A Bit East

things that make me smile...

I feel so weird about posting now. People are going through so much around the world. The earthquake is another devastation that we have to think about, pray about.

It’s hard to watch the news; one good thing is that one of the schools that collapsed they can hear kids trapped. They are alive, but buried. It’s always good to be reminded that there is hope.  Thanks for sharing your thoughts & prayers...

We need reasons to smile...I know I do! So here are a few photos & things that make me smile...

Sat we went on a rickshaw tour in Old Beijing through some hutongs. It was fun! One of the stops we made was to Guanghua Temple. What a place to take amazing photos. One of the monks came out to chat with the girls. He was so willing to let me take a photo of him & Kiela-I was so thrilled about that. He was so kind, told us that Mira was very beautiful. Sorry for the glare from the sun...

I loved hearing the wind chimes. It was soothing & peaceful

Once again I took tons of photos. Like I don't have enough to edit....

New Making Memories pink & red Glitter Clears flowers-love'em!! I also used MM buttons, 5th ave ribbons, Kid's line dotted pp. Narratives scallop lined pp; Heidi Grace straight pin; Hero Arts stamps(joy/happy definitions, swirl); Martha Stewart simple scallop edge punch

i like to use the straight pins for buttons that have shanks or holes through the sides-like this MM's button!! I also used Martha's simple edge punch on a strip of white cardstock...

I love the new punches that Martha Stewart has-the "doily lace" punch os my fave...I grabbed the doily lace, simple scaollp, embossed heart, and cosmos craft punches since she had a sale during Mother's Day! look in weddings or do a "edge punch" search on her site to find them!!

i will add new studio photos soon...and more Thailand photos to their albums...

Q & A ;)

I love everything!! Your studio is AWESOME! How did you decide what you wanted? And, how big is your space? We are moving from North Carolina to Arizona very soon, and the house we are looking at has a garage we are going to enclose. I want to make sure that I have enough space after we put the master and master bath in the garage [well... we are making that space part of the house].

Posted by: Shealynn Benner | Monday, April 07, 2008 at 11:02 AM

hello shealynn...i need to ask my hubby how big my room is, lol!!!  i ask as soon as he comes home today!! I didn't really plan my space out, i just found stuff that i love-and then hoped it would fit!!! now i can't buy anything else!!!

I really love the colors, love the furniture, and love all your studio! It seems to be so comfortable. As a I was looking at it, I was wondering...what do yo do with all your "scraps"? how do you organize it? I have a big big problem with them, I usually use just a little piece of paper and I have to keep the rest, but now I have a "scrap mess" in my scraproom!
I also love your work!

Posted by: Gina Carvallo | Monday, April 07, 2008 at 10:49 PM

hey gina!!! lol, i know what you mean...it drives me CRAZY to have a mess going...i do get messy from time to time when i have a deadline. i try to keep my scraps in large ziplocks by color...then i store them on the very cottom shelf of my white cabinet. i will add more photos of how i keep things soon!! thanks gina!!

Keisha..
OMGoodness!! I can only dream of such a beautiful room...I love it! You have such amazing style K!
Quick question....I have been loving all of your awesome photos and was seriously thinking of getting the actions that you use. Do you use PSE or actual Photoshop because I only use PSE6? thanks K!
Also...just wanted to say...thanks for always sharing your work, and all that you do!
Take care!
Cindy

Posted by: cindy | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 07:04 AM

hi cindy!! i use CS3...i use to use PSE3, you are so totally welcome!!

Keisha, I love it. You've done a GREAT job. It's so inviting, you lucky thing! I notice that you use some SU definition stamps, could you please give me an idea as which sets, I'd love to order. SU or Hero Arts, I don't mind. Enjoy your new space!

Posted by: chantille | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 07:15 AM

sorry for just getting to you chantille...that set is Define Your Life-pg 156 of the summer/spring catalog!!

just love your scrap area. Just wondering where you got the shelves inside the closet? They fit absolutely perfect in there. Thanks for sharing.

Posted by: Genea Rotar | Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 08:11 AM

hi genea...those i had made here in China...they just happened to fit in there...my computer area desk with the shelves was supposed to be in there-but i measured it all wrong, lol...i was lucky that the green ones fit so well!!

Keisha, your room looks AMAZING! The glass cabinet is SOOO beautiful! If my studio space looked that inviting (that is, if I HAD a studio space), I don't think I would ever leave it. LOL Thanks for sharing!

Ummm, I have a question... what is that little round thing that is around the large brad on the LO called "Live, Laugh, Love?" It looks like painted metal or something. Is it a grommet?

Hugs!!!
~Denise

Posted by: dhill | Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 03:48 PM

hey denise!! that scallop chipboardstickers too circle is by MM...the 5th Ave  Elizabeth collection!!!

Hi Keisha-
I posted on your message about your new furniture and was asking where you were from, etc. But I think I came across something where you mentioned Detroit...I think it was about your husband being a Tiger fan (as we all are). I'm originally from Canada, just across the river in Windsor. Small world. My husband and I also lived in Novi, MI for several years before moving to California and now we are in Atlanta. When do you head back to Michigan?

Posted by: Lisa Soares | Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 01:50 AM

hi lisa!! let's hope fall/winter 08 won't change on me!!!! Go Pistons, right??!!!!

Keisha i have been lurking for ages just love your photos they are amazing.I would love to know do you photoshop them as they are always so vibrant and bright.Also what camera doy you use?>Take care Kerry xx

Posted by: Kerry Murray | Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 11:14 PM

hey Kerry...i put a link to my camera on the left column!!!! thanks!!

I have to ask..did you do that scallop edge by hand?

Posted by: Shawna | Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 11:58 PM

shawna, that is part of Heidi's paper...some of her new papers have an extra flap...this one had that cool scallop edge!!

First of all let me just say I love your stuff. Secondly, in browsing through your layouts I have noticed you sometimes "frame" your digital pics with a digital fancy outer frame. Where do you get those from??

Posted by: Arielle Miller | Thursday, May 01, 2008 at 11:04 AM

oh, arielle...try 2p's...Rhonna has gorgeous digi frames that i love to use!!

It looks like a beautiful place! Love all the vibrant pictures. Did you use any photo actions on them...if so, which ones?

Are you still doing the Garden Girl gig at 2 Peas?

Posted by: Lisa Soares | Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 10:41 PM

Hi Keisha , A vacation is just what I need I feel a bit jealous. I was just on 2 peas and I don't see you under the designers anymore . Whats up ? You are one of my favorite 2 peas . I will be bummed if your gone!

Posted by: Heather Miller | Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 02:03 AM

Lisa & Heather!! I did use actions...I love Maggie's, Brenda's and Leah's-so i mixed a bit of all of them!! And yes I did leave 2p's Garden Girl, I needed to lighten my load. I was feeling overloaded with deadlines, and falling behind. Plus, missing my family since i seemed to be always stuck in my studio. i hated that i had to let that spot go, but i feel better-lighter, lol!!

Love those pictures... The yummy brown contrasted with the white sand is great! And I can't believe your hubby would parasail in a country without osha and other safety rules? ha, I am a paranoid about that kind of stuff. Poor Kiela... car sickness is tough. Glad you're back! :)

Posted by: Joscelyne (Joscie) Cutchens | Friday, May 09, 2008 at 12:08 AM

joscie, he totally shocked me too!!!

Hi Keisha, I just came across this blog http://claudinehellmuth.blogspot.com/ about the laws changing about anyone being able to take your photos and use them in advertisements etc. If the bill is passed then this will be the case. For some reason I immediately thought of you and Laura Vegas because both of your photos are beautiful. Check out http://claudinehellmuth.blogspot.com/ where it has all the info in detail and there's forms apparently you can fill out to prevent this bill being passed.

Posted by: Rachal | Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 01:16 PM

wow, thanks tons Rachal...thanks for thinking of me!!

Glad that you are ok over in China. I just came back actually. I wonder how long does it take for you to get ur package of scrapbook material which I assume you are ordering online. Or you've found a scrapbook store there.
TQ

Posted by: hannie | Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 02:58 PM

hi hannie...it takes at least two weeks for my orders to come...sometimes i am lucky enough to get a few orders in a week...every so often things can take longer-i worry then. I don't buy much here..you can find things like ribbons, some solid 8.5x11 cardstock, buttons...

thankfully safe...

I was editing this photo of Kiela earlier today (around 2pm) when I felt the tremor here in Beijing. I had no clue that is what I was feeling; I thought I was a bit dizzy-swaying a bit in my chair. Thank goodness we were safe here in Beijing after a 7.8 earthquake in central China, I pray for those who've lost lives & homes in Chengdu (a place where my husband travels to often). I pray for those 900 hundred students trapped in a collapsed school there. Mira was late arriving home from school today because of an evacuation they had. There is much to pray for these days...

Thanks for the Mother's day wishes, I hope you all had a wonderful mothers day as well. I will update further tomorrow...

~k

Thailand album added....

I must admit that I wasn't thrilled about our trip, LaVaughn had to bug me about going. I ended up giving in. you see, I hate to FLY!! It scares me. The flight to Thailand was 5hrs, that didn't help!!

We almost had to stay home; we think Mira had a very slight case of Chicken Pox. She has had all her shots; she even was given a 2nd Chicken Pox vac at the beginning of the year. The day before we left we ran her to the docs who wasn't real sure if it was, lol!! He told us it was over, if it was, and to go!!

Yes, I am glad that we went. The girls had so much fun. Kiela found her love of the water, last year in Hawaii she wouldn't go in the water. When she did tip toe in the water she would have a fit if the water went past her knees. This time she pushed herself and that was it!!! She still doesn't like it to get in her eyes too much, but she could get enough of the water. Mira has swimming lessons in school every year. She can't swim very well, but she loves to play in the water. They are a bit sunburned and they're starting to peel now, lol!!

LaVaughn singed us up on this canoe adventure, but Kiela got carsick on our way there. She can't handle jerky stick driven cars. Plus the curvy road up & down mountains didn't help her tummy. She lost her cookies, poor baby. We had to have them take us back; I was afraid that the canoe ride would be worse-no refund, argh!!! It was a trip to James Bond Island; hubby was really excited to get some cool photos. Too bad we had to miss out. Kiela ended up getting sick on the way back as well. She was fine once we were out of the van, and back in the water!!

I still have tons on photos to get through. But here are a few of my faves...I hope you all enjoy!! thanks for missing me!!

Thailand photo album

this is a page i did for MM a few months ago using the Garden Party line

yay, a new MM Baby book!! and it is fabulous...I was lucky enough to be apart of this book...the designers really did some amazing things-you need this book!!

Thailand was beautiful!!!!

We spent the past week in Phuket Thailand at Ban Thai Resort.  It was so nice!!! HOT & MUGGY-so the beach & the pool is where the girls spent most of their time.

just got back last night...settling back in...it was nice to have two Making Memories boxes waiting on me-love the new stuff...i'll get back to blogging in a couple of days. i have over a thousand photos to weed through!!!

later~k

 

sorry, going on a vacation...

not there, but another warm sunny beach!!!

sorry i've been missing...but life got crazy here...chicken pox scare, busted pipe in a bathroom...projects & deadlines...

so we all need to get away here...be back soon...enjoy a few pages while i am away!!!

heidi swapp cha pages

 

hero arts page

Winner-Kathy D....

Thanks for taking the time leaving me a comment yesterday!! Amira picked our winner, she had no clue what she was doing or why. She picked #250 (of all comments made that day) ...I asked her why that number and she said because she liked it!! Then she wanted to know why she had to give me a number...then she wanted to know who won...then she wanted to read her comment!!

Keisha,
Just added your blog to my favorites. Visited for the first time today and love it. Thanks for sharing.

Posted by: Kathy D | Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 12:18 AM

Congrats #250 Kathy D!!!

Hero Arts stamp giveaway...(CLOSED)

just leave me a comment & I will randomly pick a winner-who will receive these stamps from Hero Arts!!! Check out the Hero Arts blog to see my project using some birdie stamps today!!! And Two Peas has a sale on spring items-great time to pick up spring Hero Arts stamps!!

ETA: comments are now closed!! i'll announce the winner Sat-thanks for the amazing comments & good luck!!

that cube & MM new site....

MM has the new site up!!! It looks very cool, I love it...do you...did you see it...you should!!

so here is the rest-finally!!! I used lots of MM Garden Party stuff-ribbon, buttons, chipboards, dot pp, flowers, shimmer paint on frames, photo cube; Maya Road scallop frames; Heidi Swapp bling & silhouette word 'love'; heidi Grace straight pins; Hero Arts stamps-definitions, background floral

I made this cube a month ago, just been so busy & forgot to post it!!

so yesterday...

this is why i can't work!!! Miss Kiela takes over my chair, my desk, my chips, my glass of lemonade and my ipod!!!

we couldn't play outside-that fluffy crap was everywhere...looked like it was snowing!!! She was mad we had to go in...

so Kiela made lemonade!!!

then she did magic for me!!

ok, grandma...you should be happy with new photos!! love ya!!

Q & A ; )

Hi Keisha-
I recently found your work on 2 Peas and I love your style! A layout of yours first caught my attention with the bookshelves in the background because I have similar ones in black. That was about a month ago and then somewhere along the way I was reading a post about people's favourite blogs to read and yours was listed. I clicked on it and was pleased to see it was you and how many other wonderful layouts you share here on your blog.

None of my business, I know, but if you care to share, I'd love to know why you're in China and for how long and where you're from here in the states and if you'll be coming back soon? It seems to be a very exciting adventure!

Sorry for the long post, but I'm not sure how to reach you on email.

Thanks again for all of the wonderful inspiration you share!

Posted by: Lisa Soares | Sunday, April 06, 2008 at 01:06 AM

Hi Lisa!!!  Thank you for the comment & compliments!!! my hubby's work brought us here...it was supposed to have been 2yrs-we have passed 3yrs now. Now we are looking at coming home by Dec 08, I am counting the days!!!

Your family is just precious, and model quality! I love your scrap style - the first thing I ever scraplifted when I first started scrapbooking was a layout of yours. But you studio is amazing! I can't imagine it improved! Looking forward to seeing it.

Posted by: shawn | Sunday, April 06, 2008 at 03:39 AM

wow, thanks Shawn!!!

Hi - just wanted to say how much I enjoy your beautiful layouts. I'm inspired by your photography too and your girls are gorgeous!
It's funny the layout you did to use some stuff you've been hoarding ... I have the same MM paper and Rhonna chipboard frame and Heidi Grace pin and felt flowers out on my table ready to use - because just as you said - I wanted to use up some stuff I've been hoarding!

Posted by: Beverley Warwick | Friday, March 28, 2008 at 06:05 PM

lol, that's too funny Beverley...did you use that stash yet???!!!

I was wondering if you print from home and if you do, what kind of printer do you use. Also how do you print the strips of pictures like they are out of a photo booth?Love your layouts. Love how you incorporate ribbon in everything.

Posted by: Laura | Friday, March 28, 2008 at 08:54 PM

Hey Laura, thanks!!!! I do print all my photos from home-always have!!! I have a Epson R1800 ( cause Heidi Swapp loved it, lol)...I had it for over a year, maybe 2yrs. I work with Microsoft Picture It photo program to make my photos in various sizes-because I haven't figured out how to do it in Photoshop, lol!! I just line them in a row to make them into a strip!!

yet another comment to say, I love your work, I love your style, I love your photography! Are you coming back to Hawaii anytime? and I do give you credit for being overseas... it must be tough...(other than the maid thing, hee hee) We're stationed in Pearl Harbor (under current orders til about 2010) but hope to stay here atleast 5 more years.... I'd love to see you in HI!

Posted by: Joscelyne (Joscie) Cutchens | Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 12:41 AM

Hey Joscie!!! I wish we were taking a trip back to Hawaii...maybe on our way back in Dec...my hubby & the girls are itching to go back. Must be a dream to be able to live there. Not sure if I'd want us stationed there-it scares me being in the middle of all that water...I can do a week!!! Someday we will be back and I hope you'll still be there!!

so... i post/read over at ckmb and there was a lady distraught over not being able to enter SOY because she was with her dh stationed somewhere overseas... and after discussing with their lawyers etc... they have amended the rules so military families stationed overseas would be eligible. First thing I thought of was you. ;)

Posted by: Joscelyne (Joscie) Cutchens | Saturday, March 29, 2008 at

That so funny Joscie...my hubby won it for the position here!!! I am so proud of him, he really works hard!!

Hi-

All of your layouts are beautiful. Where do you get the paper that looks like it has been torn out of a notebook?

Thank you.

-Jamie

Posted by: Jamie | Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 06:30 AM

Jamie, that was done with Stampin Up "spiral punch"!!!!

Gosh Keisha, how do you always outdo yourself. I can't stop looking at these great pieces of art. I have those definition stamps in my Stampin Up wish list, you've shown so many ways to use them in a LO. I never would have purchased them if I didn't see how you used them.
and the new HS stuff is beautiful. Keep them coming!

Posted by: Carla | Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 09:02 AM

CARLA!!!!! LOL, i see others using stuff in a cool way, then i have to have it!!! You did some amazing stuff on your blog, your lifts were fab-wow, thanks!!! laura told me to check you out...i couldn't post a comment-sorry

Gosh - your work just kills me every time. I'd love to see how you work a boy page - can I send you some photos? LOL! (wink-wink)

Posted by: betsy | Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 10:58 PM

Betsy, I know...I am so bad with keeping up on my male pages. You would think my husband didn't exist!! I will try to get some up soon...thanks!!

Thankyou for your kind words, Keisha... *AND* for all the info!!! Just now seeing it... I'm such a DORK, lol! Anyway, you are a tremendous help and I appreciate it. I have one more question for you if you wouldn't mind... how do you get your pics to download so big on Typepad? When I download mine at 600 (or even 400), it cuts the width off thus making it shorter. Not sure if it's my photos or my weblog design that I need to edit (right now I have my theme set to Classic 3 Columns) or what??? Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to give me! xoxoxox, C.

Posted by: Christy | Sunday, March 30, 2008 at 01:34 AM

LOL, C!!! Ok, if you haven't figured this one out yet...I make my photo the same size. But in the typepad menu where you add your photo....in #2 Image size options--->custom size--->thumbnail size------>width 450 or 500 pixels!! I make them bigger so it will be easier for folks to see...and better for my mom to steal photos!!!

Just a question. Why do you scrap the same pictures of your kids over and over and over again? No offense but your scrapbooks must get boring if it's always the same pictures. Just curious.

Posted by: Dianne | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 07:45 PM

LOL, Dianne...ok, so I have two girls...they each have their own albums...then i have family albums-so it's really not boring!!! Especially if it's a photo of both girls together-they'll both have that photo in their album!!! Plus, if it is a project for one of my DT's...I might not get that project back...I still want that photo in one or many of my albums!!! I also may print a photo in the wrong size-I save it to use when I am running low on ink or photo paper...it's not always easy for me to restock those items being here. Some photos I love & love to scarp them for more that one project(like an album, mini album, photo cube or my wall)...I have many reasons that may not seem clear, sorry!!!! But these are usually why!!

Hi, I found your blog a while ago when I googled scrapbook and Beijing. I love it! Turns out now, it is looking like my family will be moving to Beijing in the summer for two years and I was hoping you might be able to tell me what the scrapbook situation is there if any! I was there for a few days ten years ago and based on how things were then, I'm not too hopeful. My husband who has been flying back and forth a lot over the past year tells me things have changed a lot so I have a minuscule amount of hope. Would also appreciate any ideas or tips you might have on what I should bring (in regards to scrapbking), etc. or any tips in general, but I don't want to take up too much of your time! Thank you very much. Margie

Posted by: Margie | Tuesday, April 01, 2008 at 11:30 PM

wow, how cool Margie!!! I would say get all you can before you come. There are no scrapbook stores here. Get as much cardstock & paper as you can-paper can be costly to order online because it gets heavy!!! maybe have a friend or family mail you stuff...leave them with a list & photo of your fave glues & tapes & so on-that stuff you use often so they can make a big box to send monthly or every few months. I "hear" shipping is costly...we are a military family so we pay what is paid in the states. Get all the tools you will need-those are usually heavy, so best to bring them. There are photo places, I print from home-always!! Just get all you can if you think that shipping costs will be an issue for you. There are office supply store (even Staples)...art stores for paints & brushes and such...Go to Michale's get all you need NOW, i miss Mike's!!! good luck!!

OK, it's 10pm...I've been blogging for 2hrs...I need to work & get ready for bed. I'll finish the questions tomorrow, sorry.

Check in tomorrow for a new project-why...because i will offer a surprise giveaway!!!!!!!!!!

come back tomorrow for the rest of this...

photo cube using MM goodies!! sorry for being MIA...my buddy Tracy & her family moved back to the states today-sigh...and I have been trying to spend the past few days & weeks with her...mostly shopping, lol!! I wish we could have left today as well...sadly we have a few more months-argh!!

now that i no longer have a partner in crime...i can focus on my projects & blogging-but not til tomorrow!!~k

something new...

it started with me wanting that white glass cabinet & some new chairs...i am now in heaven!! the girls love it-they say it looks like a "real studio" now...the new desk & white chair is their fave to sit at(they fight for it)...see all their finger prints on the desk!! LaVaughn loves it too...he comes in turning on the new lighting & taking a seat in that white chair too.

At night lighting drove me crazy, I have a hard time telling pink from red and matching up colors...i have been through so many bulbs trying to brighten things up. I was also feeling that my studio was getting too cluttered. The stuff i had in my windows began to drive me crazy. The old cabinet was to small & not so cute, lol. I needed a place for pattern papers...and so on...

we had to take the door down...this is the Liatorp glass cabinet from Ikea...it's huge with tons of space...not sure what will end up on the top shelf...and those plastic drawers will be gone as soon as i figure out better storage for the stuff in them!!

Skruvsta white chair-love it!

Tertial desk lights-super bright, yay!!

Vika Gruvan/ Vika Artur desk-nothing new to most of you!!

Flygge wall lights-very cool!!

Lindmon blinds-what a big difference!

new trash can, i've been wanting this for a while-lol

photo album here

two Jules chairs-the girls & their friends are always on the computer or laptop...only thing, these chairs make you feel like you will slide right off...they have a weird slant to them...and i don't think I put them together wrong!!

the canvas on top are way too bausy for me...but they will stay until a new idea comes to mind!!

a couple of pages...for the first page I used MM 5th Ave papers & spiral book, flowers, brads, staples, 5th ave chipboard circle; Hero Arts phrase stamps on photo & swirl stamp on red scallop pp; Heidi Grace stright pin; Fancy Pants scallop felt; Bazzill polka dot brad

this is a bit wild for me-but i loved the colors together...MM 5th ave damask pp, Noteworthy felt flowers, anthology scallop chipboard frame, rub-on letters; Jenni Bowlin tickets, journaling flower & house; swirl stamp Rhonna; Stampin Up stamps for the circles; Strano green dot ribbon

I am really enjoying palying with action...I never know what they will do to a photo...I just keep trying different ones until I get a cool look-like the first photo of Amira from last week...omg, no more little girl...she'll be in middle school next year...

I used Maggie's color pop & Leah's xactions in old church-who knows what else!!

same photo with just Maggie's lighten up & color pop actions

Q & A ; )

eta:i will update this throughtout the day