SNEAK PEEK - TaDa Creative Studios

Hey all!
I wanted to share what TaDa Creative Studio posted on their blog today :0)

YES! It is their two newest releases.

Since they usually don't attend the CHA (Craft & Hobby Assoc.) winter trade show, they will start taking orders next week. So make sure your retailers order :0)

I'm excited to get my hands on these and start creating....stalking the mailman....poor guy. MUHAHAHA~!

What do you think? Which collection would you like to work with?

TaDa Creative Studios' After The Holidays Blog Hop!!!

If you started here, please go to TaDa Creative Studios’ Blog to start hopping. Thank you!

Welcome to TaDa Creative Studios’ After The Holidays Blog Hop!

TaDa Creative Studios is excited to sponsor its first blog hop ever! Throughout the Hop, we will be featuring projects from our most recent collections – Jolly Holly Days, Big Top, and Bountiful Blooms. We hope that you enjoy reviewing all the projects just as we enjoyed created them for you!

I'd like to share a holiday card I created last month with the Jolly Holly Days Collection. For a cookie exchange gathering, I thought I would make a HUGE card for the hostess to display on her front hall table. It made a HUGE first impression when entering her home! LOL!!

I started by cutting and embossing the card base from Spellbinders Grand Nestabilities - LOVED how this turned out! The card base was cut/embossed with the LF-124 Grand Scalloped Circles using the Cookie Exchange paper. The circles I cut and embossed are various sizes of the LF-114 Grand Circles and two were cut with Creative Memories Cutting System. Also pictured are my other supplies...

After scoring about 1" from the top of the back card base, I adhered with Zip Dry and attached to the back of the front card base to form a shaped card.

Next, I cut out the journal box from the Jolly Holly Snippets & Clippets paper and put the party information inside the card. "Join Us" sticker letters were added to the top. Using the images from the Ginger & Lace paper, I cut them out for embellishments around the journal box and used glitter glue to make them into sugar cookies. Once dried, I adhered with foam tape to give dimension.

Here's a second look at the completed card...

I had so much FUN creating from this collection - so many colors and fun images that the ideas just come out when looking at the papers!

To enter:

• Comment on ALL participating blogs (listed below).
• Important: On the TaDa Creative Studio Blog COMMENT TO ANSWER “What project was your favorite?”
• Timeframe: Sat, Jan. 15 from 10:00AM U.S. Central Standard Time to Mon, Jan 17 at 11:59PM U.S. Central Standard Time.
• Winners will be randomly selected and announced on Wednesday, Jan. 19 - visit TaDa Creative Studios’ Blog for the good news!
• Three (3) different prizes will be given away – one featured collection (Jolly Holly Days, Big Top or Bountiful Blooms.

TaDa Creative Studios reserves the right to choose which collection to send to the winners…another surprise factor! LOL!

At this time, only U.S. entries will be considered for the contest BUT we love to hear from our international friends on what projects they liked!

HOP AWAY!

TaDa Creative Studios
Margie Higuchi --> THAT'S ME!!
Nicole Stark
Stacey Hansen
Rita Barakat
Julie Detlef
Christy Davis
Marianne Luken
TaDa Creative Studios

Don’t forget…leave comment on all blogs and comment on your favorite project on TaDa Creative Studios’ Blog last!!

Your next stop is Nicole Stark’s blog!

Thanks for visiting and good luck!
MargieH

TaDa Creative Studios' First Blog Hop

All I'm sayin' is stay tuned tomorrow morning...TaDa Creative Studios' first ever blog is happening and you don't want to miss it. Can you say PRIZES? LOL! I'll see you tomorrow morning :0)

Have a GREAT Friday!!!

Scrapbook News & Review Magazine (SNR) - Staffer Call!

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What a great combination of crafting and telling the whole world about a subject you love!

This is what I do as a staff member of Scrapbook News & Review Magazine (SNR). Do you want to give this call a try? SNR is conducting its first ever Staffer Call and I wanted YOU to know about it!

It is a golden opportunity to get in on a unique position. I am very fortunate to work with a group full of SO MUCH TALENT in so many fields - scrapbooking, card-making, mix media, digital crafting, stamping among others.

So are you up for a challenge? Take a look at their detailed information on SNR Staffer Call and submit - there is a deadline (January 14th 2011 to February 4th 2011) so don't delay!

Good Luck! xo

Spellbinders' To DIE For!! Winter Release Blog Frenzy Starts!!

Hello!
I've been blabbing about all over the message boards about the Blog Frenzy...well, other than my blog! OOops! LOL!

But never fear! It's not too late to enter DAY ONE! You have another 24 hours (Jan 12 @ 12:01AM U.S. Central Standard Time) but why wait?! Enter NOW!!! If you want details on the Spellbinders To DIE For!! Winter Release Blog Frenzy Rules, click the highlighted name and it will take you to them.

Next is my turn to post DAY TWO and I cannot wait to see what the Designers have created...I am so lucky to know these talented ladies...they ROCK!

GOOD LUCK, my friends!!! xo

A Spellbinding Day!!

Today is a special day for a special lady!

Happy Birthday, Stacey!!!

Stacey is Stacey Caron, President of Spellbinders™ Paper Arts and is a wonderful friend. A bunch of us at Spellbinders created cards just for the occasion! So Stacey, I hope you have a wonderful day full of happiness and joy! xo

Just a quickie to show you all how I created my shaped card. It required just an extra die cut. First I cut TWO pieces of the shape I'm going for (S4-305 Eyelet Squares #4/smallest size being #1). On one of the die cuts, I scored (in this case) 1/2" from the edge - the card's back side. With liquid adhesive (I used Zip Dry - love that stuff!), I covered the scored area and adhered to the back of the other die cut.

I wanted to show you the inside of the card. Using S4-305 Eyelet Squares #2, I cut/embossed over the sentiment from Mint Motif's Very Square Sentiments (Spellbinders 2010 Design Team Member Kimberly Crawford!) - a gift from Santa!

Supplies Spellbinders Grand Calibur, S4-305 Eyelet Squares and S4-126 Classic Squares LG; Cardstock: WorldWin Papers and Bazzill; Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye; Stamp: GinaK Designs and Mint Motif; Ink: VersaMark, Sparkle 'N Sprinkle and Stampin' Up; Flowers and Pearls: Prima; Trinket Pin: Maya Road; Ribbon: Offray; Adhesive: Beacon Adhesives and Glue Dots

Also a head's up...on Monday, January 10th Spellbinders will host another BLOG FRENZY on its Winter Release! WOOOHOOO!! Appropriately named To DIE For!! Winter Release Blog Frenzy! I am so stinkin' excited. We have so many talented Designers on this Team and I know they're going to ROCK IT!

Wherever you are, I hope you make it a great day!
Thanks for stopping by :0)
MargieH

Happy New Year!!

Most of the world is already on New Year's Day - Happy New Year to my friends in Australia, Singapore, Hongkong and Japan!! May the Year of The Rabbit bring good fortune to you all! xo

Here in the States, we have a few hours before the big countdown. What do you have planned? We will be celebrating at home with the four of us (Taka came home from a youth retreat last night - so good to have him home!). On New Year's Day, we will be attending church in Wrigleyville (Chicago) for the first prayers of the year (HATSUMODE) which is a big thing in Japan.

When I was a high school junior at The American School In Japan, I wore a KIMONO and had my hair waxed/fixed into a traditional Japanese hairstyle. It took days to get that stuff out of my hair! On New Year's Eve, my uncle took me to MEIJI SHRINE around midnight for HATSUMODE. All I can say is NEVER AGAIN!!! It was us and a couple million people! OMGOSH! LOL!!

So back to the States...

Yesterday was my turn to post on Spellbinders' blog. And of course, I went with the New Year's theme! I loved how this turned out. At first I was a little worried about how WILD the red boa would be but you have to be festive, right?! LOL!!

Personally I had a rough year - my dad, uncertainity of plans, etc. but I am looking forward to an even better year for me and for everyone!!! So let's make a good one! HAPPY NEW YEAR, my friends!

xo

Merry Christmas From Our House to Yours...

On behalf of my family, I'd like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas, full of happiness and good memories. In 2010, we remember all of the good and the bad (we learn from them and become stronger). No matter what has happened or is happening, we are thankful for the positive in it all - like a lotus flower, in the muddy water floats a beautiful flower.

Taken in La Jolla, CA - December 2010

So Merry Christmas and enjoy each other's company. Extend a hand to a person in need this season, whether it be a friend, neighbor or stranger...I'm sure you'll make their holiday brighter!

PEACE & JOY, my friends! xo

Happy Sweet 16 to Taka!!

Just wanted to post that my oldest son is 16 today! So happy birthday, sweet boy...hmmm, correction: young man! The way you have grown, we couldn't be more prouder.

8th Grade Graduation - 2009

High School Homecoming Court - 2010

SNR 12 Days Of Christmas Tags!!

Scrapbook News & Review (SNR) Magazine is having a 12 Days of Christmas Tags where staff members are asked to share their Christmas Tag.

Well, today is my day! The tag is "Cookie Exchange" and why not! Food is always big with us and well, cookies...do I need to explain?! LOL!!

Here's a couple of sneak peeks on my project. Note the cute papers (oops, I have it on the wrong side!) are from TaDa Creative Studios' Jolly Holly Days Collection!

So I hope you take a peek HERE for my tag and the rest of the staff. Lots of great ideas and reminders on some wonderful techniques.

A JOYous Thursday!

Today I tried the sticky back canvas on Spellbinders™ Grand Calibur™! Although it had three layers, I knew I could cut it on the machine - it has more pressure than the Wizard™. Just need a couple more pass throughs and it cut PERFECTLY!!

LOVED how it turned out! Had so much fun trying to figure out how the letters - JOY - would work out. Want more details? Click HERE to get you on the Spellbinders' Blog.

I also tried felt on the Grand Calibur - no problem with it either! I put the felt and the S4-285 Nested Mittens together to create this cute ornament? gift card holder?

Notice the red "nose" on the deer? LOL!! This ornament will not be given away - HA! More info is on Spellbinders' Savvy Saturday post HERE.

Have a JOYful Thursday...as I am off to get more holiday shopping done!
MargieH xo

A Quick & Easy Page...

This is a layout I did for TaDa Creative Studios' blog last week regarding back to basics with a simple design and some leftover scraps.

So if you're short on time, try this!
Speaking of short...that's it for today. LOL!!
Happy creating :)

Happy December!!

Already it's December..I wasn't done with November nor October!! YIKES!

Well, October has one/two more posts of our trip to Japan. All I can say it's a work in progress! I'm trying to get the names and places straight! LOL!! So bear with me - I will get it done...soon ;0P  Here's a picture to tie you over! LOL!!

As for November, I wanted to share my Thanksgiving dinner. This is the second year that we had dinner with just the four of us.

I usually invite a Japanese family or two to dinner since Thanksgiving is a U.S. holiday. Plus the fact that turkey is not a staple in the Japanese diet. I also celebrate Christmas with them just to add the festivities. So I deck the whole house out in Christmas, even the tree comes out with gifts for everyone.

Well, let's just say the Christmas tree hasn't make an appearance yet...only the wreath! LOL!! Note to self: get the tree out!! It's perfect today - we have snow falling this morning! What a hint :)

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I'll be back with some crafty stuff soon :0)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Just wanted to pop in before getting the turkey ready to wish you all a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

I created this tri-fold luminary for my post on Spellbinders Blog yesterday. My dining room table is clear from all things scrapbooking and (almost) ready for a Thanksgiving feast. I have this in there but did a test run and it glows so well - love those flameless tea candles! LOL!!

SO THANKFUL for these guys especially this year for helping me through a most difficult time - death of my father. Love you guys! xo

THANKFUL for all of my friends - have to love FaceBook for getting/keeping in touch with them! Love hi-tech...well, most of the time! LOL!

Special thank you to my friends who came to see me this month from IA-MI-MA-IL (thank you, Kimberly!) for one of the best times of my life! You all lifted my spirits more than you can image and I needed it! THANK YOU!!

PLUS... "Love My Memories" Magazine and LaserLine Company.

THANKFUL for all the companies and magazines I've had the privilege to work with them - TRULY honored to be a part of!

What are you thankful for?

OK...better get that turkey ready...have three HUNGRY boys on the loose! LOL! Have a wonderful THANKSGIVING!!!! xo

For Nestabilities Owners!!

Guess what! There is a book that covers everything and anything about the uses of those wonderful Nestabilities®! The best part...my dear friend and co-Blog Author at Spellbinders™ is the COVER GIRL!! YEAH, Holly Simoni!!

Isn't this the most cutest baby ensemble you ever seen?! Well, I think so! LOL!! For more details, please click HERE. This book is downloadable for those of you who are space-challenged like me :0)

Also, we have winners for Spellbinders™ Holiday Hoppin' Blog Hop so take a look at the Company blog HERE! Thanks again for taking time to comment on my Friday post!

Scrapbook News & Review Magazine (E-zine) Calls!

First of all, I am overwhelmed with all the visitors and comments left on my blog hop post below...THANK YOU!!

Today, I'd like to give a head's up to those who are interested in being published by an online magazine called Scrapbook News & Review. I am fortunate to be on its staff and work with some of the most talented people in the industry.

The deadline is December 19th for the January 2011 Issue, and we have a variety of sections from scrapbooking to card-making to mix media creating to digital scrapbooking - we have it ALL! LOL!

For more details, please click HERE!
And good luck!

Spellbinders Holiday Hoppin' Blog Hop - Day 2

THE BLOG COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED
THANK YOU so much for visiting!! GOOD LUCK!

Welcome to the second day of the Spellbinders™ Paper Arts Holiday Hoppin’ Blog Hop! Spellbinders, along with Spellbinders' Cross Promotional Partners (featured on my blog today are: Gina K Designs and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES by 3L) are showcasing their newest products just in time for your Holiday crafting and gift giving. Lots of creative ideas are in store, as well as prizes galore! Each participating company has generously donated towards the prize package listed on the Spellbinders Blog.

A total of two identical prize packages, one for each day, November 18 and 19 will be given away! To enter, just leave a comment on a participating blog! Comments in the first 48 hours of the post are eligible. One commenter each day will be randomly selected as the winner. Winners will be announced on November 22, on the Spellbinders Blog!

Be sure to see all of yesterday’s Holiday Hoppin’ blogs for inspiring projects and another chance to win!

Visit all of today’s Holiday Hoppin’ blogs:

Mona Pendleton

Gina Hanson

Deborah Young

Becca Feeken

Julie Overby

Kimberly Crawford

AJ Otto

Margie Higuchi <-- That's Me!

Beth Pingry

Jennifer Holmes

Kerry Urbatch

Shona Erlenborn

Tammy Inman

Jessica Turner

Brenda Hurd

Julie Koerber

Rae Barthel

Rachel O'Crowley

Kellie Fortin

Kristen Cohen

Joy Dickson

Candy Rosenberg

Laura Craigie

Stephanie Hester

Leesa Crutcher

Nina Brackett

Today, I used Spellbinders S4-285 Nested Mittens to create a hot cocoa pocket card. It's the perfect little something to give to friends and neighbors. Please click on the images to get a closer view.

S4-285 Nested Mittens - Set of Five (MSRP $19.99)
The WOW Factor: It Cuts, Embosses and Stencils!

Supplies Spellbinders Grand Calibur™, S4-285 Nested Mittens #3 (smallest die template being #1), S4-286 2010 Snowflake Pendants Accent, F-012 Precious Metal Premium Craft Foils Assortment Bright Gold, S5-022 Labels Ten #3 & #4 and S4-112 Classic Ovals SM #3; Gina K Designs Warm Mittens Set by Nina Brackett; Worldwin Papers ColorMates Maroon; KasierCraft 'Tis The Season Collection; My Mind's Eye Lost & Found Collection PomPom Fiber & RicRac; Clearsnap ColorBox Fluid Chalk Inkpad Warm Red & Dark Green and Pigment Brush Pad Gold; Creative Impressions Pearls; SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES by 3L EZ Squares and 3D White Foam Squares; and Glue Dots

First, take a 5.5" x 12" piece of Maroon Cardstock and score at every 4". The last panel on the right, cut diagonally across as shown to form a pocket.

Then I adhered the pocket along the bottom edge by using EZ Squares.

I set aside the cardbase and started to work on my card front. I cut/embossed the S5-022 Labels Ten #3 & #4 with Maroon Cardstock and 'Tis The Season paper, respectively. Note that I did a reverse stencil by inking the cut edges of the die template and cut/embossed as usual. Then I adhered both die cuts onto the cardbase.

Next I stamped a few images from Warm Mittens Set by Nina Brackett with ink on top of 'Tis The Season paper. I used the die templates that coordinated with the image to cut/emboss. Then I embellished the die cuts. If you noticed I snuck in an accent piece from S4-286 2010 Snowflake Pendants that I cut/embossed with craft foil, sanded and added a pearl to embellish the larger mitten.

After adhering the stamped die cuts in place, I added a packet of hot cocoa mix in the pocket and it's ready to be handed out! Here's another look...

Simply leave a comment on my blog to be eligible to win the Spellbinders Holiday Hoppin’ Prize Package! One winner will be chosen from all the comments on all the blogs participating today. Comments made in the first 48 hours of this post will be eligible to win. Winner’s names will be published on the Spellbinders Blog on November 22, and they will have 48 hours to reply to Spellbinders to claim the prizes.

Thank you and enjoy the rest of the hop!
MargieH

Nestabilities and Shapeabilities are registered trademarks of Spellbinders Paper Arts, LLC.
Spellbinders and Grand Calibur are trademarks of Spellbinders Paper Arts, LLC.

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