A Bit East-coast

some Studio Calico goodness...

I have had the new Studio Calico papers & stickers for a month. I started this first lo weeks ago and finished it yesterday-sigh. Love the new line-great colors & designs. I also used some Slice cards I just got this week to do the apples, snowflakes and some lettering on these projects.

Kiela page: Studio Calico papers(green pattern & circle pattern pp), journaling card under flower; MM Slice Fall/Back to School card(apples-aren't they cute?!); Martha Stewart double loop punch, lg butterfly punch, Flock powder for circles(i love that stuff); Prima flower

Snow Day lo: Studio Calico pps(green & yellow), journaling card, stickers, letter stamps; Making Memories Mistletoe card for snowflakes, Words & Expressions card for 'snow'
 My Snowman lo: Studio Calico pps (orange, green graph, orange floorplan),letter stickers , journaling card; Making Memories Mix & Mingle card for 'man' letters, Mistletoe card for lg snowflake; American Crafts Ginger letter stamps (my); I did the small snowflakes with a Martha Stewart punch & Maya Mist
 

   Ok, so I still had a few snow photos from LAST year to edit, lol. I finally did them, since I wanted to scrap photos that had Amira in them...and this year I have no snow photos with her(so far-fingers crossed;-). I totally forgot about the snowball fight!!!



 

 

Q & A ;-)...

Boy...oh boy....

thanks Terry A! I am on a bit of a boy/guy page role. I did these two over the past couple of days.

 

Terry A said:

Way cool on the boy/masculine pages. Keep 'em coming, maybe once a week or month? I just love your layouts regardless of boy or girl! Thanks!

Yesterday on Another go at a guy…

 

How about I'll put this offer out...I'll scrap a page for one of you all once a month?! I'll pick a random visitor from my comments once a month-either boy or girl. I'll do a posting called "I'll scrap for YOU" once a month and I will pick a winner to scrap one page for. Sounds good? And I will start with you Terry A!! So send me a photo or two and I will have a page for you next week. klcards@aol.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This page I did of my husband while we were at The Temple of Heaven in Beijing China last summer. He always has to talk when I am trying to take his photo, argh!! I seem to be loving my star & arrow punches for these pages! I had to add the Heidi Swapp ghost letters this morning...that space seemed too plain. And I didn't want to add anything overwhelming-so I went with my ghost letter stash(i am a bad hoarder). Here is the page w/o the letters:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just stop Talking page products: MM Just Chillin' boys line pps(brown dot, orange star), silver brads, ribbon; Pebbles journal cards; Bazzill cardstocks; vellum; Jenni Bowlin text button; Fiskars star & circle punch....journaling & title I did on the computer fonts-decker(title), splendid 66(text)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Smirk page products: MM Just Chillin boys line pps(brown dot, blue star); Stampin Up circle stamps, and arrow punch; Heidi Swapp circle letter; Pebbles journaling card...Sorry for the typo in the journaling on the page...it sound say "with that smirk it is how you'll go down in history-still funny?"

I didn't want to fill in the card yet. Because I knew I would hate my writing, lol. I always do-but I will fill it in...the photo was taken at a park in Beijing across from the old American embassy.

 

 

Q & A:

Brandi said:

Hi Keisha~ Love all of your layouts posted but am taken by "photo notes". There's just something about vellum of which I'm going to start using more often now that you've inspired me to do so. I'm much like you in the sense that my layouts can take hours to days to complete. I also walk away from them and return much later with a new idea/renewed vision. When I have a mental block and not much inspiration I will scour my favorite scrappers online for inspiration and for templates to get me kick started. I love Pencil Lines website for templates which inspire me when in a block. Even Card-A-Licious's website inspires me for my 12x12 layouts. I'm still puttering in finding my own DNA in the layout design phase but am on my way. Thank you for sharing your talent with us :)

Yesterday on Another go at a guy…

 

Yes, Brandi...get a new love for vellum!! I really love to use it-it hasn't always been that way.

 

 

mel brewin said:

Layouts as usual are stunning & always such stunning photos!!! Your girls are beautiful. Do you tend to use many actions before publishing your photos?? (they are very photogenic but the photos always seem to pop??!!!) Thanks for all your inspiration. Love it. Mel

Yesterday on Another go at a guy…

 

 

Thanks Mel! I do use actions on all my photos...there are links to photography blogs that I have got my actions from on the right side. I really love Maggie's and Leah's-but they all have great actions.

 

kateisner said:

Love the layouts! You have such a classy style and I love how you incorporate stamps on your layouts. Love the pics of your little girl. I have a 13 year old who will not stand still or avoids me at all costs when i have my camera in hand. She does have some days that I catch her in a decent mood and she lets me shoot a few. My 8 yo dd and 4 yo ds just love the camera, I know not for long, lol. Kat

Yesterday on Another go at a guy…

 

 

Oh, Kat...I think I am going to have to pay Amira(she's 12) this weekend for a few photo's!! Or pay Kiela so that she will get jealous and offer her services if I pay her too, lol!! I am so desperate at this point when it comes to my Mira.

where is the love, right???

  I am trying to get back into the groove of things. And since it is my most favorite time of the year to scrap- I scrapped!!! Last night I was in a {heart} loving mood....and I have been dying to use my new Making Memories Valentine line...and some Jenni Bowlin...and those new Martha Stewart Valentine punches...I scrapped these three pages. I had a small break in assignments that I have been working on for different things, so I took advantage of my free time. It has been hard to scrap without my desks & the organization I am used to. My sweet friend Tracy (who I have blogged about in the past, she left China a few months before we did...and was supper sweet in letting us stay with her & her family for our first week back in the states)...she gave me her old craft table to use in the meantime. Which helps a lot...I am just going crazy waiting on our stuff to come from China.

Last week we received our stuff from Illinois-we haven't seen this stuff in over 4yrs!! It's good to have our own furniture again...just not good to have the extra junk we kept, lol. Our 2 car garage is PACKED, argh. LaVaughn has been weeding through the boxes of old clothes & general crap. Can't get Salvation Army or Goodwill to pick up some of this stuff-which frustrates us. Hoping really hard to have our last shipment from China next week...although I hate thinking of all the boxes we'll have to unpack-AGAIN!!

Enough of my woe is me...and whining...sorry for the lag in postings. I hope to be back to posting at least once a week soon. Now I need to work on Kiela's Valentine's & cupcakes for school tomorrow-woohoo...we didn't get to do these things in China!! Enjoy these Valentine page ideas and photos...

 

 

products: Jenni Bowlin pp's & bingo card...cardstock...MM tag, metal Valentine tag, button straight pin, "xo" brads...Martha kiss me & love punches...Hero Arts swirl stamp

 

 

products: MM pp's, diecuts, stickers...Fiskars Upper Crest border punch...Jenni Bowlin bingo card...Martha Stewart kiss me heart punch

 

 

products: MM papers, tags, diecuts, rub-on's, straight pin...New Fiskars Upper Crest border punch...Jolee's jewels swarovski elements(pink bead on straight pin & rhinestones) from Michael's

 

my new favorite things~clear buttons from La Mode...which are 40% off this week at Joann's. I buy a few every time they are on sale.

 

Perfect heart punches from Marvy & Martha that I loved using for my pages.

be still my heart...

ahhh...it's Friday morning now and we had a sweet Vday dinner out. LaVaughn surprised me with dinner at a sweet Brazilian restaurant in the city. Left the girls with a sitter-something I hardly ever do!! I love this guy...he believe's in me & pushes me to do more with my hobby-gotta love that!!

We took this photo about 2wks ago...not that great, but good enough. He says I don't get it my all when I kiss him...and he says he does. This photo is what he thinks proves his point. I was laughing because it seemed like forever for the timer to stop!!

This is a little tag I made with Bazzill chipboard, more MM NOteworthy...MM Classically defined sticker...MM Simply Fab ribbon/with pearl ring...Heidi Swapp bling...Heidi Grace stick pin...Martha Stewart scallop heart punch.

Once I finish updating I must make Vday cookies. Kiela said to me yesterday "mama, we didn't make Valentine cookies". I am so bad, spent the whole day cleaning the whole house. I have not done that in 2yrs, my Ayi has been away for 2wks-and boy have we been spoiled. We are so not use to cleaning & ironing. I always do the wash, I just usually don't have to iron or put it away, lol!!

Then I MUST scrap, i really want to...have some ideas floating in my head...new stuff is popping up...I LOVE the new Jenni Bowlin...the star & butterflies-whoa, sweet!!

I brought my first set of actions from Brenda Acunius-love her photos. Fave photo blog too(another fave phto blog is Leah Profancik-cool actions too), she has a action site too posted on her blog. I am new to using actions-I have a lot to learn. I am confused with it all, not sure if I am doing them right, hummmm...a few photos with her actions to see how they look online...

I took this photo of Kiela last week, she doesn't get how long winter last and she thought this outfit was perfect for 40degree weather...

this is from last month, she was crying...look at those big sad eyes...

Mira last week...

another from last week...Mira had a week off from school for Chinese New Year...so it was a good time to take photos...

this is a bit grainy, but i love it...

this was a BIG thrill....my sweets on the COVER...my first!!!!

Questions & Answers:)

Love your work. This is my first time reading your blog...glad I found it. I do have a question, although I'm not sure you're willing to tell your secretes. How did you make the hugs, kisses, and love hearts? Are the letters punched out or stuck on? I love the effect. I've new to any scrapping material other than Creative Memories...so I would love to learn some new techniques.

Posted by: Shakhan | Friday, February 15, 2008 at 10:32 AM

I am totally blown away with everything you make !!! I first saw your blog a few months ago, and I must say I see scrapbooking in a whole new way, now. You have become kind of a model to me... Thanks for sharing your passion !!

I also wanted to ask you if there's a link or an internet site where we can see or order those beautiful MM chipboard scallop hearts you decorated for Valentine's day. I can't seem to find them anywhere, especially not on the MM site... Thanks in advance, if you have the time to answer me... :-)

Posted by: LaNouche | Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 11:34 PM

Hey Shakhan & LaNouche...try here for the hearts MM...I think I saw them on JoAnn's

What a wonderful treat! Love the valentine's, and I'm totally diggin' that chocolate ribbon!! I have more questions....what kind of printer do you use to print out your little photos for your pages? OK, I had more but forgot them....

Posted by: cathy | Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 01:11 AM

Hey Cathy...i have a Epson Stylus R1800

Hi Keisha! I've known ya since way back in the day and may I just say: your husband is gorgeous!! Just like the rest of the family. I cannot believe how much the girls have grown up. Time does fly. And your work just keeps getting prettier. Wishing you a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Posted by: Cami | Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 02:21 AM

Cami, I know who you are!!! I need to see what you have in your Ebay store!!! thanks for saying hi!!

I won't deny that I enjoy reading your blog...more updates would make me happy, too!! Your Valentines are unbelievable! I am going to shamelessly "lift" the first one for my DH....They are just beautiful. And as for your family? They are more beautiful each time you post. Thank you so much for sharing....your time, your thoughts, your projects, and your family.

Posted by: Theresa Grdina | Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 02:57 AM

Theresa, thanks...I hope you Vday was sweet...did you make something for your hubby, did he like it??

well i was thinkin it too, but only cause i love seeing your stuff.. it is pink, i have all boys, see what i am getting at? hee.

Posted by: mandydake | Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 03:38 AM

Mandy, I don't know what I would do if i had boys!!! But I see where you are going...look for a guy page soon. I need to scrap that photo of my hubby!!

great projects and photos.
and your DH is a hunk!! ;)

Posted by: kara stephenson | Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 03:01 PM

Hi Kara...I told him what you said....I think he was pleased...he even had the nerve to say that I didn't think the same thing...i do agree with you...fully!!

Wow! Heather just posted about your blog on All Moments Remembered message board and I had to check your work out. Gorgeous! You have a beautiful family. Thanks for sharing, I can't wait to see more!

Posted by: Anne Marie | Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 11:03 PM

Hello Anne Marie...i saw that thread...THANKS for the sweet comments over there!! Glad you stopped by!

Hi, Keisha, if we complain about you not posting often enough is because we love your work so so much..even when you think you aren't inspiring others you are! Love your projects and that pic of your hubby is amazing he looks like a GQ man! Thanks for sharing the tools you use, and your ribbons are breathtaking..you are a true artist!

Posted by: Paola Norman | Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 04:08 AM

OMGosh, thanks Poala...I think my hubby's ego is growing!

How much does Amira look like her Dad! Wow you can really see it those photos. Love all the gorgeous V-day goodies.

Posted by: simatisa (Tammy) | Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 08:54 AM

Tammy, yes!! she does, she hates to hear that...because daddy is a man...she likes to hear she looks like me...and she even says she looks like me!

ok, there's just something i need to know keisha! i keep asking on various blogs of talented people what they do with all of their yummies, please tell! also, when making cards, do you worry about envelopes? are you ever going to sell your stuff, and if so, will you add envelopes? i just wondered because i would love to make some cards (to sesll)with things hanging off the edge, or unusual shapes and sizes, but i'm not sure people with buy without mailing envies available. what do you think? (of course if they were yours they'd buy 'em no matter what!!!) LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all your "stuff".

Posted by: lynn whelan | Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 10:10 PM

Hi Lynn...lol, ok I don't really think about what i do....i just do it!! i if it's a card...i'll tie or tape it to the gift w/o an envi...why waste more paper for an envi that will go in the trash??!!! right??! Or i'll wrap the card in tissue paper like a gift...or inside the box!!! Other projects-i might put them in the girls room or my studio...i'll give them away to friends or to Mira's friends. I do hoard my fave projects!

Lynn, how about using an envi template...blowing it up on the pc to the size you need!!! Good luck with starting your own card biz...don't let a simple thing like envies stop you-thanks for your questions!!

Beautiful! You are quite the enabler, you know. I just got some of the chipboard hearts, and now am thinking I {need} some of that lace paper. What size light box is that? I just started using my SU brass templates last week and LOVE them, but only have a tiny light box. Thanks for the incredible inspiration!

Posted by: Katie | Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 11:16 PM

Hi Keisha,
Beautiful projects here...you have the same love that I do. I have both of those SU brass plates and that spiral and tab punch. Love those products. Thanks for sharing.
I was thinking about getting a light box. Is that one bright enough to see through the cardstock?

Posted by: Carla | Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 12:23 PM

Katie & Carla...the funny thing is...i had just tried to emboss some green orange peel texture Bazzill and couldn't see through it-then i read your commet Carla, lol...I did try it on black when i first got it-and i could see through it...thinking if i can see through that then i am good...ARGH!!! This is what I bought: light box

You make beautiful stuff! Very inspiring! I love that SU background stamp too but can't figure out what to do with it. Maybe you could post some things you have made with it. Thanks!!

Posted by: Gina | Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 04:49 AM

Hey Gina...ok, next week check for something!

i just don't get where you find the time to be all creative and produce some yummy stuff....you really need to post everyday girl. i also can't believe you got to hang and enjoy sometime with heidi and her goodies...so happy that even though you are so far away, good things keep happening for you. hugs to you miss k.

Posted by: Carolyne | Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 07:12 AM

C, we need to chat again to catch up-ok?!

Keisha

I absolutely love everything you create! And yes, thanks for enabling. Now can you show more examples with the SU spiral punch. I need some visualization since I don't quite get it. LOL.

Posted by: Nancy L | Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 01:23 PM

Hi Nancy...scroll down a bit on the main blog page here...there is a red lo with blue dot ribbon...on that page I used the spiral punch!!! Even look at the other red page of the girls above that lo...I used Creative Cafe products-they have a die cut paper with the spiral edge down the side-that is what the spiral punch will do to any paper you want!!! hoep i did not confuse you!!

Oh, Keisha, everything is so beautiful! I want you to move here and be my neighbor so you can come over and help me decorate! (and teach me about photography...and just be my friend, lol!) :o)

Posted by: wendy sue | Friday, February 15, 2008 at 01:00 PM

Wendy, yes...we would be double trouble...our families would suffer..shopping & scrapping all the time...that would be so nice!!! I'd love that!!

Keisha,

I have been a long time admirer of your beautiful work! Thank you so much for giving the info about where you got your spiral edge punch today! I have been wondering about those darn things! :) Also, I saw your big wooden block stamp and loved it, could you tell me where you also got that at?

Thanks so much,
Melissa

Posted by: Melissa | Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 09:37 PM

Hey Melissa...it's from Stampin Up!!

Can I just say how refreshing it is to log onto your blog and have you say EXACTLY how i feel...nothing like hearing an honest gal saying IT SUCKS first thing in the morning over a cup of coffee! YOU MADE MY DAY! Seeing the new heidi stuff, not having it in my hands...yah...IT SUCKS!

Posted by: Janet Cox | Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 12:50 AM

Glad you feel my pain Janet, lol!!!!!

Hi Keisha,
I will try and ease your pain a bit by saying this. Last night we were shopping around one of our local super stores. I come around the corner to find my family jumping up and down saying "she is going to be SOOOO happy!" I pretended not to see these last minute valentines shoppers of mine. When I woke up this morning on my scrap table was a beautiful heart necklace and a paper crafts magazine with your cute kids on the cover. Girl please!! I was in heaven!! My kids said "daddy did good this year!" He sure did! Needless to say I love your blog and everybody knows it! :+)
PS: I really should put this magazine down and put this necklace on. lol

Posted by: Christina | Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 11:07 PM

YOU totally made my day Christina...I loved your story...that is too funny...makes me smile...love hearing what the kids said...did you ever put the neckleace on??!!! Thanks so so so much for sharing that with me!!

ya thats the pits!
keisha i have a random question for you. around Christmas time you had i think two glitter signs that said joy and something else that can be hung. i know that Jenni Bowlin has a welcome one, where did you get it?

Posted by: Lindsey Cord | Friday, February 15, 2008 at 02:51 AM

Hey Lindsey...Bayberry Cove Wendy Addison-ooo, she has new stuff coming there...I think I need the "magic" sign & the key!!!!

 

Thanks for all the really amazing comments everyone, it;s nice to know that you all enjoy it here-just keep ignoring my typos, lol!!!!!!!!!!