Margie's Core'dinations Creative Frenzy!

A couple of weeks ago when I heard about the call, I was trying to organize my cardstock stash and found my stash of Core'dinations cardstock. I had forgotten how AMAZING these cardstock papers are...maybe that's why I purchased them! DUH!! Got lost in the cardstock goodness and started to play! Heehee...

Since Teacher Appreciation Week coming up in May (you knew that, right? lol!), I created a teacher's gift using all sorts of stuff I had in my scrap area. This is what I came up with!

Thank You Standing Clipboard by Margie Higuchi
Cardstock: Core'dinations (Cosmo Cricket Neutral Collection and Jenni Bowlin Red & Black Collection); Chalkboard Paper: Canvas Crop.; Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket; Stamp: Mint Motif; Ink: VersaMark, Clearsnap; Embossing Powder: Stampendous; BingoCard: Jenni Bowlin; Button: Dress It Up; Binder Ring: Tim Holtz; Tool: Spellbinders (S4-310 Labels Eighteen, LF-126 Grand Squares); Other: Library Pocket/Card, Mini Clothes Pin & Charm

Using my Grand Calibur, I cut/embossed the largest size in the Grand Squares with a thin cardboard (think cereal box thin) and Core'dinations cardstock to cover over the cardboard. Then in the back I added an adhesive back easel stand that I purchased at an office supply store.

What I loved about Core'dinations in this project was its durablity...I mean look what I did to a piece of their cardstock?!

The ABUSE - it still held up! LOL! This is the mat behind the picture of my son, Hiroyuki, and his teacher. It turned out to be a great frame for the picture :0)

My next project is a scrapbook layout I created for my hubby (yes, need those brownie points for future scrapbook purchases...heehee!!) and his favorite pastime - GOLF! I had all the papers and pictures in a 12x12" clear envelope for months. Well, at least I was organized in a small way ;0P

Golf by Margie Higuchi
Cardstock: Core'dinations (Graphic45 Timeless Collection & Cosmo Cricket Neutrals Collection); Patterned Paper: Graphic45 (A Proper Gentleman Collection); Metal Accent: Tim Holtz; Adhesives: SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES By 3L 3D Foam Squares, GlueArts & Xyron 150; Tools: Quickutz (Diesel Font), Uchida Marvy Circle Punch and Spellbinders (S5-029 Nested Lacey Pennants, Narrow Ribbon Tail); Other: Button

To save some of the wonderful papers, I cut them so that no one will ever know unless I tell so I'll just show you pictures - my lips are SEALED! LOL!!

OK....I lied...the middle picture I need to explain. I had the four pictures lined up to where I wanted them. Lightly penciled the edges, put the pictures aside and sanded the penciled area (erasing the lines as I went along). Sanding the embossed area, I created a "mat" for the pictures...less layer.

The last project I created was a birthday card - yes, this was posted yesterday but it is made out of Core'dinations too and I loved the colors! I shifted the flower and the sentiment over to the right so technically it's new, right? HAHAHA!

Happy Birthday by Margie Higuchi
Cardstock: Core'dinations (Core Essentials Collection); Patterned Paper: TaDa Creative Studios (Abode a la Mode Collection); Stamp: Flourishes; Ink: Stampin' Up; Bling & Pearl Swirl: KaiserCraft; Adhesives: SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES By 3L, GlueArts & Beacon Adhesives; Tools: Spellbinders (S5-029 Lacey Pennants, Ribbon Tail, LF-161 Grand Labels One); Other: Bakers Twine

To make the flower in the card, I tore a piece of the Core'dination cardstock into a (attempted) circle and then tore a swirl.

Then I rolled it into a blossom and dabbed a drop of liquid adhesive to the end to secure. To give more dimension, I rolled the edges back and sanded some areas until I got the look I wanted. For a finishing touch, I added the bling and adhered to the card. I better send this card off soon!

Here are some my favorite projects I have done in the past using Core'dinations:

I enjoy creating with Core'dinations. Matter of fact, a few days ago I just picked up Tim Holtz/Ranger Distress Collection to split with a friend. Can't wait to create with those sheets :0)

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Birthday to my SWEET & FUNNY Friend, BETH!!!!!

On her special 29th birthday (wink, wink!), I created a card to celebrate :0) I hope you have a wonderful BETH-DAY, my friend because YOU SO DESERVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday by Margie Higuchi
Cardstock: Core'dinations (Core Essentials Collection); Patterned Paper: TaDa Creative Studios (Abode a la Mode Collection); Stamp: Flourishes; Ink: Stampin' Up; Bling & Pearl Swirl: KaiserCraft; Adhesives: SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES By 3L, GlueArts & Beacon Adhesives; Tools: Spellbinders (S5-029 Lacey Pennants, Ribbon Tail, LF-161 Grand Labels One); Other: Bakers Twine

OMGOSH, I can't even tell you all how long I've known my wonderful friend, Beth. We met at a Delta Zeta Sorority alumnae meeting about 14 years ago. With me moving all over the place, we managed to keep in contact. Being sorority sisters was not the only common bond - a stronger bond took over. SCRAPBOOKING/PAPER CRAFTS! LOL!!

Have a GREAT BIRTHDAY! Those boys better treat you right...well, at least Cindy will! LOL!! xo

One Month Anniversary Yesterday...

since the TOHOKU Region (Japan) diseaster...more stronger aftershocks, a 7 rating at FUKUSHIMA DAI-ICHI Nuclear Plant last night, SO MANY people still in shelters...a month later.

I have donated to many organizations but this one is close to my heart - my alma mater, The American School In Japan (ASIJ), located in Tokyo. I am ALWAYS proud to be an alumna of this great institution BUT I am EVEN MORE PROUDER after reading what the school has done and step up to help the people in the TOHOKU Region.

I received an email from the school early this morning which I'd like to share with you...

"Japan Relief Update: April 12
It has now been a month since the March 11 disater and in the last few weeks our community has really come together to respond to the situation in Tohoku. The ASIJ community and our friends, including international schools and organizations from all over the world, have already contributed over $65,000 directly into the ASIJ Japan Relief Fund. These funds are supporting our own direct relief efforts in northern Japan. If you would like to make your own contribution, please click here.

With the money raised already we purchased 400 desks and school supplies for four elementary and junior high schools in Ishinomaki City that lost everything in the earthquake and tsunami. Two faculty and staff relief trips to Tagajo and Kesenuma to take up specific supplies and cook dinner for over 360 people were also funded. For many survivors it was their first hot meal in a couple of weeks. Another group of 28 ASIJ employees will travel to Tagajo to volunteer and clean-up the homes of residents so they can move back to their neighborhoods. Long-term, we hope to identify schools in the Fukushima and/or Miyagi areas that ASIJ can assist in their rebuilding efforts.

Each of the school divisions has also started various collections: the Middle School and ELC are collecting ¥500 coins. The “ASIJ MS Cares” collection has already passed ¥189,000. Employees and students in the Elementary and High Schools have contributed and collected everything from toothbrushes to diapers and ready-to-eat food to yo-yos. A total of seven vans full of goods have been forwarded to our neighbor, the Tama Church, our long-time partner Second Harvest Japan, Tagajo City and most recently the Peace Boat—a Japan-based NGO that quickly organized deliveries up to hard-hit Ishinomaki City.

It’s been heart-warming to see how proud our students are when they drop their items into the collection box each morning and be a part of this good work. Students in grades 5 to 12 are also enjoying sorting and boxing the contributions and taking the packages to the RT lobby for dispatch. Everyone is clearly embracing the goal of helping folks up north as much as possible as quickly as possible.
Our PTAs, faculty, student councils and various student clubs are already raising money or are planning dozens of activities to help the ASIJ Japan Relief Fund, including a Futsal tournament just this past Saturday and today’s Variety Show, which evacuees being housed at Ajinomoto Stadium are invited. On April 24, there will be an alumni soccer tourney in support of the fund and many more activities will run through May, including the rescheduled Spring Gala on Sunday May 1.

At ASIJ, we believe in our mission of “developing compassionate, inquisitive learners prepared for global responsibilities.” There will never be a better time than now to live our mission and join hands with others. Thank you to everyone in our community who is helping us achieve this.

If you have any questions on any of these relief activities, or have ideas of your own, please contact the Alumni Office at alumni@asij.ac.jp.

If you would like to make a contribution to the Japan Relief Fund online, please click here."

Continued good thoughts and prayers to Japan :0)
Thanks for stopping by!

P.S. My family are still doing OK...some have plans to come to the States for summer break and in Chicago!! YEAH!! I can't wait to see them!

TaDa Creative Studios - DT 2011

Hi everyone!

I am JUST SO THRILLED that TaDa Creative Studio Blog is posting about me and my other design team members today! Hi to Sandi, Peggy and Susan!! I am so so lucky to be a part of this wonderful company - they know how to ROCK a collection.

Instead of posting a project made with their newest designs, I wanted to look back at their Festivus Collection especially the Bunny Hop paper. I created this cute little basket to celebrate today and for the upcoming Easter holiday on the 24th. You can use this basket for any occasion - Easter, Valentine's, Birthday, Christmas...you get the idea! LOL!

Easter Bunny Basket by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill (Spring Pastel), Craft Paper by 3M; Patterned Paper: TaDa Creative Studios (Bunny Hop, Festivus Collection); Flower: Prima, Maya Road; Ink: Clearsnap (Pink Vintage); Adhesives: GlueArts (GlueGlider PRO, Micro Squares), SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES By 3L (3D Foam Squares); Tools: Spellbinders™ (S4-232 Blossoms Two; S4-214 Eyelet Borderabilities® Petite); Other: Pink Brads

Instructions:

Score 1.5" each side of a 5x5" square
Cut all the vertical score lines (up to the horizontal score lines)

Cut on an angle each of the corner flaps, put tape adhesive on its outer side, fold in and secure

Ink the edges of the die cut open Blossoms Two and the bunny mosaic. Layer the flower embellishments and secure everything to the front of the basket. Note I stacked the bunny ears square with two foam squares and its face with one.

Cut/emboss a strip of cardstock with Eyelet Borderabilities Petite to create a handle. Then secure the ends with a brad on each side of the basket.

Fill with goodies and it's ready to be shared! I think these would be cute on an Easter tablescape - one for each of the guests! CUTE!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you become a FOLLOWER of mine so that you can enjoy more tutorials...would love the company too!

Again, THRILLED to be a TaDa Gal!

For Christine, SKETCH #10!

FINALLY I was able to do one of my sweet friend, Christine's sketch card challenge. Ever since she started this, I wasn't able to play...too much on my plate or no time management skills (probably the latter - LOL!!).

Taka had a birthday party yesterday afternoon and needed a card. "Mom, you have a TON of supplies. Can you make one REAL QUICK?" Is he kiddin' - nothing is quick for a slow crafter like me! LOL! BUT I saw Chris' blog post yesterday and had a light bulb moment! So Chris, here it is...got it done in 20 minutes. Sorry, the lighting made the pink lighter than IRL!

Birthday Butterfly by MargieH
Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill (Pink), WorldWin Papers (Aspire Beargrass Linen Cover); Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket (Hey Sugar Collection); Ink: Clearsnap (Queue Ink Pink), Stampin' Up (Pink Passion); Stamp: Mint Motifs; Adhesive: GlueArts (Micro Squres, GlueGlider Pro); Pearls: KaiserCrafts; Rhinestone: Prima; Trinket Pin: Maya Road; Tool: Spellbinders (S5-051 Fanciful Flight, S5-040 Floral Doily Accents); Other: White Textured Cardstock

So thank you, Christine!! You helped me out of a bind :0) I hope to do more of your challenges ;0)
Here's to a great week, everyone!

Hope For Japan - CTMH

Hey all! Hope everyone had a nice weekend :) I got to spend some time with my father's friends and reminisced about his life - miss you, dad!! xo

It has come to my attention that Close To My Heart (CTMH, a direct sales stamp company started in 1984) is doing something special for something close to MY heart - Japan. I wanted to share this with my paper crafting friends.

"Our hearts go out to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and like so many of you, we’re eager to help. From now until April 30, when you purchase the exclusive “Hope for Japan” A-size stamp set (A1118) for only $5, Close To My Heart will donate 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross’ efforts in Japan."

My friend, Peggy, in Oregon is a CTMH rep. (I live in IL) and we've been friends for years in a Yahoo Group (Paper Piecing Swaps). She had mentioned this so I thought I'd pass the word on my blog. If you don't have a CTMH rep, she will be able to get you this stamp and other products (wink!). I don't have any CTMH products so this will be my first purchase! If you can spare a few dollars, please join us!

Thanks for stopping by - Happy Monday! xo

It's a GOOD TUESDAY :0)

Many GOOD things have happened over the course of a few hours...

Listening to more and more encouraging Japanese news (I have a Japanese channel on my cable - TV Japan) about people finally getting help and many rebuilding...keep strong, Japan! xo

On today's Webster's Pages' blog, they did a post about my favorite Japanese scrapbook business - Memory Palette. They also own the magazine that I write for "Love My Memories." So thank you to Webster's Page for the SHOUT OUT - WOOOHOOOO!!

Photo courtesy of Webster's Pages blog

To top it off, I will return for another year with TaDa Creative Studios as a design team member!!! WOOOHOOOO~! SO stinkin' excited and so honored that they are willing to put up with me ;0P VERY THANKFUL for the opportunity to create with their wonderful designs!! Here are the rest of my design teammates...

CoNgRaTuLaTIoNs to Our 2011-2012 Design Team!!

Design Team Coordinator:
Rita Barakat - Richardson, Texas

Design Team Members:
Terri Davenport - Sylvania, Ohio
Christy Davis - Clearwater, Florida
Julie Detluf - Mansfield, Ohio
Stacey Hansen - Fruita, Colorado
Margie Higuchi - Schaumburg, Illinois (That's ME!!!)
Sandi Johnson - Aspers, Pennsylvania
Suzanna Lee - Glen Allen, Virgina
Marianne Luken - Phoenix, Arizona
Peggy Packer - Toledo, Ohio
Jill Sarginson - Ontario, Canada
Lisa Watson - Warren, Michigan

Quarterly Guest Designer
Susan Dupre - Cypress, Texas

Oh and since this is a scrappy blog, I leave you with a simple TaDa card...

Thank You card by MargieH
Supplies Patterned Papers: TaDa Creative Studios (Tea Hee Hee Collection); Cardstock: Bazzill (Pink, Brown); Stamp: Hero Arts (ARIGATO Set); Ink: Stampin' Up (Chocolate Chip); Pearls: KaiserCraft; Adhesive: GlueArts (Micro Squares, GlueGlider PRO); Foil: Spellbinders (Precious Metals Premium Craft Foils Assortment, Pearl); Tools: Spellbinders (S5-034 Parisian Accents, Doily)

Thanks for stopping by and hope you have a GOOD Tuesday too!

Flourishes Blog Hop!!!

When Flourishes first laid eyes on two of the new die templates fresh off the production line at Spellbinders™, they knew that a stamp set to coordinate with these funky and fresh dies were needed! Are you ready to take a peek?

This fun Birthday Pennants Set just screams celebration! It offers six different pennants and flags all designed to coordinate perfectly with Spellbinders S5-028 Nested Pennants and S5-029 Nested Lacey Pennants. Also included are nine sentiments and eight accents that you can deck out your pennant shapes in fun and different ways!

Birthday Pennants Set

Wait, there's more! How about their new Strips and Stripes background set to coordinate? This set offers three strips to use together as a background or separate as three different strips. Perfect with the Birthday Pennants set!



Strips and Stripes Set


Because Flourishes knew these sets were a match made in heaven with the Spellbinder's die templates, they asked some of the Spellbinders Designers to join the Flourishes Team for a little show and tell!

I'd like to show what I created with their fabulous stamp sets and Spellbinders S4-312 Blossom Three, S4-328 Foliage and S5-028 Nested Pennants to make this lacey gift bag!

First, I stamped the lacey border from the Strips and Stripes background set with Versamark ink to cover the mini bag's front side. Then I applied white embossing powder and heat embossed. I love how this looked!

Next, I stamped the flag pennant image and the "Surprise" sentiment onto pink cardstock. To get the perfect placement and cut, I suggest stamping the image first and then placing the die template over it to cut. Don't forget to use repositionable tape to secure the die template :)

Now to the FUN PART - the Grand Calibur! I cut S4-312 Blossom Three #1, #2 and #3 (the smallest size die template is #1) with fabric. To get a clean cut from fabric, I recommend cutting with printer paper in the sandwich - worked like a charm! I cut/embossed S4-328 Foliage with green cardstock.

I assembled the blossoms. Then centered with a white button and added a pearl. I creased the middle of each leaf to create more dimension. Adhered all as shown and it's ready to give away!

I hope you enjoyed my project! Now be sure to hop on over and see....

Barbara Anders
Christine Okken
Cindy Lawrence
Danielle Kennedy
Dawn Burnworth
Julie Koerber
Leslie Miller
Stacy Morgan
Jan Marie Caruso
Heidi Blankenship
Beth Pingry
Margie Higuchi - ME!!
Holly Simoni
Mona Pendleton
AJ Otto
Latisha Yoast
Deborah Young
Kazan Clark
Terre Fry

Would you like to win these sets? Just leave a comment on this Flourishes Blog Post! They'll draw one lucky name for both sets and announce it tomorrow on the Flourishes Blog!

Your next hop stop is my friend, Holly Simoni!
Good luck and thanks for stopping by!!

To Japan...

.
.
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Hello all.

As you heard on the news for the several days, Japan had its worst disaster ever - earthquake, TSUNAMI and now problems at its nuclear plants. I don't think anyone can be prepared for all three to happen all at once...no matter what kind of disaster plan you have in place.

First, I like to say THANK YOU my friends and co-workers for inquiring about my family. Both my husband and I have our entire family living in Japan.

When I first heard, my first instinct was to go FaceBook...don't ask me why. I was able to get ahold of my two brothers within minutes of sending off a message. They and their families along with my mother live in Tokyo. They are all safe - a little shaken (understandable).

Next, my mother-in-law who lives in the southern part (FUKUI Pref.) by the Sea of Japan. After a few tries on the phone (she doesn't do FaceBook - LOL!), we were able to get a hold of her. She is also doing well. WHEW and THANKFUL!!

I hope that you will join me in good thoughts and strong prayers that Japan will endure all that has happen now and going forward. For them, I created a "Thinking of You" tag.



Thinking of You tag by Margie Higuchi
Supplies Spellbinders S5-051 Fanciful Flight, S4-301 Labels Sixteen, S5-028 Nested Pennants and F-013 Jewel Tones Premium Craft Foils Assortment (Red); WorldWin Papers (Aspire Beargrass Linen Cover); My Mind's Eye (Lush Collection); Layers of Color (Rose Blossom Frame); Hero Arts (Everyday Say); Ranger Ink (Black Soot); Prima (Silver Swirl); Offray Ribbon; SCRAPBOOK By 3L (EZ Runner)


My friend, Eva, had this fun idea of a butterfly-themed blog hop called BUTTERFLY Blog Linky Party. To me, butterflies represent change and new life...I wish that for Japan. From what was destroyed, we need to heal, to rebuild and to become stronger. The red butterfly represents Japan and I love how it stands out from the background. Thanks to Eva for a quick diversion and an opportunity to create! xo

Some have asked how to help with the efforts in Japan. I haven't had a chance to research fully but my bet is with the Red Cross organization. They are usually the ones that are on the front line of most disaster location.

Again, thank you!!! The outpour of support and concern has touched me deeply :0) xo

SKOOP ON SOMEBODY Concert

They say that music is a universal language....well, how about one with subtitles?! LOL!

Hosho took me to a concert Saturday night in the snow, by the lake (add WINDY & SNOWY Lake Michigan!) and at one of my favorite college campuses - Northwestern University. Hi, Delta Zeta/Alpha Alpha chapter!! We went to see AKIKO YANO (RYUICHI SAKAMOTO's ex-wife/pop & jazz singer) and SKOOP ON SOMEBODY (SOS) perform.

SOS performed last summer and we went to see them at Harper College in Palatine IL. It was a nice break after 3 weeks in LA - my father's hospitalization. I needed a diversion and music was the best solution.

Small world! Hosho and the keyboard member, Koichiro-san, were in the same band in college! LOL! So we were able to see them backstage at both concerts. He and vocalist, Take-san, (they are down to two members) were so nice.

I'd like to share one of my favorite songs from SOS! ENJOY!!



These are the pictures from last summer...

and on Saturday...

Then it was off for a late dinner - what a nice date night!

P.S. Linda, your tee shirt is postal! Calling Andrene - email me so that I can send out your tee shirt! Thanks :)

And the winners are...

***EDITED TO MAKE CORRECTION - OTHER ENTRY WAS NOT A FOLLOWER***
(Note to self: Do not make blog entries past one's bedtime - UGH!)


Congratulations to....

"acs004 said...
Beautiful card!! Love the butterfly - a die I dont have yet!! I love all the spellbinder dies but having just bought a grand caliber I am interested in seeing the grand dies used in different projects. I am a follower!!"

and to...

"Linda said...
Love the new butterfly card Margie. You are so frickin' talented. No wonder we haven't seen much of you on that "other" group lately! LOL Congrats on your new 'job.' "

Congratulations, Andrene and Linda!! WOOOHOOO~!
Please email me at mhiguchi (at) comcast dot net

Thanks to everyone for leaving me a comment and becoming a follower - it really means a lot! xo

Happy Birthday, Mom!!

Hello all!

I want to wish my mother a happy birthday (お誕生日、おめでとうございます！）. Well, technically where she lives (Tokyo) - it's Happy BELATED Birthday! LOL!! Living overseas, it's hard to keep track of time ;0P Sorry, mom（ママ、遅くなって　ごめなさい～！）!

To (sort of) make up for it, I created a card which I haven't done in years...it's usually a LONG phone call or flowers when she's in the States.

Happy Bird-day! card by Margie Higuchi
Spellbinders™ LF-246 Grand Labels Eleven, S4-323 Ribbon Tags Trio Three, S4-112 Classic Ovals SM and S5-031 Fancy Tags Three; My Mind's Eye (Quite Contrary); Bazzill Basics Paper (Pink); Die Cuts With A View (Ribbon-All Dressed Up); Layers of Color (Bird-day Party Set); Stampin' Up (Pink Passion); Prima (E Line Pearls Crystals); GlueArts (PRO GlueGlider); SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES By 3L (3D Foam Squares); Ranger Ink (Pink Stickles) and Other: White Cardstock

As you can see, I LOVE SHAPED CARDS! Ever since I got the Grand Calibur™ and the Grand Nestabilities®, that's all I want to make! LOL! SO easy to do. With its HUGE plates, you can make them in less time. For example, I fit the smaller Grand Labels Eleven, the Ribbon Tag Trio Three, the Classic Ovals SM and the Fancy Tags Three die templates all at once with room to spare! Love it!

A REMINDER...the deadline to be a follower and leave comment for my two giveaways is up tonight at 11:59PM U.S. CST. So post BELOW to qualify - international friends are welcome!!

TGIF!! Have a great weekend and as always, thanks for visiting :0)

P.S. Mom, I'll call you tonight! xo

Spellbinders NEWS plus a giveaway or two!

I am SO excited about my new role at Spellbinders™! It gives me an opportunity to work closer on the marketing side. As I have said many times over, I am fortunate to be working for a wonderful company full of creative-heartful people!

Oh and don't forget to subscribe to the Spellbinders Newsletter (click to subscribe!). WINK!!

Just as excited for Holly Simoni, who will continue with the Company blog, she will have Kazan Clark and Julie Overby joining her. You know the blog is in good TALENTED hands! All three know Spellbinders and its products inside out. I am looking forward to being inspired by their creativity and learning many tips from them. Welcome to Julie and Kazan! I'm going to miss working with you weekly, Hollu!! xo

Welcome card by MargieH
Spellbinders Grand Calibur™, LF-168 Grand Large Labels, S5-051 Fanciful Flight (Butterfly) and F-013 Jewel Tones Premium Craft Foils Assortment (Dark Orange); Donna Salazar Designs (Memory Mosaics and Weathered Winter Collection); Cosmo Cricket (Tiny Type); KaiserCraft (Pearl); SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES By 3L (EZ Runner); Glue Dots (Mini Dots)

On this celebratory occasion, I am giving away two Spellbinders tee shirts!!!!!! One is from the CHA Summer Show 2010 (size XL/pink) with a tote and the other is from the CHA Winter Show 2011 (size 1XL/black) with a tote.

Here is what you need to do:
1. Become a FOLLOWER of MY BLOG (on my sidebar);
2. Leave COMMENT on this post on what kind of die template you like to see DESIGNED or which one is your FAVORITE;
3. International friends are welcome to participate!

The deadline to enter is FRIDAY, March 4th 2011 (my mom's birthday!!) at 11:59PM U.S. Central Standard Time. The two winners will not be able to choose their shirts - sorry!

Thanks for stopping by...and good luck!

Valentine's Day Pocket Card - Scrapbook News & Review Magazine

I have to say that I am fortunate to be a staff member on Scrapbook News & Review (SNR) Magazine! In my humble opinion, they strive each month to make sure it is packed full of GREAT information and makes you want to try something new. My contribution in January's issue was a tutorial on pocket cards. I love making them and they are SO EASY!

This is only a peek of what I created with Bella Blvd's patterned papers. It goes real well with the Valentine's Day theme. If you want to see the rest of the tutorial, you need to subscribe to SNR! You won't regret it - the magazine has something for everyone (traditional scrapbooking to digital scrapbooking to mix media).

My PSA of the day ;0P
Thanks for stopping by!

P.S. A special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my little brother (OK...he's not so little but that's OK)!! Love you, Dan! xo

TaDa Creative Studios Design Team CALL!!!

Cannot believe it's already been a year! But TaDa Creative Studios is having their annual design team call and if you are interested, GO FOR IT! Because you don't know until you try, right? I have been fortunate to be with them from the beginning, they are just super people to work with! I hope you all do consider :0) Good luck!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Or should I say that to the card and chocolate manufacturers?! LOL!! Or maybe we just like to celebrate it everyday ;0P I have a good husband - he takes good care of me.

BUT with that said I wanted to whip a shaped card that I created using some left over scraps from TaDa Creative Studio's Festivus Collection, My Sweet Valentine paper.

The card base: I cut/embossed two S4-136 Classic Hearts #6 (the largest die template) - one with the patterned paper and the other in pink cardstock. I scored the top of the pink heart and used wet adhesive to put the two die cuts together (front - My Sweet Valentine paper and back - pink cardstock).

To embellish the front, I stamped a sentiment from WaltzingMouse - Seasons of Love Set on pink cardstock. I cut/embossed S5-031 Fancy Tags Three over the image. Then used foam tape to adhere the tag onto the card front. To finish I added a blossom from a flower trim and a leaf trinket pin (Maya Road).

So I hope you enjoy the day...hubby is making SUKIYAKI for dinner = YUM!!
Thanks for stopping by!!! xo

The SNOW Blizzard of 2011

WAHHAAAA~! Can't believe it's already February - sorry for not updating for awhile. So I'll work backwards.

Starting from Wednesday's record setting SNOW BLIZZARD of 2011...we had about 20" of snow. I took pictures of it when I woke up on Wednesday and it was still going. The winds were howling at night...very unsettling to say the least. We were thankful for a warm house and had power on during the entire storm - thankful!

Front Door (South)

Big Window Above The Front Door (South)

Sliding Deck Door Fm: Kitchen (Northeast)

ABC News - Look @ all the BLUE/Snow!

My Neighbor's house (East)

The kids were thrilled with two snow days. Today, the high schooler went back to school. After dropping them off, I hit PANERA's to get some pastries and the grocery store...all of the parking lots were cleared but be careful pulling out of the lanes! LOL!!

Craft & Hobby Assoc. (CHA) Winter Trade Show in Los Angeles

 where SO many crafty goodies are revealed!!

Spellbinders™ had 45 new releases and I am so excited about them - they're wonderful!! I used a few for a layout I created with S5-028 Nested Pennants, S4-321 Nested Leaves and S4-312 Blossom Three...

As for TaDa Creative Studios, they also had a couple of releases - Sizzlin' Summer and Goody Two Shoes which I blogged about last time. Although the Company doesn't usually have a booth at the Winter Trade Show, they do have releases. If you (retailers) are interested in ordering, please go to their contact section. For our wonderful consumers, TaDa also has a store locator to help you find their terrific products! I believe the ship out on these will be early next month.

On TaDa's blog, I created this cute little pennant for my niece, Jessica, using my newest favorite Spellbinders S5-028 Nested Pennants and S5-029 Nested Lacey Pennants! For details on how I created this, please visit the blog!

Something a little cute and quick to create. LOVED how this turned out - hope she loves it too!

Thanks for stopping by and keep warm!!
MargieH xo