12 Days Of Christmas At Scrapbook News & Review (SNR) Magazine!

Welcome to Day Four of

The 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop!

I am thrilled to be a part of SNR's Blog Hop today! For my featured project, I'd like to showcase a kit club that I had SO MUCH FUN with - Mac Mae Kit. When I first received the kit, it was HUGE and the price point was one of the most affordable out there - $29.95 (shipping included). SNR did a review of Mac Mae Kit and I had contributed a few pieces for the article. BUT I still have SO MUCH left that I made a card "YOU ROCK" that I'd like to share. It's not exactly Christmas-themed but I liked how this turned out! LOL!



















EDITED TO ADD...OK, I changed my mind and the sun came out! LOL! I had my Spellbinders™ S4-219 Nested Poinsettias set out...I have been neglecting her SO I made this holiday card with the die templates, Ranger Distressed Ink, Hero Arts word stamps and of course, the Mac Mae Kit!















Here are some of the other projects I created for the article...



































To view the blog hop from the beginning and for the fourth day (tomorrow), please visit SNR's blog HERE!

I hope you get a chance to review SNR and if you like it, please subscribe. You won't get that many eye candy, inspiration, techniques and forum like SNR for each issue - not even the print magazines! AND you go GREEN, save those trees! LOL!!

Thanks for stopping!!

Thank-FULL!

It's been a crazy November so I'm trying to make up for it NOW! LOL!! But I have a few projects due by this Saturday...UGH!!

So here goes...

















I am so so thankful for a wonderful family, roof over our heads and food on the table (mostly good...when DH cooks! LOL!!).

























Thankful for friends made through scrapbooking. I will miss Frozen Memories (Bartlett IL) as they had closed last month. And I appreciate the opportunity & friendships at Craft Fancy (Arlington Hts. IL)!



















Friends who think of me during their busy schedule to make a card, slap a stamp on it and MAIL it to me!! THANK YOU, THERESA TYREE!!! I miss you girl!! xo




































VERY thankful for the creative opportunities I receive from wonderful manufacturers who trust me. I am humbled beyond words! Thank you, TaDa Creative Studios, Spellbinders and LaserLine.
































To the publishing folks, Scrapbook News and Review Magazine (SNR) and "Love My Memories" (Jpn scrapbook magazine) to whom I write with and create with - thank you!! I have learned so much and hope to learn more...hopefully I am contributing as well! LOL!!

There so many things, people and happenings to be thankful for - I have a good life! Now just to lose some of this poundage and I would BE REALLY HAPPY! Oh, wait...sounds like a new years resolution! Oops, wrong occasion! Heehee!!

Come join me in a FUN PROJECT @ CraftFancy!

Hey all!
Just took a peek at CraftFancy's blog and saw this...



















So stinkin' excited to see a project I made on someone else's blog! LOL!! If you live in the Chicago (Arlington Hts, IL to be exact) and have some time, come play with us! I have two sessions scheduled for November and plan to have a couple at the beginning of December too.

November 22 (Sunday) 2:00pm - 4:00pm and
November 25 (Wednesday) 10:30pm - 12:30pm

We will be using mostly American Crafts' holiday line called MerryMint. I hope you can join us! Bring your basic tool kit and you'll need some extra wet adhesive, adhesive dots and foam adhesive too. If you don't have enough, no problem! The store will have them available for purchase :)

So call them (847-670-6065) and create something that you can use in the upcoming holidays!

Here's the info:
CraftFancy
1818B North Arlington Hts Rd (SW corner of Arlington Hts Rd & Palatine Rd)
In the mall with CitiBank and Starbuck's as their neighbors!

See you there!

Holiday Hoopla @ Craft Fancy last Saturday...

OMGosh! SO much FUN!

Thought I'd stay for a couple of hours and catch up with my friends (Hi, Beth & Michele!!) who I don't get to see too often...ended up staying there six hours! PHEW! I'm tired from talking! LOL!!

The store had tons of goodies for the holidays so no excuse for anyone not to get something holiday done! The glitter papers from American Craft sold out QUICK...didn't get any :0( and a lot of the Spellbinder die templates were sold out BUT they can special order for you (lucky for me 'cuz again I didn't get any either). Morale of the story: SHOP FIRST, TALK LATER!!! LOL!!

Here are my friends "in action!"














































From Top: Beth Pingry (Spellbinders' Guru); Michele Kovack (Crafty Secrets & JustRite Wonder Gal); Simone Collins (CraftFancy Guru), Carol Leung (CraftFancy owner)and Diane (the calming force of the group - she is helping in Simone's & Carole's pictures - thanks, Diane!!).

OK...next project...Japanese craft show...don't ask how far I am ;0P

Happy Veteran's Day!

Just wanted to express my gratitude to the men and women of the armed forces (and their families) who make the sacrifice to ensure our freedom in this country = THANK YOU!!!! Two simple words but there is a lot of meaning and emotion behind them so again, THANK YOU!!!

Speaking of gratitude, Scrapbook News & Review Magazine (SNR) has a blog. Today, they are featuring a beautiful gratitude box and how this will become a new family tradition for the blog author. I hope you have time to go and visit HERE. In addition, they are asking you to participate in a challenge...what is your FAMILY TRADITION? The winner will have the opportunity to have it featured on SNR's blog and who knows, it can be an inspiration to another family!

If you are out and about, please visit Frozen Memories (southeast corner of Army Trail Rd & Rt. 59 in Bartlett IL) today...it is their last day of business. I am heartbroken but can totally understand the family's desire to close - too many (mostly happy) memories of our beloved Becky who passed away a little over a year ago. Thanks to hubby, Dom, and his family for sticking it out for the year...it must've been difficult but it was a nice place to hang out with you all! Hugs to you all and hope that today will be a smooth one - I'll see you there later! xo

OK, everyone - have a great day and put up a flag for our veterans (here and overseas)!! xo

(Paper) Gingerbread House class @ Craft Fancy

Hey all!

Before my Japanese scrappers arrive, I thought I'd share my upcoming class :) My (Spring) tissue box holder class was such a hit that some of my students requested a gingerbread version! LOL!!

So by popular demand, I am offering two sessions this month and maybe a couple at the beginning of December...depending on supplies (and if the manufacturers get them in on time). Here are pictures...these were taken at home and I had added "candy dots" on each ends of the roof at the store so use your imagination! LOL!!























































There! Hope this gives you an idea of the project! LOL!! There will be a lot of textures (glitter paper, Copic coloring, American Crafts Holiday papers, foam, Rock Candy Stickling and lots of icing). So much fun!! I was at Craft Fancy the other day to bring in the sample when a customer saw it. She signed up right away! All that work pays off (hours of creating and producing a class) when someone loves it enough to take the class - thanks, Tish!

Class info:
Sunday, November 22/2:00pm to 4:00pm/$30
Wednesday, November 25/10:30am to 12:30pm/$30
@ CraftFancy
1818B North Arlington Hts. Rd., Arlington Hts (847)670-6065
***Don't forget to bring lots of wet adhesive, foam tape and glue dots...if you are short of supplies, don't worry - we have some at the store :0)

Hope to see you there!!

Featured Article on SNR!!

Sorry for not posting much but had SO MUCH on my plate with projects the last few weeks. Thank goodness things are slowing down...for now! LOL!!

Wanted to share a tutorial I did for Scrapbook News & Review Magazine on Technique Tuesday stamps for Halloween. I know that Halloween is over but had to share because I love my niece and she makes a cute witch :o)

Here's a sneak peek....for the rest you have to go HERE!

For My Japanese scrapbookers - November Schedule

こんにちは！
木から葉っぱがすかり落ち、WinterTimeになり、今月もThanksgivingで忙しい秋ですね！

色々な変化があり、そのお知らせです：
Hobby Lobby （Schaumburg支店・Barrington とSchaumburg Rd）がGolf Rd（ToysRUsのとなり）の方へ引越ししました。
More Than Memories（Roselle RdとGolf Rd・Schaumburg） Golf Rd.の Yu’s Restaurantの同じモールの中へ引越ししました。 Link: http://www.morethanmemoriesonline.com/
Frozen Memories（Rt. 59 とArmy Trail Rd・Bartlett）は１１月１１日で閉店します。残念です。Link:　 http://dombeckysfrozenmemories.com/

スクラップブッキングのスケジュールは遅くなりました～ごめんなさい！
今月のクラフトショーとスクラップの仕事も入り、１１月のクラスは少なくなります。

クラフトショーを予定しています。
もし時間が空いてましたら、是非来て下さい！

時間：１０：００AM～１４：３０PM（１１月１９日＆２０日）
場所：Schaumburg IL（住所を私の方へEmailをしてください）
宜しくお願いします！

月１・２回程度、お子様連れのお母さんの為にスクラップのクラスを開く事になりました。ただし、お子様用の物（食べ物・飲み物・おもちゃ等）は各自でご用意願います。お子様には少し危険な物もおいてますので、その点もご理解をお願いします。


＊１１月のクラス＆ワークショップ　スケジュール：

１０日（月）　　１０：００ＡＭ－１３：００ＰＭ
スクラップブッキング & etc.　＠　シャンバーグ自宅
クラス・ワークショップ代金：$5　+　material
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット＊

１３日（金）　　０９：３０ＡＭ－１３：００ＰＭ　（子供ずれOK）
スクラップブッキング & etc.　＠　ミツワCommunity Room
クラス・ワークショップ代金：$6　+　material
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット＊

２２日（日）　　１３：００－１５：００ＰＭ
Gingerbread House Tissue Holder　＠　Craft Fancy（Arlington Hts）
クラス・ワークショップ代金：＄３０
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット（特に液体のりとGlue Dot）＊

２５日（水）　　１０：３０ＡＭ－１２：３０ＰＭ
Gingerbread House Tissue Holder　＠　Craft Fancy（Arlington Hts）
クラス・ワークショップ代金：＄３０
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット（特に液体のりとGlue Dot）＊

３０日（月）　　１０：００ＡＭ－１３：００ＰＭ
スクラップブッキング & etc.　＠　シャンバーグ自宅
クラス・ワークショップ代金：$5　+　material
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット＊

＊ベーシックツールキットは、12" paper trimmer; scissors, black pen/marker, pencil, eraser, ruler, exacto knife, and adhesive (dry=テープのり & wet＝液体)です。無い方(例えばPaper Trimmer)は、私から借りて下さい。

参加ご希望の方は、ミツワ、私の自宅とも私宛にお電話もしくはEmailして下さい。もし、上記に都合の良い日が見当たらない場合でもご連絡下さい。
ご興味があれば下記Webリンクもご覧下さい。

Spellbinders Wizard Die Cut Machine (Company Blog): http://spellbinderspaperarts.com/blog/ TaDa Creative Studios (Design Team member): http://www.tadacreativestudios.com/
CraftFancy (Margie's classes): http://www.craftfancy.com/

スクラップブッキングのスタイルは個人の好みです。是非、ワークショップにはご自身で選ばれた素材をお持込み下さい。レイアウトを決める際には喜んでお手伝い致します！もちろん、各種素材やキットの販売も致しております。紙を加工するカッターツール等もいろいろ揃っています。

ランチやスナック等の持ち込みも歓迎です。

月一回のクラスをミツワの集会場で行います。毎月第2金曜日の午前9時半から午後1時までを予定していますが、悪天候等で学校が休校になった時などキャンセルとなった場合は、そのお知らせをＥメールで致します。ミツワの集会場は卵のコーナーと牛乳のコーナーの間の角に奥に入る扉があります。その中です。少し奥まって分かりづらいところにありますのでご注意下さい。ミツワのクラスではご自分の飲み物・スナックなどご用意いただけると助かります。もちろんお昼にかかりますので、ランチをご持参される方はどうぞお好きなときに取っていただけますのでお気軽にご用意くださいね。

それでは皆さんとご一緒にスクラップブッキングをエンジョイして素敵なアルバム作りができることを楽しみに致しております！

Happy Scrapping!
マージー樋口

Our Craft Lounge Blog Hop!!

Welcome to the Scrapbook News and Review Magazine (SNR)/Our Craft Lounge (OCL) Spotlight Blog Hop!!

Today, we are featuring a blog hop of our Scrapbook News and Review Magazine staff members who created art for the Our Craft Lounge (stamps) spotlight article that appeared in the Aug/Sept double issue. Have you ever wanted to peek inside this great Ezine? Well, today is your chance. Each blog will feature a project right from inside the magazine.

To add to the fun - OCL and SNR have great prizes for a couple of very lucky winners. One lucky winner will receive 2 sets of OCL stamps and a three month subscription to SNR magazine. The grand prize winner will receive 3 OCL stamp sets, and a six month subscription to SNR magazine. WOW!

So, how do you win? Simple.
Visit each blog on the hop! Take jot down the title of each featured project. Then drop a note to games@scrapbooknewsandreview.com with the list of titles. All entries must be received by 10 pm EST Oct 25, 2009. Don't forget: your full name, the titles of all featured projects and your email address. Winner will be chosen at random.

So here's the blog hop line-up:

SNR Blog
Margie (me!)
Tami Bayer
Erika Taylor
Pam Maas
Tina Hale
SNR Main Page

OK...so my title is "LOVE" by Margie Higuchi and this is what I created with the image:
















Supplies Cardstock: TaDa Creative Studios; Patterned Paper: TaDa Creative Studios; Ribbon: American Craft; Stamps: Our Craft Lounge (CRM006 "For The Love of Birds" set); Inks: Clearsnap, Copics Markers; Tools: Spellbinders; Adhesive: Glue Dots, EK Success

So hop to it!! When you are finished here, hop on over to Tami Bayer. If you are joining us in the middle of our Hop, you can find the first blog post at the Scrapbook News and Review Blog.

The hop will conclude on SNR's main page, where you will be able to read the entire Our Crafts Lounge article along with all of the art and ideas!

Have fun...and good luck!

Manufacturer's Spotlight - Bo Bunny (SNR)

Are you a fan of Bo Bunny?! Well, so I am!

The folks at Scrapbook News & Review Magazine (SNR) just featured their spotlight on this wonderful company. So look HERE and see what the staff created with Bo Bunny! ENJOY!

TaDa's Featured Designer!!!

WOOHOOO!!

TaDa is claiming me...heehee!! Yes, I am on a design team but I mostly like to work behind the scenes and push my team members in the spotlight. Not today...I came out from behind the blog curtains to say hello to everyone.

Some past projects I've done for TaDa Creative Studios:






























Come visit me HERE and leave comment :0)
Have a great day!!

Happy Columbus Day & Happy (Canadian) Thanksgiving!

It is October and it is COLD!!!

Happy Columbus Day! The boys are off from school and we're having a late start of the morning...well, actually the boys, not me. I was up with hubby who had work today...rude awaking from being a banker! LOL!! But an early morning wake-up was good because I had some deadlines to finish up...well, I'm taking a "break" right now to blog! Heehee!!!

Last Saturday was my turn to post a Spellbinders™ Savvy Saturday. Being the fall season, I wanted to do a layout of the boys being one with the pumpkin...just love this S4-227 Pumpkin Nestabilities® die template! Plus we are doing a blog hop spotlighting Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist! So I put the two together and we have ourselves a PRETTY PUMPKIN! LOL!



















Cosley Zoo (Wheaton IL) was our neighborhood place to go for all seasons. Their school, Sandburg Elementary, had many of their field trips there because it was walking distance. Such a great place...I hope it stays open for a LONG time. Now that we have moved, we don't get the chance just to drop in anytime.

OK...break time over! Have to get some stuff done and then take my "big" guy (oldest DS) to a farewell party.

Have a great day!

October 09 Jpn SBers' Schedule

Hey all...please excuse the Japanese language ;0P
This is for my monthly Japanese scrappers' workshop for October 09:

こんにちは！

今週から急に寒くなりました。秋ですね！
スクラップブッキングのスケジュールは遅くなりました～ごめんなさい！

月１・２回程度、お子様連れのお母さんの為にスクラップのクラスを開く事になりました。ただし、お子様用の物（食べ物・飲み物・おもちゃ等）は各自でご用意願います。お子様には少し危険な物もおいてますので、その点もご理解をお願いします。


＊１０月のクラス＆ワークショップ　スケジュール：

　９日（金）　　０９：３０ＡＭ－１３：００ＰＭ　（子供ずれOK）
スクラップブッキング & etc.　＠　ミツワCommunity Room
クラス・ワークショップ代金：$6　+　material
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット＊

１５日（木）　　１０：００ＡＭ－１３：００ＰＭ
スクラップブッキング & etc.　＠　シャンバーグ自宅
クラス・ワークショップ代金：$5　+　material
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット＊

２１日（水）　　１０：００ＡＭ－１３：００ＰＭ
スクラップブッキング & etc.　＠　シャンバーグ自宅
クラス・ワークショップ代金：$5　+　material
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット＊

２３日（金）　　１０：００ＡＭ－１３：００ＰＭ
スクラップブッキング & etc.　＠　シャンバーグ自宅
クラス・ワークショップ代金：$5　+　material
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット＊

２６日（月）　　１０：００ＡＭ－１３：００ＰＭ
スクラップブッキング & etc.　＠　シャンバーグ自宅
クラス・ワークショップ代金：$5　+　material
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット＊


＊ベーシックツールキットは、12" paper trimmer; scissors, black pen/marker, pencil, eraser, ruler, exacto knife, and adhesive (dry=テープのり & wet＝液体)です。無い方(例えばPaper Trimmer)は、私から借りて下さい。

参加ご希望の方は、ミツワ、私の自宅とも私宛にお電話もしくはEmailして下さい。もし、上記に都合の良い日が見当たらない場合でもご連絡下さい。
ご興味があれば下記Webリンクもご覧下さい。


Spellbinders Wizard Die Cut Machine (Company Blog): http://spellbinderspaperarts.com/blog/
TaDa Creative Studios (Design Team member): http://www.tadacreativestudios.com/
CraftFancy (Margie's classes): http://www.craftfancy.com/

スクラップブッキングのスタイルは個人の好みです。是非、ワークショップにはご自身で選ばれた素材をお持込み下さい。レイアウトを決める際には喜んでお手伝い致します！もちろん、各種素材やキットの販売も致しております。紙を加工するカッターツール等もいろいろ揃っています。

ランチやスナック等の持ち込みも歓迎です。

月一回のクラスをミツワの集会場で行います。毎月第2金曜日の午前9時半から午後1時までを予定していますが、悪天候等で学校が休校になった時などキャンセルとなった場合は、そのお知らせをＥメールで致します。ミツワの集会場は卵のコーナーと牛乳のコーナーの間の角に奥に入る扉があります。その中です。少し奥まって分かりづらいところにありますのでご注意下さい。ミツワのクラスではご自分の飲み物・スナックなどご用意いただけると助かります。もちろんお昼にかかりますので、ランチをご持参される方はどうぞお好きなときに取っていただけますのでお気軽にご用意くださいね。

それでは皆さんとご一緒にスクラップブッキングをエンジョイして素敵なアルバム作りができることを楽しみに致しております！

Happy Scrapping!
マージー樋口
Margie Higuchi

Scrapbook News & Review Ezine!!

Hey all!
Hope you enjoyed the JustRite Stampers' Mega Font Blog Hop!!

BIG NEWS!!!!!!
Double-header, double issue FREE weekend at Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. Come check out all the fun and excitement at www.scrapbooknewsandreview.com. From Saturday, September 26, 2009 until Sunday, September 27, 2009, we're celebrating the Grand Opening of our brand new website. Come get a gander at the site, chat on the forum, join in a challenge, play a game or two and the best part of all, see the inside of the magazine for FREE.

Our Special Double Issue -- our largest issue of the year -- debuts on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. EST and from the moment of debut until 8:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, you'll have complete access to the world's largest online scrapbooking magazine. With over 400 layouts (scrapbooking and digital), cards, stamping and altered art projects, product reviews, manufacturer spotlights and more, you'll be amazed at the incredible inspiration, fabulous tips, tricks and techniques, amazing tutorials and exciting eye candy. Don't delay -- register on our site today. You must be a registered user to play.

Hope you join us....it's FREE! LOL!

JustRite Stampers Font Mega Blog Hop - Day 2!!!

Welcome to JustRite's celebration of their Mega Font Hop (a 2-Day Event) featuring 54 amazing designers – today's visit will take you to 29 locations. This is Day Two! If you missed yesterday's line up, please see yesterday's post below!

SALE -
In addition to the blog hop, they are celebrating in style with a Super 7-Day Font Sale. Take 30% off all JustRite Font Sets and the Horizontal and Vertical Stamper Sets. Sale begins Sept 17th and ends Sept 24th.

BLOG CANDY -
You won't believe what awesome projects these girls have designed for you! That's not all, to give you a little incentive to leave these talented ladies a little love for all their hard work - We have Mystery Blog Candy being given away!

Do you want to win some candy?? Of course you do – everyone loves candy!!! The Mystery is no-one knows which blog is the one that will be giving it away – nope not even the designers! There are three (3) Blog Candy prizes each day which will go to three (3) random commentors from three (3) random designers blogs. So, to win (some JR Candy) go check out all the blogs, comment on as many as you can from the two day hop. You have until Sunday at noon EST to leave your comments.

Good luck, the lucky winner may be YOU!!! You have six (6) chances to win! Check back here to the JR blog on Sunday evening to find out who the six (6) lucky winners are!! Enjoy the Hop!!!
------------------
I am so so honored to be a part of this blog hop full of talented designers! Thankful that JustRite Stampers has kindly included me to show off their wonderful font sets that are available HERE.

Today, I will be showing several projects that are perfect for the upcoming season! All projects were created using the Times New Roman Uppercase Font set (JB - 08060) in 50 pt. and 25 pt. sizes with the Horizontal Wood Stamper (JB - 08110).

First up, I made a "Back To School" card for my boys' teachers and stashed some aspirin and TUMs among other items! LOL!! I inked the font and card edges with Clearsnap's Fluid Chalks. The apple I had for years - remember when eyelets were in! LOL! Added in some Cosmo Cricket "Boyfriend" paper, ribbon and rub-on with Spellbinders' newest release, S4-228 Nested Maple Leaf... TADA!













For the next project, I used pattern paper from Scenic Route (one of their summer lines but perfect for Autumn! LOL!) and then added some Core'dinations cardstock. Inks are from Clearsnap and that great ribbon is from BasicGrey! But what really frames the font is Spellbinders' Nested Maple Leaf die template (I think it's my new favorite die!).










Lastly, I made a wine label for a friend who just purchased their first home! Thank goodness JustRite has these font sets...you can create anything! I used a combination of Times New Roman 50 pt. and 25 pt. in Stampin'Up ink. Used two different sizes of the S4-229 Labels Five die template (one with Spellbinders Red Foil and the other with Core'dinations cardstock - sanded them both to show off the embossing!) and threaded with velvet ribbon from Flair. The butterfly I found in my stash of stuff to add a little accent.













You can use this idea to personalize your wine bottles as gifts for the upcoming Thanksgiving dinners and further into the holiday season! Real quick and real easy!

Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to leave comment...hmmm, I wonder if I'm the Mystery Blogger with JR Candy?! Heehee!!!

Here's the rest of the Friday crew:

Debbie Olson
Jerri Kay Jimenez
Taylor Van Bruggen
Holly Simoni
Barb Schram
Terre Fry
Michelle Kovack
Kim Moreno
Catherine Doucette
Kellie Fortin
Kimberly Crawford
Kathy Jones
Michelle Giraud
Angela Barkhouse
Heather Pulvirenti
Tami Mayberry
Jennifer Buck
Keri Lee Sereika
Jami Bova
Laura Davis
Stacey Kingman
Bonnie Sharp
Stephanie Severin
Janine Orchard
Debbie Seyer
Margie Higuchi (ME!!)
Lauren Bergold
Anja Curvers
AJ Otto

JustRite Stampers Font Mega Blog Hop!!!

Welcome to JustRite's celebration of their Mega Font Hop (a 2-Day Event) featuring 54 amazing designers – today, you will be visiting 25 locations. Plus they are celebrating in style with a Super 7-Day Font Sale. Take 30% off all JustRite font sets and the Horizontal and Veritical Font Stampers. Sale begins Sept 17th and ends Sept 24th.

You won't believe what awesome projects these girls have designed for you! That's not all, to give you a little incentive to leave these talented ladies a little love for all their hard work - We have Mystery Blog Candy being given away!

Do you want to win some candy?? Of course you do – everyone loves candy!!! The Mystery is no-one knows which blog is the one that will be giving it away – nope not even the designers! There are three (3) Blog Candy prizes each day which will go to three (3) random commentors from three (3) random designers blogs. So, to win (some JR Candy) go check out all the blogs, comment on as many as you can from the two day hop. You have until Sunday at noon EST to leave your comments.

Good luck, the lucky winner may be YOU!!! You have six (6) chances to win! Check back here to the JR blog on Sunday evening to find out who the six (6) lucky winners are!! Enjoy the Hop!!!

I am scheduled to be up tomorrow so come back and check it out. But in the meantime, please visit these fabulous designers and see what they did with the JustRite Stampers Fonts! Enjoy!!

JustRite Stampers Blog
Michelle Wooderson
Sankari Wegman
Heidi Blankenship
Eva Dobilas
Beate Johns
Sharon Harnist
Barbara Anders
Sharon Johnson
Deb Saaranen
Kazan Clark
Lauren Meader
Tammy Hershberger
Linda Beeson
Jenny Gropp
Lori Craig
Tanis Giesbrecht
Jenn Balcer
Lisa Somerville
Karen Maldonado
Pamela Smerker
Karen Taylor
Latisha Yoast
Julie Overby
Mary Pfaff

Just wanted to say....

I remember Sept 11th 2001...as if it was yesterday...the silence, the smell and the scene. Prayers to all my friends who lost family and friends...my thoughts are with you as another year has gone by. May good memories continue to help you through this difficult day. xo

For those who only know me for less than five years (since we moved back to the Chicago area), we also lived on the east coast during this horrible event. Here's our story and we were/are VERY LUCKY! Thankful everyday - no matter how hard of a day it is...we are thankful.

Another note...
A year ago yesterday (I was sick yesterday so I wasn't able to post or visit Frozen Memories in Bartlett IL), a dear friend and owner of Frozen Memories, Becky Burnetti passed away suddenly. I'm linking the store's blog post because it had some great pictures I took of her during the time I taught there...MISS YOU BECKY!!! xo

OK...next post will be more of a happier note...PROMISE! So thanks for bearing with me :0)

JustRite Stampers & Christmas!

I had uploaded this card on to Splitcoast Stampers (Product Focus of the Day: JustRIte Stampers) but thought I'd post here :0) Went a little crazy on the Stickles but had a lot of fun! I first used Clearsnap chalk ink and then I used Stickles to highlight the embossed areas.

The sets I used from JustRite Stampers are:
“Merry Little Christmas Borders & Centers Round 1 5/8” (JB – 08780)
Holiday Demi Phrase Round 2” (JB – 08785)
Fits also 1 5/8”, 2 3/8” Rounds & 1 ¾”x2 5/16” Oval
Wood Stamper 2” with Bonus 15 pt Font & Center (JB – 08650)

For the card front, I used Spellbinders' Poinsettia Frameabilities - isn't it beautiful?! Definitely gets me in the holiday mood!

Vote for Spellbinders!!

Hey all!

Want to ask a favor...if you are a Spellbinders' fan, please vote on "When Creativity Knocks" Great Crafter's Tool Hunt! Details are on Spellbinders' blog HERE.

You have to register (on the site) to vote - just remember when you go into their security question, they ask that you type in what you see but it's actually the answer to the equation. Some of us got stuck on that at first...coughcoughMEcoughcough!!






So go vote and you too have a chance to win all the nominated tools in the contest!

Good luck!!!

For My Japanese Scrappers - My Workshops!

We're starting up again....scrapbooking in Japanese workshops :0)
Getting excited to see everyone esp. those who went home to Japan during the summer...missed you!!!


こんにちは！

今週から（現地校）学校が始まりました。
夏休みはいかがお過ごしでしょうか。もしかしたら、写真は一杯撮りました？
来月からスクラップしましょ！

月１・２回程度、お子様連れのお母さんの為にスクラップのクラスを開く事になりました。ただし、お子様用の物（食べ物・飲み物・おもちゃ等）は各自でご用意願います。お子様には少し危険な物もおいてますので、その点もご理解をお願いします。


＊9月のクラス＆ワークショップ　スケジュール：

　3日（木）　　１０：００ＡＭ－１３：００ＰＭ
スクラップブッキング & etc.　＠　シャンバーグ自宅
クラス・ワークショップ代金：$5　+　material
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット＊

　8日（火）　　１０：００ＡＭ－１３：００ＰＭ
スクラップブッキング & etc.　＠　シャンバーグ自宅
クラス・ワークショップ代金：$5　+　material
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット＊

11日（金）　　０９：３０ＡＭ－１３：００ＰＭ　（子供ずれOK）
スクラップブッキング & etc.　＠　ミツワCommunity Room
クラス・ワークショップ代金：$6　+　material
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット＊

１３日（日）　１３：３０PM－１５：３０ＰＭ
メモ・鍵ホルダー＠CraftFancy
写真は９月のBlogに載せる予定です。Link: http://www.craftfancy.com/
クラス代金：＄３０
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット＊（特に液体のり＜－お店にも販売しています）

１４日（月）　　１０：００ＡＭ－１３：００ＰＭ
スクラップブッキング & etc.　＠　シャンバーグ自宅
クラス・ワークショップ代金：$5　+　material
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット＊

１５日（火）　１０：３０AM – １２：３０PM
メモ・鍵ホルダー＠CraftFancy
写真は９月のBlogに載せる予定です。Link: http://www.craftfancy.com/
クラス代金：＄３０
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット＊（特に液体のり＜－お店にも販売しています

１６日（水）　　１０：００ＡＭ－１３：００ＰＭ
スクラップブッキング & etc.　＠　シャンバーグ自宅
クラス・ワークショップ代金：$5　+　material
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット＊

２５日（金）　　１０：００ＡＭ－１３：００ＰＭ
スクラップブッキング & etc.　＠　シャンバーグ自宅
クラス・ワークショップ代金：$5　+　material
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット＊

２８日（月）　　１０：００ＡＭ－１３：００ＰＭ
スクラップブッキング & etc.　＠　シャンバーグ自宅
クラス・ワークショップ代金：$5　+　material
持ち物：　ベーシックツールキット＊


＊ベーシックツールキットは、12" paper trimmer; scissors, black pen/marker, pencil, eraser, ruler, exacto knife, and adhesive (dry=テープのり & wet＝液体)です。無い方(例えばPaper Trimmer)は、私から借りて下さい。

参加ご希望の方は、ミツワ、私の自宅とも私宛にお電話もしくはEmailして下さい。もし、上記に都合の良い日が見当たらない場合でもご連絡下さい。
ご興味があれば下記Webリンクもご覧下さい。

LaserLine (Margie's designs - Plain Jane chipboard items): http://www.laserlinecuts.com/default.aspx
TaDa Creative Studios (Design Team member): http://www.tadacreativestudios.com/
CraftFancy (Margie's classes): http://www.craftfancy.com/

スクラップブッキングのスタイルは個人の好みです。是非、ワークショップにはご自身で選ばれた素材をお持込み下さい。レイアウトを決める際には喜んでお手伝い致します！もちろん、各種素材やキットの販売も致しております。紙を加工するカッターツール等もいろいろ揃っています。

ランチやスナック等の持ち込みも歓迎です。

月一回のクラスをミツワの集会場で行います。毎月第2金曜日の午前9時半から午後1時までを予定していますが、悪天候等で学校が休校になった時などキャンセルとなった場合は、そのお知らせをＥメールで致します。ミツワの集会場は卵のコーナーと牛乳のコーナーの間の角に奥に入る扉があります。その中です。少し奥まって分かりづらいところにありますのでご注意下さい。ミツワのクラスではご自分の飲み物・スナックなどご用意いただけると助かります。もちろんお昼にかかりますので、ランチをご持参される方はどうぞお好きなときに取っていただけますのでお気軽にご用意くださいね。

それでは皆さんとご一緒にスクラップブッキングをエンジョイして素敵なアルバム作りができることを楽しみに致しております！

Happy Scrapping!
マージー樋口

Hiro's First Day of Junior High!!

Today, Hiro went to school and for him, it's not only his first day of school but it's the first day as a junior high schooler!! So I took some quick pictures of him before he headed off with his dad...this year, dad is helping out as both boys start school within 10 mins of each other and are in opposite directions! And no, we are at the edge of the bus route requirement...OY!

I took a picture of Hiro during his open house last week in front of the school name...












And then this morning before heading off to school...













Big brother starts his high school career tomorrow...now I will definitely be a basket-case! LOL!!

Back To School!!

Let's just say I'm counting down the days...until August 26th! I love my kids but I'm just saying I like my routine back ;0P










Actually next week will be registration/open house for both boys...I don't think it's hit them yet until they climb up those stairs. Bringing the "dreaded" camera since it will be the only time I can take pictures of them...they hate it but I can't help it...I am a scrapbooker!!

When do your kids go back to school?

CHA News!

Some great news from the CHA (Craft & Hobby Assoc. trade show)! The two companies that I just love received awards from a panel of press, consultants and CHA staff in Orlando, Florida.


TaDa Creative Studios - Winner of the Exhibiting with Excellence Award

This award is presented to a company whose dynamic displays, merchandising techniques and inviting staff enhance the overall atmosphere of the show floor. The judging criteria included use of floor space, visual appeal of booth and overall presence and friendliness of staff.

They just blogged about it in details and pictures of their booth is up too! Love their booth...wish I was there for them this year but looks like they did good! LOL!! Click HERE!

Spellbinders Wizard - Honorable Mention/Third Place for the 2009 Innovations Showcase Award

The Innovations Showcase award brings together the newest ideas and the most innovative products from exhibiting companies. Retailers, CHA members, CHA consultants and members of the press attending the show voted and selected the best products of the Show.

They also just blogged about it on their site HERE! How exciting!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Both companies worked real hard and all their effort certainly paid off! I am so proud of them!!
---------------------------------------

Totally Off Topic but a friend of mine from the Paper Piecing group sent this and I had to share! I have never seen a well-oiled farm in my life like this...just incredible! Click HERE if you're interested. Hmmm...it's close to us...road trip?! LOL!!

Introducting My ScrapTopia (TaDa Creative Studios)!

When the ladies at TaDa Creative Studios were describing to me what they had in mind for My ScrapTopia, I felt that they were designing this product with me in mind...wishful thinking! HA! BUT I just LOVE this idea!!! It's lightweight, it closes and it can be connected to make a village!! How cool is this?!














We had these made up for CHA so if you are attending CHA, please stop by their booth #738 and see this in person!
















Dream. Build. Play.

My Scraptopia is a chipboard house frame that can be covered with patterned paper or painted to create any virtual space you can dream! Designed to keep kids busy while Mom scraps, the little ones will love building their very own room, shop, or even a town! And it can all be done with Mom’s scrap leftovers, or papers of their choosing. These chipboard structures can be hinged together to create an entire scrap street or backed up to one another, creating an even larger house with a pass-thru doorway. It’s a sure bet Mom may even want her own!

TaDa!!!

I love that name! LOL!!

Well, I'm packing up my samples to be shipped to the lovely ladies @ TaDa Creative Studios for the CHA (Craft & Hobby Association trade show) in Orlando FL. This year, it's different like the location (not in Chicago...sad face!), the format (tacking on a consumer show afterwards) and some of my friends will not be attending (LSS owners & some of my favorite designers COUGHTERESACOLLINSCOUGH!!). I won't be there BUT that's OK...I have lived in the South (GA) and I know how humid it gets there...thanks but not for me (sorry Floridians!).

So here's one of my last minute projects that I did on a whim...kinda like how it turned out so I may stick it in the FedEx package to TaDa! LOL!! Can you tell...I'm on a Spellbinders kick! Love how the stacking and slight shifting of the Nested die templates make a whole lot of difference!

I used TaDa Creative Studios' Abode A La Mode Collection's Hoop Dee Doo paper (AB09104), Spellbinders S4- 191 Dahlia & Tag (retired), Core'dinations cardstock, Stampin Up stamp (gift) & ink, Our Craft Lounge stamp (With Love), Ranger Ink's Glossy Accents and EK Success' Foam Tape.

CHA Summer 09 Blog Frenzy is HERE!!!

Well, Spellbinders has done it again! You thought the Blog Frenzy on their Pendants Die Templates were great....this is even BETTER!! The prizes are progressive (meaning Day One prize is included in Day Two's, Day Two's prize is included in Day Three, etc.) and it keeps going until the 22nd! Hope I last that long! LOL!!

Anyways, here are the details listed below along with the schedule:

Each day you will be introduced to our latest and greatest Spellbinders Die Templates. Enter to win by sending an email to the address listed in the blog. Daily winners will be chosen randomly from eligible entries. But wait, there’s more!

This time the prize is progressive! On Day 1, we give away the Day 1 release. On Day 2 we give away the Day 1 and Day 2 releases! The prizes grow each and every day for 14 days!! By entering each day from each blog, you become eligible to win the Grand Prize… COMPLETE set of CHA Summer 2009 Die Templates and Impressabilities releases, a total of 29 products with a retail value of more than $560.00!!

Check out this line up of talented Designers on the dates noted and then enter for your chance to win:

7/9 Debbie Olson

7/10 Michelle Wooderson

7/11 Karen Hunsaker

7//12 Kazan Clark

7/13 Linda Duke

7/14 Heidi Blankenship

7/15 Kimberly Crawford

7/16 Julie Overby

7/17 Sherry Cheever

7/18 Debbie Seyer

7/19 Lesa Rapp

7/20 Becca Feeken

7/21 Jennifer Davis

7/22 Keri Lee Sereika

Remember to stop here each day as we will introduce our featured Designer and provide a link to her blog. Subscribe to the Spellbinders Blog here to get the daily posts emailed to you, and don’t miss out on a single thing!

See the entire line of Spellbinders products on the Spellbinders’ website.

Official Rules
Any participant wishing to be included in the daily drawing for the Spellbinders CHA Blog Frenzy give-away must adhere to all of the following rules. We are happy to welcome US and international blog guests for this Frenzy.

To enter each drawing on sneak peeks between July 9 and July 22, visit the reveal blog and click on the contest link to reveal an e-mail window. In the subject line of the e-mail, enter the die template name being revealed. Each blog reveal will remain open for 48 hours. Only 1 entry per blog is allowed and participant must use the same email address daily to be considered for grand prize entry, no exceptions. Please consider whether you will have access to the same e-mail address from July 9th through July 22nd and plan accordingly.

After the entry deadline is reached, Spellbinders will randomly pick one entry from each Blog Frenzy reveal as stated in the “Rules”. Winner will be contacted by e-mail within 24 hours of the contest deadline. Winner will have 72 hours to reply to that e-mail to claim the prize. If Winner fails to respond within 72 hours, a new name will be drawn for said prize. Winner will receive the new die templates being revealed on the specific daily blog post they are entering.

Entrants visiting all 14 Spellbinders CHA Blog Frenzy Reveals and correctly entering their information into the separate drawings, as described below, will automatically be entered into a GRAND PRIZE give away of a full set of the CHA Summer 2009 die templates and Impressabilities releases, 29 products, with a retail value of over $560!!

Spellbinders Design Team members and employees are not eligible for drawings.

Any participant wishing to be automatically entered into the drawing for the CHA Blog Frenzy Grand Prize must enter all 14 blog reveals and follow all the above rules.
Please note:
*Spellbinders will only use email information to contact the winner.
*Spellbinders will not share this email address with any other parties.
*Spellbinders will not use this email information for advertisements or communications
other than to contact the winner.
*If you wish to be included in further communications from Spellbinders, please go to their homepage SpellbindersPaperArts.com and sign up for their newsletter.

TaDa Sneak Peek - Layout!

Although 4th of July is over...when I received the package from the lovely ladies @ TaDa Creative Studios, I had to do something patriotic :0) It's not Independence Day but just as equally important...Memorial Day! This was taken a couple of years ago. I just loved the gathering of people and the saying of prayer for the men & women in service who are making this kind of gathering happen all over the nation.












I used the #FE09102 Star Spangled Banner paper and the Oooh La La Layers (laser cut cardstock design paper) from the Festivus Collection. I cut a circle from the Star Spangled Banner paper and used the leftovers for pop-ups to accent the designs (notice some of the squares are shadowed). Then I used one of the accents from #FE09106 Festivus Tag-A-Ma-Jigs sheet.

Using the S4-092 Stars 5 from Spellbinders, I placed the stars in a graduating form (just like how it came packaged) cut side up, place paper over the stars and cut/emboss. Then shift each star a little to create this accent (adhere each layer with foam tape - I only did a couple layers). Add bling and done! The only thing to do is add title and journal to complete the entire layout!

TaDa Creative Studios SNEAK PEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOOOOHHHHOOOOO!!!

I am so excited to share these sneak peeks with you from TaDa Creative Studios! My package of goodies came in on Monday and I've been working on a couple of layouts! But we were given the OK to share what we have in our hot hands....

Sorry! Can't seem to line them up very well...UGH!
But you get the wonderful picture, right?

What do you think? Let me know by leaving comment...would be greatly appreciated! What I love about this company is that the owners do listen to feedback!

New Spellbinder Products & Blog Frenzy!!!!

If you are a fan of Spellbinders die templates, you will not want to miss this...

Introducing
Spellbinders Shapeabilities Pendants
Die Templates

You’re invited to an 8 day celebration
June 22-29, 2009
on Spellbinders Designer’s Blogs

We are excited to have a new member of Spellbinders’ family of die templates and with another installment of Spellbinders’ Blog Frenzy!

Starting on June 22, each day a different Spellbinders Designer will feature one of these amazing Pendant die templates!

Blog visitors can sign up during specified times for a chance to win that day’s featured prize. Visit all the blogs and enter to be eligible to win the Grand Prize!

For more information and to be sure you don’t miss a minute of Shapeabilities Pendants worldwide introduction, visit Spellbinders’ Blog or the following blogs:

June 22, 2009 - Becca Feeken
S4-204 Fleur de Lis Pendant Shapeabilities - $24.99
S4-213 Fleur de Lis Pendant Borderabilities - $19.99

June 23, 2009 - Debbie Olson
S4-205 Eyelet Pendant Shapeabilities - $24.99
S4-214 Eyelets Pendant Borderabilities - $19.99

June 24, 2009 - Michelle Wooderson
S4-209 Tulips Pendant Shapeabilities - $24.99
S4-211 Tulips Pendant Borderabilities - $19.99

June 25, 2009 - Keri Lee Sereika
S4-203 Contemporary Hearts Pendant Shapeabilities - $24.99
S4-212 Contemporary Hearts Pendant Borderabilities - $19.99

June 26, 2009 - Sherry Cheever
S4-210 Lattice Pendant Shapeabilities - $24.99
S4-218 Lattice Pendant Borderabilities - $19.99

June 27, 2009 - Heidi Blankenship
S4-208 In Spades Pendant Shapeabilities - $24.99
S4-217 In Spades Pendant Borderabilities - $19.99

June 28, 2009 - Linda Duke
S4-206 Renaissance Hearts Pendant Shapeabilities - $24.99
S4-215 Renaissance Hearts Pendant Borderabiliities - $19.99

June 29, 2009 - Jennifer Davis
S4-207 Kaleidoscope Pendant Shapeabilities - $24.99
S4-216 Kaleidoscope Pendant Borderabilities - $19.99

Our fabulous Designers have been busy creating amazing projects and tutorials to showcase these innovative new Pendants. You will not want to miss this Blog Frenzy, so mark your calendars, set your alarms, and subscribe to this blog for updates. Then sit back and be prepared to be WOWed!

Graduation Mini Album...

We played Saturday morning at CraftFancy where I taught a class. It was pouring rain when we started so it was a good time to create!

So here's the inside of the album:






















Supplies: 6x6 artist canvas panel, RangerInk Acrylic Dabber & Distressed Ink, Bazzill Big Brad & Cardstock, Maya Road Sheer Male & Felt Accents & Mini Chipboard Frame, Making Memories & Sandylion pattern papers, Hero Arts Stamps, Clearsnap Cat's Eyes and last but not least, die cutters - Spellbinder Wizard, Quickutz and Sizzix.

I had such a great time with the ladies in the class...lots of laughter! I hope they took home a couple of new techniques that they can use over and over again! Thanks ladies for coming out!