CraftFancy: Make 'N Take Saturday

It's been a few weeks since I last visited CraftFancy (Arlington Hts. IL) and several months that I haven't visited with my friend and owner, Carol. It so good to catch up with her...spent hours and dollars, of course! LOL!! The afternoon Spring make'n take was this...

Spellbinders™ M-Bossabilities™ Card (Make'n Take)

Before heading to the store, I quickly made an all occasion card as a sample for the store...took me all of 10 minutes! Love these new Spellbinders Cut•Fold•Tuck die templates!

Angle Approach Card by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: Wausau Paper; Patterned Papers: Authentique Paper (Genuine Collection); Button: Maya Road; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-111 Angle Approach, E8-007 Classic Edges One); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever), SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (3D Square Foam)

Dianne and Karen working away to ensure that the make'n takes go smoothly and they did a great job of it! Everyone was enjoying themselves - thanks, ladies!

What a nice end to Spring Break...I came home to an empty house. All the boys (hubby included) were out on the tennis courts at the high school enjoying their time before school starts again :0)

Happy Apri 1st!!
MargieH

TaDa Creative Studios: Paradise

Hello! Today is my turn to post Paradise on TaDa Creative Studios' blog. I used the Sunny Skies Oooh La La Layers (a lasercut cardstock paper) from the Poolside Collection to create this page...

Paradise by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - LaserCut Cardstock, Patterned Paper, Stickers: TaDa Creative Studios (Poolside Collection); Cardstock: WorldWin Papers (White); Marker: KURETAKE Zig; Ink: Clearsnap; Glitter: Ranger; Twine: The Twinery; Epoxy Embellishment: Epiphany Crafts (Pennant 25); Dies: Spellbinders™ Paper Arts (LF-003 Donna's Alphas); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever) and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (3D Foam Square)

For more details on how this page was put together, visit Paradise on TaDa Creative Studios' blog and tell me what you think!

ETA: Stop by Balzer Designs' blog as I am featured as one of many designers who contributed to the TV show Scrapbook Soup. SO stinkin' excited!! Visit "Waiter, there's a fly in my soup!" (LOL!!) and say HELLO~!

Thanks for stopping by!!
MargieH

Scrap-Mart: Peace And Comfort

Today, I am sharing a sympathy card I made for a friend who recently lost her sister. Keeping the colors on the lighter side, I hope this will comfort her.

Peace and Comfort by Margie Higuchi
Supplies – Cardstock: Wausau Paper; Patterned Papers: My Mind’s Eye (Follow Your Heart Collection); Embossing Ink: TSUKINEKO (VersaMark); Embossing Powder: Stampendous; Stamp: JustRite Stampers (Thinking of You Borders & Centers); Pearls: KaiserCraft; Dies: Spellbinders™ Paper Arts (E8-008 Classic Edges Two, E8-004 Classic Ric Rac, S4-110 Classic Ovals LG, S4-112 Classic Ovals SM and S5-022 Labels Ten); Tools: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever, The Perfect Crafting Pouch and The Embellie Gellie); Foam Adhesive: SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (3D Foam Square)

I think this would help some of you when matching stamped images with Spellbinders die templates for a perfect cut...

With a scrap piece of paper, I cut out the shape (in my case, S4-112 Classic Ovals SM) that I would use with the image. Take the negative piece and match up to the image. Then slide the die template in place until it "locks in." Using repositionable tape, I cut/emboss using my Spellbinders Grand Calibur®.

Using the Spellbinders Edgeabilities® E8-008 Classic Edges Two and E8-004 Classic Ric Rac taped together, I cut/emboss with my favorite patterned paper. I assembled all the pieces to the card front and add foam tape to the embossed sentiment for dimension. Placed pearls on the top and bottom of Labels Ten die cut to finish the card.

Thanks for stopping by!

Authentique: March Sketch Challenge

A few days ago, I was at my LSS (CraftFancy in Arlington Hts. IL) and purchased Authentique Paper's Genuine Collection. Have you noticed a trend in the blue and yellow color combination in many paper collections? Love it! Using my new purchase, I had to participate in Authentique's March Sketch Challenge (card). This time I made the deadline (wink wink) - LOL!!

Happy Birthday by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: Wausau Paper; Patterned Paper: Authentique Paper (Genuine Collection); Stamp: JustRite Stampers (Elegant Charm Set); Ink: TSUKINEKO; Trinket Pin: Maya Road; Pearl: KaiserCraft; Epoxy Embellishment: Epiphany Crafts (Pennant 25); Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (E8-004 Classic Ric Rac, S4-132 Classic Rectangles LG, S5-029 Nested Lacey Pennants and S5-113 Floral Burst); Adhesives: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever) and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (3D Foam Squares)

I was hoping to create this card with a masculine touch...what do you think?

Today is the start of our Spring Break week but the boys have a full schedule with tennis and doctor's appointments ;0) Are you on Spring Break too?

Anyways thanks for stopping by!
MargieH

Kuretake: March 2012 Challenge

ETA: I missed the deadline! LOL!! Figures that it was during my trip to Hawaii!! OY! Such a space! Well, no matter - had fun doing this!

I've been trying to find time to participate in some challenges like this one - KURETAKE Zig's Doodle Challenge. I am not GREAT at doodling so bear with me here folks! LOL!! I had this 5x7" canvas panel that has been staring at me for months. With a little ink misting, paper, die cuts, tissue tape and stencils, I came up with "Where Flowers Bloom..." canvas.

Where Flower Bloom... by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Patterned Papers - My Mind's Eye (Follow My Heart Collection); Pearl: KaiserCraft; Button: Jenni Bowlin; Tissue Tape: Advantus; Ink Mists: Tattered Angels; Glitter: Ranger (Stickles); Markers: KURETAKE ZIG; Stencils: The Crafter's Workshop; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-086 Bitty Blossoms); Other: Canvas panel

I used KURETAKE ZIG markers for all the colors and quote from Lady Bird Johnson as well as the outlines from the Crafters Workshop stencils. I used Glimmer Mist for the background.

I colored the tissue tape with green brush tip marker and twisted the tape to create the stem of the flowers. Then I adhered them - love the textured results! Also I rubbed some Frosted Lace Stickles into the "sun" to give it some sparkle. That's my take on the challenge :0)

Thanks for stopping by!
MargieH

Scrap-Mart: Keep Calm And Enjoy Vacation

Hi all!

Today I have created a mini sack using JustRite Stampers Keep Calm stamp set and a few of Spellbinders die templates. I thought it would be an appropriate theme as we just got back this morning from vacation (red eye flight from Los Angeles...details later...need sleep!)!

Keep Calm and Enjoy Vacation Mini Sack by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Patterned Paper - My Mind's Eye (Follow Your Heart Collection); Stamp: JustRite Stampers (Keep Calm set); Ink: Ranger & Clearsnap; Dies: Spellbinders (JB-10025 JustRite Nested Oval Medallion Label Dies, S5-086 Bitty Blossoms, S5-079 Persian Motifs, S5-105 Floral Tags); Glitter: Ranger (Frosted Lace Stickles); Marker: Copics; Pearl: KaiserCraft; Texture: FlowerSoft; Twine: Twinery; Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Mini sack

Some people have been asking about the Spellbinders spiral flower dies so I have put together a step-by-step picture on how to use them...

Cut and Emboss.

Start rolling tightly from the outside towards the middle. This will be the center of the flower.

Then as you roll along, you can loosely roll the paper.

See the blossom forming? But don't make it too loose :)

Add wet adhesive to the circle base and place the blossom on top. Hold for a few moments until it sets.

While it sets, gentle move the petals to form a beautiful flower.

So I hope that is helpful to some of you :)
Have a great day, everyone!!
MargieH

Weekend Stuff and For Japanese Scrappers!

Catching up here on what I did this past weekend...my youngest brother, Dave, was in the country and was able to stop by Chicago for a couple of days. The boys love when he comes, he adds comedy to the conversation (aka abusing the parents) - LOL!!

Also I attended the annual Crop for a Cause: Making MS a Memory! but only for a few hours since Dave was here and we had dinner plans at DARUMA.

Crop for a Cause: Making MS a Memory! Founder Laura Machonis

Me with Nubia Chaidez, Charity Wings Blogger

CJ and Karen at the Creative Memories MnT Table

Dave had to pick up some (heavy) books for his book worm daughter, I looked through some paper crafting magazines and stumbled upon this...

and to my surprise, this...

Totally forgot that I had submitted....senior moment?! YIKES!

I haven't posted anything new for my Japanese scrappers so this is for them (all in Japanese, of course! LOL!!). But for my nosey non-Japanese friends (a majority of you!), it is a "How To" scrapbooking book released Feb 28 in Japan by the fabulous editor of Love My Memories Magazine, Emi Kume. It took many months and sleepless nights to compile a picture by picture explanation on how each pages were done. Great for beginners and veterans as it covers many techniques, tips and ideas. I cannot wait to get my copy!!

ラブメモ特別編集　(監修：久米英美子)　

写真を見ながら学ぶ

「スクラップブッキングの基礎 BOOK 」

出版：パッチワーク通信社/定価：1200円税込/ISBN978-4-86322-367-7

この本は、スクラップブッキング初心者が 基礎から学ぶ事ができ、また経験者も基礎を 振り返る事ができるレッスンブックという コンセプトで作りました。

作品33点の作り方つきなので、基礎を ひとつひとつ学びながら、作品も楽しく 作る事がでいる、という内容になっています。

更に切って使える実物大の型紙つき！ 型紙は実際に本に掲載している作品に 使用しています。 ミニアルバムの形の型紙（表紙作品の右下）、 封筒ポケットの型紙、そして表紙作品にも背景 として使っている6角形の型紙です。

ちょっと固い紙でできてるので、一度切り取って いただければ、繰り返し使う事ができます。 どんどん活用してくださいね！

殆どのプロジェクトが1時間以内でできます。 12インチ作品、ミニアルバム・ミニブック、 グリーティングカード、ホームデコ・・・色々ありますよ～

材料費は一つのプロジェクトにつき だいたい千円以内になるようにしています。

そして実は今回初めての試みをしています・・・それは全ページ、作り方をインチではなく センチ(cm)で解説した事です。スクラップブッキングはアメリカから入って きているので、製品や作り方、色々な物が 今までインチ表記になっていました。

日本でスクラップブッキングをもっと広げる ためにはやっぱりセンチにしないとね・・というわけで、今回の基礎BOOKで センチ表記にしました。

スクラップブッキングをこれから始める皆さん また、なんとなくスクラップブッキングを今まで やってみてたけど、実は基礎を知りたかったんだという皆さん、是非読んでみてくださいね！

Scrap-Mart: Japan

Hey all. Today is my turn to post for Scrap-Mart. I also wanted to point out that it is the first anniversary of Japan's TSUNAMI disaster. My heart is heavy for the people in the northern region of Japan (the TOHOKU Region). Although there has been good progress, there are many who still cannot return to their homes. Some will never be able to go back. I hope the Japanese government will work FASTER to get them a place where they can call HOME. I AM THANKFUL EVERYDAY that my family and my husband's family are safe.

My brother came to visit Chicago on his business trip two months after the disaster and I was thrilled to see him. We rarely see each other so I took a picture. A few days ago, I happened upon it. Taking my most recent favorite collection, My Mind's Eye Follow Your Heart Collection I created a 12 x 12" page using 6 x 6" paper :0)

siblings 2011 by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: American Crafts; Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye (Follow Your Heart Collection); Glittered Chipboard Alphas: American Crafts; Buttons: October Afternoon; Stamp: A Jillian Vance Design; Ink: Clearsnap; Embossing Ink: VersaMark (TSUKINEKO); Embossing Powder: American Crafts; Liquid Pearl: Ranger; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (E8-008 Classic Edges Two, E8-012 Classic Decorative Inserts Four, S5-079 Persian Motifs and S5-025 Labels Seventeen); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Foam tape

I'm loving the Spellbinders Edgeabilities!! Do you know notice all the different borders? They are from two sets - the Classic Edgers and the Classic Decorative Inserts Four!!! But you can inter-change them to create more designs (versatility and value!). Like I said LOVE THEM!!!!

I added a shaped card below that I created in commemoration of Japan's disaster. The details are posted in ScraPerfect's A Card For Japan post a couple of days ago. My friend, Peggy Ruiz, is a Close To My Heart (CTMH) consultant and told me about CTMH selling a stamp set with proceeds going to the Japan Relief Fund.

Hope For Japan by Margie Higuchi
Supplies – Cardstock: American Crafts & WorldWin Papers; Stamp: Close To My Heart; Ink: Ranger; Embossing Ink: VersaMark (TSUKINEKO); Embossing Powder: American Crafts; Pearls: Want2Scrap; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-345 Picot Edge Circles, S4-114 Standard Circles LG); Tools: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever, The Perfect Crafting Pouch and The Embellie Gellie); Other: Black cardstock, foam tape

Thanks everyone!
Hug a loved one today (considered yourself hugged!! LOL!!)!!
MargieH xo

Scrap-Mart: Happy (early) Birthday, Mom!!

Hi, all! Today I created a birthday card for my mother :0) Her birthday is March 4th but we are going on TOKYO time (13 hours ahead) so technically I'm ALMOST on time! LOL!! Confused? Even after all these years, that's how I feel every time I call home!

Happy Birthday by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: American Crafts; Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye (Follow Your Heart Be Amazing Collection); Ink: Ranger Ink (Tim Holtz Distress Ink) & Clearsnap; Mist: LuminArte Shimmering Mist; Pin: Maya Road; Ribbon: Offray; Pearls KaiserCraft; Stamp: Flourishes; Dies & Embossing Folder: Spellbinders Paper Arts™ (S4-357 Spiral Blossom Three, E8-008 Classic Edges Two, E8-012 Classic Decorative Inserts Four, ES-005 Enchanted, S5-028 Nested Pennants); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: White cardstock

Love the newest releases from the Spellbinders Edgeabilities® line! I created a border to accent the card and act as a landing area for the ribbon and flower embellishment :)

To enhance the embossed border, I did a faux letterpress using chalk ink to stencil the INSIDE of the die template (the cut side).

Then I cut/embossed with the yellow cardstock. Note I am using those Spellbinders Junior Plates for use in the Spellbinders Grand Calibur® Machine. For more information, visit Scrap-Mart: Spellbinders Junior Plates Are Available post here.

If you want a deeper color, just add more ink to the die template. I inked mine lighter for a more subtle look.

I ink misted my patterned paper (I ordered through ScrapAce for a FABULOUS deal of the day!) and cut/embossed with Blossom Three die template to create an embellishment for the card. Stamp the sentiment, place the die template over the stamped words and cut/emboss. Assembled as shown and you're done!

Here's another look...

Happy birthday, mom! お誕生日、おめでとうございます! Love you! xo
I'll call you later...on your birthday day YOUR TIME! LOL!!
Thanks for stopping by, everyone!
MargieH