Spellbinders: 2013 Winter CHA

What a show...is all I can write! LOL!! Our biggest release to date and our turning point as a company to introduce a different line of products from our traditional products - Spellbinders™ Media Mixáge™ Line! WOW!

Spellbinders Media Mixáge Booth - it was ROCKing with all the retailers - pictured before the show opened (and the calm before the storm - LOL!!). KUDOs to our graphics/studio people - designed all in house!

Also we taught a class this year (it's been three years since our last one) and we decided to create a class to incorporate EVERYTHING into a journal book - our traditional line and Media Mixáge products. The students got to play with BOTH Spellbinders Grand Calibur® machine and Spellbinders Artisan X-plorer™ machine! The class was a sell out!!

Welcome to our class - taught by our Kim Hupke, Education Director extraordinaire!
WOOHOO~!

Our friends and students, Martha & Catherine, with Holly Simoni

Of course, we educated but we also entertained with giveaways!
Our lucky winners with Spellbinders President Stacey Caron!

It was a great way to start off CHA - that was Friday! It was an education day and the eve of the trade show opening. Next post I will share pictures from the show...don't have much as I was in the booth most of the time but come back!

Thanks for stopping by!
MargieH

Core'dinations: 2013 Winter CHA

I thought I would cover Core'dinations ColorCore Cardstock® (aka Core'dinations) since I edited these pictures first! LOL!!

Did you know that they just celebrated their fifth birthday?! Happy Birthday, CORE!! xo I am lucky to be on their card design team that supports David Tutera™ Celebrate (DTC) Card Making System, currently sold at JoAnn's Fabric and Craft Stores®.

We had dinner together at CHA and looked through an album of their journey - created by various designers and employees. It was very touching...

Core'dinations Dinner at Fire 'n Ice Restaurant (Anaheim CA)

My "guiding light" to the booth - LOL!!

David Tutera Celebrate Card Making System Display
On the lower right corner, you can see a tiny project next to the two boxes...

...a closer look, it's my birthday frame! LOL!!

Wall of DTC artwork

This system has been such a time saver for me...there were times when I needed a card FAST! Who hasn't had that happen, right? It has layers that card makers love, and intricate designs that keep it fresh!

I made this Valentine's card in 10 minutes or was it less? LOL! Well, I wanted to die cut the white cardstock to place my sentiment with a Spellbinders™ Labels die template :)

Hugs & Kisses by MargieH
Supplies - Card Base, Cardstock, Layers, Shapes, Rhinestone and Sentiment Sticker: Core'dinations (David Tutera Celebrate Card Making System); Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-346 Labels Twenty-Two); Tools: ScraPerfect (Embellie Gellie); Adhesives: ScraPerfect (Best Glue Ever) and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (3D Foam Squares)

Thanks for stopping by!!
MargieH xo

Happy Birthday, Hiro!!!

YIKES! Looks like I haven't blogged in like FOREVER! SORRY~! Most of you know that I work on Spellbinders™ Paper Arts' marketing and web team. This 2013 Winter CHA (Craft & Hobby Assoc.) trade show was our BIGGEST release to date...over 180 items. Well, that means I write all those descriptions and measure every single die templates/bezels/blanks PLUS other responsibilities (too long to list!). BUT I LOVE IT!! LOL!!

Yesterday, my responsibility (and important) is being MOM :) So I am wishing my "little" guy, Hiro, a SUPER 16 birthday!! He finished his first semester final exam on Friday, went to a chess conference on Saturday to place 1st in fifth board category - beating out over 350 players and last night, we had dinner at a restaurant of his choice - Buffalo Wild Wings! SO HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HIRO!! Love you!!!

Happy Birthday by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Card Base, Cardstock, Die Cuts, Sticker Sentiments and Sand-It Gadget: Core'dinations ColorCore Cardstock® (David Tutera™ Celebrate Card Making System); Stamp: JustRite® PaperCraft Inc. (Vintage Travel Background Stamp); Watermark Ink: TSUKINEKO (VersaMark); Embossing Powder: American Crafts (Black Opaque); Wood Button: Maya Road; Metal Gears: Advantus (Tim Holtz Idea-ology); Embossing Folder: Spellbinders™ Paper Arts (EL-015 Bricks and Bark M-Bossabilities™ Folder); Tools: ScraPerfect (Perfect Crafting Pouch) and Fiskars (Easy Stamp Press); Adhesive: ScraPerfect (Best Glue Ever) and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (3D Foam Squares)

This is what I started with to stamp the image. Love this Perfect Crafting Pouch - makes the stamped image more sharper and works great on vellum and computer printing too!

Here's a video on its uses...



This medal came home with Hiro on Saturday! Last year, he was Board #8 and in a year, he's up half way (#1 being the toughest). In a couple of weeks, he'll be headed to State in Peoria - fingers crossed that he will do well :)

Next, I'll post pictures of the Core'dinations booth at CHA with all the David Tutera Celebrate Cardmaking System!

Thanks for stopping by!
MargieH

ScrapMart: 2013 Happy New Year!!

Hope your Christmas was a wonderful one! Ours was very quiet and I LOVE it that way! LOL!! This year we opted out of the tradition turkey. We went with the traditional NABE (one pot) dinner with a little bit of SAKE and ended with our Japanese Christmas cake! YUM~!!

These are my boys including the hubster in the middle :)

 

OK..and a picture of me with my "little" monkeys! HA!

New Year's Day is around the corner and I created a card using a combination of Spellbinders™ M-Bossabilities™ Folder - EL-014 Holiday Magic and Spellbinders Shapeabilities® Cut·Fold·Tuck die template - S5-112 Carnival Dream.

2013 New Year Card by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: American Crafts; Metallic Cardstock: WorldWin Papers; Stamp: Lawn Fawn; Ink: Clearsnap; Dies and Embossing Folder: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-324 Ribbon Banners; S5-112 Carnival Dream, S5-131 A-2 Matting Basics A and EL-014 Holiday Magic); Adhesives: ScraPerfect (Best Glue Ever) and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (3D Foam Squares)

It's amazing what you can achieve it in 5 mins - PROMISE! I did this while watching TV :) I used the letter press technique the edges of the S4-324 Ribbon Banner by inking the edges of the die template (cut ridge side) before cutting and embossing - love the results!

Don't forget that Scrap-mart.com has a "Count Down to the New Year" Sale going on NOW! Don't miss out - sign up on their email list.

If you are interested in Spellbinders Cut·Fold·Tuck die template, let me share Spellbinders Try It Tuesday, a weekly YouTube LIVE show. My friends, Terre Fry and Ken Oliver, featured Spellbinders Cut·Fold·Tuck a couple of weeks ago - take a look at some wonderful tips and ideas on these wonderful die templates! ENJOY!!



As always THANK YOU for always stopping by and leaving me some "love" (aka comment) :)
MargieH xo

ScraPerfect: Let It Snow Banner

Merry Christmas!!! Today I am sharing a fun banner I made on ScraPerfect Let It Snow Banner post. When I saw this stamp set from A Jillian Vance Design (AJVD) and their exclusive {die}signs dies, I knew what I wanted to create! Just LOVE how it turned out!! All of these materials were put together by ScraPerfect products!

Let It Snow Banner by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Glittered Cardstock: Core'dinations ColorCore Cardstock; Patterned Papers: Authentique Paper (Festive Collection); Ink: Ranger (Peeled Paint Distress Ink); Markers: Copics; Stamp and Exclusive Dies: A Jillian Vance Design (Winter Wishes Stamp Set, 3D{ie} Bow Die and Banner {die}tails Nested Die); Die: Spellbinders™ Paper Arts (S5-117 2012 Snowflake Pendant); Epoxy Sticker: Epiphany Crafts; Pearls: Want2Scraps; Adhesive and Tools: ScraPerfect (the Best Glue Ever, the Embellie Gellie and the Perfect Crafting Pouch) and We R Memory Keepers (Crop-A-Dile); Other: White Cardstock; Cereal Thin Chipboard; Silver Cord; Foam Tape

First, I cut/embossed Banner {die}tails Nested Die with patterned papers from Authentique Paper Festive Collection and cereal thin chipboard.

I adhered the chipboard on both sides with the Best Glue Ever. I let the back paper (red) show in the front for a border/accent. Love that the glue doesn't wrinkle the paper! Then ink the edges for a finished look. Punched two holes on the top edge and threaded a silver cord to hang.

Next I used the Perfect Crafting Pouch on my white cardstock before stamping my Winter Wishes snowman for a great impression, colored with markers. I accented with pearls, using my Embellie Gellie for easy placement!

More use of my Embellie Gellie to place the pearls on the glitter paper snowflake :0)

Used the Best Glue Ever to create this wonderful 3D{die} Bow die template from A Jillian Vance Design (exclusively manufactured from Spellbinders Paper Arts) and also adhered the Epoxy circle for its center. Here is another look of my banner on my Christmas tree. LOVE how it all came together!

I also wanted to share a card made for my online friends! I used Spellbinders M-Bossabilities™ EL-014 Holiday Magic Folder, 2012 Holiday Tree dies and David Tutera™ Celebrate Cardmaking System featuring Core'dinations 5½ x 5½" square white card base.

2012 Christmas Card by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Card base: David Tutera Celebrate Cardmaking System featuring Core'dinations; Bling: Creative Impressions; Die, Embossing Folder and Craft Foils: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-339 2012 Holiday Tree, EL-014 Holiday Magic and Premium Craft Foils); Ribbon: Offray; Adhesive: ScraPerfect (Best Glue Ever)

Wishing you and your family a WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON FULL OF LOVE & JOY! Thank you so much for stopping by!

Warmest,
MargieH xo

KURETAKE: Christmas Tree Ornament

On KURETAKE ZIG's Christmas Tree Decoration post today, I created a 3D holiday ornament using ZIG Emboss Pen and ZIG 2 Way Glue to come up with this...

O' Christmas Tree Ornament by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: Darice; Stamp: A Jillian Vance Design (O' Christmas Tree set); Embossing Marker: ZIG Emboss Pen (KURETAKE ZIG); Embossing Powder: American Crafts (Silver Metallic ZING); Pearls: Want2Scrap; Die: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-028 Nested Pennants);Tool: ScraPerfect (the Embellie Gellie); Adhesive: ZIG 2 Way Glue (KURETAKE ZIG); Other: Silver Trim and Silver Cord

First I used ZIG Emboss Pen to cover the stamp image, stamped on cardstock and then covered with silver metallic embossing powder. Melt with the heating tool and cut/emboss with Spellbinders S5-028 Nested Pennants dies (I used die template #5, the smallest being #1).

Next I scored each die cut in half, using the tip as my guide. Fold each with embossing image inside.

With ZIG 2 Way Glue, adhere generously to each side of the die cut to a corresponding side of another die cut to create the dimensional ornament. Before adhering the last piece, add trim and cord with ZIG 2 Way Glue (Tip: hold it in place for a few moments and let dry). After it dries, adhere your last piece by applying glue on both sides and add pearls.

Here is another look at the finished project...

So easy to do and can be applied to many different shapes for some variety in decorating the tree! Hope your holiday preparations are going well...only a couple more days! YIKES! Better get a move on! LOL!!

Thanks for stopping by!
MargieH

Happy Birthday, Taka!!

Today is my oldest's birthday - EIGHTEEN!! How in the world did he get to be THAT OLD?! He was a little guy last I remember ;0P

See? This was taken when he attended an international Japanese school in the NJ/NY area back in 2001. This was his first day of school as a kindergartner. Luckily he doesn't check my blog - otherwise, I would be in trouble! HeeHee!!

Now look...a senior in high school...now how did that seriously happen?! OY~!! I am so proud of what he has become...a kind, well-mannered young man. Happy Birthday, sweet boy!!

For his birthday, his favorite meal - Japanese! Gee, no brainer! LOL!! We plan to go out to our favorite restaurant, DARUMA :0) For those of you in the surrounding Schaumburg IL area, it is a MUST GO for Japanese food!

And a card for him...

Your Special Day by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock: American Crafts; Patterned Paper: Authentique Paper (Loyal Collection); Stamp: JustRite PaperCraft (Your Special Day Medallion Labels set); Ink: TSUKINEKO (Memento Ink); Pearls: Want2Scrap; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-131 A2 Matting Basics A, S5-132 A2 Matting Basics B and S5-134 A2 Fancy Postage Stamps) and JustRite PaperCraft exclusive by Spellbinders Paper Arts (Medallion Labels); Adhesives: ScraPerfect (the Best Glue Ever) and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (3D Foam Squares)

Oh and his gift...this morning his dad called the insurance company and included Taka in the policy! He can now drive without ME in the car! LOL!! Remember he has a couple of more days till Christmas so he's good! HA!

So happy birthday, Taka! We love you!
MargieH (aka mom) xo

ScrapMart: Christmas Memories

For today's Scrap-mart.com post, I thought I'd share a holiday card created with Spellbinders™ die templates, JustRite PaperCraft stamps and Authentique Papers Festive Collection papers.

Christmas Memories by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Cardstock and Embossing Powder: American Crafts; Patterned Paper: Authentique Paper (Festive Collection); Stamp: JustRite PaperCraft (Deck The Halls); Ink: Ranger (Peeled Paint Distress Ink) and TSUKINEKO (VersaMark); Pearls: Want2Scrap and Ranger (Liquid Pearls); Ribbon: Creative Impressions; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S4-283 2010 Heirloom Ornaments; S5-055 Layered Poinsettia and S5-135 Fancy Ribbon Threader); Adhesives: ScraPerfect (the Best Glue Ever) and SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (3D Foam Squares)

• Cut/Emboss S5-135 Fancy Ribbon Threader and thread 1/2" white ribbon through the openings. apply Liquid Pearls (some may dry flat so reapply for more dimension).
• Cut/Emboss/Stencil two S5-055 Layered Poinsettia #1 (the smallest). Stencil through the die with Peeled Paint Ink, distress, adhere together and center three dark pink pearls.
• Cut/Emboss S4-283 2010 Heirloom Ornament #4 and ink the edges with Peeled Paint Ink for depth.
• Stamp ornament image (VersaMark), apply Zing Red Glitter Finish embossing powder and heat. Stamp "Christmas Memories" with Peeled Paint Ink. Cut/Emboss with 2010 Heirloom Ornament #3. Adhere with foam squares and place on top of larger ornament die cut.
• Adhere the Fancy Ribbon Threader die cut onto an A2 red card base and cut in half pearl swirl to extend behind the ornament die cut.
• Assemble as shown in finished picture.

Here are some close ups of what the card looks like when finished:

How are your holiday preparations going? Mine just started! LOL!! Here's to hoping I get everything done in time! YIKES!

Take time to look around and appreciate your surroundings! I've been doing that with all that has happened recently. So let me take time to say I APPRECIATE YOU ALL!!! xo
MargieH

ScrapMart: Swirly Holiday Card

I am so excited to share my shaped card that I created with Spellbinders™ LF-016 Grand Decorative Ovals One as the card base.

Swirly Holiday Card by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Glittered Cardstock: Core'dinations (Bermuda Bling); Patterned Paper: Carta Bella (Traditions Collection); Ink: Ranger (Distress Ink); Ribbon: Creative Impression; Pearls: Want2Scrap; Dies: Spellbinders Paper Arts (LF-016 Grand Decorative Ovals One, LF-110 Grand Ovals and S4-339 2012 Holiday Tree); Tools and Adhesives: ScraPerfect (the Embellie Gellie and the Best Glue Ever); Foam Squares: SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L (3D Foam Squares)

I cut: LF-016 Grand Decorative Ovals One (two with red paper); LF-110 Grand Ovals (one with patterned paper) and S4-339 2012 Holiday Tree (glittered cardstock) die templates. For easy release of paper from intricate cut dies, I used wax paper between the dies and paper.

Ink the edges of the ovals used for the card front - this will show the embossed edges really well.

Score the second oval die cut ¾" from the top of short side and apply glue in the scored area. Match up the  two die cuts and adhere. It will look like the one pictured below - a shaped card.

On the smaller oval, assemble tree die cut, punch holes at the bottom and thread ribbon to tie a bow. Then add pearls to finish. Place foam squares on the back of the embellished oval and center onto the card front. I also added pearls on the edges of the card base. Here's another look at the card.

I love making these shaped cards especially during the holidays :) Most of the products used are available at Scrap-mart.com! Don't forget to sign up on their email - every month you receive a 40% coupon for one item (visit website for details). This month's 40% coupon is STOCKING.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope your holiday preparations are going well...just need to start mine! LOL!
MargieH xo

ScraPerfect: SnowFlake Ornament

I posted on ScraPerfect's Blog - Snowflake Ornament post, using The Robin's Nest products! They have an array of paper crafting products that will inspire you to get your craft on!

Using their Under the Sea Dew Drops, I made a simple snowflake ornament with their Ocean Blue Glitter Cardstock paper and Spellbinders™ 2012 Snowflake Pendant die templates.

SnowFlake Ornament by Margie Higuchi
Supplies - Glittered Cardstock: The Robin's Nest (Ocean Blue Glitter Cardstock); Die: Spellbinders Paper Arts (S5-117 2012 Snowflake Pendant); Embellishment: The Robin's Nest (Under The Sea Dew Drops); Tools and Adhesive: ScraPerfect (the Embellie Gellie, the Perfect Crafting Pouch and the Best Glue Ever); Other: Silver Cord

First I cut S5-117 2012 Snowflake Pendant die three times with Ocean Blue Glitter Cardstock. Tip: when using a delicate die like this put wax paper between the die template and paper for easy release. I used the pointed end of the Embellie Gellie to help release the paper from the die.

With the Best Glue Ever's fine tip, I can use a three - four drops of glue and spread them on the back of the die cut with ease. You don't need much when using the Best Glue Ever.Tip: make sure to shake the glue to the tip before applying (don't forget to keep that cap on...just sayin' - wink wink).

When the glue dried, I had some tackiness on the edges so I took out my Perfect Crafting Pouch and tap the edges and problem gone! Next, I placed my Dew Drops with the Embellie Gellie and if I didn't like the way it was placed, I use the pointed end to push over the Dew Drop to where I like it. Love that pointed end! LOL!

Using the blue and clear Dew Drops makes it a perfect embellishment for this project! Note the Best Glue Ever will dry CLEAR so use it on any of your clear or opaque embellishments :0)

This is the side view - I embellished both sides and here's a second look at the ornament on my still bare tree! LOL! Another idea is to add this to your gift decor like a gift bag or present...many ideas.

Hope you enjoyed this simple but yet fun project! Time is a commodity during the holidays! THANK YOU to The Robin's Nest for providing such wonderful products!!

If you like what you see, go visit ScraPerfect Blog!

Happy Holidays and thanks for stopping by!
MargieH