Monday, February 9, 2009

Q and A

Don't you love when people give peeks of projects they are in the process of working on... sometimes it's fun, but most of the time it is complete & utter torture. This morning I saw this pile of fabric & thought I would share a peek of pieces from my current fabric+photo project...
I love how Avery is hugging so tight that Q's cheeks are all smooshed.
Kinda like this very minute, since both girls are sitting on my lap. Avery is squeezing Q a bit too tight while Quincey gets a good grip on a handful of Avery's hair & giggles at every photo that she sees on the computer. Please forgive the grammatical correctness of this post since I am literally typing with one hand. :) Another reason I need a MAC computer with photo booth so I can capture our fun blogging moments. ;)
Speaking of my darling Q&A, I have seen on many blogs where they engage in a little question & answer post. That sounds fun since as evidence of today's post, I don't have much exciting things to share. Ha! So, leave a comment if you have any sort of random question for me (or Collin while we are at it) :) and I will answer some of my favorites in a blog post this week.
I'll start with the most popular question:
"What camera do you use?" I shoot with Canon Rebel XTi, or since Christmas, Canon 50D.
Thanks to Santa!:)
PS I need to dig up some baby photos of Collin because she looks just like Mini Daddy!!
Lace border frames found here.

77 comments:

THE FAMILY OF OAK said...

Ok I will leave a comment:) First of all, you are so adorable and so is your family. You recently had a baby and of course NOONE can tell...you look FANTASTIC! I had a little boy in December, so do you have any tips on getting slim. I am really holding on to the weight I had previous to the babe and also the extra that came on while carrying him:) I know it takes time to get it off, but any tips would be great.

Jennifer said...

Well since you answered the camera question already....what lenses do you use? Do you use actions on your photos? I just love how bright and colorful they are!

Monica said...

Okay, so how and on what did you print the photos for the fabric project? Looks super cute...will we have to wait to see it in CK?

Thanks!

Monica

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the color of your scrapbooking room! Could you please share that color with us? :)

Jamie said...

Where do you find such great music? (You're joining me in my office at work today since my music player doesn't seem to want to work. :D I have your page up and am playing your music player, lol.) Happy Monday!

Anonymous said...

Okay, back to these nylon headbands. Gather the top stitch? Sorry I don't sew! What kind of glue did you use to adhere the flower? Want to come over and make these with me :)
Tammy

Anonymous said...

I Love Your Blog!! U are sooo talented and your kids are BEAUTIFUL!!!

Anonymous said...

Your daughters are absolutely ADORABLE. I also love your work & gain so much inspiration for you. Thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

I love your blog and your cute family. Perfect time for a q&a... just the day I was wondering what collin does for a living?

Stacy Milford said...

What a hilarious, toothless grin! Love it! No questions from me...just love checking your blog everyday!

Anika said...

Love love your blog , Its so fun!
My question for you is what scrapbooks do you use and in what colors.. ( you seem to love many colors) do you have one daughters books pink one another color? How do u separate them? or do you?

Thanks

Amanda Bynum Photography said...

I have a few questions for ya...

1. How much time to you spend on scrapbooking per day?

2. before you were SOY, had you ever been published?

3. Where did you and Collin meet?

4. What do you do for exercise?

Thanks for answering!

Anonymous said...

I may have missed this before but I was wondering: When you start a layout, do you have a process that you approach it with? For example, how do you decide about which/ how many embellishments to use? Thanks so much for the help & your daily inspiration!!

mj said...

this is my burning questions...where do you learn about all the fun photoshop stuff you do? did you take a class or did you just play around until you figured it out?

Lindsay Bateman said...

What inspires you? Also, when you sumbitted for CK SOY, how did you decide on what layouts to submit?

Jules said...

So, I'm looking at past issues of CK and I look on the back of April 2006 and there you are?! I think? It looks just like you and Collin on your wedding day. PLEASE don't leave me hangin on this one, k? LOL

Julie in Smalltown, TX

Holly said...

I am currently working on my daughters baby book and am wondering if you have a system or suggestions for a baby book-covering the 1st year? u milestones? what did you do? What albums do you use? What brand of divided page protectors do you use? I loved your article about the divided protectors-which month of CK was it in?

Thanks for your inspiration!

~ m said...

I love the look of your photos and was wondering if you used a specific action to create the aged/muted color look? It's great.

Unknown said...

This is my question:

What is the number one thing you love about the town/state you live in? other then it is the place you may have grown up in.

The Rantings of a Drama Queen's Mum said...

I love your blog. You're my idol. haha. I was wondering how do you find time to scrapbook? I'm not sure if you already answered that before. I have an 18 month old & I'm really having trouble finding time. I also just got into stamping & making cards. I keep getting new hobbies & have no time for them.

Anonymous said...

I've got a couple of questions, where did you get the cute little 3or4 tier stand with bowls and your magnetic board with the blue frame around it?

Thanks!!
Michelle F

Samantha Stinson said...

I love that you take pictures of yourself and pictures of you with your husband--plus you both always look great! How do you do it? Do you plan little photo shoots together?

angie worthington said...

well, you know i LOVE your blog!!!...can you share some pics of your scrap space since you painted?....and, i'd also like to know what you do for exercise?....thanks!!!...

Lisa Lew said...

Hi Elizabeth,
What do you do with all the Christmas card pictures that you receive each year? I'm forever trying to find the best way to save them.

Thanks,
Lisa

Michelle Vandepol said...

love your project already.
is it to hang up?
super cute

kimber said...

Do you do anything to your pictures and your beautiful kids' pictures to make your amazing EYES jump out so much or are you all just blessed with amazing eye genes? I'm really hoping it's something you do in photoshop because I can't make up the genes but I can manipulate things in photoshop! But I'm pretty sure it's the gene thing! Thanks for the Q&A. I LOVE your blog so much.

Bec Wild said...

What program do you use for digital scrapping

Anonymous said...

In honour of V-day could you share a photo/layout of your wedding day? Pretty please my friend is getting married on valentines day I am so excited.

Love your blog!!
XX

Ally's Corner said...

I'm so glad you are wanting questions. This help us know how to do things we have no idea how to do.
My questions are:
1. What did you do to get your pictures on your blog so big?
2. When sewing on your LO's what kind of thread and needle do you use, what kind of machine do you have. I want to starting sewing on my LO's.
3. What is one thing you can't live with out using on your LO's.
I have lots more questions but I will stop there.
PS. Here is a link to help anyone with Photoshop I just found it.
http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/index.php

Ally

Just call me "B" said...

I don't know what that cute little project is, but I love it!

Jamie said...

I just got a Canon Rebel Xs for Christmas and I'm wondering what kind of camera bag you have? Also, do you take your "big" cameras out with you or do you take a smaller more compact one out and about? =)

tccba said...

Are you going to show us the entire project? I am a quilter/scrapper so I would love to see it! Does Sugar give you any kickbacks? I loved the boots, and I bought a different pattern. I can't tell you how many people ask me where I got them. I'm sure your blog has sold many pairs!

Unknown said...

what paper do you print your photos on? also when you're making a fabric mini album, do you use the same paper? you're so cute! thanks for blogging & sharing your life!

Anonymous said...

i just want to say your kids are beautiful!!! so cute!
but i wnat to know where you get your music too!
and how did you get into the scrapbooking industry did you go to university and get a degree? what did you do before all this?

Anonymous said...

Yeah u definately have to share that baby pic of collin because i see a little daddy in her face right now

Anonymous said...

Hey Liz

Your blog makes my day pretty much every time u have a new post. Love your music also....Just wondering about your lil cuties eye's also they are wonderful and I have been shooting my 3 month old alot and just cant get her eyes to look that good. Also was wondering what you use in photoshop to get that great vintage look with the great pop of color. Oh and what kind of photoshop do you use? I bet you feel so good knowing how much you inspire people everyday!!!!!!!!!

Thank's Danielle

Anonymous said...

Hey Liz

Your blog makes my day pretty much every time u have a new post. Love your music also....Just wondering about your lil cuties eye's also they are wonderful and I have been shooting my 3 month old alot and just cant get her eyes to look that good. Also was wondering what you use in photoshop to get that great vintage look with the great pop of color. Oh and what kind of photoshop do you use? I bet you feel so good knowing how much you inspire people everyday!!!!!!!!!

Thank's Danielle

Anonymous said...

Your blog is so cute. Two questions:

How do you make the photos on your blog so big?

How do you find time to do all your "projects" with two little ones?

Melissa said...

I've been following your blog for quite some time and all I can say is that it's just so beautiful. I use the same camera but my pictures aren't even a fraction as awesome as yours. What tips do you have for those of us that want pictures like yours? What are your favorite settings? And how is the lighting in your pics so spectacular?

clippergirl said...

Love your blog. The music always makes me HAPPY!!!

? Do you do any photo editing on Photoshop, I love the way your photos turn out, especially the ones that look kinda' old/antiqu-ish (if that's even a word...LOL. Thanks for all your inspirations too!

Tracie said...

Hello~
I'm curious to know:
*what blogs/other publications you read.
*how/where you first published your work before SOY.
Thanks so much!!

Carla said...

Last December I came across your blog, and have been inspired ever since. The music, the pictures, the love that oozes off this site is totally great, so thanks so much for sharing your life. One question (or rather a comment): please tell me you have a nanny! How do you get it all done??

Anonymous said...

What do you print your pictures on Muslin? And if you print them at home, what printer do you find works well. I have all my pictures printer at a photo place in town but would like the ability to print them at home for quilts vs. paying someone else to print them.

can't wait to see the finished project!!
Nicky from Canada

Sara Ancich said...

I recently got a gift card to Zappos.com. You always look cute and colorful...any spring shoes you can suggest?? I LOVE color!

Lindsay Bateman said...

One more question...how often do you scrapbook shop?? lol

Carly said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Erin said...

I think everyone has asked my questions already, but I'll ask anyway!
1- How do you get your pictures so big on your blog?
2- How do you find time for so many projects with your little ones around?
3- Do you also have a point and shoot to take out or do you take your big 50D?
4- Where do you find such great music?

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog!!! :)

Carly said...

Liz,
I love your blog - you are such an inspiration, and I guess the burning question that won't stop popping into my head every time I read a new post, is... HOW DO YOU DO IT ALL? Seriously. How do you create so many BEAUTIFUL projects and still find time to keep your darling girls happy, go on dates with your hubby, read, take pictures, paint your walls, clean, feed your family, shop, always look fabulous, keep your girls looking adorable, make hairbows and cute baby clothes, and never leave us waiting too long for another post on this blog? You are awesome. I wish I had half your time-management skills and a quarter of your awesomeness!! I really want to know, so PLEASE answer this! (o:
Oh and I, too, love all your "antique-ish", color-pop photos and would LOVE to know your secret for achieving that effect!
Thanks!
-Carly

Anonymous said...

Will you be teaching any classes at CKC-Mesa in April? I took one of your classes last year and hoped to take another. [In a completly non-stalker-ish way - LOL]

Hope you are having a fabulous day!

saner4 said...

Oh wow, I can see Colin in Quincy's smile for sure :) I am usually mesmerized by her eyes and not checking to see who the looks like.

Question:

1. What sized do you make your pics for your blog. I love how big they are.

2. Do you have any pages from when you first started scrapping that you look at and wonder what you were thinking? :P

Jana said...

I second the question about how you and collin met! Did you write to him on his mission? :)

p.s. And yes you do need to send over a picture of your girls! I have no paintings to work on right now and I am going through some major withdrawals!

Mindy said...

Yeah.. I want what Ally and Danielle want to know + if Colin is your personal trainer and has helped you to get your svelte figure back so fast!?!

Amber Filkins said...

I love your blog. I love your column in CK. I literally LOVE every page or project of yours that I've ever seen!

I just did one of those Q&A's a few weeks ago. I got a lot of great questions, and it was so much fun!!

Can't wait for your answer post. And that was so cute with the Q&A, for your girls. :)

Michelle B said...

You have such cute clothes! Where do you like to shop?

{VICKI} said...

What are your favorite online shopping sites (scrapbooking or not)?

{vicki}

Anonymous said...

Actions...saturation...what do you do to your pics to make them so clear & bright??? And how do you take good indoor photos? Mine always turn out blah!

Anonymous said...

where do you find the backrounds for your photos-the walls/the fabrics?? also that giant aqua blue frame that you crouched behind to take a family picture?
are the walls just local-around your home town?

Alijoy said...

Hi - great blog - I agree! I have the same questions as a few above:
* how did you learn your photoshop techniques - do you have any suggestions?
* Can you show any more of your Becky Higgins baby book?

Thanks!
Alison

Anonymous said...

Hi Elizabeth - great idea, the Q&A post! I still would love to know how you shoot your pictures or whether (and if so how - photoshop, any actions?)you edit them extensively. I so love the soft muted tones in your photographs but was not able to replicate the colouring or effect in photoshop. Many thanks!!

Nikki said...

I like so many others am a huge fan of yours and find you one of the biggest inspirations in the industry! My question is, are you recognized everywhere you go now? How do you deal with having fans and people eager to know so much about you (of course, I hope you don't mind since we all love you!) Also, do you feel a lot of pressure to create perfect and innovative projects now that you have made it so big?

Thanks!

nichole said...

i don't know if this is to personal... but i would love to hear the story of how you and Collin met... maybe from his perspective if he is up for a challenge.

And a thank you both for sharing your family and creative fun.

Lisa said...

I enjoy reading your blog. My question is how did you get started doing this? Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

how did you and Colin meet? how long have you been married?

Jenn said...

Wow, everyone has asked all the really good questions already.....ummmm I think this might have been asked already, but when you are planning to do a layout, do you sketch it first? what do you pull out first? pictures, journalling? emelishments? Thanks, love love your blog. I like in utah and keep hoping I will run into you one day! Not in a stalkerish kind of way of course, hehe.

Anonymous said...

Do you have days you wish you were blond again? I'll just say, be careful, if and when, you decide to go back. It's hard to put light on dark. I don't want you to have a hair trauma like I did a couple months ago. Still trying to get back to blond and not yet there. Ask lots of questions regarding the process of lifting, ie, bleach?

Anonymous said...

Do you have days you wish you were blond again? I'll just say, be careful, if and when, you decide to go back. It's hard to put light on dark. I don't want you to have a hair trauma like I did a couple months ago. Still trying to get back to blond and not yet there. Ask lots of questions regarding the process of lifting, ie, bleach?

Joel, Jes and the rest said...

Ok, so I guess you should just answer all those questions...because there were some really good ones :)

Maybe you could talk some more about designing blogs. Love the clean happy look of yours! Your step by step instructions of doing a header in CK was great!

Jasey said...

I have always wondered what you submitted to the SOY contest. What did you write your essay on? Did you do layouts for it or just pull out ones you had done over the years? You are everyones fav....

Stacey said...

I love your blog for many different reasons, but have noticed that it has changed lately. I was wondering where all your "friends" blogs (that you have listed below) have gone? I LOVE checking your blog, but also love reading others and have missed them!

Thanks - Stacey
csfish@roadrunner.com

elizabeth kartchner said...

Hi Stacey,
Thanks for your question...
I removed the friends list for a few reasons. Mostly because most of my friends blogs went private so others can't view them.

thanks for the question. :)

excited to answer others.

Anonymous said...

Love your Blog! Just wanted to know how you got into being a published scrapbooker? What was your big break? SOY? I dont think I could make it a full time career but I would love to do it on the side... ie: get paid for what I really LOVE to do!

Anonymous said...

What is a typical day for you? Are you an early bird or a night owl? What's something around the house that Collin does that you're thankful you don't have to do? Do you border on the line of messy or neat? How tall are you? Love your blog! Thanks for the Q&A sesh!

Sophia said...

I would love for you to recommend a cute camera bag that's not too big but will still protect and carry the basics. I loved the camera straps you recommended a week or so ago. I'm actually planning to purchase one as soon as I figure out which one I want! :)

Unknown said...

Hey Liz!

I would love to know a couple of things! Do you ever get alone time?? (Without the kids or husband) :) ...or do you even need or want that?! I seem to go stir crazy if I don't get some time each week at home by myself to indulge in some chocolate sweets, some good tunes and to do something relaxing like scrapbooking or a movie...am I greedy??
I would also love to know a typical daily routine for you guys...do you do certain things with the girls everyday like read a book, art & crafts with Avery...and, do you cook a lot or do you and Collin share that responsibility?! :)
Lastly, I would love to know how you got started into all of this...like what you majored in in college and what you did for jobs after that.
Thank you so much for your inspiration, Liz! I love to come to your blog each day, even if its only for 2 minutes of veg time!!! We appreciate you sharing! I also LOVE the precious pictures that you share with us; you have such a gift!!!

Anonymous said...

I thought of another question. How do you get those cool jumping photos? Also, any idea on how to get a photo with a clear subject but the background is blurry?

deannah said...

I hope you are still checking for new comments! I am trying to use the 6-up page protectors in a baby album for my son to be able to include way more photos of him in addition to scrapbook pages. I remember you doing this in a CK article last year, but I don't have it anymore to reference. How did you get it to work in a normal album? Do they fit well in an album with regular 12x12 pages of the same brand? They are WAY too big for the album I already had and it isn't working at all like I hoped. I'd love to know how you did it so that I can make it work for me too! Thanks!!!

Deborah said...

I love your outfit on the CK cover...where did you get it? :)