Scrap Girls Chit Chat Newsletter: October 9, 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_081009_Thurs_Mom.htm

What's New in the Scrap Girls Boutique?

Computer scrapbook layout by Syndee Nuckles

Layout by Syndee Nuckles
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Commercial license versions of Design Pack - 4x6: On the Edge and ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Hand-Tinted 6301 are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Amanda McGee

Layout by Amanda McGee
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Commercial license versions of Lettering Delights Letterpress Font are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Amanda Sok

Layout by Amanda Sok
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Computer scrapbook layout by Cherise Oleson

Layout by Cherise Oleson
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Digital Layout Album Templates - Layered: 12x12 Mission 2, Brush Set: Stamped Dates and Brush Set: Grungelle are also available.

Computer scrapbook craft sample by Jo Corne

Layout by Jo Corne
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Stitch 'n Holes 8302 Running Stitch, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Halloween Edge, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Metallic Stitching 6401 Super Biggie and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Stitching And Hole 4101 Mini 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.

Scrap Girls Convention - Back at the Ranch Event

As you are reading this, Scrap Girls from all over the world are converging on Salt Lake City to participate in the first ever Digital Scrap Link Convention. We will be spending the rest of the week meeting, talking, learning, laughing, and more. We are so excited to share this experience with those who are able to come, but we have not forgotten those of you who are not able to make it to this convention. We will MISS all of you, and want you to know that each and every one of you is loved and appreciated!

So, Scrap Girls is pleased to announce its “Back at the Ranch” event of fun, crops, chats, challenges, classes, games, and more! Like we would forget you.... We want to make sure you have a great time holding down the fort while we're in Salt Lake!

We will have roving blog reporters out and about during the convention keeping you up-to-date with interviews, layout posts, games, and more! So, stay tuned to the newsletter and our message board. We will be announcing blog games on our message board, so don't miss out on your chance to win some great prizes!

Here's the schedule of events:

Thursday, October 9:

11:00AM ET - Ad Challenge (Erica)
3:00PM ET - Sketch Challenge (Deb)
4:00PM ET - Holdin' Down the Fort Chat (Ang)
8:00PM ET - Rip Roaring Good Times Chat (Mary Elizabeth)

Friday, October 10:

12:00 Noon ET - High Noon Special Edition (Betsy)
5:00PM ET - Lasso Class (Mary Elizabeth)
8:00PM ET - Stampede the Chat Room (Rebecca)
9:00PM ET - Word Art/Quote Challenge and Crop (Karen)

Saturday, October 11:

1:00PM ET - Cowboy Color Challenge (Launa)

*Schedule is subject to change... keep an eye on the newsletter and message board for the latest “Back at the Ranch” happenings!

Best of the Scrap Girls Blog: Mom Retreat

Note from Ro: I really related to Ursula’s post on the Scrap Girls Blog. When I read it, I thought, “You go, girl!” I can highly recommend doing this, even if you just go somewhere, wander around, and take photos. Do something for yourself and avoid burnout!

Like most of us, I've got a lot of things crowding up my proverbial plate. Okay, perhaps what I have is a platter or maybe an entire table. Sometimes, it sure seems like that is the case.

I recently took a friend for a pedicure. (A woman needs those when she's just sent her son off to the Army!) While we were visiting, she commented that I'm the busiest woman she knows. Really? Could I really be busier than most women? That was a sobering thought.

I have been aware of feeling overwhelmed, but I'd have guessed that I'm no different from all of the other women I know. My friend's comment caused me to pause and wonder if I really need to cut back a bit.

After discussing it with a trusted advisor, we decided that I needed to take a break... a “Mom Retreat.” I was instructed to do absolutely nothing, take no phone calls, do none of the things on my 'to do' list and generally laze about like a sloth. It sounded absolutely heavenly and positively sinful. How could I justify that kind of time away from my family and responsibilities?

After sharing my feelings with my husband, we decided that I would take three days and two nights in a local B&B and relax. So, I did. What did I do? Nothing. I spent some time lying in the big, comfy, feather comforter-laden king-sized bed and stared at the ceiling. It was truly wonderful!

It's true, I did think about my digital scrapbooking projects and I wrote down some inspiration for some products, but mostly, I just retreated into myself, had some conversations with this lady named Ursula that I haven't caught up with in a while and simply enjoyed life. You should try it.

Here are a few shots from my time to myself.

- Ursula

Computer scrapbook layout by Ursula Schneider

Layout by Ursula Schneider

Ursula Schneider

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 Digital Scrapbooking Product Review: Assemble Your Own: 4x6 Zoom Pages

We are blessed here at Scrap Girls to have a wide choice of way cool product available to us. I finally had the opportunity to use a product I had admired before but never actually used - the Assemble Your Own: 4x6 Zoom Pages. I found that the beauty of this product was the ease and quickness of creating my layout.

This product can be considered a mini version of a full collection, specifically set up for a 4x6 inch page, which, in my language, is a 10x15cm photo. This size is perfect for creating layouts that can slip into a 4x6 inch album, which is an easy size to either give as a gift or have handy in your bag to be used as your brag book.

Another bonus to this product is that many times, the Assemble Your Own 4x6 Zoom Pages are an extension of a full collection that can be found in the boutique. If you have both the full collection as well as the Assemble Your Own 4x6 Zoom Pages, you can mix and match the two together to create even more beautiful layouts.

In my example here, I have used Valerie Randall’s Assemble Your Own Zoom Pages - 4x6: Beachin and then added a few elements from her Beachin’ Collection Biggie to add the finishing touches to my layout. If you have never tried the Assemble Your Own 4x6 Zoom Pages before, I highly recommend you do. You will not look back in regret.

Computer scrapbook layout by Jo Corne

Layout by Jo Corne
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501 are also available.

Jo Corne

Jo lives down under in a STILL cold Melbourne and is impatiently awaiting the arrival of a warm summer. In the meantime, she scraps almost daily while trying to maintain some form of sanity among her crazy family.

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

Ad Challenge
Thursday, October 9th - 11:00aM ET

WANTED! Digital scrappers in the Scrap Girls chat room, Thursday, October 9th at 11:00AM ET. Join Erica for a Wanted Poster Ad/Art Challenge! So round up your digital scrapbooking kits and mischievous photos and we'll see you soon!

Holdin' Down the Fort Chat
Thursday, October 9th - 4:00PM ET

We may not be in Salt Lake City together, but there's lots of fun to be had right here in the ScrapGirls online community! Join Ang (AngRoCamp) in the “Holdin' Down the Fort” Chat as we kick off convention weekend together here online! Fun and friends and fast fingers as we chat and keep each other company, holding down the fort together!

Stampede the Chat Room
Friday, October 10th - 8:00PM ET

Join 3*little*dragonflies AKA Becca for a stampede! That's right, folks, it's another round of cramming the chat room for a lot of high-spirited fun and excitement! Couldn't make it to the convention? No problem, partner! We've got your evening entertainment right here, so come join us Friday night at 8pm ET and let's get that chat room hopping!

Word Art/Quote Challenge and Crop
Friday, October 10th - 9:00PM ET

Howdy ya all! Join Karen (aka kazbar73) in the chat room on Friday, 10 October at 9pm ET for a Word Art/Quote Challenge. Watch the boards on Friday for the word art/quote, create a layout, and come and have a chat on Friday night. See you all then, pardners!

Cowboy Color Challenge
Saturday, October 11th - 1:00PM ET

Join me (Launa) for a Cowboy Color Challenge on Saturday, October 11th, at 1:00pm ET in the Scrap Girls Chat room. Come with your White hat on and don't be "Yella" or I'll have to get a posse and hunt ya down! See ya there!

Aussie Siggie Chat
Monday, 13th October - 9:00PM *Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time*

Please join Karen (kazbar 73) for the next Aussie Chat. This week we will create our very own "Siggies."

Have you wondered how everyone creates those cool signatures on the message board? We will meet in the Chat Room at 9:00 PM Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time for a fun chat and challenge to find out how to create, upload and insert them into your profile. Karen will post a challenge earlier in the day to help you get started, then during the chat we wil work on our siggies and answer questions!

For all our International ladies, the chat will be on Monday, 13 October, at 6am New York time. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

New Member Chat
Tuesday, October 14th - 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.

High Noon Crop
Wednesday, October 15th - 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 October 15th, we'll do a wave challenge! Create a layout using a wave or a swirl in some way on your page. It can be a paper cut out in a wave shape, a funky swirly brush, an embellishment that has waves and swirls - just use a wave in some way!

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, October 16th - 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 (Shari - PV Mom), on October 16th, at 1 PM ET, in the chat room Lobby! Hope to see you there!

Heritage Crop
Thursday, October 16th - 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! We'll help you get motivated to scrap those heritage photos and record your family stories for future generations to enjoy.

Quote Chat & Challenge
Sunday, October 19th - 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!

October Events

October Board Game: Posting Contest!

Have you ever been described as “garrulous?” How about “loquacious?” Or “voluble?” If so, then this is the game for you!

It's time to put your chatty nature to the test and get posting! We want to see you post the most! The top 10 posters this month will each win a gift certificate to the boutique! (Top 1-3 will each get a $10 GC, 4-6 will each get a $5 GC, and 7-10 will each get a $3 GC!) We've got a system to keep track of your posts. If you want to keep your own tally, feel free to note your post count before you start posting on Wednesday October 1st. Contest ends on Friday October 31st at Midnight MT!

So go on with your gabby girl self! This is the month for you!

Layout Contests:

October Layout Contest: Has someone ever done something for you that you will never forget or maybe gone above and beyond for you? This month’s contest is the perfect opportunity to document it or thank them for it. We want to see your layouts commemorating those that have made a difference in your life, no matter how big or small. Post your layouts to the October Gallery by Midnight ET on October 31st. If your layout is chosen you will win a $10 gift certificate to the boutique! Be sure to include the credits for products used in the description or under the Details button.

September Mid-Month Layout Contest: Dreams are one of the most fascinating things we can experience. Now is your chance to scrap one of the dreams you’ve had, or to create a “dreamy” layout. Maybe you have a dream that you’ve always had since you were a child, or a dream that you had a week ago. Let’s see those dreamy layouts uploaded to the Mid-September Gallery by midnight, October 15th, and if your layout is chosen, you will win a $10 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

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 Theresa Kavouras

Layout by Theresa Kavouras
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Designer Freebie by Theresa Kavouras coordinates with her Combat: Marines Collection Mini


Commercial license versions of Brush Set: Combat: Marines Mini 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.

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 important to 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