TaDa Creative Studios: A Fond Farewell

This is such a hard post to write...after four years with this wonderful company - TaDa Creative Studios, I am stepping down as design team member. The adventures I have had with these ladies - Annette Meklus and Mary Sabo have been AMAZING for the lack of the word. They BELIEVED IN ME 100% and I will ever be SO GRATEFUL to them!!!!!!!!!

It was a hard choice...the DT term was up at the end of this week and I had to reassess. My main job had increased in hours and commitment. Plus a new venture had crossed my path and its unique opportunity was something I could not turn down.

Today is my last post...visit Desk Caddy & Thank You! for details and leave comment. This is what I created with one of my favorite collection, Curly Q Collection!

Desk Caddy by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: American Crafts; Patterned Paper: TaDa Creative Studios (Curly Q Collection); Cork Paper and White Brads: Creative Impressions; Ink: Clearsnap (Queue Inks); Rhinestone: Prima; Pins: Maya Road; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-161 Labels One and S4-364 Spiral Blossom Four); Adhesives: ScraPerfect (the Best Glue Ever); Other: Printer Paper

Also I wanted to go back and share with you some of my favorite projects with TaDa Creative Studios...

 

I hope that you all will visit them over on TaDa Creative Studios BLOG and TaDa Creative Studios FACEBOOK (LIKE for more wonderful inspiration :0).

Most of all, THANK YOU TADA CREATIVE STUDIOS, their customers and my fellow DESIGN TEAM MEMBERS for the continued friendship (because I know our paths will cross!) and inspiration!

MargieH...feeling a little sad today

TaDa Creative Studios: Back To School!

It's Back to School and I created a card/backpack ensemble with TaDa Creative Studios' Yee Haw Collection. Come see my blog post Back To School with all the detailed pictures and other inspiration of the same theme! Here's the picture of the ensemble (the rest are on TaDa's Blog)...

Back To School Ensemble by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Patterned Papers - TaDa Creative Studios (Yee Haw Collection); Stamp: HeartFelt Creations; Ink: Clearsnap (Donna Salazar); Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-231 Labels Seven; S5-082 Nautical Frame andAccents); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever) & SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (3D Square Foams); Other: Brad, Apple Eyelet and Text Stamp, Hook & Loop Tape

ETA

Back To School pictures (for my mom in Japan who doesn't FaceBook but does surf my blog - lol!!)...お母さん、高校の２０１３年度写真です（写真のところにクリクすると大きく見えますよ）。バスに乗る前に、家の玄関前にて。（貴之・高３＆浩之・高１）

Taka - Senior Year!!

Taka & Hiro being cooperative

"Mom, you are pushing your luck...are we done yet?!"

...and so it begins, another school year. Taka's last high school year (sniff, sniff...)

Dont' forget to visit TaDa's Blog and let them know what you think of the ensemble :0)

Thanks for stopping by!!!
MargieH

TaDa Creative Studios: Decorative Labels Eight Birthday Card

On TaDa Creative Studios' Blog, I created a shaped card out of the newest Spellbinders Paper™ Arts Nestabilities® Decorative Elements dies, S5-148 Decorative Labels Eight. Don't you love the detailed edge on this set?! LOVE!! It matches their S5-019 Labels Eight set.

Decorative Labels Eight Birthday Card by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: American Crafts; Patterned Papers: TaDa Creative Studios (Goody Two Shoes Collection); Ink: Clearsnap; Ink Mist: Tattered Angel Glimmer Mist (Pink Bubblegum); Stamp: JustRite PaperCrafters (Elegant Charms set); Bling: Want2Scrap; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-378 Cherry Blossoms, S5-148 Decorative Labels Eight, S5-019 Labels Eight and S4-367 Back to Basics Tags); Adhesives: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever) and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES By 3L (3D Foam Squares)

Just a note...when you use dies with intrique cuts, make sure to put wax paper between the die and cardstock to pop the paper out with ease. After a couple of times using this die set, I don't need to use wax paper anymore :)

I made this card for a dear friend of mine who I was with on her birthday - didn't bother to tell me and found out through FaceBook (but she did not post her birthday on there)! Thanks to one of her friends from Japan who posted - LOL!! So happy belated birthday, Emi!!!

If you have a chance come visit Decorative Labels Eight Birthday Card post on TaDa Creative Studios' Blog and let them know what you think of my card! They love feedback :0)

Thanks for taking the time to pop in!
MargieH :0)

TaDa: Mustang 2012

Today on TaDa Creative Studios FaceBook, I posted a layout using their Oooh La La (lasercut) paper - Swim Meet. SO COOL~! I had pictures left over from my nephew's swim meet at the American School In Japan (ASIJ)...

Mustangs by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock and Stickers: TaDa Creative Studios (Poolside Collection); Rope: Canvas Corp.; Epoxy Embellishment: Epiphany Crafts; Markers: KURETAKE ZIG; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-092 Stars, S4-335 Star Circles and S5-132 A-2 Matting Basics B); Adhesive: ScraPerfect; Other yellow, black & white cardstock, foam tape

This is how I created my star embellishment - lots of layering and shifting. To top it off, I wrote 2012 in gold with KURETAKE ZIG's Painty Twin and it really makes it shine! I chose these colors (black and gold/yellow) to reflect the school colors...GO MUSTANGS!

Another great way to show off your swimmer with TaDa Creative Studios' Poolside Collection!

This page is also running for the KURETAKE ZIG challenge - GOing For the Gold Challenge :0)

Thanks for coming by!
MargieH

TaDa Creative Studios: Red White Blue with Cupcakes!

Today is my turn on TaDa Creative Studios' Blog. Since we are around the corner from the 4th of July celebration in the U.S. I thought I would use their Star Spangle Banner paper from the Festivus Collection to create my cupcake toppers!

With just a little bit of paper, I was able to create these in minutes. What a fun pop of color to your picnic table. For details, visit TaDa Creative Studios' Red White Blue with Cupcakes post today and leave comment if you have time!

Speaking of time! I have picked out the winner to my MILESTONE birthday giveaway and that person is.......................................................Stefani!!!

stefani1:42 AM

"Happy birthday! :-)
I like your layout. The flowers look neat and I like how you decorated the butterfly."

Congratulations, Stefani! Please email me your addy and will get this out to you! WOOOHOOO~!

Thanks for stopping by!
MargieH

P.S. After CHA, you may never know....there might be another giveaway....heeeheeeee!!!!

Milestone Birthday and Giveaway!!

I used to think 50 was SO OLD when I was a kid! LOL! Funny I don't feel OLD today...heehee! So today is my birthday and unfortunately, hubby has a business trip overseas for two weeks = BOO! That means you all have to deal with me :0)

Back in April, my BFFs from college days and I went to AZ for a girls' weekend...I haven't been on a long distance girls' weekend...so I was excited....equally exciting we all celebrated our milestone together....love that....love them xo

Using Teresa Collins' Everyday Moments Collection, I created a page to commemorate this special weekend (click on pictures for closer look) and special friends...Kathy, Debbie and Rita (we missed you, Theresa!!) - thanks for putting up with me for all these years and more years to come!!

Noteworthy by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: American Crafts; Patterned Papers and Stickers: Teresa Collins (Everyday Moments Collection); Glitter and Ink: Ranger (Stickles/Distress Ink); Pins: Maya Road; Pearls: KaiserCrafts, PRIMA and Want2Scraps; Ribbon: Offray; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-351 Spiral Blossom One, S4-357 Spiral Blossom Three, S5-086 Bitty Blossoms, S5-058 Ironworks Accents, S5-078 Persian Accents and S5-051 Fanciful Flight); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever)

I wanted to try something new for my pages...a cluster of flowers. Since I am a mom of boys - it's rare to have them on my pages. My excuse...this page is about ME!

One of my favorite pictures from this wonderful trip - thank you, Rita, for opening your place to us! It was SO relaxing :0)

Giveaway!!

To celebrate my 50th, I am giving this bunch of stuff that I fit into this cute Spellbinders bag - all of my favorites and between now and next Saturday, June 23rd (11:59PM U.S. CST) - INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES WELCOME - I might add some more in ;) What do I have in there now...hmmm...Spellbinders, TaDa Creative Studios, ScraPerfect...nope I'm not going to tell you everything!! LOL!

To enter:

• Leave a comment on anything... what will you do today, do you like my cluster of flowers, my page...anything!

• Become a follower on my blog and if you are already, let me know!

Remember DEADLINE: Saturday, JUNE 23rd (11:59PM U.S. CST) and INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES ARE WELCOME!!!!

Thanks for playing along!
AND as always, thank you for stopping by during your busy day :0)
MargieH

TaDa Creative Studios: Beach Buddies

I am posting on TaDa Creative Studios' FaceBook Page today. Using 6 x 6" Sunny Skies Mini (laser cut cardstock) from the Poolside Collection, I made a frame from scratch.

Beach Buddies Frame by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: American Craft; LaserCut Cardstock, Patterned Papers, Stamp: TaDa Creative Studios (Poolside and Sizzlin' Summer Collections); Mesh Ribbon: Creative Impression; Ink: Ranger (Distress Ink/Tim Holtz) and Clearsnap; Marker: KURETAKE ZIG; Sand Paste and Shells: Mudd Puddles; Dies: Spellbinder Paper Arts (S5-029 Nested Lacey Pennants and S4-273 From The  Sea) and Sizzix (Easel/Tim Holtz); Stencil: Crafter's Workshop (Clouds); Texture Paste: Golden (Light Molding Paste); Ink Mist: Tattered Angels (Glimmer Mist Bronze); Adhesives: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Crab Eyelet, Decorative Tape, White Paint

These are the materials I used to make the frame base...6 x6" cereal thin cardboard, 3 1/2 x 6" patterned paper (Poolside Snippets & Clippets Side B) adhered on the top and Sunny Skies Mini Paper is placed last. I forgot to add in the easel die cut that I cut from Tim Holtz Collection.

Then put the cloud stencil on top and add molding paste as shown - let dry. It will dry translucent so I add a little white paint. Let dry I sprayed Glimmer Mist on top half of the frame. A happy accident! The paper popped up especially around the sun to give it dimension! COOL! LOL! I stamped Beach Buddies (Sizzlin' Summer Acrylic Stamp Set = SOLD OUT, sorry!) on the pennant tail and placed it on the top right corner.

After placing the matted picture on the frame, I cut and embossed the fish. I stenciled with a rainbow chalk ink through the die template and touched up the colors when I popped the die cut out of the die template. I adhered the mesh ribbon and the fish on top - added bling as its eye :0)

What's a beach scene without sand?! Mudd Puddles is a great place to purchase sand paste - love their stuff!! Those mini shells also came from them too. Aren't they a wonderful addition?! Then I had this crab eyelet for years and finally has a home on this project! LOL!!

I hope you enjoyed all the details on this homemade frame!
Thanks for stopping by :0)
MargieH

TaDa Creative Studios: Sending Love

Today is my turn on TaDa Creative Studios' Blog, come visit Sending Love post to see my tutorial on how to create this fun card and please leave me comment there on how I did - I always appreciate feedback :0)

Sending Love by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: American Crafts and The Paper Company; Paterned Papers: TaDa Creative Studios (Whirl Gig Collection); Stamp: JustRite Stampers; Ink: Ranger Ink (Distress Ink Peeled Paint); Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (Picot Edge Circles; Labels Twenty-Four; Standard Circles LG); Bling: Prima; Adhesives: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever) and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (3D Foam Square)

See you there!
Thank you for coming by!
MargieH xo

TaDa Creative Studios: Hey Chick!

Happy Friday!! Today is my turn on TaDa Creative Studios FaceBook. I decided that I wanted to do a fancy shaped card with a western twist to it = PHEW, that's mouthful! LOL!!

Hey, Chick by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: American Craft; Patterned Paper: TaDa Creative Studios (Yee Haw Collection); Brad: KI Memories; Ink Mist: Lindy's Stamp Gang (Starbursts Ink Spray Tiffany's Blue); Ribbon: Creative Impression; Button: Maya Road; Dies: Spellbinders™ Paper Arts (S5-090 Romantic Rectangles; S5-073 Orchard Harvest Tags and Accents, S5-030 Fancy Tags Two and S5-050 Rose Creations) and Adhesives: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever) and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (3D Foam Squares)

So what do you think? I have to admit it's different but kind of like it. LOL! The patterned paper I used (Yee Haw Snippets & Clippets' B side) for the flower I think makes it work (the western theme). I misted it to add a little bling - love this Lindy's Stamp Starbursts Ink Spray Tiffany's Blue!!! I ordered mine from Scrap-Mart.com and it's at a great price :)

Other News:

I submitted a card for a call on Scrap & Stamp Arts Magazine but wasn't sure if it was even accepted or not, until this came in the mail a couple of days ago!

So I flipped through the pages and found this!

What a wonderful surprise! LOVE how I can combine two of my favorite things - TaDa Creative Studios papers (Goody Two Shoes Collection - Straight Laced) and Spellbinders die templates (in this case, Spellbinders Shapeabilities® Cut Fold Tuck die S5-114 Spectacular Spin). SO excited and thankful for published opportunity!

OK...enough tooting! Off to create :0)
Thanks for stopping by!!
MargieH

TaDa Creative Studios: Framed Butterfly Card

Hello! I'm up on TaDa Creative Studios' FaceBook post :0) and special bonus today - it's my niece's 9th birthday!!! Unfortunately, we are worlds apart - she in Japan and me here in the States so I created a card with her in mind!

Framed Butterfly by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: The Paper Company; Patterned Paper: TaDa Creative Studios (Goody Two Shoes Collection); Pearls; KaiserCraft; Dies & Embossing Folder: Spellbinders™ Paper Arts (S4-320 Nested Butterflies Two, S4-357 Spiral Blossoms Three, S4-356 Floral Ovals, S4-110 Classic Ovals LG & EL-006 Mystic); Adhesives: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever)

I used the Goody Two Shoes Collection (Garden Girl, Straight Laced and Fancy Schmancy papers) and love how it turned out.

Note the embossing from Spellbinders M-Bossabilities™ folders - reversible/two sided designs!! I'm loving the new S4-356 Floral Ovals - just nest S4-110 Classic Ovals LG to create a beautiful frame. I put all my die templates except the M-Bossabilities folder through my Spellbinders Grand Calibur® machine - saves time!! Took me all of 10 minutes to put together, if even.

Happy Birthday, Jessie!!! May all your wishes come true today and if they don't, ask Daddy! LOL!!

Thanks for stopping by and have a GREAT day!!
MargieH xo

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

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

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