's a GOOD TUESDAY :0)

2011-03-22T10:43:00.000-05:00

Many GOOD things have happened over the course of a few hours...

Listening to more and more encouraging Japanese news (I have a Japanese channel on my cable - TV Japan) about people finally getting help and many rebuilding...keep strong, Japan! xo

On today's Webster's Pages' blog, they did a post about my favorite Japanese scrapbook business - Memory Palette. They also own the magazine that I write for "Love My Memories." So thank you to Webster's Page for the SHOUT OUT - WOOOHOOOO!!

Photo courtesy of Webster's Pages blog

To top it off, I will return for another year with TaDa Creative Studios as a design team member!!! WOOOHOOOO~! SO stinkin' excited and so honored that they are willing to put up with me ;0P VERY THANKFUL for the opportunity to create with their wonderful designs!! Here are the rest of my design teammates...

CoNgRaTuLaTIoNs to Our 2011-2012 Design Team!!

Design Team Coordinator:
Rita Barakat - Richardson, Texas

Design Team Members:
Terri Davenport - Sylvania, Ohio
Christy Davis - Clearwater, Florida
Julie Detluf - Mansfield, Ohio
Stacey Hansen - Fruita, Colorado
Margie Higuchi - Schaumburg, Illinois (That's ME!!!)
Sandi Johnson - Aspers, Pennsylvania
Suzanna Lee - Glen Allen, Virgina
Marianne Luken - Phoenix, Arizona
Peggy Packer - Toledo, Ohio
Jill Sarginson - Ontario, Canada
Lisa Watson - Warren, Michigan

Quarterly Guest Designer
Susan Dupre - Cypress, Texas

Oh and since this is a scrappy blog, I leave you with a simple TaDa card...

Thank You card by MargieH
Supplies Patterned Papers: TaDa Creative Studios (Tea Hee Hee Collection); Cardstock: Bazzill (Pink, Brown); Stamp: Hero Arts (ARIGATO Set); Ink: Stampin' Up (Chocolate Chip); Pearls: KaiserCraft; Adhesive: GlueArts (Micro Squares, GlueGlider PRO); Foil: Spellbinders (Precious Metals Premium Craft Foils Assortment, Pearl); Tools: Spellbinders (S5-034 Parisian Accents, Doily)

Thanks for stopping by and hope you have a GOOD Tuesday too!

Flourishes Blog Hop!!!

2011-03-18T00:10:00.004-05:00

When Flourishes first laid eyes on two of the new die templates fresh off the production line at Spellbinders™, they knew that a stamp set to coordinate with these funky and fresh dies were needed! Are you ready to take a peek?

This fun Birthday Pennants Set just screams celebration! It offers six different pennants and flags all designed to coordinate perfectly with Spellbinders S5-028 Nested Pennants and S5-029 Nested Lacey Pennants. Also included are nine sentiments and eight accents that you can deck out your pennant shapes in fun and different ways!

Birthday Pennants Set

Wait, there's more! How about their new Strips and Stripes background set to coordinate? This set offers three strips to use together as a background or separate as three different strips. Perfect with the Birthday Pennants set!

Strips and Stripes Set

Because Flourishes knew these sets were a match made in heaven with the Spellbinder's die templates, they asked some of the Spellbinders Designers to join the Flourishes Team for a little show and tell!

I'd like to show what I created with their fabulous stamp sets and Spellbinders S4-312 Blossom Three, S4-328 Foliage and S5-028 Nested Pennants to make this lacey gift bag!

First, I stamped the lacey border from the Strips and Stripes background set with Versamark ink to cover the mini bag's front side. Then I applied white embossing powder and heat embossed. I love how this looked!

Next, I stamped the flag pennant image and the "Surprise" sentiment onto pink cardstock. To get the perfect placement and cut, I suggest stamping the image first and then placing the die template over it to cut. Don't forget to use repositionable tape to secure the die template :)

Now to the FUN PART - the Grand Calibur! I cut S4-312 Blossom Three #1, #2 and #3 (the smallest size die template is #1) with fabric. To get a clean cut from fabric, I recommend cutting with printer paper in the sandwich - worked like a charm! I cut/embossed S4-328 Foliage with green cardstock.

I assembled the blossoms. Then centered with a white button and added a pearl. I creased the middle of each leaf to create more dimension. Adhered all as shown and it's ready to give away!

I hope you enjoyed my project! Now be sure to hop on over and see....

Barbara Anders
Christine Okken
Cindy Lawrence
Danielle Kennedy
Dawn Burnworth
Julie Koerber
Leslie Miller
Stacy Morgan
Jan Marie Caruso
Heidi Blankenship
Beth Pingry
Margie Higuchi - ME!!
Holly Simoni
Mona Pendleton
AJ Otto
Latisha Yoast
Deborah Young
Kazan Clark
Terre Fry

Would you like to win these sets? Just leave a comment on this Flourishes Blog Post! They'll draw one lucky name for both sets and announce it tomorrow on the Flourishes Blog!

Your next hop stop is my friend, Holly Simoni!
Good luck and thanks for stopping by!!