Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Hazel and Ruby: DIY Chalkboard Clipboard Upcycle

Hello! Today I'm up on Hazel & Ruby Blog as guest designer!! SO EXCITED :)

I created a "Back to School" project using Hazel & Ruby's Broadside Alpha Stencil-Mask, Quote Me Fat Roll, Washi Tape and Too Cool Pic Pockets to create a DIY Chalkboard Clipboard! Here are some peeks on what I did...

I needed to make this a masculine piece for my son who is entering his senior year in high school...sniff, sniff!! I had this NOTES clipboard that I purchased from the dollar spot at a big box chain store a few months ago...




OOops!! Can't show you ALL! You need visit DIY Chalkboard Clipboard Upcycle post on Hazel & Ruby for a FULL tutorial and ENTIRE supplies list!

Please leave me some "LOVE" over there and let them know how you like this project! Thanks!!!
As always, thanks for stopping by here!!
MargieH

Saturday, July 19, 2014

My Japan Trip (May 2014): Manza Onsen Hot Springs

This is part 3 of My Japan Trip (May 2014)! If you like to catch up, click on to each blog post title below (don't forget to click on images a larger view):


After saying good-bye to my mother-in-law, we packed up a bag to take for our vacation. The bigger one was taken to our neighborhood 7Eleven who can arrange our bag to be delivered to Narita Airport via Takyubin (similar to a UPS/FedEx). LOVE the efficiency of Japan! LOL!

Then we took the train up to Ueno Station and hopped on the Kusatsu Limited Express Train - a three hour ride to our destination, Manza.



What's a train ride without an EkiBen (aka train station bento box lunch)?! I got the #1 favorite of one store and Hosho got one that can be heated without a microwave - a heating component in the bottom of the box! It works! Only in Japan - LOL!



This was our dessert (we should've gotten more!) - a flaky pastry with light cream and sweet bean paste called Danish Panda. OMGosh, so good!


It rained when we arrived - not a good start but once we got to the hotel, everything was just right. Our room had an amazing view of the hot springs puffing smoke through the earth. Now you don't see that everyday!



After taking our hot spring baths, we joined the other guests for a buffet style dinner. Although not romantic, it was fun to eat a Japanese food buffet! FUN! Notice everyone is wearing the same thing...most Japanese hotels will provide these YUKATAs to use as pajamas and to walk around town in. Less to pack!


The next day it was SO NICE out Hosho had this great idea to go hiking. For those who know me, I don't hike! LOL!! He said it will only be 20 mins - HA! Try more than double that time. BUT it was worth it.

He took me to Mt. Kusatsu Shirane, an active volcano (he forgot to mention that part until later!) to see Yugama Crater Lake (known for its high acidic content).

See the little road next to me with the sign (first picture - click on images for larger view)? That hiking trail I was supposed to take (it's an easy 10 min hike) was close due to POISONOUS GAS! Really?! Why are we here?! OY~!


ARE WE THERE YET? 20 mins later....
This is Yugama Crater Lake with its beautiful (& POISONOUS GAS..did I mention that already?) turquoise blue surface...


After walking down and back to the bus stop, we were off to our next destination...KUSATSU!

Sorry - that's another post :)
To be continued - thanks for reading!
MargieH

Friday, July 18, 2014

Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft: Beachy Glass Bead Glitter Gel Glass Jar

Hi, everyone! I'm featured on Faber Castell Design Memory Craft Blog today!! It's a beach themed project, using the Glass Bead Glitter Gel. I used the white mini glass jar from my 4th of July Gel & Gelatos Glass Jar project and kicked it up a notch!

Some sneak peeks to entice to go visit Beachy Glass Bead Glitter Gel Glass Jar post :)

BEFORE!!










Are you interested in FULL TUTORIAL & SUPPLIES LIST?!
Come check it out and comment!
Visit Beachy Glass Bead Glitter Gel Glass Jar post!!

Thanks!!
MargieH

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

JustRite: Snowflakes Cling Stamps

Today, I am introducing JustRite® PaperCraft’s July 2014 ReleaseSnowflakes Cling Stamps set using its coordinating SVG cut file digital download, SVG-02053 Snowflake, to create this A2 card.



7月のリリース最終日です。今回は、クリスマスの Snowflakes Cling Stamps と SVG-02053 Snowflakeの紹介です。Tsukineko Brillance InkでSnowflakeをいっぱい押しました!スペルバインダーズの新しいダイセット(Spellbinders Celebra'tions™ SCD-009 Pierced Circles)も使いました。このスタンプセットは、本当にお気に入りです~!


I had to use my collection of Brillance Ink which brings a shimmer to the stamped images - just love the effect! I used many colors to create a background.


Next I nested Spellbinders Celebra'tions™ SCD-009 Pierced Circles together to create not only a cut but a pierced edge around the shape. BUT that's not all! I also inked the inside edge of the pieced die template to give it some extra shine and interest :)




I cut the middle snowflake shape from the SVG-02053 Snowflake with white cardstock. I pressed the shape into the Brillance Galaxy Gold Ink to add color and shine to the center of my organza bow below.


Add pearls, sequins and trinket pin to assemble the card below. Here's another look at the shimmery colorful holiday card!


Project Supplies:
JustRite Papercraft Stamps – Snowflakes Cling Stamps
JustRite SVG Cut File - SVG-02053 Snowflake
Spellbinders® Creative Arts - SCD-009 Pierced Circles
Inks – IMAGINE Craft®/TSUKINEKO® (Brilliance Ink - Pearlescent Jade, Pearlescent Purple, Pearlescent Orchid, Pearlescent Sky Blue and Galaxy Gold, and Memento™ Ink - Paris Dusk)
Cardstock and Card Base - Darice and Core'dinations ColorCore Cardstock®/David Tutera™ Celebrate Cardmaking System
Bling - Want2Scrap©
Ribbon - May Arts
Pin - Maya Road
Adhesives - ScraPerfect (Best Glue Ever) and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L® (3D Foam Squares and Dotz Medium)
Other: Sequins

See what my fellow designers have created with today’s fabulous release!

Margie Higuchi (you are here!)

Thanks for stopping by to visit!
MargieH

Friday, July 11, 2014

JustRite: Stitched Sunflowers Vintage Labels Eight Clear Stamps

Today, I am introducing JustRite® PaperCraft’s July 2014 ReleaseStitched Sunflowers Vintage Labels Eight Clear Stamps using their exclusive new die set, Vintage Labels Eight, along with Spellbinders® Captivating Squares die template and 3D M-Bossabilities™ Basket Weave Folder to create a card. I colored with Spectrum Noir makers and embellished the center with 3D paint (aka Puffy Paint). The card measures 4⅝ x 5⅞".



今日のリリースはStitched Sunflowers Vintage Labels Eight Clear Stampsセットと新しいダイVintage Labels Eightを使い、明るい色のカードを作りました。Card baseはスペルバインダーズ3D M-Bossabilities Basket Weaveでエンボスしました。


After stamping both sunflower images, I fussy cut them - it was late at night and didn't want to turn on the Silhouette machine :0P Then I colored with Spectrum Noir markers (petals - CT1 & CT3; center - EB6). Note I used the True Black marker to outline my edges for a subtle finished look.


I did the same with my leaf images. Colored with Spectrum Noir markers (JG3, JG6 & True Black).


Next I layered the sunflowers with 3D Foam Squares for some dimension! Then I slightly bent the top flower to give it movement.


For even more dimension, I took out my 3D dimensional paint and embellished my center. This took a couple of go-around - dry time in between applications. LOVED how it turned out :)


Cut and embossed my die cuts from Vintage Labels Eight and S4-414 Captivating Squares sets. With Vintage Labels Eight, I first stamped the image and then laid the die template over it to cut/emboss. Off to layer them all as a beautiful center piece for the card base...



....and speak of the card base, I embossed with Spellbinders 3D M-Bossabilities Basket Weave Folder to create interest and wonderful texture :)


To finish, I added twine with a tag stamped with "Miss You" from the Stitched Sunflowers Vintage Labels Eight Clear Stamps set.


Add a wooden button and it's ready to send! Here's a second look at the finished card...


Project Supplies:
JustRite Papercraft Stamps – Stitched Sunflowers Vintage Labels Eight Clear Stamps
JustRite Custom Dies - Vintage Labels Eight
Spellbinders® Creative Arts - S4-414 Captivating Squares and E3D-004 Basket Weave
Inks – IMAGINE Craft®/TSUKINEKO® (Memento™ Ink - Rich Cocoa)
Alcohol Markers - Spectrum Noir (Sunflowers - CT1 & CT3; Flower Center - EB6; Leaves - JG3 & JG6; True Black)
Dimensional Paint - Scribbles® (Brown Marron)
Cardstock and Card Base - Darice and Core'dinations ColorCore Cardstock®/David Tutera™ Celebrate Cardmaking System
Patterned Papers - Bella Blvd (Thankful Collection)
Bling - Want2Scrap©
Wooden Button - Maya Road
Adhesives - ScraPerfect (Best Glue Ever) and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L® (3D Foam Squares)

See what my fellow designers have created with today’s amazing release!

Thanks for stopping by to visit!
MargieH

Wednesday, July 09, 2014

JustRite: Just Typed Clear Stamp Set

Great news before I start! All JustRite Dies are 20% OFF!! Coupon Code is JUSTRITEDIES (all caps and no spaces). Sale ends on July 16th (Midnight EST) so HURRY!!



Today, I am introducing JustRite® PaperCraft’s July 2014 ReleaseJust Typed Clear Stamps set using Spellbinders® 5 x 7" Card Creator series, Address Book and Typewriter die templates to create a 4⅜ x 6⅜" card.



7月のリリース3日目の新しいスタンプセット(Just Typed Clear Stamps)の紹介です。とってもTrendyなデザインと思います。スペルバインダーズのTypewriterのダイを使い、Teal色のカードを作りました。


I used both 5 x 7 Matting Basics A and B dies to create a 1/4" mat to create a card panel. For an accent, I cut and embossed Address Book dies to fit the theme. Then I cut and embossed Typewriter die with teal cardstock and sanded the embossed areas to highlight with the Sand-it Gadget.



Next I stamped the sentiments from Just Typed Clear Stamps set with teal ink to match the rest of the card.


Add ribbon and sequins. Assemble the rest as shown below...



Project Supplies:
JustRite Papercraft Stamps – Just Typed Clear Stamps set
Spellbinders® Creative Arts - IN-022 Typewriter, S5-167 Address BookS6-001 5 x 7 Matting Basics A and S6- 5 x 7 Matting Basics B
Inks – Stampin' Up (Taken With Teal Ink Pad)
Cardstock and Card Base - Core'dinations ColorCore Cardstock® (Teal Cardstock, Vintage Collection) and David Tutera™ for Darice Celebrate Cardmaking System
Patterned Papers - FarmHouse Paper Company (302 Collection)
Ribbon - May Arts
Adhesives - ScraPerfect (Best Glue Ever) and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L® (E-Z Runner)
Other - Sequins

See what my fellow designers have created with today’s fabulous release!

Margie Higuchi (that's me!)

Thanks for stopping by to visit!
MargieH