CHA (Craft & Hobby Assoc) Mega Trade Show - Winter 2016 (Part 1)

What can I say about this annual event? It's exciting, fun and exhausting! LOL! I have been fortunate to attend for several years and it never gets old.

On Friday, January 8th, flying out to Orange County (CA) Airport took forever as my plane didn't show up until 40 mins later! Weather in Chicago was perfect - figures! HA! But lucky me, hubby gave me a pass to the United Lounge = SCORE!

When I finally got to the Anaheim Convention Center, I rushed up to Girlie Grunge Mixed Media Canvas Class by Donna Salazar with Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L®. It was so nice to see everyone creating a wonderful project. Donna is an amazing artist - LOVE HER!!

Afterwards, there was the CHA Mega Block Party outside which was a bit chilly for LA but still a lot of fun and caught up with industry friends! Finally was able to hang out with my roomie :)

The next day (1/9) was the first day of CHA! But first we got our vitamin C fizzy drinks ON to start the day - CHEERS :)

We made it! Excited to see everyONE and everyTHING! Can't believe how big this sign is - LOL!!

This is my wonderful roommate, Betsy Burnett, who has put up with me for three years - LOVE HER!! She gets me! LOL!! She also has a HUGE HEART coming here to bring awareness to her cause and passion - Operation Christmas Child (#CrazyShoeBoxLady). I admire and respect her for all she is doing and for the Craft Industry that has embraced her with support! LOVE this industry!! GO BETSY!

I walked the floor to see every thing but was so overwhelmed with product and talking to friends. Didn't take much pictures. BUT here are some fun pictures - you may recognize my crazy friends (Top: Susan Opel, Middle: Susan Opel & Julie Comstock, Bottom: HeeSun Kim & Eun Young both from S. Korea)! HA!

This booth - Lion Brand Yarn had the most striking booth. I literally stopped in my tracks to take a look at the detailed knit work. They won the Critics' Choice Booth Award - just amazing! It is awarded to one exhibitor that best represents the creative spirit of the industry. What do you think?

I was invited by Offray to try their newest tool called the Bow Genius™, a bow making tool. It was nominated CHA 2016 Hot Product Award for the General Craft and Floral Craft Categories. So I went to the scheduled make 'n take to create a Pomander project and had SO MUCH FUN!! I hope to do a review about this tool in the very near future :)

After meeting up with Betsy, she and I went back to the hotel to put our feet up to talk about the day (we went our separate ways most of the time) and got ready for Prime/FaveCraft Bloggers Network Event at the Hilton. Great to see friends and meet new ones!

Wonderful conversations with manufacturers who want to work with bloggers on how to get brand awareness out to the market place. LOVE talking about marketing - I am in my element. Thanks to the hard working crew at Prime Publishing/FaveCraft!!

So that concludes Education Day and Day One of CHA! Stay tuned for more - coming SOON!

Thanks for visiting :)
MargieH

JustRite: May 2013 Release Day 1!

I am excited about the May 2013 Release because JustRite® Papercraft added some "boy" themed sets - yeah, mom of boys (COUGHmeCOUGH)!! LOL!! But today, we are introducing the Irises Vintage Labels Four set which has a matching die set, Vintage Labels Four Dies.

When I first saw this design, a window card popped into my head! This is what I came up with for a Mother's Day card!

５月の新しいスタンプセット(Irises Vintage Labels Four)の紹介です。一日目は、Vintage Labels Fourダイを使い、母の日テイマーでウィンドウデーカードを作りました。Faber-Castellジェラトスを使ってIrisに色を付けました。簡単に作れますよ～！

For the card base, I embossed with Spellbinders™ M-Bossabilities™ EL-002 Regal Folder. This folder had a similar lattice design and goes well with the image. Then I cut a window using Vintage Labels Four Dies Small Oval die in the center.

The image was stamped three times on two different patterned papers and one white cardstock. I cut/embossed the stamped yellow patterned paper with Vintage Labels Four Die and cut the center out (yes, I cut into the Iris flower! LOL!) with the Small Oval die.

The stamped green patterned paper, I also cut/embossed with Vintage Labels Four Die and stamped "Mom" where it would peek out from the opening.

The image stamped on white cardstock, I fussy cut the Iris out and colored with Gelatos from Faber-Castell. Loved how it turned out :)

Lastly I assembled as shown in the final picture and it's ready to be given on Mother's Day!

Project Supplies:
JustRite Papercraft Stamps - Irises Vintage Labels Four
JustRite Custom Dies - Vintage Labels Four Dies
Spellbinders™ Paper Arts - EL-002 Regal
Inks - TSUKINEKO (Memento - Black Tuxedo)
Coloring and Tools - Faber Castell (Gelatos)
Cardstock and Card Base - Darice and Core'dinations ColorCore Cardstock/David Tutera Celebrate Cardmaking System
Patterned Papers - Cosmo Cricket (Tea For Two Collection)
Pearl - Want2Scrap
Ribbon - Anna Griffin
Adhesives - ScraPerfect (Best Glue Ever)
Other: Button

See what my fellow designers have created with this wonderful Irises Vintage Labels Four set!

JustRite Inspiration
Debbie Olson
Kathy Jones
Marisa Job
Sharon Harnist
Angela Barkhouse
Michele Kovack
Margie Higuchi = ME!!
Heidi Blankenship
Darsie Bruno
Sheri Holt
Barb Schram

Thanks for stopping by! xo
MargieH

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!

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!

Honey, I'm home!!

WHEW!!

SO so happy to be home but miss my Spellbinders™ Family already! LOL!! What can I say except for two little words that have a WHOLE LOT of meaning...THANK YOU!!!

Of all the manufacturers I have worked with, this Company is the most generous - so giving of their hearts, their hard work and their products which they are so proud of (and they should be!). I am so honored to be a part of it all!

This year, we are fortunate enough to work with many cross promotional partners and just like Spellbinders™, they are just as giving! I spread most of their generosity on my roomie Holly's king sized bed (Thanks, Holly! LOL!)...















Now let's see if I can list everyone:

Beacon Adhesives, Clearsnap, COPICS (not pictured on its way from overseas on a slow boat from Japan! LOL!), Cosmo Cricket, Creative Impressions, Donna Salazar Designs, Fancy Pants Designs, Flourishes, Gina K Designs, Glue Dots, Graphic45, Heartfelt Creations, JustRite Stampers, Kaiser Crafts, My Mind's Eye, Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker LLC, Pink Paislee, Robin's Nest, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L, Sparkle'N Sprinkle, Tattered Angels, 3M Post-It, Waltzing Mouse Stamps, WorldWin (not pictured on its way to me in a huge box! WOW!!) and Xryon.

This year, we have added stamp manufacturers that created designs to match Spellbinders™ Die Templates! SO EXCITED about that! Can't wait to play! WOOOHOOO!!

THANK YOU SPELLBINDERS™!!!

I am so excited for another year of great fun, designs and well, more fun! LOL!

Happy HUMP Day!!! xo

Hoppy Easter!

I had this Valentine's container full of strawberry candy that mysteriously disappeared...I'm thinkin' boys...enough said. HA! So what to do with this container...it was lying in the recycle bin...until I saw this challenge from JustRite Stampers....hmmm...light bulb moment!




















So I covered the sides with one of my favorite paper manufacturers, Cosmo Cricket, and accented with Spellbinders Easter themed items (S4-263 Easter Fun, S4-237 Easter Borderabilities™ Petite and S4-264 Nested Egg). See that cute little chick running around?! The image is from JustRite Stampers Favorite Occasions Borders & Centers Set 1 5/8" (JB-08690) colored in Copic Markers...


















What a fun challenge! A great idea that created something old into something new! Are you a JustRite Stamper fan? Come join the challenge...you still have time! The challenge ends this Thursday, March 18th :0)

Happy 15th...

birthday to my oldest son, Taka!!

Last night, we took him to his favorite restaurant, DARUMA (Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates IL). He was full and we were broke! LOL!!

When we got home, he was still eating?! OY! Teenage boys! It was fun to see him embarrassed as the staff sang the birthday song...they don't usually sing but they love to embarrass him!! Thanks, Thomas and friends xo!

This is a layout I did for Scrapbook News & Review Magazine a few months back. It's one of my favorites!



















Pattern Paper: Cosmo Cricket
Chipboard Pcs: Cosmo Cricket
Letter Stickers: American Craft
Ink: Clearsnap
Stamp: LostCoast Stamps
Punch: EK Success
Misc: High School ID (from summer school)