Thursday, August 26, 2010

MIA - Catch Up Time

Hi all!
I know it's been WAY TOO LONG since I posted but I do have a reason (well, a couple of them)...

First reason: CHA (Craft & Hobby Assoc.) trade show and SuperShow CHA Consumer Show back-to-back. Loads of work but lots of fun...it was so good to see friends that I can only see at these shows. I am sorry to have missed a lot of my friends too. Here are some pictures that were taken:

CHA
Spellbinders Sign - I don't get lost at CHA! LOL!

Spellbinders - Beth hard at work (I did take a pic of you! LOL!)

Spellbinders - Holly in lights! With Gina K Designs :0)

TaDa Creative Studios Booth - Super Cute!

TaDa Creative Studios - The Big Top Collection! One of my favorite!

CHA Consumer Super Show

Chicago's First Consumer Show - Getting Our Tickets

My friend ChrisR - thanks for driving & for motivating! LOL!

Jessica Sprague - My first digital page! For you, Chrissy! LOL!

Second reason: During CHA/Super Show, my father was hospitalized and had two surgeries to take care of his spinal cord (both were successful). When he caught Pneumonia and couldn't break his fever, it was decided that I fly out to LA to be with my parents. I was able to get a flight out the next day and off I went. He is doing well but has to go through weeks? months? of rehabilitation to get back his daily routine (or as much of it as possible). My brothers and I were most concerned about our mother so I stayed out there for three weeks to support her in whatever she needed.

I wanted to thank Spellbinders™ and TaDa Creative Studios for their understanding and concern for my father! Couldn't have been more luckier to have such kind and thoughtful people to work with! Gratitude especially to my blog author team members, Beth and Holly (click HERE for the GinaK Designs video), for their patience while I take care of my parents! xo

Featured on Today's Spellbinders Blog - THANK YOU!!

OK...a third reason: BACK TO SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enough said.

Be on the lookout as I will post something fun about TaDa Creative Studios SOON!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

CHA & TaDa Creative Studios!!!

Before I get some last minute packing done, I wanted to share one of the projects that will be at TaDa Creative Studios Booth (#2035) at CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) Trade Show!! The Jolly Holly Days Collection is a wonderful designed papers perfect for any Holiday themed scrapbook pages! But it is also perfect for those cookie exchange recipes, holiday cards and even home decor like my gingerbread house. Actually it can be a tall box tissue cover as well! See the chimney? It is an opening for tissue dispense! I ran out of tissue so I didn't have it pictured here but you get the point, right!


Would you like to win this collection? Even better, would you like to win the entire NEW RELEASE?!

All you have to do is (Read the entire directions first, it will make sense! LOL!!):
Leave a comment after this TaDa post telling us what your favorite new TaDa collection is;
Then go shout it out on your own blog, Facebook or message board that you frequent;
Be sure to leave the following address so others can take a peek:
http://tadacreativestudios.wordpress.com/2010/07/11/cha-sneak-peeks-are-here-2/
Along with your comment, leave us the link to your posting for verification.

Good luck!!
MargieH

Friday, July 23, 2010

CHA & Spellbinders Time!

CHA? Meaning Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) Trade Show is upon us. The summer show is back in Chicago which means it's easier for me to attend the show (location & time-wise). This year, I am fortunate to work with Spellbinders (BOOTH #1423)!! Boy, do we have a line up of goodies!! BUT for those of you who can't attend, don't fret. We will be introducing the releases on the Company Blog the first day of CHA (next Tuesday) so stay tuned!

I get to work with some cool gals/guys at the booth! But mostly I am excited to be working with my BLOG AUTHORS colleagues - Holly Simoni and Beth Pingry!! I am SO LUCKY to be working with a couple of talented artists!!!



For those of you attending, we'll see you there!!!
MargieH xo

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Special Announcement from SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L™!

Love their adhesives! I signed up...details below :0)

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT.…



Get ready to bring your craft to a whole new level! If you want to know what the big news is BEFORE anyone else … be sure you’ve signed up at http://www.theshapetocome.com/!

If you register your email address there before July 25th, you will get a special pre-show announcement one day before the CHA Trade Show starts!!

One lucky person that signs up between now and July 25th will be chosen at random to win $50 (msrp) of SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L™ products! The winner will be announced on August 2nd...look for it on their blog!

Oh! For those of you attending CHA in Chicago, SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L will be Booth #1113!

Good luck, everyone!!
MargieH

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Spellbinders Paper Arts BIG Event Blog Frenzy Begins!

Spellbinders Paper Arts is hosting a BIG Event and you’re invited!

The Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show is fast approaching! Spellbinders™ Paper Arts has some BIG new products to show off, and we want to give them to you!

The Spellbinders BIG Event will begin on TODAY July 13, 2010, and will last for 8 days. Each day two of our fabulous Designers will introduce one or more BIG ideas. Each day two lucky winners will win all of that day’s newly revealed products! At the end of the BIG Event we will select a Grand Prize Winner!!

Below is the schedule of blogs and the official rules. Stop by the Spellbinders Blog each day, we will direct you to the BIG Event Blogs and announce the lucky winners.









RULES

Participants wishing to be included in the daily drawing for the Spellbinders BIG Event must adhere to all of the following rules.

•Enter each drawing of the Spellbinders BIG Event between July 13 and July 21, 2010, by visiting the participating blogs. Click on the email contest link to open an e-mail window. In the subject line of the e-mail, enter the name of the new product and send the email.

•Each blog contest will remain open for 48 hours.

•Only one entry per blog is allowed, and entrant 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 13 through July 21 and plan accordingly.

•After each contest closes, Spellbinders will randomly pick one entry from each BIG Event contest. The winners will be contacted by e-mail within 24 hours after each contest closes. The winners will have 72 hours to reply to that email to claim the prize. If a winner fails to respond within 72 hours, a new winner will be drawn.

•Participants wishing to be automatically entered into the drawing for the BIG Event Grand Prize must enter all 16 contests during the days and times each blog contest is open for entries, and by following the rules.

•By entering, you allow Spellbinders to publish your first name, city, state, and country of residence on the Spellbinders Blog and in promotional materials.

•Spellbinders Design Team members, employees and immediate family members are not eligible to win.

•We are happy to invite US and international participants to this BIG Event.

PRIZES

•Daily Prizes
Spellbinders will use random.org to choose a winner from valid entries.
Spellbinders will draw one name from each of the daily contests. Each winner will receive all the new products revealed on that specific day.

•Grand Prize
Participants sending valid entries for each of the 16 contests will be included in a drawing for a Grand Prize valued at more than $700!
The Grand Prize Winner will receive an email notice on July 22, 2010, and must reply to the notice by 12 noon on July 25, 2010, Eastern Standard Time.

Any questions regarding this contest should be sent to ContestQuestions@Spellbinders.us
Please note:

Spellbinders will use email information to contact the winner.
Spellbinders will not share, rent, or sell email addresses.
Spellbinders will not use this email information for advertisements or communications
other than to contact the winners.

To receive information and announcements from Spellbinders, sign up for the Newsletter here.

Thank You!

Spellbinders is a trademark of Spellbinders Paper Arts, llc.

Monday, July 12, 2010

TaDa Creative Studios CHA Sneak Peek (BOOTH #2035)

I can finally show you what I've been playing with! Well, actually I can show you the patterned papers I have been working with - SO MUCH FUN!!




For more details, click HERE (the Company blog). What do you think?
AHHHH!! Can't believe CHA is only two weeks away...lots to do!

Thanks for stopping by!
MargieH

Friday, July 09, 2010

Craft Fancy Second Birthday!!

Hello!

Do you want to come join us for the celebration? It will start today (July 10th) at 10:00AM. I'll be there doing a FREE make'n take with Heartfelt Creations stamps and Spellbinders Nestabilities. These stamps are perfect fit with the Spellbinders Nestabilities (Dahlia, Blossom, Blossom Two, Peony among others).



For more information on store location, contact and schedule, please click HERE.

I hope to see many friends there!!
Have a wonderful weekend!
MargieH

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Something BIG is coming!

Spellbinders™ is at it again...another Blog Frenzy!!


Rumor has it that more details will be posted HERE next week...you don't want to miss it! I'm just sayin' (wink wink)!

Happy Canada Day (today/July 1st) to my Canadian friends!!
Happy 4th of July holiday weekend here in the U.S.!!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

SNR's 10 Days of Summer Tags - Day 3!!

Hey, that's me!

Hop on over to Scrapbook News & Review (SNR) Magazine for the 10 Days of Summer Tags. Each artist has her own take on what Summer means by creating a fun tag. Mine is FULL of Spellbinders™ goodies! Here's a sneak peek...



Oh, what am I sanding? Well, that's I2-1016 Sea Scape Impressabilities™ and it is a Limited Edition/May 2010. So if you are interested, you might still be able to pick one up from your favorite Spellbinders' retailer! I'm just sayin'...

To view the finished tag, click over HERE and I will show you step by step on how to create a Beach Fun Tag!

Do you want to see Day One and Day Two? Click on the links - you'll love what you see.
Thanks for stopping by!!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Happy Father's Day!

Can't believe it's the middle of June...where did the time go?! You can tell it's June...end of school, beginning of summer school, my birthday, all the graduation parties (WHEW!) and Father's Day!

So today I just want to wish my father and the father of my children - A WONDERFUL FATHER'S DAY!! Thanks for all you do to make our lives that much better!! LOVE YOU TONS!!

About two week's ago, I created a card with dad in mind for Spellbinders™ blog and loved how it turned out...metal and all! If you're interested in the steps on how to do this, click HERE.


Today we have church services. After we get back home, I'm off to phone my dad to catch up with him (and mom, of course). Then a quiet (?) dinner with the family.

Hope you get a chance to appreciate your dad today!
Thanks for stopping by! xo

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Featured Projects on Craft Fancy's Blog!

Doin' the happy dance...a nice surprise to wake up to...a blog post by my favorite local scrapbook store (LSS) about my projects! YEAH!!

Here's one but their blog has a better picture...



I believe CraftFancy is the only store in the area that has those Limited Edition Spellbinders™ die templates. So they tend to run out of these types of products. If you were looking for them, you will need to RUN! Or call them (847-670-6065) to reserve yours. Spellbinders™ stopped production on these babies at the end of last month. So when inventory runs out that means your lucky has run out too. I'm just sayin'...

Thank you, Craft Fancy, for showing my stuff!!! xo

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

A Banner for KATE!

I wanted to share a banner I made for a dear friend who overcame brain cancer and is doing well. Matter of fact, this month is National Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Kate is also the editor of Scrapbook News and Review (SNR) Magazine and someone who I admire a great deal.

Based on an assignment, I created this banner...if it gets choosen for publication, I will have to take it down :( but only temporarily :) These beautiful papers are from Margie Romney-Aslett's The Girls' Paperie (The Paper Girl Collection). I had some papers left from a couple of projects I was working on.

Although I wanted to include this one too (with the other projects to be sent out), I didn't want to do a rush job on it...it was too important to me. This creation will be going to Michigan in the very near future! Heehee!!


A special note from SNR that you want to take advantage of!!

For those of you familiar with Scrapbook News and Review (SNR) Magazine, you know that Kate Koch, the editor-in-chief, and Marisol Jiminez, our managing editor, are both brain cancer survivors.

In honor of National Brain Tumor Awareness Month and their continued efforts to spread the word about brain cancer and the many lives it has touched, we would like to do something special.

Until May 31, 2010, for every dollar that comes through the door via a subscription to SNR, we’ll match dollar for dollar and gift all proceeds to the Brain Tumor Awareness Organization. We can honestly say that without research and hope, Kate and Marisol would not be here today to enrich the lives of our friends and readers.

The Special: For every annual subscription purchased at the special rate of $39.99 or semi-annual subscription purchased at the special rate of $19.99, we'll either gift a comparable subscription to a friend of your choice or add on another six months or year to your personal subscription.

Please don't delay -- this special offer is only good until May 31, 2010 -- and spread the word.
This month, let's keep hope alive!

Friday, May 21, 2010

Author & Designer Sherry Steveson will be in Chicago!

If you are an "old" 2Peas Pubster, I know you are familiar with Sherry Steveson (aka Sassy Schtuff). Well, she is also an author of not one but two books!



She will be in the Chicago area on Saturday, June 19th at Craft Fancy (1818B Arlington Hts. Rd) in Arlington Hts. There will be two classes that day.

The Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook 101
Saturday June 19th 10am – 1pm $40


Explore 10 different embellishments in a Tag Mini Book.
Be inspired by simple 2 step techniques to more in depth techniques that will "Jump Start" your creativity and enable you to use your STASH.

The Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook 201
Saturday June 19th 2pm – 5pm $40


Take embellishments to a whole new level with "out of the box" ideas. This ain’t your mama's scrapbook! This mini album features 10 different embellishment techniques that are unique and will spark your creativity. This will take your scrapbooking to the next level!

You don't want to miss these classes! To reserve your spot, please contact Craft Fancy at 847-670-6065. See you there!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Flourishes Blog Hop - Beauty Within

What do you get when you mix the beauty of stained glass images with the fabulous shapes of Spellbinders™ Nestabilities®? A fabulous new set from Flourishes called Beauty Within (#SS113).


This stamp set was designed to take the guess work out of cutting and trimming an elegant shape. With the help of S4-246 Labels Eleven and S4-248 Labels Thirteen, you can color to your heart’s content and then trim your image perfectly with these beautiful die templates. The set, designed by artist Becky Fleck, will be released first thing this morning!

When the set arrived, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. With a stained glass motif, I couldn't resist in making a window card! So I created this card with the beautiful rose image that Becky had designed. I was thrilled about how it turned out and I hope you do too!



Steps:
Stamp Flourishes #SS113 Beauty Within Rose image onto transparancy and color
Cut image with Spellbinders™ S4-246 Labels Eleven #6 (the smallest die being #1)
Cut/embossed center of A2 card base and pink pattern paper card front with S4-246 Labels Eleven #5
Cut/emboss green pattern paper with S4-255 Big Scalloped Rectangle LG #5 and S4-246 Labels Eleven #5
Adhere ribbon near the bottom of pink pattern paper, tie bow and adhere button/bling
Stamp Flourishes #SS113 Beauty Within Sentiment "Be Joyful" on the bottom right corner of pink pattern paper
Adhere stamped transparancy on card front, cover with embellished pink pattern paper and green frame

Supplies:
Papers: WorldWin (cardstock); My Mind's Eye Lush Collection (pattern papers)
Stamp: Flourishes (#SS113 Beauty Within)
Ink: Ranger Ink (Distressed Ink)
Markers: Copics (Sketch Markers)
Adhesives: Beacon (Zip Dry); Glue Dot
Ribbon: Offray
Bling: Creative Impressions (Bits of Bling)
Tools: Spellbinders™ (S4-246 Labels Eleven, S4-255 Big Scalloped Rectangle LG)

Would you like to win this set? Simply leave a comment HERE for a chance! Winners will be announced Saturday at 12 PM CST on the Flourishes Blog.

We are honored to be asked to team up with the Flourishes Design Team to show you the beautiful potential of Beauty Within!

• Beth Pingry (Spellbinders™)
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence
• Danielle Kennedy
• Dawn Burnworth
• Heidi Blankenship (Spellbinders™)
• Holly Simoni (Spellbinders™)
• Julie Koerber
• Laura Fredrickson
• Leslie Miller
• Margie Higuchi = ME! (Spellbinders™)
• Sharon Doolittle
• Stacy Morgan

Hope you enjoy Flourishes Beauty Within Set as much as I have in creating this card!
Thanks for stopping by!!
MargieH

Sunday, May 09, 2010

Happy Mother's Day!!

Hope that all you moms out there have a wonderful day! No matter how your family "celebrates" this day, I wish you all good memories and good time!

I wanted to share today a project that one of Spellbinders Blog Team Member (Becca Feeken) had shared. It inspired me to make this and thought it would be fun to show you today...



Well, if the shoe fits, wear it! Hmm...can't exactly fit into this one but hey, the thought counts, right?! LOL!! The patterned papers are from TaDa Creative Studios Curly Q Collection. Unlike the other talented artists, my version is a little on the contemporary side ;0P

I love how this turned out and if you're interested, please click HERE. Terri is the creator of this beauty! Thank you, Terri! Enjoy this and today!

Thanks for stopping by....Happy Mother's Day! xo

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Teacher Appreciation Week

Well, my selfish excuse to make a gift for my youngest's Japanese teacher is two folded...one obviously to thank Mrs. Nakagawa for putting up with somewhat talkative son (where did he get that trait from? heehee!!) and the other is an excuse to make a project with Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker llc products!

In case you haven't been following me too long, I also freelance at a Japanese scrapbook magazine called "Love My Memories." The editor, Emi Kume, had asked me to be its special U.S. reporter. How can I say no?! What an opportunity to work for such a dynamic person! She is credited for bringing scrapbooking to the fore front in Japan.

One of my first articles was about up and coming new companies in the scrapbook industry. Nikki was one of my choices! I blogged about it HERE. Anyways, I was thrilled when I found out that her company is part of the Cross Promotional Partners with Spellbinders™! So my first blog project after the DT Retreat was Nikki's Henry's Brillance Collection...perfect for the upcoming Teacher's Appreciation Week (this week!)!



It turned out so nicely! Can't wait to give this to her :) Have you done anything for your teachers? You have until the end of the week! Don't have time? Tell your child to go hug their teachers and say THANK YOU!! They'll love it!

Thank you, Mrs. Nakagawa, and all those teachers out there! Better you than me - can't even deal with two kids! LOL!!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Thank you, WorldWin!!

I have been waiting for this box as my other fellow designers at Spellbinders™ received theirs before me...talk about torture! LOL!!



OH MY PAPER GOODNESS!!! Love the different colors and there's over 20 different colors to use for the year...thank you, WorldWin!!

Now off to create with them :)

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

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

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Never A Dull Moment...

Hey all!

Been working on getting ready for an article for Love My Memories (Jpn SB magazine) but it has been a bear to finish. The pictures finally came through!! Sorry for being a pest for two weeks, Miss M!! Let's hope that the editors don't pull it due to deadline which past a LONG TIME ago! YIKES! So please send me good thoughts my way! LOL!!

In between I've been sewing (don't faint, Mrs. Fish!!) or should I correct that by writing "I'm trying to sew!" LOL! My youngest will be in a Japanese play and I have to put together a KIMONO jacket/JINBEI. I was stuck on the collar! OY! Pray for me! LOL!! Here's before I put the collar on...












Tomorrow, I'm off to Spellbinders™ Design Team Retreat to learn more about the Company, techniques, its marketing and get to know the rest of the gang. I am most excited to get to know my co-blog author Holly! We'll be rooming together! So I am trying to get everything in place at home while I'm gone. AM carpool for oldest - check; PM carpool for oldest & youngest - check; lunch for youngest - check; and summer school sign up - check! All that needs to be done is LAUNDRY & PACKING!! OY!

Be good...will post pictures when I get back and recovered! LOL!!

Friday, April 09, 2010

I Challenge YOU To A....

Well, a challenge! LOL!
Really it's a TaDa (Creative Studio) Challenge :0)

Here is the detail:
Happy Friday to all! I’m excited to see the weekend come, even though it’s cold and rainy here. Why? Because that’s a PERFECT time to SCRAPBOOK!!!

I want to throw a simple, 2-part challenge out to our readers to kick off the DT Challenge posts:
Part 1: Scrapbook yourself.
No, not too many of us like to be in FRONT of the camera, for any number of reasons (none of which will be named here. ) But write about yourself – your habits, your hopes, your dreams, your frustrations, your strengths, your weaknesses, your vices…whatever. Showcase YOU.

Part 2: Use the TaDa line that you love most, the one that reflects you and your personality best.
Can’t wait to see what you all can do! Be sure to post links
HERE when you’re done. DTers, this is for you, too, if you’re so inclined! Post your layouts here so we can all be inspired!

Here’s to good scrap time and lots of mojo, my friends!

Soooo are you up for it? I'm hoping to get at least a start on it as I am going to designers' retreat next week (SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!). There's no due date...yet. So you have some time to purchase your stash of TaDa products. Click HERE for a store or online store that can help you.

Good luck!!

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

Calling All International Spellbinders Friends!

This one is for you! A chance of a great opportunity to show off your creative Spellbinder self :)

We are excited to announce the Spellbinders™ International Guest Blogger Contest. Spellbinders is looking for one fabulous International Guest Blogger to appear on the Spellbinders Paper Arts Blog during the month of June! This contest is for Spellbinders Paper Arts enthusiasts currently living outside of the United States. We will select one International Guest Blogger to create four projects with instructions, for publication on the Spellbinders Paper Arts Blog.

The International Guest Blogger Contest Winner will select $100 in Spellbinders Die Templates to use in the four blog posts. These die templates will be chosen from the Spellbinders website (excludes Limited Edition die templates, Presto Punch machine and Presto Punch templates). A link to the Contest Winners' blog will be posted on the Spellbinders Blog for one year. The Winner will receive a personalized Spellbinders Badge to post on his/her Blog. Following completion of the four posts, the International Guest Blogger will receive an additional $100 in Spellbinders Paper Arts product, from the July 2010 New Release Collection. The Winner will be among the first to receive that new product! Spellbinders will pay all shipping charges.

Spellbinders International Guest Blogger Contest Winner will complete four paper craft projects using current Spellbinders Die Templates, with instructions. Winner must post a partial image of each project with a link to the Spellbinders Blog on publication days. Dates of publication to be determined.

To enter the Spellbinders International Guest Blogger Contest, submit the following to BlogContest@spellbinders.us:

• One Contest Entry Project image .jpg (no larger than 10x10” at 72dpi)
• Spellbinders International Blog Contest Entry Form (see blog post)

The Contest Entry Project must include Spellbinders product. The entrant must have his/her own personal blog that he/she maintains and keeps current. The Contest Entry must be in English, if chosen as Winner, blog posts must be in English. Spellbinders reserves the right to edit blog posts. Spellbinders reserves the right to edit images for posting on the Spellbinders Blog. Additional specifications will be sent to the Contest Winner.

Please send questions to ContestQuestions@Spellbinders.us.

Entrants currently living in the United States, as well as employees and the immediate family members of Spellbinders Paper Arts are ineligible for entry. Anyone currently designing for a competitor of Spellbinders Paper Arts is ineligible.

Spellbinders will select one International Guest Blogger Contest Winner.

Contest is open to submissions from April 6, 2010, until 11:59 U.S. Mountain Standard Time (MST), April 20, 2010. The Winner will be announced on April 29, 2010, and completed blog posts with images are due by May 24, 2010.

If you are not sure what U.S. Mountain Standard Time is, I have a link HERE.

So exciting! I hope my friends from overseas take this wonderful opportunity to GO FOR IT!! Good luck!! xo


Spellbinders is a trademark of Spellbinders Paper Arts, llc.

Thursday, April 01, 2010

Another Proud Mama Moment

OK..this time, it's about my oldest boy and his freshman year tennis.

He had his first home tennis match as a high school player yesterday. I am not familiar with tennis but he's on a doubles team with a sophomore partner on the junior varsity team as #1 doubles team...hope that makes sense. LOL!!

Unfortunately they lost...figures when I'm there! LOL! But the day before they won their match...or is it game? UGH! I better figure this out before the season ends ;0P Either way, I am very proud of him.

Now if I can only get him to be as enthusiastic with his school work, I would be MORE HAPPIER!! Am I asking too much?! Seriously.

Here are some pictures I took yesterday (a beautiful warm day btw but windy!)...please forgive the fence, couldn't sneek into the courts without being bonked by a tennis ball.






































And a big pow wow at the end...it was nice :0)

To My Japanese Scrapbookers (April Schedule)

皆さん、
こんにちは。
昨日から、とても暖かくなりました。
やっと 春が来たと思ってもいいのかしら~。(笑)
では、今月のスケジュールです。

月1・2回程度(予約もOKです)、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。

*4月のクラス&ワークショップ スケジュール:

5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*

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*

20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*

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*

30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*

*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。

今後この連絡の不要な方は お手数ですがお知らせください。

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Eメールして下さい。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 (Co-Author, Company Blog): http://spellbinderspaperarts.com/blog/
TaDa Creative Studios (Design Team Member): http://www.tadacreativestudios.com/
Craft Fancy (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

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

A Proud Mama...the chick or the egg?

First the chick...have to give praise to my youngest since he doesn't get enough...always overshadowed by his big brother.

He was chosen from two school districts (at the seventh grade level) to be invited to a high school summer school pilot program that's geared towards future engineers (be aerospace, genetic, mechanical). WHEW! That was long! LOL!!

Don't know how many were invited but our district alone has about six to seven junior high schools. I had to go in person to register - it's that new. LOL!! So excited for him. He's a little nervous being it's held at a high school setting and he's riding the bus to school (it's at another high school).

I was wondering what to do with the little guy during the summer, big brother is planning on attending both sessions of high school summer school plus a tennis camp. Then we get this invitation in the mail...what timing!

Good job, Hiro!! We are so proud of you!! xo

Now the egg, I published a post on Spellbiners' blog. I made an Egg-shaped card and it turned out like this:



















To find out how to make a perfect shape, check it out HERE!
Thanks for stopping by :0)
MargieH

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

JustRite Stampers Mega March Blog Hop - Day 2!!




















Welcome to my blog!! I am SO excited to show you my project today.

My scrapbook store (Craft Fancy, Arlington Hts. IL) had these huge empty sticker rolls so I took a couple. My first thought was to make a big spool and roll a mini album into it. So I purchased sewing-related pattern papers, brought it home and thought and thought and...THEN JustRite Stampers came out with JB-09730 Stitched With Love Borders & Centers Round 2 3/8" . "Oh, my!" My inspiration wheel started turning and I ended up creating this...



















FOR A BETTER LOOK, PLEASE CLICK ON IMAGE - THANKS!!
With pattern papers from American Crafts, I punched holes with my Bind-It-All and then "stitched" together 4 1/2"Hx12"W strips of papers to make a total of three pages...a real mini! LOL!! And of course, I had to use some of my Spellbinders™ products such as S5-011 Scalloped Edge Frames, S4-214 Eyelets Borderabilities® Petite, S4-235 Fancy Tags, S4-114 Standard Circles LG and S4-116 Standard Circles SM. Other embellishments are from Maya Road (Trinket Pin, Sewing Themed Chipboard) and the buttons are from my stash.




































































Notice that I used almost the entire stamp set on this mini. I had so much fun with this project and I don't even sew!!! LOL! Thanks to JustRite Stampers (esp. Kellie Fortin & Sharon Harnist) for making this project SEW easy to put together. Sometimes you just need a little inspiration to get ya goin'...

30 designers, FIVE shopping sprees each day. No one knows where the prizes will be! Each day of the hop JustRite will have five Mystery Blog Candy Prizes hidden along the hop with a total retail value of $600. JustRite will randomly select five mystery blogs each day of the hop and randomly allocate each of the shopping sprees. For your chance to win, simply leave a little love (a comment) on each designer’s blog including the JustRite Blog. The more designers you leave comments with, the better your chances of winning. Each day’s comments will remain open for three days. A winner from each of the mystery blogs’ comments will be randomly chosen using Random.org. Consult the listing of designers at the JustRite Blog each day (each day’s designers will be different) and start out on your way! Beginning Friday, March 26, summaries of all the winners will be posted on the JustRite Blog.

Good luck to everyone and enjoy all the JustRite eye candy along the hop!

Today during the JustRite Mega March Blog Hop (Day Two) JustRite and its sponsors will be giving away the following five prizes:

· $200 JustRite Shopping Spree
· $100 Spellbinders Shopping Spree
· $100 Stamp Simply Ribbon Store Spree, and
· Two additional $100 JustRite Shopping Sprees!

Blog comments for Day Two will be open until Friday at 6pm EST. On Saturday, JustRite will announce on their blog which five blogs have the mystery candy for Day Two. You will need to go to the JustRite Blog to determine where you need to go to find out if you are one of the five lucky winners.

Here are the list of talented designers who will be participating in Day 2:

JustRite Inspiration Blog


Sharon Harnist


Sankari Wegman


Marianne Walker


Michelle Wooderson


Linda Duke


Barb Schram


Eva Dobilas


Liz Weber


Jeanne Streiff


Lori Craig


Sharon Johnson


Michelle Woerner


Sherry Cheever


Keri Lee Sereika


Lauren Meader


Michele Boyer


Lucy Abrams


Janine Blackwelder


Edna Morrisedie


Deb Saaranen


Melody Rupple


Charmaine Ikach


Michelle Giraud


Amy Crockett


Lydia Fiedler


Kelly Landers


Amber Hight


Margie Higuchi


Mary Pfaff


Debbie Seyer


Thanks so much for stopping by!
Good luck and hope you enjoy the rest of hop!
MargieH

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Start of the JustRite Stampers MEGA March Blog Hop!!!

Today is the first of THREE days of JustRite Stampers' Mega March Blog Hop with $600 of product being given away! You'll need start with the JustRite Inspiration Blog for an inspiring project! Then visit each of the following designers' blogs (see below) to see all the inspiration they've prepared for you using stamps from JustRite's January/February release.

Stop back here tomorrow for my blog hop project! In the meantime, ENJOY and be INSPIRED!!!























JustRite Inspiration Blog
http://justritestampers.typepad.com/justrite-inspiration/2010/03/mega-march-blog-hop-day-1-600-worth-of-blog-candy-giveaways.html

Becca Feeken
http://www.amazingpapergrace.com/justrite-mega-march-blog-hop-day-1/

Tosha Leyendekker
http://stamptalkwithtosh.blogspot.com/2010/03/justrite-mega-march-blog-hop.html

Kazan Clark
http://nunutoolies.blogspot.com/2010/03/justrite-mega-march-blog-hop.html

Laurie Schmidlin
http://justgivemestamps.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/03/justrite-mega-march-blog-hop-day-1.html

Kellie Fortin
http://murdocks.typepad.com/polishedtoperfection/2010/03/justrite-mega-march-blog-hop-day-one-600-blog-candy-shopping-spree.html

Amy Sheffer
http://pickledpaperdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/03/justrite-mega-march-blog-hop-day-1.html

Jerri Jimenez
http://jerrikay.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2010/03/23/parchment-morning-glories-and-mega-hop/

Denise Marzec
http://thepaperlandscaper.blogspot.com/2010/03/jr-mega-march-blog-hop.html

Michelle Rodgers
http://michellerodgers.blogspot.com/2010/03/justrite-march-mega-blog-hop-day-one.html

Stephanie Kraft
http://handkraftedbystephanie.blogspot.com/2010/03/justrite-mega-march-blog-hop.html

Sally Lynn MacDonald
http://www.sallylynnmacdonald.com/weblog/2010/03/justrite-mega-march-blog-hop-day-1.html

Cindy Lawrence
http://onehappystamper.typepad.com/stamping_inspirations_wit/2010/03/justrite-mega-blog-hop.html

Jenyfur Pohl
http://torn-paper.blogspot.com/2010/03/justrite-stampers-mega-blog-hop.html

Silke Ledlow
http://silkeledlow.blogspot.com/2010/03/stampers-dream-justrite-mega-blog-hop.html

Carolyn King
http://myblogbycammie.blogspot.com/2010/03/justrite-mega-march-blog-hop.html

Dawn Easton
http://treasureoilerdesignz.blogspot.com/2010/03/mega-march-blog-hop-just-rite.html

Holly Simoni
http://hollysimoni.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/03/justrite-mega-march-blog-hop.html

Julie Overby
http://joverby.blogspot.com/2010/03/justrite-mega-march-blog-hop.html

Karen Maldonado
http://reallifeinpictures.blogspot.com/2010/03/just-rite-mega-march-blog-hop-day-1.html

Colleen Schaan
http://www.distinctivetouches.com/distinctive_touches/2010/03/justrite-inspiration-blog-----becca-feeken-----tosha-leyendekker-----kazan-clark-----laurie-schmidlin-----kellie-fortin-----a.html

Kimberly Crawford
http://kimberly-crawford.blogspot.com/2010/03/justrite-mega-march-blog-hop.html

Karen Taylor
http://creativeyearnings.blogspot.com/2010/03/justrite-mega-march-blog-hop.html

Maren Benedict
http://zanynotcrazy.com/

Eli Harlan
http://frillions.wordpress.com/2010/03/23/justrite-stampers-mega-march-blog-hop/

Linda Beeson
http://pkod.blogspot.com/2010/03/big-mega-justrite-blog-hop-day-1.html

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

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)

Sunday, March 07, 2010

What I did Saturday...















Crop For A Cause - Making M.S. (Multiple Sclerosis) A Memory!

I've attended this since its beginnings back in 2007 - the Saturday that my friend, Laura Machonis (founder & coordinator of the event), held this, I was moving into my new home two days earlier! LOL! But I managed to attend, sat by myself in the Sanctuary working on my project and she always had time to stop by and check on me!

For four years I've watched her work hard to make this event a success year after year. She is such an inspiration! So a special SHOUT OUT to Laura and her team for another great year - I think the dollar amount is $14,000 plus! Better than last year :)

I am so proud of her!!!!
Another step closer in finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.

This group shot is from us winning "The Princess Room" (aka V.I.P. Room) in last year's auction where we get a private room to crop, a tiara, special tee shirt, unlimited drinks, special door prizes and a "lady-in-waiting" (Hi & thank you, Chris!) at our beckin' call! LOL!! My fellow royals are: (standing) MaryBeth T., Chris R., ME, CJ D. and (sitting) Joyce A. Our Princess MIAs: Renee N. & Fiona R. - we miss you both!!

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

TaDa Creative Studios 2010 - 2011 DT Announcement!

It’s time for us at TaDa Creative Studios to announce our 2010-2011 Design Team!!! Our decision was very difficult, and we thank all of you that took the time to submit your work!!! We did have several current DT members resubmit to the team, and we are thrilled to still have them onboard.

Our new 2010-2011 Design Team Members are:
Christy Davis
Julie Detlef
Stacey Hansen
Margie Higuchi
Katie Renz
Nicole Stark

We have also created some new positions on our Design Team. These members will be called TaDa Design Team Toppers. They will be like the added sprinkles on top of a really good dessert. Each of them will be guests on our blog once a quarter, and will share their talent as a little extra bonus to the Design Team.

Our 2010-2011 Design Team Toppers are:
Rita Barakat
Susan Dupre
Marianne Luken

And last but not least, we will have a TaDa Challenge Hostess. We are proud and happy to announce that our founding DT Coordinator, Tracey Wilder will be taking on this position. She has shared her talent with us from the beginning, and we are thrilled to have her be an important part of our future team. Don’t be surprised if you see her wearing many more hats than this along the way.

Please note that we will be contacting each of you individually this week, regarding your role on the team. We have many responsibilities to divide up, and we look forward to your participation. Once we decide on each member’s role, we will make a decision on who will be the DT Coordinator for TaDa.

Thank you so much ladies, and CONGRATULATIONS!

SO EXCITED to be continuing with this wonderful manufacturer! Can't wait to see what our new DT members and DT Toppers have in their creative minds! I'm sure I will be inspired by them :) Welcome, designers, and let's make it work....in my best Tim Gunn/Project Runway voice! Heehee!!

Monday, March 01, 2010

For My Japanese Scrappers - March 2010 Schedule

皆さん、
こんばんは。
毎日、寒いですね。
あと数日で3月になり、春が近いかな~と思っていませんか?私も同感です。

月1・2回程度(予約もOKです)、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。

*3月のクラス&ワークショップ スケジュール:

1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*

4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*

5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*

9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*

12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(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*

31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*

*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。

今後この連絡の不要な方は お手数ですがお知らせください。

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Eメールして下さい。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 (Co-Editor, Company Blog): http://spellbinderspaperarts.com/blog/
TaDa Creative Studios (Design Team Member): http://www.tadacreativestudios.com/
Craft Fancy (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