Scrap Girls Chit Chat Newsletter: June 12, 2008

If you are using an online mail client such as GMail, you will find the newsletter far more enjoyable to read if you view it online.
You can find it here:
http://www.scrapgirls.com/NL/Chit_Chat_080612_Thurs_Safari.htm

What's New in the Scrap Girls Boutique?

Computer scrapbook layout by Marnie Adams

Layout by Marnie Adams
larger view


Commercial license versions of Lettering Delights Inclination Font are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Durin Eberhart

Layout by Durin Eberhart
larger view



Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Gesso 2 and ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Downtown are also available.

Computer scrapbook layouts by Thao Cosgrove

Layouts by Thao Cosgrove
larger view


Commercial license versions of Brush Set: Stamped Dates are also available.

Computer scrapbook card by Keri Schueller

Card by Keri Schueller
larger view



Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Charm Of Christmas and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Organica 5201 are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Mandy Steward

Layout by Mandy Steward
larger view




Commercial license versions of Design Pack: College Days and Brush Set: Stamped Dates are also available.

If you have praise, comments, or questions for any of our Product or Layout Designers, did you know you can send them a PM (private message) using the message board? It's easy!

If you are a registered user of the message board, just click on the “PM” box at the bottom of any of their posts to send them a message. Or, to check out more of your favorite designer's layouts, visit the Scrap Girls Design Team section of the Layout Gallery.

Life Muses by Ro: African Safari

Note from Ro: To someone who lives in a middle class neighborhood, plunked in the middle of Utah suburbia, our own Gillian Hurst lives a very exotic life. You have to read this post she made recently in the Scrap Girls Blog. Okay... well... I’ll never do anything like this. But because of my association with Scrap Girls around the world, I can get in on the action vicariously. And so can you!

We're about to head off into the bush again to stay at Ululapa Lodge in Mpumulanga and I can hardly wait! Another opportunity to get great shots to scrap!

The lodge is set up on a hill overlooking a plain with ancient elephant pathways to water crisscrossing the landscape. Every morning and evening, you can count on seeing these gentle giants make their way to drink, often with fat little babies in tow.

Each day at dawn and dusk we set out in an open land rover and the warm air feels like velvet on your skin as you drive through the long grasses. You are very aware that you are just a visitor here and you are also constantly aware of the cycle of life as you watch a young buck learning to walk and, a little farther on, young predators learning to stalk. It’s like nothing you'll experience anywhere else.

The game drivers are so experienced; they get you so close that you can smell the animals. It’s such a blessing to be able to spend time in the bush and be so close to wild creatures.

The colors and textures of the bush give me so many wonderful layouts and design ideas. I have found that digital scrapbooking has forced me to focus on getting the photos I really want and taking time to get that shot right. However, the beauty of Photoshop is that even if I don't get them perfect (as I frequently don't) I can always go onto my computer and fix them up one way or another.

One little guy I couldn't stop taking photos of to scrap was Walter, a completely wild warthog who spends his morning digging up flower beds outside the lodge. He is so incredibly ugly it makes him cute! I just wanted to pack him up and take him home! He wanders out of the bush in the morning and spends a leisurely hour destroying the small garden outside the kitchen before disappearing to sleep off his meal in the long grass. If only I had a Walter at home, I would have permanent scrapping inspiration, plus I would never have to weed!

- Gillian Hurst

Computer scrapbook layout by Gillian Hurst

Layout by Gillian Hurst

Gillian Hurst

Muse: To be absorbed in one's thoughts; engage in meditation. Not intended to solve the world's problems, another person's problems, or to cover topics completely. One does not have to agree with musings to enjoy them, just as one does not have to be the same as someone else to appreciate who they are.

Note from Ro: Would you like to earn a $20 Gift Certificate? Send your own muse to [email protected]. If it is selected for publication in the Scrap Girls newsletter, you'll get to have fun shopping!

Ro is now spotlighting various Scrap Girls members, showing layouts, and running contests in her blog. If you end up being spotlighted in it, you'll get a little gift from her. Subscribe to her blog so you don't miss what is going on!

Ro has recently spotlighted Pireps, CharleneJ and Soozlou.

Way Cool Stuff Product Review: Assemble Your Own: 4x6 Zoom Pages

This is a really busy time of year for a lot of people... Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Memorial Day get-togethers, end of school and Graduations... how great would a handmade gift be for a loved one, favorite teacher, or friend? It’s a great time for capturing memories, but maybe not the best time for scrapping them. Sometimes, we just need something beautiful that’s ready-made to get a project done quickly, or even just to give us a creative nudge.

Well, as I have come to realize, the Assemble Your Own product line is a quick and simple tool to get your projects done quickly, and the 4x6 products in particular make it easy to do at home or through your favorite printing service, inexpensively.

This summer, my younger daughter, Haley, is spending a couple months with her grandparents up in Michigan. I wanted to put something together that she could have to remind her how much she is loved here at home. I purchased an inexpensive photo holder (less than $1) to hold the pages of the album. It is an on-going project, and I will send her the “new additions” periodically so she can add them herself.

As you can see, an Assemble Your Own album can be put together in no time, or you can use it as a springboard for a more involved project. Whether you use them with 4x6 Digital Layout Templates (as I did with the cover page), or without (as with the dedication page), it’s a fast way to get a lovely project done without sacrificing quality. You will see – as you explore the other pages of the album – how you are only limited by your imagination when you start with a great foundation!

Here are the cover and dedication pages... you can see the rest of the album in my (Stefanie Harris) Scrap Girls Gallery!

Computer scrapbook layout by Stefanie Harris
larger view

Computer scrapbook layout by Stefanie Harris

Layouts by Stefanie Harris
larger view



Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Digital Layout Album Templates - Layered: 4x6 Years and ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Dreamy Photos 6301 are also available.

Stefanie Harris

Stefanie Harris lives in a small town in South Alabama with her husband, two daughters and an insane dog. A traditional scrapbooker for years, she went 100% digital late in 2006, and is more prolific than ever. Stefanie counts herself lucky to have found Scrap Girls early on, and is honored to be a member of the Layout Artist Team. When she’s not scrapping, she works full-time as an Instructor at a local Army post.

What's Happening at Scrap Girls?

Crops and Chats

NSBR Chat - Early Edition
Thursday, June 12th - 1:00PM ET

What is NSBR? It’s a non-scrapbooking related chat! We talk about everything, including some scrapbooking and usually chocolate. It’s a great chance to meet new friends, catch up on what everyone is up to, and just relax! If you have a problem, we’ll lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on. Have some great news to share? We’d love to celebrate with you.

So, join me, Shari (PV Mom of 2), on June 12th, at 1 PM ET, in Chat Room #001! Hope to see you there!

Sketch Crop Challenge
Thursday, June 12th - 9:00PM ET

Join me, sprinklz, for the Sketch Challenge and Crop, Thursday, June 12th at 9pm ET in the Scrap Girls Chat Room!

Like getting a little jump start on your layouts? Then this challenge is for you! A few hours before the challenge begins, I'll post a sketch for you to use as the starting point for your page. You can be inspired by the basic arrangement, the amount of photos, or copy it literally. All interpretations are welcome and encouraged! Looking forward to seeing you there!

We'll be meeting in the "00_Room_1" room of the chat. To join, click on the "Live Chat" link (above right). Once you are in the lobby, click on the "Show Rooms" button (on the upper left), then select "00_Room_1" from the list on the left side.

Recipe Swap Chat
Friday, June 13th - 9:00PM ET

Join Scrappylibrarian for our monthly Recipe Swap Chat. We will meet up in the Chat Room at 9 pm ET. Check the message board on Thursday, June 12 for this month's recipe theme and info on the swap. Hope to see you there!

High Noon Crop
Wednesday, June 18th - 12:00Noon ET

Join your host, Betsy, for the High Noon Crop every Wednesday at Noon eastern time. These crops are designed to allow you to work on your own photos and themes, simply giving participants a one hour goal, and a fun, new challenge each week!

On June 18, we'll do a favorite photo challenge! Create a layout using a photo you love! Can be any photo, just make sure you love it!

You'll have one hour to create a layout and upload to the special High Noon Crop gallery. You'd be amazed what you can get done in just one hour! Meet new friends and have fun in the chat room! We hope you'll join us!

Ad Inspiration Chat
Wednesday, June 18th - 9:00PM ET

Join Pat & Launa for an Ad Inspiration Chat and Crop in the Scrap Girls Chat Room Wednesday, June 18th, at 9:00 ET. We will use a magazine ad to inspire a layout, there is no wrong answer!! Come join the fun!

The Ad will be posted a couple of hours before the challenge. Come join us for some chattin', croppin', and FUN!

NSBR Chat Early Edition
Thursday, June 19th - 1:00PM ET

What is NSBR? It’s a non-scrapbooking related chat! We talk about everything! It’s a great way to meet new people and get to know everyone. Catch up on what everyone is up to, and just relax! If you have any questions, we'll try to answer them. So, join me, Launa for some fun on June 19th, at 1 PM ET, in the Chat Room! Hope to see you there!

Keeping Current Crop
Thursday, June 19th - 4:00PM ET

Join AngRoCamp for the Keeping Current Crop on the third Thursday of each month. In June, we'll enjoy an afternoon crop beginning at 4 p.m. ET (3 p.m. Central, 2 p.m. Mountain, 1 p.m. Pacific).

Don't let those photos pile up and become frustrating or overwhelming. Join us in the chat room for fun and focus on "keeping current" as we each tackle our most recent pictures and stories. So grab the last photos that are still hanging out on your camera's memory card and get to work so you can say with confidence, "I'm current!"

Heritage Crop
Thursday, June 19th - 8:00PM ET

Do you have boxes of heritage photos just waiting to be restored and scrapped? Are there family stories just waiting for you to write down and preserve? Then this is the crop for you! Join April (April Showers) and Carla (CRS) for the Heritage Crop and Chat!

This month’s Heritage Challenge is to use a Baby Photo in your layout. (The challenge isn't required; our main goal is to help everyone get their Heritage photos scrapped!)

We'll help you get motivated to scrap those heritage photos and record your family stories for future generations to enjoy. So come join us Thursday, June 19th, at 8 pm ET!

June Events

June Board Game: Chocolate Scavenger Hunt

What's sweeter than chocolate and shopping in the Scrap Girls boutique? That's right... NOTHING! This month we've combined those two super sweet things to create a game worth sinking your teeth into and a prize worth drooling over!

Every day (June 2nd-June 30th), a member of the Welcoming Committee will post a new clue on the Message Board. Use the clues to find the correct products in the Scrap Girls Boutique. You will know when you have located them because you will see a candy-coated Scrap Girls chocolate on the product details page.

Send the EXACT product names and the accompanying links where the products are found to [email protected]. Use the subject line: JUNE MESSAGE BOARD GAME for your email entry, and include your messageboard name and real name. You have until Midnight Mountain Time, on Tuesday, July 1st to submit your answers.

Everyone who finds ALL 29 hidden chocolates will be entered in a drawing for one of three $10 Gift Certificates! Find 20+ candies and be entered in a drawing for one of two $5 Gift Certificates! Find 10+ hidden chocolates and be entered in a drawing for one of two $3 Gift Certificates!

Layout Contests:

June Layout Contest: Did you know that June is National Candy Month? Digital scrapbooking is the ultimate no fat, no sugar treat – how sweet! For this month’s contest we want you to do a “Yummy” layout using colors and textures that say “yummy” to you – from bright colors that might represent a sweet treat to the luscious browns like melt-in-your-mouth chocolates. Post your layouts to the monthly gallery by Midnight ET, June 30th, and yours might be chosen to win a $10 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique.

Mid-May Layout Contest: In this crazy, busy world we live in, it's hard to find time for ourselves. Between work, family and other obligations, life gets hectic. We all deserve to make time to relax and concentrate on ourselves! What do you do to spoil yourself? What is your guilty pleasure? Create a layout about how you spoil yourself, your guilty pleasure, and you could win a $10 Gift Certificate to the Boutique! Just upload your layout to the Mid-May Layout Contest Gallery before June 14th at Midnight EST, and you could win!

Check our message board calendar if you have any questions about what is happening at Scrap Girls. All event times are given in Eastern Time Zone unless otherwise noted. Need help converting time zones? Check out the World Clock - Time Zone Converter. (Use 'USA-New York' as the location for the Eastern time zone.)

Today's Freebie

Computer scrapbook layout by Melanie Johnson

Layout by Melanie Johnson
larger view

Designer Freebie by Melanie Johnson coordinates with her Floral Springtime Collection Mini


Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates - Layered: Clean 1 are also available.

* There is a “free download” button on the details page for each gift. You don't need to put them in your shopping cart unless you are shopping for other items. Also note that if you are slow reading your newsletter, you may find this freebie has already been retired, as the freebies are only available as gifts for about two newsletter cycles.

The Scrap Girls newsletter is created for you by a virtual army of Scrap Girls team members. Without them, we couldn't possibly share these resources with you, and I'm very grateful for their ongoing help and support.

I hope you enjoy today's issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

Ro
CEO - Scrap Girls, LLC

P.S. Your email address is safe with us. We never share, rent, sell, or loan our list with anyone!

P.P.S. If you ever need any assistance, please email [email protected] or call
866-598-3444 and we'll help you as quickly as possible!

Scrap Girls Digital Scrap Link Convention

Here are the facts:

When: October 9-11th, 2008

Note: Convention begins at 1:00 pm - Thursday, October 9th and ends at 6 pm - Saturday, October 11th.

How many people may attend?

Only 22 openings out of 120 are still available. Space is selling out quickly so don't delay.

Where: Salt Lake City, Utah

Officer's Club

Create your own digital scrapbook layouts using the latest, most popular techniques

Manage all of the important basics that digital scrapbook enthusiasts need to know to get started

Understand how to save your files for printing or sharing them with your friends and family over the Internet

Make your own textured brush

Learn how to install and use purchased brushes

Make your own simple backgrounds

See how easy it is to manage transparent embellishment files that allow digital scrapbooking layouts to look like they are “real”

Become a pro at managing the drop-shadowing techniques

Learn about transparency and lighting effects

Make your own digital torn paper edges

Be able to isolate a single item in an embellishment or alpha and be able to change the color to suit your fancy

Become a pro at repairing damaged photos

Know the secret of putting text on a curve or in a circle

Laugh at how simple it is to make rounded edges on your photos

Use keyboard and tool shortcuts that make digital scrapbooking a breeze

Be able to place digital embellishments on your digital scrapbook layout with ease

Unlock the mystery of how to clip a digital paper clip onto your layout so that it looks real

Learn how to install and use purchased textures

Understand some advanced techniques such as how to keep blue eyes blue on a black and white photo

Learn how to adjust black and white photos to sepia

Take the world's easiest shortcuts to creating your own backgrounds, embellishments, and alphas.

Make sure that you don't make the biggest mistakes that digital scrapbookers make when they create layouts.

Learn fantastic tricks for using Scrap Girls ScrapSimple products.

Dip your digital scrapbooking self into some of those “other” cool tools that are sitting there waiting in your software for you to use such as paths, masks, the drawing pen, and more.

See how easy it is to install and manage new Custom Shapes and Styles in Photoshop so that you can make things that are creative and unique.

Learn advanced tricks for using tools that you already know and love.

Watch me make some beautiful papers and get a chance to peek inside of my layers. (Oh dear... That is the last frontier and I might be out of my mind to let you do it... NOBODY likes people to see inside of their layers. It is like having visitors peek inside of your dresser drawers. Very private stuff.)

See a new way for coloring doodles. (I'm betting that it will surprise you what tool I've used to do that with, too...)

Get “IN&qrduo; on creating your own brush sets. (You do NOT have to have those impossibly long brush sets frustrating you anymore. In fact, when you learn this trick, you will wonder why you haven't been using it all along.)

Find out why Custom Shapes are so importantto you. (Bet you didn't know...)

Learn how to cut out a title from a background or a photo.

The Hidden Power of Adjustment Layers in PSE
June 12 and 19 - 3:00PM ET

This in-depth digital scrapbooking class on Adjustment Layers is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the versatility and flexibility of Adjustment Layers in Adobe Photoshop Elements. This class will teach you how to use Adjustment Layers to make your photos pop off the page.

Important: This Intermediate Level class is for Adobe Photoshop Elements users only. Students are required to understand the basic skills taught in the Scrapbook Secrets Revealed and MORE Scrapbook Secrets Revealed program prior to starting the course. This information will not be reviewed as part of the course!

Enrolling in this course without understanding these basic skills may cause you to feel lost and frustrated when you attend the classes. We want you to have a great experience. So please, if you are uncertain that you have enough skills to take this course, use the Scrapbook Secrets Revealed program to build an adequate foundation prior to the classes starting. Thanks!

Join the Scrap Girls Monthly Club and you can have fun with the newest traditional digital and printable scrapbooking looks while saving! (A $27.94 value for $9.99 or less!)

The Scrap Girls Club contents are released on the 1st day of the month (or the closest business day to the 1st).

With the Scrap Girls Club, you will receive:

1 Collection Biggie
1 Paper Super Mini
1 8.5x11 Sheet of Word Art
1 Embellishment Set
1 Assemble Your Own Zoom Page Set
1 Designer's Choice Item

Digital scrapbooking layout by Brandy Hackman using June's Scrap Girls Club
Layout by Brandy Hackman using June's Scrap Girls Club
larger view

Created for you by Brandy Hackman

Remember, these items are available separately in the Boutique at regular prices for those who would rather not join a club.

(Note: The Scrap Girls Club contents are always available for sale elsewhere in the Boutique at their regular prices once the associated club month is released. But all club contents are totally brand new, never seen before product releases for each month!)

1 ScrapSimple Paper Template Set

1 ScrapSimple Embellishment Template Set

1 ScrapSimple Layer Your Own Brush Set

1 Designer's Choice Item

*ADVERTISEMENT*

Ro personally uses Carbonite to back up her computer. While it won't backup external hard-drives, it is a fabulous solution for keeping all of your important documents on your C:/ drive safe and your backups completely up-to-date at all times. Using it has made her stop worrying about losing important business and financial files, because the backup happens without Ro having to do a single thing.

*ADVERTISEMENT*

Buy True Image 11.0 from Acronis Today!

Hard drives do fail. Don't think they won't and that you will escape from it happening to you forever. Just get a plan for managing what will happen someday and save yourself a lot of pain, sweat, agony and tears.

You need several methods of backing up in case one of them fail. Acronis True Image 11.0 is Ro's personal choice for creating a complete back up (software, operating system, settings... you name it) of her hard drives. It is easy to use (no excess geek speak) which is why she is recommending it to you.