From The Owl's Nest

LOVE BITES – another FILEKUTZ Challenge

Sharon Sprouse — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:13:25 +0000

There is another FILEKUTZ challenge going on that runs till November 7th. The winner will be chosen on the 8th and will win 3 free files of your choice from FILEKUTZ Designs.

For the challenge, you can chose one of these spooky awesome Halloween files (below) and they are available in all different formats — WPC, GSD, SVG, AI, KNK, and MTC. (If you would like a PNG, SCUT2, ESP or another digital format, you can visit the STORE and email LisaJane from there for these formats.)

As you can tell, I chose the bat border/witch file for my challenge layout and created a project that I will give to my vampire-obsessed daughter — LOVE BITES!!

I also included two other files from FILEKUTZ to finish off my design, the Halloween Title file and the Flower Petal Blossoms file.

If you would like to see how I created the rose from this file, you can go HERE for a step by step tutorial.

Here are some closeups of the rose, the border and title:

To find out all the information on how to enter the challenge, how to obtain the files, and to view other takes on the challenge from the rest of the DT, please visit us on the FILEKUTZ challenge blog. And if you are interested, there is also a color challenge going on there featuring the wonderful colors of fall.

Thanks for stopping by………..Sharon

Filed under: Challenges, FILEKUTZ, Layouts and ScrapFun

Like I Promised……

Sharon Sprouse — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:45:54 +0000

In an earlier post, I told you that I was going to show you more examples that I made with Best Creations, Reminisce, FabScraps and Bella Blvd so here they are…………..

(title of layout–Manuf/Collection)

Rides–Best Creations/Loops and Scoops

You Rock My World–Best Creation/RockStar

Date Night–FabScraps/Burlesque

@ThePatch–Bella Blvd/Finally Fall

My Favorite Snow Bear–Reminisce/Frosted

Whoo’s The Scariest?–Reminisce/Enchanted Autumn

Home Sweet Home–Reminisce/Gingerbread Lane

Dear Santa–Reminisce/Dear Santa

Thanks again for stopping by……..Sharon

Filed under: Layouts and ScrapFun

FILEKUTZ Challenge with free file, FILEKUTZ Project and FILEKUTZ Forums!!

Sharon Sprouse — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:06:24 +0000

Hello all, hope everyone is wonderful…..I am finally getting caught up on all my assignments, clearing my yard from the trees that fell (got plenty of firewood now!!!!), posting and designing, and post office errands (Hi Sandy….yours is finally on the way…yay!!!!)

I wanted to share with you today two files from FILEKUTZ……..one you can get as a freebie if you take the challenge (more info below) and one that you can purchase in the STORE.

For the September FILEKUTZ Challenge, I created a hanging piece of fall decor from an old metal sign, various pieces of embellishments and the file. With this versatile file, you can use it for fall projects, family projects, and for heritage projects because not only do you get the tree, and the layered frame, you also get three words “LOVE”, “FAMILY”, and “CHERISH” to use on your project. So how about joining in on the challenge….go to our CHALLENGE BLOG to learn more and also to download the file for free.

This FRIGHT NIGHT file was irresistible to me as I love all things Halloween so I knew I wanted to work with it. This file (spiderweb and spiders) can be scaled down to use as a mat if desired but I cut it big to use it like a die cut paper. I then added some bling to the center of the webs and gave the spiders LOTS of eyes. You can visit the FILEKUTZ store to purchase this file, other Halloween files or if Halloween is not your thing, LisaJane has loads of other files to choose from to make your projects come alive.

I would also like to invite you to the FILEKUTZ forums and message board — recently launched……..this will be a place where we share our projects, our ideas, and maybe some secrets. The challenges, freebies and other information will be posted there as well as a gallery to see and share your projects. I would love to see you over there.

And again, thanks for stopping by and visiting…………Sharon

Filed under: Challenges, FILEKUTZ

CKC and Scrapbook Expo Example Layouts

Sharon Sprouse — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:47:12 +0000

PICTURE HEAVY POST —-and I apologize for the bad quality of pictures but I had to quickly take them on the showroom floor to be able to post to blog but I hope that you enjoy them all the same.

So I know it has been awhile since my last post………I have been so busy flying all over the states working at the Creating Keepsakes and Scrapbook Expo conventions with a great vendor, Strictly Scrapbooking. What a ride and what a great opportunity to meet and make friends with some wonderful people (you know who you are). And BONUS—–I get to play with all the newest collections and design layouts with them and that makes me one happy girl!!!!

Straight from CHA this year is MME’s Lost and Found Two and the Lost and Found Christmas line. If you loved the original Lost and Found, prepare to fall in love all over again with Two. Jen Allyson never fails to give us papers that inspire and embellishments to die for with all four collections: Sunshine, Breeze, Blush and Rosey. And the beautiful browns and reds of the Lost and Found Christmas line are so elegant and classy. Did I mention that all these lines have glittered papers, that’s right, ladies, glitter!!!! And because these are examples to sell product is the reason there are no photos on any of them.

So after feeling, smelling and drooling over these papers, trims, buttons, chipboard, dimensional stickers, and brads, I finally got down to designing some examples for the show. And if you know me, you know that combining Prima with these examples completed my joy ride.

Rosey—really love the color combo of green, red and yellow…who knew they would look so good together.

And Breeze….beautiful teal/blue colors so perfect for those boy and beach photos:

And not to be shown up by the boys, Blush speaks up for the girls in a most beautiful way:

And Sunshine with its glamorous blacks, golds, creams and yellows….so modern vintage:

And Lost and Found Christmas……..just yummy:

I can’t tell you how beautiful these papers are in person (the pictures are nowhere near close to the beauty of the lines), you will just have to take my word for it and get your own.

I hope you also come back in a couple of days to check out more example layouts from Best Creations, FabScraps, Bella Blvd and Reminisce.

I also have a FILEKUTZ challenge being posted in a couple of days and would love it if you would join in.

As always, thanks for taking the time to stop by……take care!

Filed under: Layouts and ScrapFun

Being a Guest Designer at Crafty Chicas

Sharon Sprouse — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:37:59 +0000

Hiya readers, I have been invited to be a guest designer at Chicas Gettin Crafty and to participate in their challenges this month. This is a challenge blog with loads of fun inspiration and information. They have challenges all month long and will motivate you to grab your scissors and walk, DON’T run, to your supplies to get started.

The first challenge this month was to pick an element of a wedding (you know – the ring, the vows, the cake, and such) and create a layout……I chose the dress because let’s face it, other than the groom, this is the 2nd most important decision you can make about your wedding…HA!! I decided to create this layout in black and white (first colors you think of with a wedding) and added lots of bling and flowers.

And here is the good part, you have a chance to win a page kit of this very layout so go on over to Chicas Gettin Crafty to find out how. Don’t have a wedding in your near future?…don’t worry, the title simply states BEAUTIFUL so you can use it for prom photos, professional photos, dress up photos………or anything else you consider beautiful.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Creating Keepsakes Convention in Valley Forge, PA

Sharon Sprouse — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 15:42:49 +0000

Just got back from Pennsylvania and the CKC show there. Other than making layout examples for one vendor with all her yummy product, I got to create and run a make and take for another one of the vendors and in doing so, I met so many wonderful people there….all those Pennsylvania and New Jersey girls…what a hoot!!! The show was three days long and most everybody that attended did so for the weekend so you got to recognize and know some of them…..I had some great laughs.

And the whole convention atmosphere is something that is hard to explain…..all the vendors pretty much make the circuit all year traveling from one city to the next and are like a huge family. It was really fun to see how everyone related, helped and encouraged everyone else. All in all, it was a great experience and I can not wait to get invited back to the next city!!!

Filed under: Scrap Happenings

FILEKUTZ Challenge Time!!

Sharon Sprouse — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 21:59:19 +0000

Ready to break out those cutters and make another spectacular creation using one of LisaJane’s file cuts………this one is GREAT….a border of flowers that can be used in so many different ways.

And here it is straight from the Challenge blog:

Welcome to FileKutz Design’s we are holding our July Monthly Challenge. I am offering this freebie file of a Flower Vine Border DOWNLOAD IT HERE Password is: iagreetou123 and the only rule is you must use it, or part of it on your card, layout or project and follow the guidelines below. NEW!! No sketch you can use it how you want to!! On any project!!

Don’t forget to check out our DT Blog, where you can see LOTS of great finished projects, layouts and cards and get inspired!! And a free file will be offered each month starting in Aug, to all followers of the DT Blog!!

The File comes in WPC, GSD, SVG, AI, KNK, MTC, PNG. If you’d like a SCUT2, ESP or other format for digital email me (I just don’t add them to the zip files as they make the zip so large)

To play along,

1. just post your project to your blog or gallery,

2. follow our blog,

3. then include a link in the InLinkZ form at the bottom of this post so we can all easily find each other. The winner will be choose on Aug 1st, so you have just a little over two weeks to work on your idea!! Don’t have a Blog? No worries, just email me your photo and description of what you did and used and I will post it on my blog for you and link it here.

The winner will win 3 free files of there choice from ANY of Filekutz Design’s. You can see all of my design’s HERE or request one of my older files which I am getting ready to add to the shop!!

To qualify for the prize drawing, have your layout, card or project linked here by midnight EST on Sunday, July 31st. To have a chance of winning this awesome prize, here’s this months file for you to use.

Here is a picture of the Cut File offered for this challenge:

How about some samples to jump-start your creativity! Here’s what our fabulous Design Team have made so far this week!

Be sure to click on each DT name to veiw there blogs and see the details of each of thier projects

We hope you enjoy the file challenge and have time to join in the fun with us! Please remember to leave a direct link to your NEW creation’s post with InLinkz below, not just your blog and include a link back to FileKutz Sketch Challenge in your post to be eligible to win this weeks fantastic prize. Thank you.

And now to show you what I did using this great file……..

I cut the vine several times and stacked them together to create one to give it more of a “chipboard” feel. I then cut out the flowers, inked them, rolled them under and and then popdotted them to give them some lift and to create the illusion that they were roses. I finished them off with a mini rose in the center. Paper used was from the Ladies and Gents line by Websters pages and crackle paint was used on the mirror to give it an aged look. I did alot of hand cutting with the paper and stickled.

The picture was taken at the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure…..Phoenix has walked (when I say walk, I mean I walk and he rides his scooter..ha) two years in a row with me and I am so proud of him that he does this with me and has never complained about anything, even the heat. And even though I would love to say he does it for all the right reasons, I simply think that he does it for the medal they give out at the end, hehehe. But nonetheless, he does it and enjoys every mile of it. The team is called Rose Petals because we walk with a lovely lady by the name of Rose (who is a cancer survivor) and her family and friends.

Filed under: Challenges, FILEKUTZ

My Past Weekend and some more Layouts

Sharon Sprouse — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 21:37:16 +0000

The Great American Scrapbook Convention was in town this past weekend and I was fortunate enough to have some of my layouts displayed in two separate vendor booths, The Crafters Nook and Strictly Scrapbooking. I also designed and taught a make and take at one of the booths….it was really fun meeting so many different people with the same interest.

Unfortunately, I did not get to take any pictures of my layouts before they were delivered to the booth but a friend got to use her phone and take some shots before they went up in the booth and sent them to me…..thanks SUE!!!! So I know that the picture angles are weird but I did want to share—–most of the paper and product used for the samples are My Minds Eye and Prima (I know….lucky me!!)…..and these are the examples used in the Strictly Scrapbooking booth.

Tag made from FILEKUTZ cut file.

And the next couple of layouts were used for the Crafters Nook booth because they featured the Art Impressions stamps.

Title and shell border made using a FILEKUTZ cut file. Art Impression stamp is the wood plank stamped many times and put together to create the fence.

Art Impression stamp is the brick stamped on background paper.

Art Impression stamp is the chicken wire stamped on transparency, framed and pop dotted above the animals.

Overall, a pretty exciting weekend….I got to work in an environment I loved, make some money, see some old friends, make some new ones, go shopping, ate really good and laughed quite a bit….can’t wait to do it all again!!

Thanks for stopping by, Sharon

Filed under: Layouts and ScrapFun

A Mythical Beast Inspires Some Layouts

Sharon Sprouse — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 21:46:11 +0000

Hello everyone, just wanted to say that I have been super busy in the last couple of weeks but wanted to share a couple layouts that I have completed from the inspiration of a new message board/challenge site that I have found—-FLYING UNICORN. Go check them out…a wonderful and talented design team and also a super fun and energetic owner. Here are a couple of layouts that were inspired by challenges from their grand opening.

MADDIE —–a little girl that I used to watch….she became a big part of our family and she truly is “loved like one of my own”!

PICTURE DAY—-this layout is a picture of Tiffany when she was in elementary school….I have been on a kick of doing school portraits lately.

DETAILS

NATURAL BEAUTY – this is a school portrait (what else) of Brittany, she was always such a natural child and I wanted to portray that with the handmade flower made of denim and then used a gluber for the inside flower piece.

I didn’t realize that I did both my girls’ layouts with red and blue until I had them together like this and also Maddie’s layout with brown and blue….so much for BLUE IS FOR BOYS…hehe. Thanks for looking….Sharon

Filed under: Uncategorized

FileKutz Design’s Monthly Sketch/File Challenge is Up

Sharon Sprouse — Sun, 29 May 2011 03:04:43 +0000

FILEKUTZ is holding another Monthly Sketch Challenge. LisaJane has done it again and is offering another awesome freebie file that is so versatile, there is endless possibilities…use it as a label, a frame or for a title. You can find all the details of the challenge, the download link for the file and information on how to link your entry to the challenge on the DT Blog .

The File comes in WPC, GSD, SVG, AI, KNK, MTC. If you’d like a SCUT2, PNG format for digital, just email LisaJane HERE (she just doesn’t add them to the zip files as they make the zip so large)

This challenge will run until June 13th so there is plenty of time to get your mojo flowing and did I tell you that in addition to the great file you will receive with the challenge, one person is going to win 5 additional free files of your choice from FILEKUTZ……..you can see all the designs between these two places HERE and HERE .

Here is the sketch and the file and also some examples from the Creative Team to get you motivated and inspired…………I hope you enjoy the sketch and file and hope you can join us in the challenge, I am looking forward to seeing some of your wonderful creations with this file.

Sketch

Here is a picture of the Cut File offered for this challenge:

Sharon S.

Eve S.

LisaJane

Filed under: Challenges, FILEKUTZ, Free Stuff