TaDa Creative Studios: Swim Meet Altered Frame & ScraPerfect Giveaway!

Today is my turn to post on TaDa Creative Studios' blog and it's all about the SWIM as in my nephew's swim meet :0) I am so proud of him as a high school freshman he was invited to compete on the varsity team! For step outs and more detail information, please visit TaDa Creative Studios' Swim Meet Altered Frame...

Swim Meet Altered Frame by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Patterned Paper, Vinyl Stickers: TaDa Creative Studios (Poolside Collection); Twine: The Twinery; Ink Mist: LuminArte Shimmering Mist (Sky Blue); Adhesives: SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (mini foam squares) and ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever) and Wooden Frame (Hobby Lobby)

Do you have a swimmer in your family? The Poolside Collection is perfect for not only swim meets but vacation or that pool party that you have pictures for too! It is one of two releases (the other is Yee Haw!) that TaDa has available - check it out!

GIVEAWAY @ ScraPerfect!!
Speaking of check it out....there is a giveaway at ScraPerfect's Blog!! All you have to do is comment on ScraPerfect: It's Giveaway Time! post to enter by next Saturday, March 3rd. You DO NOT want to miss this - there many companies involved!

Thanks for stopping by!
MargieH

A Jillian Vance Design: Peepster Color Challenge

I'm in between my son's tennis matches and wasn't sure if I could participate but here's my take on A Jillian Vance Design's Peepster Color Challenge! It was quite the challenge to think on the spot - I loved how it turned out!

It's a very simple design but I love the texture of the background from Spellbinders M-Bossabilities embossing folder and the stenciling effect of the butterfly die cut! I think I'll send this to my mother for Mother's Day (hope she's not reading! LOL!!).

Butterfly Card by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: WorldWin Papers & The Paper Company; Ink: Clearsnap; Pearls: Prima; Dies & Embossing Folder: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-101 Wings of Hope, M-Bossabilities ES-005 Enchanted); ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever)

Thanks for the challenge, Jillian!!
MargieH

Scrap-Mart: Long Time Friends

I am SO lucky to have long-time friends...for those who don't know me too well...I move a lot. From my childhood years to my married life, I think 24 moves. So when I say I am LUCKY, I am...they are the ones who kept up with my crazy life.

One such friend is Nancy. She was my neighbor when we lived in the freshman dorm at Bradley Univ. (Peoria IL). Every year (for years) she would send me a birthday card and would keep in touch...me - not so much :0( Thanks, Nancy - LOVE you!! xo

Long Time Friends by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: WorldWin Papers & Core'dinations; Patterned Paper: October Afternoon (Holiday Style); Bling: Want2Scrap; Marker/Paint Pen: KURETAKE (ZIG Writer & Painty Twin); Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-078 Persian Accents; S5-114 Spectacular Spin; S4-SM01 Scrap-Mart Exclusive Labels One, EL-006 Mystic & GC-008 D Adapter Plate); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Pink cardstock

I used Spellbinders™ M-Bossabilities™ EL-006 Mystic embossing folder (side B) with my black cardstock. Notice the paper is larger than the embossing folder - no problem! After I embossed the first time, I slid the paper to matched up the grooves from the last embossed row and continued to emboss the rest.

These are the newest releases I used for my layout today...

My pictures were on the dark side even with editing. Instead of matting with a lighter paper, I decided to edge my pictures with silver paint (the restaurant chairs had that silver accent so why not?). I had my ZIG Painty Twin (the silver tip - there is a gold tip too) and edge with it on both pictures.

Then I assembled my page together and added some pearly touches with Want2Scrap! What is a page without journaling? I cut/embossed S4-SM01Scrap-Mart Exclusive Labels One and journaled with my ZIG writer. DONE~!

ATTENTION LA/Anaheim CA Scrappers: Scrapbook Expo is in Anaheim CA this weekend so visit Scrap-Mart's booth!!!

Thanks for stopping by and TGIF~!
MargieH

Spellbinders Giveaway Winners & Cut Fold Tuck Dies

Sorry for the delay in announcing the winners of the Spellbinders Giveaway...

#1 Mary Pat!!!
happy valentines day! glad you had a great wweekend!


i have to say i don't know which i like better because i have never tried either. i only have a couple of the basic spellbinders but i would love to try them!


i already follow!!

and

#11 Steph!!!
TFS. Love your blog. I love the Cut FOld and Tuck dies.

OK, ladies, please email me mhiguchi @ comcast . net (without spaces) with your addresses so I can get one of the tee shirts out to you! Congratulations!! WOOHOOO~!

And speaking of Cut Fold Tuck Dies, I created a chart of all the designs for my stores so that everyone can SEE what they are getting in each set (please click image for a larger look):

Cut Fold Tuck Die Chart by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: Core'dinations and WorldWin Paper; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-111 Angle Approach, S5-112 Carnival Dream, S5-113 Floral Burst, S5-114 Spectacular Spin, S5-115 Round About); Marker: ZIG Writer (KURETAKE)

Of course, all of these Cut Fold Tuck die templates are available for pre-order at Scrap-Mart.com :0)

Thanks for stopping by!! Winners, don't forget to email me!!
MargieH

Spellbinders: Faux Porcelain Ring

At the 2012 Winter CHA (Craft & Hobby Assoc.) trade show back a few weeks ago, I made a bunch of (like around 20) faux porcelain flower rings for my friends...last minute, of course.

Faux Porcelain Ring by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Patterned Paper: Authentique Papers; Die: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-086 Bitty Blossoms); Enamel: Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (Ranger Ink); Tool: Melting Pot and Melt Art Kool Toolz (Ranger Ink); Adhesives: E6000 and ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Ring Base

Why do I come up with crazy projects the day or night before I leave?! This technique is based on my take of what Spellbinders Blog Team Member Sherry Cheever came up (THANK YOU, Sherry!!!!). Next show I will have one ready for YOU!!! This was her Faux Porcelain video on the subject back in December of 2009 and I had this on my mind since then! LOL!!



As you can see from her video, she did each layer to create her beauty. Me...not so patient. I dunk the entire assembled flower (S5-086 Bitty Blossoms) into the pot! LOL!! Just make sure to cover the entire flower, get rid of excess (before it cools) and place it on top of the non-stick sheet to cool.

The Dunk!

After the flower cooled, I sanded the bottom of the flower and the ring base (purchased at the findings/beads section of Hobby Lobby). Then adhered with E6000 Glue. I would hold for a few moments so that the adhesive can grip and let it dry a few hours...just in case.

Easy right? A couple of tips - have something heat resistant underneath the melting pot (your table will thank you) and I used a melting pot liner so that I can use the leftovers for another project (avoiding clean up as much as possible ;0P).

I hope you try it too!! Many many thanks to my ROCK STAR friend, Sherry Cheever!!
MargieH

P.S. Supplies List and Steps BELOW (for those who can't see any of the video):

Supplies:
Melting Pot (bonus if you have a melting pot liner = less clean up!)
UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel)
Tweeters (non-stick kind or long ones)
Non-stick craft sheet Any of the rolled flower die templates (I used the Blossoms Three and the Bitty Blossoms)
Favorite Patterned Paper Adhesive (to assemble the rolled flower)
E6000 (to adhere the faux porcelain flower and ring base)
Fine-grade sandpaper
Ring base (purchased at Hobby Lobby)

Steps:
Heat UTEE in melting pot (cover with lid).
In the meantime, cut/emboss die templates and roll flower.
Dip the rolled flower into the melted UTEE, making sure the entire flower is covered and place on a non-stick sheet to cool (Try and keep the bottom flat).
Lightly sand the ring base.
When the flower has cooled, lightly sand its bottom.
Add strong adhesive like E6000 onto the ring base and place the flower on top.
Hold for a few seconds to grip.
Place flower side face down to dry (I would give it a few hours or overnight).

Scrap-Mart: Spellbinders Junior Plates Are Available

GC-011 Spellbinders Grand Calibur Junior Replacement Plates Full Set

Scrap-Mart has available junior sized replacement plates for your Spellbinders™ Grand Calibur® machine! These smaller sized plates make die cutting and embossing a few dies faster and easier. Use the same sandwiches with just a fewer revolutions of the handle!

The pictured set above (GC-011 Spellbinders Grand Calibur Junior Replacement Plates Full Set) includes the Junior sized A-Base Plate, B-Embossing Plate, C-Cutting Plate, and Junior Rubber Mat (this product contains Natural Rubbe Latex/NRL) - everything you need to cut and emboss Spellbinders die templates. These mats are designed to be flipped over and used on both sides. As with all manual die cut machines, cutting mats are consumable products and need to be replaced with use. Approx. Size: 8½ x 6″

Junior Plates - Cut Sandwich

Junior Plates Cut Sandwich into the Spellbinders Grand Calibur machine

Scrap-Mart also have individual junior plates for purchase (click the name to be taken to the store's product page):

• GC-009 Spellbinders Grand Calibur Junior Cutting Plate
• GC-010 Spellbinders Grand Calibur Junior Rubber Mat
• GC-011 Spellbinders Grand Calibur Junior Replacement Plates
• GC-012 Spellbinders Grand Calibur Junior Raspberry Spacer Plate*
• GC-014 Spellbinders Grand Calibur Junior Base Plate

* note: This plate is needed to use the Spellbinders M-Bossabilities™ in the Spellbinders Grand Calibur machine.

Within a few minutes, I was able to create this card using S4-114 Spectacular Spin Cut.Fold.Tuck die template...

Let Your Light Shine by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: Core'dinations, Bazzill and WorldWin Papers; Patterned Paper: Authentinque Papers; Stamp: Flourishes; Ink: Ranger Ink; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-114 Spectacular Spin, S4-324 Ribbon Banner); Rhinestone: Prima (E Line); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever) and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (3D Square Foams)

A great addition to your Spellbinders Grand Calibur machine! Thanks for stopping by!
MargieH

P.S. Don't forget about my Spellbinders GIVEAWAY (scroll way down)!! You have until tomorrow 2/17 (11:59PM U.S. Central Standard Time) to enter!

KURETAKE Valentine Challenge!

I didn't think I was able to enter but after dinner, I finished up my take on KURETAKE's first blog challenge. The theme is Valentine's. But as you know, it was yesterday so I thought I'd make mine a shaped thank you card to my sweet hubby for the LOVEly Valentine's dinner :)

Valentine's Thank You Card by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: WorldWin Papers; Stamp: Stampendous; Dies and Craft Foils: Spellbinders (LF-190 Grand Labels Four, S4-324 Ribbon Banners, F-001 Red Premium Craft Foil and Hearts - Retired); Markers: Stampin' Write/Stampin' Up (KURETAKE) Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever)

Everything you see "ink"-wise is all from the KURETAKE's marker...from the edging of each die cut TO the stamped image TO "Thank You!" TO the brown coloring rubbed into the foil hearts. For the edging, I used my Spellbinders die templates as a stencil after embossing each die cut. The stamped image was inked with the brush tip of the marker which turned out so nice!

I kept the colors neutral to keep it masculine. What do you think?

Don't forget about my Spellbinders Giveaway (scroll down to the end) - you have until this Friday, the 17th at 11:59PM (U.S. Central Standard Time)!!

Thanks for stopping in!
MargieH

Happy!

One word to describe my weekend and the start of the week! LOL!! It was a rare that I can sleep in and be in my jammies most of the weekend. So let's started with all this HAPPINESS...

Happy Mail x 2!!

My order from ScrapAce arrived!!

Do you know about ScrapAce?! They offer one deal per day at a SUPER LOW PRICE!!! Sign up!! This My Mind's Eye Follow Your Heart (Rhonna Farrer) 6x6" pads and stamp sets was one of those great deals and this collection was just released at 2012 Winter CHA!!

TaDa Creative Studios DT package!!

TaDa Creative Studios' 2012 Winter Release!! They have two collection for this season - Poolside Collection and Yee Haw!! Collection. This isn't all of it - I took out the packages to show just a few pieces :)

Happy (and familiar) Face on TV!

Julianna Hudgins on JTV doing her thing!

Spellbinders™ Paper Arts LF-013 Jewel Goddess die template!! Love what she did with it :)

Happy Results!!

Chess State Finals!

My youngest participated in the (IL) State Finals for Chess at the Peoria Civic Center. He placed 11th (out of 100+ players) - Board 8 category. SO proud of him and as a freshman, he will have a great future on his team

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

My Valentines guy!

We went to dinner last night for an early celebration :) It was quiet night at the restaurant - no crowds and a corner booth to ourselves! It is a French bistro in the neighborhood that we don't often go to - we keep telling each other we need to go there more. L'Eiffel Bistrot & Creperie in South Barrington's Arboretum = YUMMY food

My Valentines project - a box full of chocolate!
Supplies - Cardstock: WorldWin Papers & Core'dinations; Stamp: Layers of Colors Art Stamps; Embossing Ink: VersaMark/TSUKINEKO; Embossing Powder: American Crafts; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-019 Labels Eight, S4-298 Antiquities, S5-086 Bitty Blossoms, ES-005 Spellbinders M-Bossabilities Enchanted, F-001 Red Premium Craft Foil and Nested Hearts - retired); Metal Embellishment: Advantus; Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever)

Did you know in Japan, the women give chocolates to their sweeties on Valentine's Day?! They also have those "obligated" chocolates to give to their bosses and co-workers too! LOL!! Then a month later on March 14 (called "White Day"), the men reciprocate by giving chocolate to the women. SO SMART the Japanese confectionery industry! LOL

Happy Giveaway!!!

My Valentines to YOU TWO!!!!
These shirts are from last year's CHA events (right is from 2011 Summer CHA & left is from 2011 Winter CHA) - both are XL sizes.

How to enter to win one of the shirts (international entries are also welcome)? Entries will be accepted until Friday, Feburary 17, 2012 at 11:59PM (U.S. Central Standard Time).

1. Be a follower - thank you, if you already are!!
2. Which of the two new Spellbinders products do you like?

• Spellbinders Cut, Fold & Tuck die templates OR
• Spellbinders M-Bossabilities embossing folders

Thanks so much for reading all the way down! LOL!! I appreciate you all visiting my blog :)

Have a LOVEly day!!
MargieH xo

2012 Winter CHA - Friends!!

Thanks for the comments on my ScraPerfect CHA post and Spellbinders™ Paper Arts CHA post! Today I thought I'd share pictures of friends who came to the booth (I didn't have much time to walk the floor) or IN the booth. I am THANKFUL for those who I call my friends and are just as crazy as I am about the industry - LOL!!!

My friend of 15+ years and for the first time (and maybe the last time - HA!) my roomie - Beth Pingry! She is one of a handful of gurus on all things Spellbinders (she has worn many hats and currently, is working behind the scenes in our all important Spellbinders web site!)!!!!!!!!

For many years, I have been part of a Yahoo Group called Spellbinders-Wizard that is headed up by Jane in San Diego. We are like ships passing in the night...she attends the winter shows and I attend the summer shows...until this year! She knows the INs and OUTs of Spellbinders and its products - I have learned ALOT from her (still do!). Jane, YOU ROCK~! xo

Past and present, I have been fortunate enough to be on several design teams. But the one that I always wanted to be on was Scrap-Mart.com! Not only do they have great products to choose from and at great prices but the owners/DT lead/DT are absolutely WONDERFUL & FUNNY~! Who could not LOVE a face like Howard's (he's claiming CHA overload - I think he's messing with me! LOL!!)?!

One early morning, I was passing by Bazzill's booth and spied Margie Romney-Aslett! I wrote an article on her a couple of years ago for "Love My Memories" magazine. Hadn't had a chance to chat with her since. So we finally got a picture together - Margie-squared! Very excited about her launch (The Vintage Marketplace) with Bazzill - much success, M! xo

I met this sweet gal (Samantha Walker) a few years ago when I was at the summer show as a National Scrapbook Assoc. rep. We talked about Japan - I think she and her husband lived there for a couple of years. Now Samantha is part of the Licensed Designer Collection with Spellbinders - so happy for her!

Are you still with me?! LOL!! I met a new friend and from the first moment, we were laughing up a storm! She is Carrie Woolsey from Cut@Home - another wonderful retailer and now a GREAT new friend! Thanks Carrie for sending this picture of us - I LOVE IT!!! Can't wait to meet up again in the summer! (ETA: Looks like she wrote about us too - LOL!! Visit I Am Such A Spellbinders Cut, Fold & Tuck Fan! Too funny!! I am a Fan of Cut@Home!!! xo)

And of course, my friends from "Love My Memories" magazine - the FABULOUS brother-sister team of Ken & Emi Kume who grew the scrapbooking industry in Japan! I am so honored to work with them. If you know of any scrappers in the Tokyo area, make sure to tell them about their store in IKEBUKURO called Memory Place, the Store! Outside of the Tokyo area, they have an online store called Memory Place :)

More pictures to share...the two Make'N Takes from the Spellbinders Booth:

Goddess Cuff Bracelet (photo by Holly Simoni)

Cut, Fold & Tuck Die & Spellbinders M-Bossabilities Card (photo by Holly Simoni)

Our Handsome Spellbinders Men!! (photo by Holly Simoni)

OK...I think that's a wrap! Thanks for visiting and re-living 2012 Winter CHA with me! Will back with new products from Spellbinders soon~!
MargieH

Scrap-Mart/The Button Farm Club: Mini Album

I'm still on my kick with my kit from The Button Farm Club! LOL!! This time I took what I had left from my Card Folder Ensemble and my 12 x 12" Lunch layout to create the intended project - a mini album.

You Are Sweet by Margie Higuchi
Supplies The Button Farm Club Kit (October Kit);  Mist Ink: Tattered Angels; Stencil: The Crafters Workshop; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (Bitty Blossoms, Spiral Blossoms Three)

I used Designer Angela's tutorial as a guide and did my own version (aka what was leftover! lol!!) of her wonderful project...

Cover Page (with Back Cover) to Page Six (Left to Right)

Page Seven to Page Fourteen (Left to Right)

Can you believe I was able to complete a mini album?! I'm telling you TONS of stuff in The Button Farm Club kits! Don't forget...

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!!

Thank you for letting me share all three projects I did with this kit! SO MUCH FUN~!!!
Have a wonderful day!!
MargieH

Spellbinders: 2012 Winter CHA

I had the privilege to work at the Spellbinders™ Paper Arts booth (#1883) at the show. We arrived Friday night to be ready for booth set up the next morning :)

Mary Farneth & Kim Hupke, Dir of Education, discussing a game plan.

My contribution to the set up - the wall of die templates and the (short side) walls of marketing!

The Die Divas - Kim Hupke, Cindy Alexander, Kimberly Crawford and Terre Fry! Love you all!!

Even with all the preparation, you are never ready for what hits you - achy feet and no voice!! LOL!! Our friends (who coincidentally are our customers too - lol!!) gathered all four days to see what we had to show off..and it was A LOT!! Everyone LOVED Spellbinders Cut, Fold & Tuck die templates as well as the new Spellbinders M-Bossabilities™ folders.

Ready to Rock'n Roll! Make'N Take Hostesses Holly Simoni, Cindy Alexander and Sales Guru Beth Pingry :)

Uber talented Heidi Blankenship already creating with the Spellbinders M-Bossabilities!

On our first day of the show, our Social Media and Community Developer Kelly Loubet was doing her thing with a LIVE feed of our booth! Did you miss it too? So did I but I found the recorded version of Spellbinders LIVE WebCam 2012 Winter Release (I'm in there too @ 56:59 - LOL!! Hi, Susie!!)!

Go Kelly!!

We also had our book signing session and the lines were LONG~! Stacey was at hand to sign each and every book until we had none (and yes, they were gone FAST~!).Spellbinders Quick & Easy Crafts for Entertaining is a third collaboration between Spellbinders Paper Arts and DRG Publishing/Annie's Attic. It is FULL of wonderful IDEAS for a celebration of any kind!

Stacey Caron signing away!

There was also the Media Breakfast where we invited our publication friends to see what was new with Spellbinders. All the hard work that Doris Emich had put into this event paid off as we had a HUGE turnout - so proud of her!

Welcome Media! The line went around the corner and down the aisle - WOW!

Start of the presentation: Stacey Caron, Doris Emich and Kirstie Rylon, Dir of Marketing.



NEVER a DULL MOMENT and all in a few days of work at Spellbinders! LOL!! More to come when I get the other pictures edited...

Thanks for reading through all this!
MargieH