What I've been up to....

OK...I ran out of steam with my Japan trip but will be back to posting our last day soon :) I'm switching gears by showing you some of the projects I've worked with in the last few weeks...

Most of these are from my contribution to the Spellbinders™ Blog. Not only do I enjoy working with these wonderful and talented people but it takes me out of my box and create projects that I don't usually do. So much fun and I am so lucky!!

Another company I am also proud of is TaDa Creative Studios! I love their style and their patterned papers are too die for! The fourth picture from the top is one of their newest releases, Bountiful Blooms Collection. I just got a stash from them and have been playing...er, working on a new project ;0P

OK...enough of the show & tell. Also head's up as Spellbinders will be hosting a blog hop starting tomorrow! Be on the look out over at their blog - prizes are involved...I'm just sayin'!!

Thanks, MargieH xo

Japan Trip - Day 5

10/25 - Lake TOWADA and OIRASE Hiking Trail

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my journal of my trip. Not only do I love sharing them with my friends but I have a selfish reason...my memory (aka senior moment)! LOL! If I don't write it down, I will not remember all the details ;0P

This trip to Lake Towada and OIRASE Stream is my husband's most anticipated trip. He had always wanted to visit so I was excited for him. We back tracked our way to HACHINOHE Station to get on the bus to take us to OIRASE hiking trail. It takes over two hours to get out there (with a pit stop halfway).

Good thing we got there early (45 mins before departure) to find a handful of people already lined up at the bus stop! So glad Hosho reserved tickets - LOL! Also note that most of these folks pictured are not Japanese - a majority of them are from China! Taka's ears were peaked as he is learning Chinese in high school. Perfect opportunity to make friends but alas, he was too shy.

This is what we saw at the entrance of the TOWADA-HACHIMANTAI National Park where the OIRASE hiking trail is located...look at those fall colors!

The hiking trail is 8 3/4 miles long but we hiked about 2 miles in about an hour. We took our time as there were some beautiful spots and waterfalls along the way. For a weekday, there were a lot of people out!

Then we caught the bus from the trail and took it to our next destination Lake TOWADA. After hiking, the boys (me too!) were ready for a hot lunch :) We took a quick stroll around the lake and found a restaurant that overlooked the lake. As you can see by the picture below, it turned cloudy and cold by the time we reached the lake.

After eating our lunches, we walked to the bus terminal and rode to our next hot springs inn (RYOKAN). It was in the TOWADA area which was good - I needed a long hot bath :) Yes, it was as hot as it looks! LOL! This bath is called ROTENBURO (open air bath).

Then we had this wonderful dinner after our baths...a perfect ending to a BEAUTIFUL day!

Tomorrow, it's off to AOMORI Pref. and back to SENDAI to hitch a ride to Mt. ZAO for our last stay of our trip.

Japan Trip - Day 4

10/24 - ATAMI/MATSUSHIMA/MISAWA

After a REAL quick breakfast (10 mins to eat & 10 mins to get to the station), we left for our next destination - MATSUSHIMA (near SENDAI in MIYAGI Pref.) and MISAWA (AOMORI Pref.).

As you can see, we made it to ATAMI station in time. The KODAMA SHINKANSEN was due in at 7:31am. The ride is about 50 mins. to TOKYO. From TOKYO Station, we switched to TOHOKU HIYATE SHINKANSEN to SENDAI Station which is about two hours. Then the local train (30 mins.) took us to our first destination - MATSUSHIMA (literal translation: PINE ISLAND).

MATSUSHIMA (MIYAGI Pref.) is considered one of the "Three Views of Japan" (NIHON SANKEI) - locations that best represents Japan. The others are: MIYAJIMA (HIROSHIMA Pref.) and AMANOHASHIDATE (KYOTO Pref.). I have been lucky to cover two (MATSUSHIMA and MIYAJIMA).

After visiting the GODAIDO Temple, riding the 50 min. boat tour around the 260 islands of MATSUSHIMA and eating GYUTAN lunch, we headed back to SENDAI to catch the TOHOKU HIYATEI SHINKANSEN to HACHINOHE (one and an half hours). Then switch to local train (15 min ride) to MISAWA area for our final destination of the day.

Hosho made reservations at a huge hot springs hotel that included a dinner show. The dinner show is called NEBUTA Festival. See all those illustrations in the background? Those are called NEBUTA - they were creatures that were supposed to frighten off the enemies during war in the AOMORI area in the early 800s. Now they are floats depicting those creatures made out of Japanese paper with laterns lit inside.

What's a dinner show without audience participation?! Guess who got picked...both boys (Hiro is pictured behind his big brother). LOL!! In the last picture, a girl with the colorful KIMONO was there with a Korean film crew. Guess they were covering the hotel (it's famous for its hot springs and this show).

After a nice long hot bath, off to bed for another adventure tomorrow to Lake TOWADA.

Japan Trip - Day 3

10/23 in ITAMI/ATAMI

The sun rising over the mountains in OSAKA. I took this picture from our hotel window. It was a beautiful sunny day.

This day was the main event - Dad's Memorial Service at our family temple (MYOSENJI) in ITAMI located in HYOGO KEN/Prefecture. A prefecture is an equivalent to a state in the U.S. It is located next to OSAKA which is where we stayed the night before.

SHIJU KUNICHI (literal translation: 49th Day) service was held first. On the 49th day after the death of a person, it is assumed that the deceased has begun their new life in the land of the dead. It is also believed that the final judgement is passed on the deceased on the 49th day with a good, respectable person going to heaven or a less respectable person going to one of the other realms of hell. Families hold these services so that the sutras and prayers they chant for the deceased can help improve the judgement rendered on the deceased.

We also had a NOKOTSU service (entombment). It was decided to do two ceremonies since the whole family was present. It was so nice to see everyone despite the occasion. My two surviving aunts on my father's side attended and a couple of my cousins.

After having a nice lunch and spending some time together talking about memories of my father, we had to say good-bye with the promise to keep in touch :)

We went back to OSAKA and got our bags from the hotel. Next stop was to ATAMI in SHIZUOKA Pref. (near TOKYO). It's known for its ocean resort and hot springs. It was our stop (and laundry stop - LOL!) before we headed to the TOHOKU (Northeastern) Region of Japan.

Taka enjoying his SUSHI dinner after we settled into ATAMI. Love how the Japanese travel. I would say most of the hotels/inns have YUKATA (cotton KIMONO and in this case, used as PJs and outer wear) with short jackets, and amenities such as toothbrush/toothpaste, hand towels, etc. so all one needs is a change of clothes. Throughout the trip, you will see us in these outfits.

Japan Trip - Day 2

10/22 in Tokyo/Kyoto.

We hopped on the SHINKANSEN (Bullet Train) and head off to Kyoto. Today was the first day for DOSHISHA Int'l High School to accept applications for the entrance exams. Hosho thought it would be a great idea to see the campus first hand...maybe motivate Taka a little bit.

Gotta love that JR Rail Pass, we got on without a hitch. When we arrived in KYOTO, the first thing we wanted to do was eat lunch! LOL! So off to HAMAMURA for RAMEN! YUM!!

Then we went directly to the DOSHISHA campus where they house the University, the Women's College and the International High School. It was impressive but the 15 minute uphill walk nearly killed me! This is the entrance to the high school.

Then we went to OSAKA and met my MIL who stayed with us at the hotel. She was also attending my father's memorial in ITAMI/HYOGO Pref. (the neighboring prefecture to OSAKA). The boys were so excited to see her - it's been six years since they last saw each other. She was surprised to see how tall they had gotten.

Here's a picture of my MIL with my youngest, Hiro, in OSAKA Station. Sorry for the blurred picture but if you didn't move, you would be trampled by a sea of people (yes, another Japanese rush hour...sigh). LOL!

We headed to this restaurant that served FUGU (Blowfish) dishes. Hosho found a licensed FUGU chef that made our wonderful dinner! Blowfish are poisonous - a chef needs to learn how to cut and serve this specialized dish - that's where the license comes in :)

After dinner, we walked it off by wandering around the area. Then off to bed. Another productive day and tomorrow will be the big event - my dad's memorial :)

2011 Spellbinders Design Team Call!!!!

Can you believe it's that time of year? Spellbinders Paper Arts is looking for a few good INTERNATIONAL designers for their Design Team!! Are you crazy about Spellbinders as much as I am?! Then this is for you...HINT, HINT to my Japanese friends! LOL!!

I am VERY privileged to be a part of this wonderful company and I hope that you will give it a try. You may think they are asking a lot but what you get in return is PRICELESS!! In product: Spellbinders products and Cross Promotional Partners products. In soul: great team of uber talented artists to bounce off ideas, great support from our wonderful DT coordinator (she is a wonder of creativity) and great support from our SMART social guru and her band of cohorts! What more can a person need?!

Interested? Take a look at the Company Blog post today for 2011 Spellbinders Paper Arts Design Team Contest and good luck!! xo

Japan or Bust!

We left on Wednesday (10/20) from O'Hare Airport and flew straight to Tokyo (NARITA Airport) - 12 hours...sigh. The plane was packed! One of cabin attendants was from Schaumburg and his daughter graduated from Schaumburg H.S. A funnier story: she was on the tennis team (my son is also on the tennis team)! LOL!! Small world!

The boys before boarding the LONG flight...we walked around the Terminal before heading to the gate.

These are our seats - we decided to sit in the back so that we can stretch our legs. We were smiling BEFORE the flight - HA!

10/21 in TOKYO!! We are about to board the NARITA Express train that goes into TOKYO Station around rush hour (I said a little prayer before we hit our destination) - if anyone knows about Japan's rush hour, you can understand why. LOL!!

When we finally got to my mom's, we paid respects to this guy (his picture is hiding behind the white flowers)...my wonderful father at our family alter. His favorite flower is white orchid...can you tell?! LOL!!

Then we had some dinner with my family at NISHI AZABU's TORAJI (Korean BBQ) - great food and great company. It was nice to see the family together again. I think it's been six years! WOW!

A great excuse to get Grandmother Fujii with all her grandkids - love this picture!!

Across the street we go to Hobson's Ice Cream Parlor - can't believe it's still here! It was there before I left for Japan about 20 years ago! There was always a HUGE line for ice cream!

And that is the end of our first day in Japan! Oh, we woke up (except for Taka - that kid didn't have any signs of jet lag! LOL!) and we shopped at 7Eleven at 2AM! LOL!

Scrapbook News and Review Magazine Call!!

Scrapbook News and Review Magazine (SNR)'s Holiday Sampler issue is in the works. Would you like to show off your holiday projects in the issue? You have a chance to but you won't know until you submit.


Check out their Holiday Sampler Calls. You'll have to submit quick. Their deadline is next Monday, November 1, 2010 to be featured in the Holiday Sampler issue (debut on November 28, 2010).

You can send in projects or layouts from Christmas Past or get a jump on Christmas now. There is something for everyone - scrapbooking, cards, mixed media, color challenges, sketches, digital and so much more!

Hope to see you in the Magazine! Good luck!!

Spellbinders' Visit to Haiti

Spellbinders' Stacey Caron (President) and Kim Hupke (Director of Education) also took an overseas trip - a meaningful one to Haiti to visit with some very special people. It is full of information, heartbreak, appreciation and most of all, love.

As I have said many times over and over, I am so proud to be part of  the Spellbinders Family. They not only know how to craft and think of innovative ideas but they also have a heart.

There are four entries. I hope you take the time to read these inspiring insights and comment your thoughts on the posts - I'm sure they would love your feedback.

Stacey Caron Visits Haiti Annoucement

Mission To Haiti (Part One)

Mission To Haiti (Part Two)

Mission To Haiti (Part Three)

Thank you!

Craft Test Dummies

Hey all!

My family and I just got back from Japan. As most of you know, my father passed away last month and we had his memorial in ITAMI (near Osaka) at the family temple. I haven't downloaded the pictures yet but will share when I get a chance.

What I do want to share is a review on TaDa Creative Studios' newest product lines introduced at Summer Craft & Hobby Assoc. (CHA) Trade Show. The review is from Craft Test Dummies (dot) Com. You've seen my take on the Gingerbread house but look at how they made their version. VERY cute! So take a look at what they had to say and leave comment too!

Will post soon!
Off to pass out :0)
MargieH xo

Flourishes Blog Hop - A Gift For You

If you’ve been searching for a perfect set that give class and elegance to your Christmas gift packaging, search no more! Today, Flourishes is introducing a brand new set, "A Gift for You," that will fit the bill! Spellbinders™ is thrilled to be joining in on the fun!

This set was designed to coordinate with Flourishes best-selling Christmas stamp sets and of course, Spellbinders Die Templates! "A Gift For You" was drawn and designed by Marcella Hawley. It offers eight (8) different tag styles and eight (8) different sentiments to fit inside!

With this set, I created a gift and tag set. The image I used in my tag is compatible to S4-290 Labels Fourteen #4 (smallest size die is #1).

Supplies Spellbinders S4-290 Labels Fourteen, S4-219 Nested Poinsettias, I2-1005 Impressabilities™ Circles and F-002 Green Premium Craft Foil; Flourishes "A Gift For You"; Ink: Tsukineko, Ranger Ink; Glitter: Ranger Inks; Cardstock: WorldWin Papers, Aspire Beargrass Linen  Cover & Colormates Cardinal Red; Marker: Copics; Misc: Brad, Foam Tape

I created the gift tag first by stamping all the images onto cardstock. The top part I stamped in green. With Copics, I colored the ornaments and highlighted with glitter. After it dried, I cut the piece to use as a dimensional accent.

Next, I lined the images up with S4-290 Labels Fourteen #4 (tag) and #5 (foil mat) to cut/emboss. Note that I embossed the foil with I2-1005 Impressabilities Circles and sanded. Beautiful! Then assemble all the pieces of the tag with foam tape.

I found an online tutorial on how to create a box. If you do a search, you will find many. Before assembling the lid, I stamped the Poinsettia image.

Then I cut/embossed S4-219 Nested Poinsettias. I bent and curled the petals. Then poked a hole through the flower and the lid, and secured with a yellow brad.

Here's a separate look of the box and tag. An idea for the tag is to punch a hole and thread a ribbon for a hanging tag. Hope you enjoyed my project!

This stamp set coordinates well with many of Spellbinders Die Templates. Here's a list of suggestions: S4-290 Labels Fourteen, S4-291 Labels Fifteen, S4-301 Labels Sixteen,  S4-293 Lacey Circles, S4-304 Eyelet Circles, S4-292 Beaded Circles, S4-295 Lacey Squares or S4-305 Eyelet Squares. So many different choices! Do you have any of these die templates?

Blog Hop Prize: Would you like to win this set? Simply leave a comment on this Flourishes Blog Post (comments here are appreciated but will not count towards a prize entry) . Flourishes will draw a winner and announce this Saturday, October 16th, in their Winner's Circle. Good Luck!

• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence
• Danielle Kennedy
• Dawn Burnworth
• Julie Koerber
• Laura Fredrickson
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• AJ Otto
• Beth Pingry
• Deborah Young
• Gina Hanson
• Holly Simoni
• Margie Higuchi
• Judy Hayes
• Julie Overby
• Kazan Clark
• Latisha Yoast
• Mona Pendleton

Have a great time being inspired!
MargieH

Spellbinders and Impressabilities are a trademark of Spellbinders Paper Arts, llc.
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