CraftFancy: Make 'N Take Saturday

It's been a few weeks since I last visited CraftFancy (Arlington Hts. IL) and several months that I haven't visited with my friend and owner, Carol. It so good to catch up with her...spent hours and dollars, of course! LOL!! The afternoon Spring make'n take was this...

Spellbinders™ M-Bossabilities™ Card (Make'n Take)

Before heading to the store, I quickly made an all occasion card as a sample for the store...took me all of 10 minutes! Love these new Spellbinders Cut•Fold•Tuck die templates!

Angle Approach Card by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: Wausau Paper; Patterned Papers: Authentique Paper (Genuine Collection); Button: Maya Road; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-111 Angle Approach, E8-007 Classic Edges One); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever), SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (3D Square Foam)

Dianne and Karen working away to ensure that the make'n takes go smoothly and they did a great job of it! Everyone was enjoying themselves - thanks, ladies!

What a nice end to Spring Break...I came home to an empty house. All the boys (hubby included) were out on the tennis courts at the high school enjoying their time before school starts again :0)

Happy Apri 1st!!
MargieH

TaDa Creative Studios: Paradise

Hello! Today is my turn to post Paradise on TaDa Creative Studios' blog. I used the Sunny Skies Oooh La La Layers (a lasercut cardstock paper) from the Poolside Collection to create this page...

Paradise by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - LaserCut Cardstock, Patterned Paper, Stickers: TaDa Creative Studios (Poolside Collection); Cardstock: WorldWin Papers (White); Marker: KURETAKE Zig; Ink: Clearsnap; Glitter: Ranger; Twine: The Twinery; Epoxy Embellishment: Epiphany Crafts (Pennant 25); Dies: Spellbinders™ Paper Arts (LF-003 Donna's Alphas); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever) and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (3D Foam Square)

For more details on how this page was put together, visit Paradise on TaDa Creative Studios' blog and tell me what you think!

ETA: Stop by Balzer Designs' blog as I am featured as one of many designers who contributed to the TV show Scrapbook Soup. SO stinkin' excited!! Visit "Waiter, there's a fly in my soup!" (LOL!!) and say HELLO~!

Thanks for stopping by!!
MargieH

Scrap-Mart: Peace And Comfort

Today, I am sharing a sympathy card I made for a friend who recently lost her sister. Keeping the colors on the lighter side, I hope this will comfort her.

Peace and Comfort by Margie Higuchi
Supplies – Cardstock: Wausau Paper; Patterned Papers: My Mind’s Eye (Follow Your Heart Collection); Embossing Ink: TSUKINEKO (VersaMark); Embossing Powder: Stampendous; Stamp: JustRite Stampers (Thinking of You Borders & Centers); Pearls: KaiserCraft; Dies: Spellbinders™ Paper Arts (E8-008 Classic Edges Two, E8-004 Classic Ric Rac, S4-110 Classic Ovals LG, S4-112 Classic Ovals SM and S5-022 Labels Ten); Tools: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever, The Perfect Crafting Pouch and The Embellie Gellie); Foam Adhesive: SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (3D Foam Square)

I think this would help some of you when matching stamped images with Spellbinders die templates for a perfect cut...

With a scrap piece of paper, I cut out the shape (in my case, S4-112 Classic Ovals SM) that I would use with the image. Take the negative piece and match up to the image. Then slide the die template in place until it "locks in." Using repositionable tape, I cut/emboss using my Spellbinders Grand Calibur®.

Using the Spellbinders Edgeabilities® E8-008 Classic Edges Two and E8-004 Classic Ric Rac taped together, I cut/emboss with my favorite patterned paper. I assembled all the pieces to the card front and add foam tape to the embossed sentiment for dimension. Placed pearls on the top and bottom of Labels Ten die cut to finish the card.

Thanks for stopping by!

Authentique: March Sketch Challenge

A few days ago, I was at my LSS (CraftFancy in Arlington Hts. IL) and purchased Authentique Paper's Genuine Collection. Have you noticed a trend in the blue and yellow color combination in many paper collections? Love it! Using my new purchase, I had to participate in Authentique's March Sketch Challenge (card). This time I made the deadline (wink wink) - LOL!!

Happy Birthday by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: Wausau Paper; Patterned Paper: Authentique Paper (Genuine Collection); Stamp: JustRite Stampers (Elegant Charm Set); Ink: TSUKINEKO; Trinket Pin: Maya Road; Pearl: KaiserCraft; Epoxy Embellishment: Epiphany Crafts (Pennant 25); Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (E8-004 Classic Ric Rac, S4-132 Classic Rectangles LG, S5-029 Nested Lacey Pennants and S5-113 Floral Burst); Adhesives: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever) and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (3D Foam Squares)

I was hoping to create this card with a masculine touch...what do you think?

Today is the start of our Spring Break week but the boys have a full schedule with tennis and doctor's appointments ;0) Are you on Spring Break too?

Anyways thanks for stopping by!
MargieH

Kuretake: March 2012 Challenge

ETA: I missed the deadline! LOL!! Figures that it was during my trip to Hawaii!! OY! Such a space! Well, no matter - had fun doing this!

I've been trying to find time to participate in some challenges like this one - KURETAKE Zig's Doodle Challenge. I am not GREAT at doodling so bear with me here folks! LOL!! I had this 5x7" canvas panel that has been staring at me for months. With a little ink misting, paper, die cuts, tissue tape and stencils, I came up with "Where Flowers Bloom..." canvas.

Where Flower Bloom... by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Patterned Papers - My Mind's Eye (Follow My Heart Collection); Pearl: KaiserCraft; Button: Jenni Bowlin; Tissue Tape: Advantus; Ink Mists: Tattered Angels; Glitter: Ranger (Stickles); Markers: KURETAKE ZIG; Stencils: The Crafter's Workshop; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-086 Bitty Blossoms); Other: Canvas panel

I used KURETAKE ZIG markers for all the colors and quote from Lady Bird Johnson as well as the outlines from the Crafters Workshop stencils. I used Glimmer Mist for the background.

I colored the tissue tape with green brush tip marker and twisted the tape to create the stem of the flowers. Then I adhered them - love the textured results! Also I rubbed some Frosted Lace Stickles into the "sun" to give it some sparkle. That's my take on the challenge :0)

Thanks for stopping by!
MargieH

Scrap-Mart: Keep Calm And Enjoy Vacation

Hi all!

Today I have created a mini sack using JustRite Stampers Keep Calm stamp set and a few of Spellbinders die templates. I thought it would be an appropriate theme as we just got back this morning from vacation (red eye flight from Los Angeles...details later...need sleep!)!

Keep Calm and Enjoy Vacation Mini Sack by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Patterned Paper - My Mind's Eye (Follow Your Heart Collection); Stamp: JustRite Stampers (Keep Calm set); Ink: Ranger & Clearsnap; Dies: Spellbinders (JB-10025 JustRite Nested Oval Medallion Label Dies, S5-086 Bitty Blossoms, S5-079 Persian Motifs, S5-105 Floral Tags); Glitter: Ranger (Frosted Lace Stickles); Marker: Copics; Pearl: KaiserCraft; Texture: FlowerSoft; Twine: Twinery; Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Mini sack

Some people have been asking about the Spellbinders spiral flower dies so I have put together a step-by-step picture on how to use them...

Cut and Emboss.

Start rolling tightly from the outside towards the middle. This will be the center of the flower.

Then as you roll along, you can loosely roll the paper.

See the blossom forming? But don't make it too loose :)

Add wet adhesive to the circle base and place the blossom on top. Hold for a few moments until it sets.

While it sets, gentle move the petals to form a beautiful flower.

So I hope that is helpful to some of you :)
Have a great day, everyone!!
MargieH

Weekend Stuff and For Japanese Scrappers!

Catching up here on what I did this past weekend...my youngest brother, Dave, was in the country and was able to stop by Chicago for a couple of days. The boys love when he comes, he adds comedy to the conversation (aka abusing the parents) - LOL!!

Also I attended the annual Crop for a Cause: Making MS a Memory! but only for a few hours since Dave was here and we had dinner plans at DARUMA.

Crop for a Cause: Making MS a Memory! Founder Laura Machonis

Me with Nubia Chaidez, Charity Wings Blogger

CJ and Karen at the Creative Memories MnT Table

Dave had to pick up some (heavy) books for his book worm daughter, I looked through some paper crafting magazines and stumbled upon this...

and to my surprise, this...

Totally forgot that I had submitted....senior moment?! YIKES!

I haven't posted anything new for my Japanese scrappers so this is for them (all in Japanese, of course! LOL!!). But for my nosey non-Japanese friends (a majority of you!), it is a "How To" scrapbooking book released Feb 28 in Japan by the fabulous editor of Love My Memories Magazine, Emi Kume. It took many months and sleepless nights to compile a picture by picture explanation on how each pages were done. Great for beginners and veterans as it covers many techniques, tips and ideas. I cannot wait to get my copy!!

ラブメモ特別編集　(監修：久米英美子)　

写真を見ながら学ぶ

「スクラップブッキングの基礎 BOOK 」

出版：パッチワーク通信社/定価：1200円税込/ISBN978-4-86322-367-7

この本は、スクラップブッキング初心者が 基礎から学ぶ事ができ、また経験者も基礎を 振り返る事ができるレッスンブックという コンセプトで作りました。

作品33点の作り方つきなので、基礎を ひとつひとつ学びながら、作品も楽しく 作る事がでいる、という内容になっています。

更に切って使える実物大の型紙つき！ 型紙は実際に本に掲載している作品に 使用しています。 ミニアルバムの形の型紙（表紙作品の右下）、 封筒ポケットの型紙、そして表紙作品にも背景 として使っている6角形の型紙です。

ちょっと固い紙でできてるので、一度切り取って いただければ、繰り返し使う事ができます。 どんどん活用してくださいね！

殆どのプロジェクトが1時間以内でできます。 12インチ作品、ミニアルバム・ミニブック、 グリーティングカード、ホームデコ・・・色々ありますよ～

材料費は一つのプロジェクトにつき だいたい千円以内になるようにしています。

そして実は今回初めての試みをしています・・・それは全ページ、作り方をインチではなく センチ(cm)で解説した事です。スクラップブッキングはアメリカから入って きているので、製品や作り方、色々な物が 今までインチ表記になっていました。

日本でスクラップブッキングをもっと広げる ためにはやっぱりセンチにしないとね・・というわけで、今回の基礎BOOKで センチ表記にしました。

スクラップブッキングをこれから始める皆さん また、なんとなくスクラップブッキングを今まで やってみてたけど、実は基礎を知りたかったんだという皆さん、是非読んでみてくださいね！

Scrap-Mart: Japan

Hey all. Today is my turn to post for Scrap-Mart. I also wanted to point out that it is the first anniversary of Japan's TSUNAMI disaster. My heart is heavy for the people in the northern region of Japan (the TOHOKU Region). Although there has been good progress, there are many who still cannot return to their homes. Some will never be able to go back. I hope the Japanese government will work FASTER to get them a place where they can call HOME. I AM THANKFUL EVERYDAY that my family and my husband's family are safe.

My brother came to visit Chicago on his business trip two months after the disaster and I was thrilled to see him. We rarely see each other so I took a picture. A few days ago, I happened upon it. Taking my most recent favorite collection, My Mind's Eye Follow Your Heart Collection I created a 12 x 12" page using 6 x 6" paper :0)

siblings 2011 by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: American Crafts; Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye (Follow Your Heart Collection); Glittered Chipboard Alphas: American Crafts; Buttons: October Afternoon; Stamp: A Jillian Vance Design; Ink: Clearsnap; Embossing Ink: VersaMark (TSUKINEKO); Embossing Powder: American Crafts; Liquid Pearl: Ranger; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (E8-008 Classic Edges Two, E8-012 Classic Decorative Inserts Four, S5-079 Persian Motifs and S5-025 Labels Seventeen); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Foam tape

I'm loving the Spellbinders Edgeabilities!! Do you know notice all the different borders? They are from two sets - the Classic Edgers and the Classic Decorative Inserts Four!!! But you can inter-change them to create more designs (versatility and value!). Like I said LOVE THEM!!!!

I added a shaped card below that I created in commemoration of Japan's disaster. The details are posted in ScraPerfect's A Card For Japan post a couple of days ago. My friend, Peggy Ruiz, is a Close To My Heart (CTMH) consultant and told me about CTMH selling a stamp set with proceeds going to the Japan Relief Fund.

Hope For Japan by Margie Higuchi
Supplies – Cardstock: American Crafts & WorldWin Papers; Stamp: Close To My Heart; Ink: Ranger; Embossing Ink: VersaMark (TSUKINEKO); Embossing Powder: American Crafts; Pearls: Want2Scrap; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-345 Picot Edge Circles, S4-114 Standard Circles LG); Tools: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever, The Perfect Crafting Pouch and The Embellie Gellie); Other: Black cardstock, foam tape

Thanks everyone!
Hug a loved one today (considered yourself hugged!! LOL!!)!!
MargieH xo

Scrap-Mart: Happy (early) Birthday, Mom!!

Hi, all! Today I created a birthday card for my mother :0) Her birthday is March 4th but we are going on TOKYO time (13 hours ahead) so technically I'm ALMOST on time! LOL!! Confused? Even after all these years, that's how I feel every time I call home!

Happy Birthday by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: American Crafts; Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye (Follow Your Heart Be Amazing Collection); Ink: Ranger Ink (Tim Holtz Distress Ink) & Clearsnap; Mist: LuminArte Shimmering Mist; Pin: Maya Road; Ribbon: Offray; Pearls KaiserCraft; Stamp: Flourishes; Dies & Embossing Folder: Spellbinders Paper Arts™ (S4-357 Spiral Blossom Three, E8-008 Classic Edges Two, E8-012 Classic Decorative Inserts Four, ES-005 Enchanted, S5-028 Nested Pennants); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: White cardstock

Love the newest releases from the Spellbinders Edgeabilities® line! I created a border to accent the card and act as a landing area for the ribbon and flower embellishment :)

To enhance the embossed border, I did a faux letterpress using chalk ink to stencil the INSIDE of the die template (the cut side).

Then I cut/embossed with the yellow cardstock. Note I am using those Spellbinders Junior Plates for use in the Spellbinders Grand Calibur® Machine. For more information, visit Scrap-Mart: Spellbinders Junior Plates Are Available post here.

If you want a deeper color, just add more ink to the die template. I inked mine lighter for a more subtle look.

I ink misted my patterned paper (I ordered through ScrapAce for a FABULOUS deal of the day!) and cut/embossed with Blossom Three die template to create an embellishment for the card. Stamp the sentiment, place the die template over the stamped words and cut/emboss. Assembled as shown and you're done!

Here's another look...

Happy birthday, mom! お誕生日、おめでとうございます! Love you! xo
I'll call you later...on your birthday day YOUR TIME! LOL!!
Thanks for stopping by, everyone!
MargieH

TaDa Creative Studios: Swim Meet Altered Frame & ScraPerfect Giveaway!

Today is my turn to post on TaDa Creative Studios' blog and it's all about the SWIM as in my nephew's swim meet :0) I am so proud of him as a high school freshman he was invited to compete on the varsity team! For step outs and more detail information, please visit TaDa Creative Studios' Swim Meet Altered Frame...

Swim Meet Altered Frame by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Patterned Paper, Vinyl Stickers: TaDa Creative Studios (Poolside Collection); Twine: The Twinery; Ink Mist: LuminArte Shimmering Mist (Sky Blue); Adhesives: SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (mini foam squares) and ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever) and Wooden Frame (Hobby Lobby)

Do you have a swimmer in your family? The Poolside Collection is perfect for not only swim meets but vacation or that pool party that you have pictures for too! It is one of two releases (the other is Yee Haw!) that TaDa has available - check it out!

GIVEAWAY @ ScraPerfect!!
Speaking of check it out....there is a giveaway at ScraPerfect's Blog!! All you have to do is comment on ScraPerfect: It's Giveaway Time! post to enter by next Saturday, March 3rd. You DO NOT want to miss this - there many companies involved!

Thanks for stopping by!
MargieH

A Jillian Vance Design: Peepster Color Challenge

I'm in between my son's tennis matches and wasn't sure if I could participate but here's my take on A Jillian Vance Design's Peepster Color Challenge! It was quite the challenge to think on the spot - I loved how it turned out!

It's a very simple design but I love the texture of the background from Spellbinders M-Bossabilities embossing folder and the stenciling effect of the butterfly die cut! I think I'll send this to my mother for Mother's Day (hope she's not reading! LOL!!).

Butterfly Card by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: WorldWin Papers & The Paper Company; Ink: Clearsnap; Pearls: Prima; Dies & Embossing Folder: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-101 Wings of Hope, M-Bossabilities ES-005 Enchanted); ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever)

Thanks for the challenge, Jillian!!
MargieH

Scrap-Mart: Long Time Friends

I am SO lucky to have long-time friends...for those who don't know me too well...I move a lot. From my childhood years to my married life, I think 24 moves. So when I say I am LUCKY, I am...they are the ones who kept up with my crazy life.

One such friend is Nancy. She was my neighbor when we lived in the freshman dorm at Bradley Univ. (Peoria IL). Every year (for years) she would send me a birthday card and would keep in touch...me - not so much :0( Thanks, Nancy - LOVE you!! xo

Long Time Friends by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: WorldWin Papers & Core'dinations; Patterned Paper: October Afternoon (Holiday Style); Bling: Want2Scrap; Marker/Paint Pen: KURETAKE (ZIG Writer & Painty Twin); Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-078 Persian Accents; S5-114 Spectacular Spin; S4-SM01 Scrap-Mart Exclusive Labels One, EL-006 Mystic & GC-008 D Adapter Plate); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Pink cardstock

I used Spellbinders™ M-Bossabilities™ EL-006 Mystic embossing folder (side B) with my black cardstock. Notice the paper is larger than the embossing folder - no problem! After I embossed the first time, I slid the paper to matched up the grooves from the last embossed row and continued to emboss the rest.

These are the newest releases I used for my layout today...

My pictures were on the dark side even with editing. Instead of matting with a lighter paper, I decided to edge my pictures with silver paint (the restaurant chairs had that silver accent so why not?). I had my ZIG Painty Twin (the silver tip - there is a gold tip too) and edge with it on both pictures.

Then I assembled my page together and added some pearly touches with Want2Scrap! What is a page without journaling? I cut/embossed S4-SM01Scrap-Mart Exclusive Labels One and journaled with my ZIG writer. DONE~!

ATTENTION LA/Anaheim CA Scrappers: Scrapbook Expo is in Anaheim CA this weekend so visit Scrap-Mart's booth!!!

Thanks for stopping by and TGIF~!
MargieH

Spellbinders Giveaway Winners & Cut Fold Tuck Dies

Sorry for the delay in announcing the winners of the Spellbinders Giveaway...

#1 Mary Pat!!!
happy valentines day! glad you had a great wweekend!


i have to say i don't know which i like better because i have never tried either. i only have a couple of the basic spellbinders but i would love to try them!


i already follow!!

and

#11 Steph!!!
TFS. Love your blog. I love the Cut FOld and Tuck dies.

OK, ladies, please email me mhiguchi @ comcast . net (without spaces) with your addresses so I can get one of the tee shirts out to you! Congratulations!! WOOHOOO~!

And speaking of Cut Fold Tuck Dies, I created a chart of all the designs for my stores so that everyone can SEE what they are getting in each set (please click image for a larger look):

Cut Fold Tuck Die Chart by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: Core'dinations and WorldWin Paper; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-111 Angle Approach, S5-112 Carnival Dream, S5-113 Floral Burst, S5-114 Spectacular Spin, S5-115 Round About); Marker: ZIG Writer (KURETAKE)

Of course, all of these Cut Fold Tuck die templates are available for pre-order at Scrap-Mart.com :0)

Thanks for stopping by!! Winners, don't forget to email me!!
MargieH

Spellbinders: Faux Porcelain Ring

At the 2012 Winter CHA (Craft & Hobby Assoc.) trade show back a few weeks ago, I made a bunch of (like around 20) faux porcelain flower rings for my friends...last minute, of course.

Faux Porcelain Ring by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Patterned Paper: Authentique Papers; Die: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-086 Bitty Blossoms); Enamel: Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (Ranger Ink); Tool: Melting Pot and Melt Art Kool Toolz (Ranger Ink); Adhesives: E6000 and ScraPerfect (The Best Glue Ever); Other: Ring Base

Why do I come up with crazy projects the day or night before I leave?! This technique is based on my take of what Spellbinders Blog Team Member Sherry Cheever came up (THANK YOU, Sherry!!!!). Next show I will have one ready for YOU!!! This was her Faux Porcelain video on the subject back in December of 2009 and I had this on my mind since then! LOL!!



As you can see from her video, she did each layer to create her beauty. Me...not so patient. I dunk the entire assembled flower (S5-086 Bitty Blossoms) into the pot! LOL!! Just make sure to cover the entire flower, get rid of excess (before it cools) and place it on top of the non-stick sheet to cool.

The Dunk!

After the flower cooled, I sanded the bottom of the flower and the ring base (purchased at the findings/beads section of Hobby Lobby). Then adhered with E6000 Glue. I would hold for a few moments so that the adhesive can grip and let it dry a few hours...just in case.

Easy right? A couple of tips - have something heat resistant underneath the melting pot (your table will thank you) and I used a melting pot liner so that I can use the leftovers for another project (avoiding clean up as much as possible ;0P).

I hope you try it too!! Many many thanks to my ROCK STAR friend, Sherry Cheever!!
MargieH

P.S. Supplies List and Steps BELOW (for those who can't see any of the video):

Supplies:
Melting Pot (bonus if you have a melting pot liner = less clean up!)
UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel)
Tweeters (non-stick kind or long ones)
Non-stick craft sheet Any of the rolled flower die templates (I used the Blossoms Three and the Bitty Blossoms)
Favorite Patterned Paper Adhesive (to assemble the rolled flower)
E6000 (to adhere the faux porcelain flower and ring base)
Fine-grade sandpaper
Ring base (purchased at Hobby Lobby)

Steps:
Heat UTEE in melting pot (cover with lid).
In the meantime, cut/emboss die templates and roll flower.
Dip the rolled flower into the melted UTEE, making sure the entire flower is covered and place on a non-stick sheet to cool (Try and keep the bottom flat).
Lightly sand the ring base.
When the flower has cooled, lightly sand its bottom.
Add strong adhesive like E6000 onto the ring base and place the flower on top.
Hold for a few seconds to grip.
Place flower side face down to dry (I would give it a few hours or overnight).