Friday, April 29, 2011

Congratulations to the happy couple!!

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!!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Happy Easter Basket!

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

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Moxie Fab - My Beautiful Balloon Challenge!

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!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Margie's Core'dinations Creative Frenzy!

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!!!!!

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

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

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

One Month Anniversary Yesterday...

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!

Thursday, April 07, 2011

TaDa Creative Studios - DT 2011

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!

Sunday, April 03, 2011

For Christine, SKETCH #10!

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!