A Bit East-coast

lulu.

.[lulu].

Lulu makes our little family complete! She is doted on by all of us-I like to let everyone know that Lulu loves me the most. I am the one that she comes to when she wants water(always from the bathroom sink), to eat, or when she needs to potty. She knows I am the one she can count on-the others would let her starve, lol!

.[products].

TCD Memories line: flowers, letter stickers, envelope, diecut doily, cardstock sticker

a Valentine-layout?

.[new LAYOUT].

It has been a long-long time since I have done a layout. For my TCD dt blog post today I thought I would do a layout-to ease myself back into that side of my creativity, lol. I knew I wanted to have a few hearts popping off my page-so I stitched them vertically down on my page. I went from 8.5x11 to 12x12 by adding the white pattern paper-I had intended for this to be a 8.5x11! But it didn't feel right so I went bigger. I used TCD's Stationary Noted line for this page-a perfect line for Valentine projects. 

.[products].   garland, paper, white notebook pp, chipboard

 

 

.[what you said/what you asked].

 

www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawlMKwn_px2856WWnzhlkZAFW2oUliRfoU4 said:

Keisha, is a few years I follow your blog your creations are so gorgeous. I like your style! Please could you tell me the name of Martha's punch (heart with love inside)? I don't know where to buy it! Thank you. Giuli

Reply | Edit | View | 2 days ago on love boxes.

 

Giuli...try 

Martha Stewart Crafts Heart Seal Medium Double Punch that link should help you! I hope!! Thanks;-)

 

 

Heaven said:

Keisha, these are gorgeous! So simple and yet so elegant. Love it! I'm going to send you my mailing address so I can be on the list to get some of these goodies! (j/k) LOL :p

Reply | Edit | View | 5 days ago on love boxes.

 

Heaven...If I had your addres you might get a surprise!!!

 

 

Meganhoeppner.blogspot.com said:

Your work is just beautiful! I'm glad I found your blog. I've been pinning the dickens out of it. Thanks for the inspiration!

Reply | Edit | View | Feb 3, 2013 on Valentine's Day Ins…

 

Megan, you made me a happy girl...I love being pinned!! Thanks!!

valentine decor.

.[potted hearts].

This year I wanted to make all of my Valentine decorations-and I did! These potted hearts I did last weekend-the larger hearts were meant to be a album...I had to find ways to cover the ring holes in them. They also came covered with canvas. I have been trying to use the red/pink ribbon for over a year-it's from a Loft shopping bag...and I have more!

.[new bow].

I made a pretty pink bow-tie for Lulu. I had to snap a photo of her wearing it, she is so chic. The next photo cracks me up-she LOVES peanut butter. Her tongue looks fake-but it's not...

Related articles

love signs.

5 days of Valentine's inspiration: day 1

merry & bright.

[the story]

The Saturday after Black Friday LaVaughn and I went tree shopping-there is nothing like a real tree! We have grown tired of the fake tree we have had for the past 4 years, and it was time to go back to buying real trees for Christmas. The smell is amazing-and they just look better. Yeah, I hate the mess and trying to keep them watered-argh(LaVaughn really keeps it watered)! Lulu keeps hitting the tree with her tail when she is looking out the window, and needles are constantly falling from that...and a few ornaments.

[around the house]

I can't stop adding to the decorations! I had to get this pine cone wreath and a few more vintage ornaments-which I love dripping from the mirror. I have been a bit obsessed with taking photos of everything over the past few days. It's a great way for me to polish up on my photography-I have been learning some new tips from some great photography pins. I struggle with sharpness & noise-but when I find a spot with perfect light I am truly excited. It has been driving me batty not being able to get a clear, sharp, and bright photo of the vase with the branches & hanging pine cones/icicles-I have taken HUNDREDS of photos of just that...and from every angle. I just don't get why I am not getting the results I want, lol!!

 

[lulu]

No, Lulu. You didn't hear Santa coming...yet!

[can you see us]

I was all in Lulus' bed to get this photo!

[Q & A]

 

Caligirlfrtx said:

Hey Keisha, I was just up in NOVA on Sun. at Tysons, I didnt know there was a RH outlet! Where did you get the vases, I havent seen them at my Target, is that where theyre from? Love your decor!

Reply | Edit | View | Nov 28, 2012 on deals or steals.

Hello Caligirl...I love and hate Tyson's area...love the shopping, hate the traffic/construction!!! I was there 3x's last week doing some Christmas shopping. All that stuff was from Target! I was so shocked to see that there was still a few items left-they had marked it down a couple weeks before. I think what I found was probably backstock that was missed-lucky for me! Because it wasn't there a couple days before that-trust me...I am there way too often hoping for a deal!!

 

 

Ngj9600 said:

Kiesha, your home is so gorgeous! I just love it- should totally be on HGTV! And it makes me even more giddy to know that you are a bargain shopper, too! Love awesome clearance sales and sweet deals!!! Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful home and great finds with us! --Nitasha

Reply | Edit | View | Nov 29, 2012 on deals or steals.

 

Nitasha...thank you so much!! I am a total bargin shopper-if it is not on sale I won't buy it(period). I love to clip coupons and keep a stash of them in my purse at all times. I have even created a monster-my husband...LaVaughn is always asking me if there is a coupon or code or sale. And he gets a bit put-off if I don't have any extra discounts, lol. I used to love the outlets-but now they have turned into cheap quality product made for outlet stores-so I don't buy the stuff that they have TONS of in stock. I believe the more I save the more I can buy;-)

 

 

Holly Sloat said:

Love the ornament but I'm not going to lie...that hand in kinda freakin' me out!

Reply | Edit | View | 2 days ago on an ornament.

 

LOL, Holly...you are not alone! My friend says the same thing-I think it's kinda of artsy!!

Related articles

vintage ornaments, love.

o f f i c e

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Last Wednesday afternoon in the office...

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I want to paint the office, so I tried my sample out. This color is really for the family room, I am sick of the blue in there. I am thinking of painting the family room & the office the same color...they are both the brightest rooms in the house and can take this deeper grey...

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ginny said:

Keisha, these are beautiful! Do you mind if your layouts are pinned to Pinterest? I get so much inspiration from your layouts, but I do want to be respectful. Love the shipping tag flag! I think you are probably responsible for everyone buying tags today!

Reply | Edit | View | 9 hours ago on new teresa collins …

Hi Ginny...umm...I. Always. Love that!! LOL, thanks for asking. I love the pinners, thank you to all who have been pinning.

 

 

Holly S said:

LOVE!!! That colored metal rimmed tag...did you color it and if so what did you use? Love that soft yellow.

Reply | Edit | View | 7 hours ago on new teresa collins …

Hey Holly...that metal rimmed tag is from the Martha Stewart line at Staples!!!

 

 

s l e e p i n g l u l u

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OMG, this dog is a mess! Lulu needs to get in at least 23hrs of sleep because her life is really rough. She is doted on all day by all of us...special treats, bones and walks (mostly by LaVaughn). She prefers her water straight from the bathroom faucet, and you cannot say walk, ball, treat, or bone-unless you can commit to those words! Lulu has 4 beds in various rooms through the house; this is her in my studio. Wearing a new crocheted scarf, I use girly colors to show she is a girl-but people still ask!

She is the sweetest dog; she will lick you to death. Just in case you're wondering, this is not a watchdog (these photos are not misleading). The worst thing you can say about Lulu is-she SHEDS everywhere. The shedding drives me crazy. 

She was a shelter dog, found in a field at 8wks(?). The shelter said she was a Beagle mix-I never saw Beagle in her. I have always thought she was more Lab...Mira swears Boxer. She has more of a Lab temperament, very good with kids. 

 

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Heaven said...

Keisha,
I have a quick question for you. Have you ever used the Slice Fabrique Design Cards? I've never heard of them until tonight and I know you're kinda the Slice guru lol So I figured I'd ask you for your opinion on them. Are they the same as the other design cards, meaning do they only cut fabric or can they be used with cardstock? Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
:)

ReplySaturday, February 04, 2012 at 07:10 PM

Hey Heaven...The Fabrique cards were designed for fabric projects. I have used them to cut cardstock & it worked for me. *I* have used both types of cards in both machines without a problem-but regular Slice cards with detailed images might not cut well with fabric. I hope that made sense!!

Aya said...

Hi Keisha,

Our dog is the spitting image of your beloved Lulu. We got her from a local shelter here in Texas. She was found wandering as well, but she was several years old when we adopted her over 5 years ago.

Our dog is the best dog in the world - everyone says so. She has a wonderful temperament and she's great around kids, adults, and other dogs. After a few years, we decided to get her DNA tested to see what breed mixture she contains. Ours is half yellow lab, part Chow, and the rest is an unknown mix. Your Lulu is definitely at least half yellow lab. Just thought you might want to know! :)

Great scarf! Looks nice on Lulu!
-Aya

ReplySaturday, February 04, 2012 at 11:02 PM

Hi Aya...It's so funny you say Lulu looks like your dog. Lately, I have seen so many dogs that look just like her-which I find weird since she is a mix of stuff, lol!! We really want to have her tested to see what her mix is-one day. She is just as sweet as you dog...there was a baby over this weekend and all Lulu wanted to do was lick her in the mouth! The neighborhood kids love her-she sits to let them rub her.

 

s c a r f

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scarf /skärf/

Noun:

A length or square of fabric worn around the neck or head. A joint connecting two pieces of timber or metal in which the ends are beveled or notched so that they fit over or into each other.

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A few days ago I crocheted Lulu a scarf! When I first learned to crochet (years ago)-I only remember one way of doing it. So I went to Crafty Minx and watched a few of her videos for some new techniques. I went with a simple pattern and Martha Stewart's new yarn to make a quick doggie scarf...

p l a y i n g t a g

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playing 

 present participle of play (Verb)

Verb:

Engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose. Engage in (a game or activity) for enjoyment.

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I am still playing with my tags & embossing. Trying to keep the posts coming & blogging something!! We had a great Christmas & New Year-now it's time to pack-up the decorations,sigh. The house looks so bare when it all comes down. Now I am off to doing some cleaning, later!

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q and a

Abbreviation:

A question and answer period or exchange.

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Lori in AZ said:

Merry Christmas, Keisha! I have been a follower of your blog ever since China. Your style is great! I have a few slice questions: what cartridges do you have in your collection? Which one(s)you use a lot? What's your favorite and why? I love your slice die cuts but don't know which you use when you post your work. Please tell which with a layout/card/craft. Thank you so much!

Reply | Edit | View | Dec 25, 2011 on o r i g i n a l

Hey Lori...Yikes, let's see I have 22 cards...I have all the Christmas cards & Halloween cards; I love the cards with words & expressions. And if it has cool butterflies, I HAVE to have it-Paper Reverie, Vintage Findings, Jungle, Just Chillin-all have the best butterflies and are my top favorites. Paper Reverie also has leaves that I LOVE. Paper Reverie & Vintage Findings have a great BEE shape that I love to use. Noteworthy & Wedding I use most for flowers-Wedding has great letters & words too. Fall Back To School is a top card-great letter/number fonts and shapes. Mix & Mingle has lots of letter/number fonts. 

I use Paper Reverie, Vintage Findings, and Just Chillin most of all-and if you see a butterfly, bee, bird, leaves or words on one of my pages-it was done with one of those cards.

PatienceFaithandHope said:

Original is definitely what your work is! I love it, I will admit I do stalk your blog but it's mainly to see your beautiful home decor. It is the complete opposite of mine Merry Christmas and thank you for sharing your talent with all of us. You inspire me!

Reply | Edit | View | Dec 25, 2011 on o r i g i n a l

Patience, I love it when people stalk my blog! I just have a stalker that is literally a stalker-not in a good or funny way...but creepy. Thanks for being one of the fun stalkers, lol!!!

Heaven said:

Love Love LOVE these! So pretty. Keisha your art is always amazing. How are you making those faboo boxes and where did you ever find all that glittery ribbon?? Love it all! :)

Reply | Edit | View | Dec 23, 2011 on o r i g i n a l

Heaven, I was all over Michael's holiday ribbons!! I can't wait until next year so I can add more to my stash!!

 

fran heupel said:

where is your scrapbook table from? love it and love your style.

Reply | Edit | View | 5 days ago on s t u d i o

Hi Fran...my large craft table with the shelves was made when we lived in China-a Pottery Barn knockoff.

 

 

janice said:

Keisha, I simply love everything you create. Your style is so pretty. If I may ask, can you please show us some of your storage ideas on things like how you store unmounted rubber stamps?? That would be so cool. Also, how do you store your bulky scrap layouts? Love your blog, def one of my top favs.

Reply | Edit | View | 3 days ago on e m b o s s i n g

Hello Janice...I keep my clear/unmounted in a canvas storage basket. And I plan to keep my bulky/odd sized pages in a linen storage box from Restoration Hardware. Right now I put them in clear plastic bins.

I'll try to post a photo of the stamp storage later this week, thanks!!!!!

 

 

 

sarah said:

I miss your pages, but your tags are just as fab!! Happy new year to you & your family x x

Reply | Edit | View | Yesterday on o n m y d e s k

Sarah LOL, good to hear that the pages are missed! I just need to take some time to recharge and work with where my inspiration is, kwim??!!

 

 

:photo happy:

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photobomb
	December 5, 2009 Urban Word of the Day (verb)- to drop in a photo unexpectedly...to hop in a picture right before it is taken.

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Please, excuse the crazy one in the photo. He was supposed to be watching football-looks like he's not getting enough attention. Enjoy the rest of the photos...

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glit·ter/ˈglitər/

Verb:	Shine with a bright, shimmering, reflected light.
Noun:	Bright, shimmering, reflected light.
Synonyms:	verb.  sparkle - glisten - twinkle - gleam - scintillate - glint noun.  sparkle - lustre - luster - glint - brilliance - sheen

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My latest addiction-glitter ribbons spools!! LOVE love LOVE. I made all those necklaces on the dress form(lots of Making Memories pieces), they've been there for months-so pretty all together. I forget to wear them & that scarve.

I spent yesterday taking some new studio photos-while the sun was around. I just need to finish editing them...

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*Q and A* 

 _{adjective [before noun]}

 Definition mainly US abbreviation for question and answer

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Comment by:
Kathy Chen

4 days ago

Love your home decor - it's so elegant and warm! Where did you get the peppermint hanging on your mantel?

On the post: :fa la la: Blog: A Bit East-coast

Hi Kathy-Thanks! That I snagged up at Hobby Lobby last month,I wish now I got a few more!!

Comment by:
Heaven

6 days ago

Love the red butterflies.. Did you make the pom poms? Awesome!

On the post: :fa la la: Blog: A Bit East-coast

No, Heaven...well, not really! Store bought-I had to puff them!!

i love a good mail day...

 For the past two days it has been a good mail day. Boxes of new stuff from Making Memories, Jenni Bowlin and Studio Calico!! It was hard to pick which goodies to play with first. I went with the fab new Valentine line Je t'Adore from Making Memories-it stole my heart! This is the page I was able to do with it today...

products: lt pink ledger pp, lg diecut hearts, sm heart, banners, metallic heart, rose brad
 
 
 
 

 

Heaven said:

Stunning as always! How do you keep the flower embellishments from getting squashed in an album? Your dog looks so much like ours, only ours is a yellow lab. We to have to send him to bed when company comes over because even though he's almost 6 years old, he's still very high strung, and quite excitable. Do you use a crate when you're not home? :)

Reply | Edit | View | Yesterday on Sweetest Smile-SC D…

Hey Heaven...For bulky items I don't want to be smashed I place them in keepsake boxes! And yes, Lulu is crated when we are not home. We are working to be able to let her loose while we are gone. At this moment she just is not ready for that. We tried last week and she set off the alarm, lol!

 

 

 

 

sarah said:

oooh, bad lulu, our 5yr old staffy {juke} is gd, but then along cam ernie {we got another puppy staffy} & he's ripped up the bed, juke thought he would join in too, s now they only have blanket's...? Love your page & how your using up pp at the moment x

Reply | Edit | View | 9 hours ago on Sweetest Smile-SC D…

Sarah, I am guessing that gd is for Great Dane...and that is a lot to handle (even in puppy stage)! I used to long for one-until I saw one drooling!! Lulu has two beds and she had better not chew the one that is left.

 

 

 

 

Jill Taylor said:

(Hope you appreciate that remodeler--not all of us are that fortunate :) Another fabulous, as always, layout. Is that an older kit stamp from SC? Only been following them for a bit, but I don't remember that one. Love it!

Reply | Edit | View | 6 hours ago on Sweetest Smile-SC D…

 

 

Jill, we are totally thankful for all that we are able to do. I am VERY thankful LaVaughn is so handy-saves us so much money!! And it makes him proud to say he did this or that! Yes, that stamp is an older stamp from SC-not sure if it was apart of a kit or sold separately.