Scrap Girls Chit Chat Newsletter: August 28, 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_080828_Thurs_Paradise.htm

What's New in the Scrap Girls Boutique?

Computer scrapbook layout by Keri Schueller

Layout by Keri Schueller
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Commercial license versions of Brush Set: Swirly Frames and Brush Set: Playful Swirls are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Shalae Tippetts

Layout by Shalae Tippetts
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Edgings 4901 and Brush Set: Stamped Dates are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Angela Blanchard

Layout by Angela Blanchard
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Computer scrapbook layout by Paula Wright

Layout by Paula Wright
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Embellishment Template: 1898 Photo Frames 2 and ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Scratches Biggie are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Debbie Layden

Layout by Debbie Layden
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Fleur, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Anticipation, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Jeweled Flora Biggie, Brush Set: Rugged Decor, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Old Metal 5101 Super Biggie and Lettering Delights Painter's Hand Font are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Shalae Tippetts

Layout by Shalae Tippetts
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Transparency 4901, Dynamic Brush Set: Decorative Stitching 4901 Biggie, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glitter Metals Mini 4102 and Dynamic Brush Set: Star Bright Biggie are also available.

If you have praise, comments, or questions for any of our Product Designers or Layout Artists, 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: Paradise in the Backyard

Note from Heidi: Cherise Oleson’s post on the Scrap Girls blog made me so jealous! I love Hawaii and the amazing beauty of everything there. It gets harder and harder to not go back every time I see a lovely layout like this. Mahalo for sharing!

I could handle this. I could possibly tolerate waking up every morning to a view like this. Not too shabby.

You see, we are visiting my parents in Hawaii right now and they have a little apartment that is right on the beach. The first morning we were here, my kids got up really early due to the time difference between Hawaii and Missouri. I didn't want to disturb my parents, so we just took a little walk down to the ocean. It was heavenly to watch the sunrise and dip our feet in the water.

I have taken many pictures and plan to spend many hours creating digital scrapbook layouts about them. But, for now, here's a layout that I just did with a sneak peek at the beautiful view we get to see every day when we look out the window. I could quite possibly be persuaded to never leave...

- Cherise

Computer scrapbook layout by Cherise Oleson

Layout by Cherise Oleson




Commercial license versions of AMC_Friendly Font, Brush Set: Crayon Basics and Brush Set: Edging 1 Grunge are also available.

Cherise Oleson

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: ScrapSimple Tools � Shapes

We’ve all experienced this... you have a “vision” for a layout you’re working on, but you’re missing a couple of key elements that would really pull your finished project together. This is the thing I love most about digital scrapbooking - its versatility. Not only are there pre-made collections that have variety that boggles the mind, but there are so many tools available that allow us to create custom elements for our projects. One of my favorite tools to use is the ScrapSimple Tools – Shapes line. From labels to flourishes, and everything in between, this group of products contains hi-resolution images that are easy to resize to fit your needs.

Screenshot: Shape formulas

In this project, I decided to layer a few different shapes together to create a label for my photo. As you can see by the formulas I’ve included here, the intricacy, theme and texture of your final “product” are only limited by your imagination.

Screenshot: Close up

Once I decided on the colors and textures I wanted to use, I created the elements and dragged them into a new layer in my open project. Here is a close-up of the grouping.

You can then apply drop shadows and play with your Burn/Dodge Tools to get more realistic depth between the elements themselves.

And here is my final layout. You would never guess that those elements weren’t originally part of a matched set, would you?

Computer scrapbook layout by Stefanie Harris

Layout by Stefanie Harris
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Slides 8301, ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Scallops 5401, ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Serene 3801, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Grandeur, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Organica 5201 and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Inked Edges Metallics Mini 4103 are also available.

Stefanie Harris

A scrapbooker of five years (digi for two of those), Stefanie lives in a small town in south Alabama with her hubby of twelve years, two daughters, and silly little dog. When she’s not at work, she can be found obsessing over her latest project in the eerie glow of her computer screen. When she needs a break – or her legs go numb – she also enjoys cooking, going for crazy-long walks, and hanging out with friends.

What's Happening at Scrap Girls?

If you have never been to the Scrap Girls Chat Room before or have questions about it, this tutorial, Chat Basics, will provide lots of helpful information.

Crops and Chats

Swap Crop Chat
Thursday, August 28th - 9:00PM ET

It's time for the Swap Crop Chat! We've done the swapping, and created the layouts, now it's time to chat about all the gorgeous layouts!

I don't know what it is, but these swaps bring out the best in everyone. This is the time to chat about the theme, the beautiful layouts and learn about the swap crop if you haven't participated before. I'll even reveal the theme for next month!

Join me, Carla, for a fun chat at 9 pm et on Thursday, August 28th!

Life Moments Chat and Crop
Tuesday, September 2nd - 9:00PM ET

Join Pat (PBarnes) for our next Life Moments Crop and Chat. These Crops are about building a scrapbook all about you, one layout at a time.

This week we will do a layout about our first car. It doesn't matter if you don't have a photo. You can see if you can find an image on the Internet or just do a journaling layout. Hope to see you there!

High Noon Crop
Wednesday, September 3rd - 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 September 3, we'll do a monochromatic challenge! Create a layout using shades of yellow! No other colors except black and white allowed!

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!

NSBR Chat - Early Edition
Thursday, September 4th - 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 September 4th, at 1 PM ET, in the chat room Lobby! Hope to see you there!

New Member Chat
Thursday, September 4th - 9:00PM ET

Join Pat (PBarnes) and Carol Ann (Zaz) for the New Member Chat at 9 PM ET in the Live Chat room lobby.

This is a great place to ask questions about getting around the Scrap Girls site or about digital scrapbooking in general - and a great place to make some new friends. All are welcome, new and long time members included.

You do need to have Java installed on your computer to access the Live Chat.

Quote Chat & Challenge
Sunday, September 7th - Time TBA

Come join Pat (PBarnes) for the Quote Challenge Crop! Including a quote on your layout can be a touching and meaningful addition, especially if you use the quote to create your own word art.

Here's how it will work. On Sunday, I'll post a thread on the Chat section of the board giving you the quote that you will use to make your own word art. It's not hard, and I will even have a layout with a Word Art example. Then we'll meet in the chat room to have fun, chat, and create our Word Art layout!

We'll post the time on Sunday, as the time changes around each time to allow participation by our international folks. Everyone can participate and create a layout, even if you can't make the chat. Hope to see you there!

Aussie Colour Chat and Challenge
Monday, September 8th - 8:30PM *Australian Eastern Standard Time*

Join Karen (Kazbar73) and Jo (ScrappingJo) for a Aussie Colour Chat and Challenge. Watch the boards on Monday for the colour, then complete a layout and join us in the Live Chat Lobby at 8.30pm Australian Eastern Standard Time. Hope to see you there.

PS - For all you American Girls, who are more than welcome to join our chats, it will be on Monday, 8 September, at 6.30am New York time.

NSBR Chat
Monday, September 8th - 9:00PM ET

August Events

August Board Game: BINGO!

It's that time again! Join us for an exciting game of BINGO on the Message Board Forum in August! Pick 25 words from the list provided in the forum and send them in an e-mail to [email protected] with a subject line saying “BINGO CARD” and including your message board user name by Sunday, August 3rd in order to play in the first round which will begin Monday, August 4th.

Each day, members of the Welcoming Committee will call 5 random words from the Bingo list. Match just 15 of those words to win a BINGO. You must be first to call bingo in the forum to win that round. After a winner is called, the boards can be cleared and a new round will begin the following day. All winners receive a $5 Gift Certificate to the boutique! We like to see lots of winners, so please remember that each person can only win one round during the month. Have fun!

If you miss the first round cutoff date, you can still play! Just send in your Bingo card at any time during the month and you'll be eligible to begin playing when the next new round starts. Everyone who sends in a Bingo card will receive a confirmation email that their card has been received. If you do not receive confirmation within 24 hours, please re-send your list of words. We cannot be held responsible for misdirected emails.

Layout Contests:

August Layout Contest: We all have had some magical events in our life. We want to see your layouts that describe a time before or during a magical event in your life like a wedding, a prom, a special vacation, or maybe the birth of a child. Upload your layouts to the August Layout Gallery by August 31st at Midnight, and if your layout is chosen, you will win a $10 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

August Mid-Month Layout Contest: The story of your life is unwritten. We’d love to see a layout that has a story of something in your life most people don’t know about you. Do you have a hidden talent to share, a special award you received, or maybe an embarrassing moment? Upload your layouts to the August Mid-month Layout Gallery by September 15th at midnight and you will win a $10 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique if your layout is chosen!

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 Angie Briggs

Layout by Angie Briggs
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Designer Freebie by Angie Briggs coordinates with her His and Hers Collection Biggie, part of this month's Scrap Girls Club offering!

* 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.

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” 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.

1 8.5x11 Sheet of Word Art

1 Assemble Your Own Zoom Page Set

1 Designer's Choice Item

1 ScrapSimple Paper Template Set

1 ScrapSimple Embellishment Template Set

1 ScrapSimple Layer Your Own Brush Set

1 Designer's Choice Item