Scrap Girls Chit Chat Newsletter: October 30, 2008

We have been experiencing trouble with some email clients, especially Yahoo, during the past week or so in getting the newsletter delivered to you on time and in the right mailbox. Some mail has been arriving late, in the spam box, or not arriving at all! Please make sure [email protected] is listed on your safe address list in your email client, and check our home page for a link to the newsletter if yours is late in arriving. Thanks for your patience as these computer issues sort themselves out!

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_081030_Thurs_Miniature.htm

What's New in the Scrap Girls Boutique?

Computer scrapbook layout by Jan Hicks

Layout by Jan Hicks
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Winter White and ScrapSimple Transparency Overlays: Vintage Valentine are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Amanda Sok

Layout by Amanda Sok
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Commercial license versions of Brush Set: Mixed Alphabet Biggie, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Bursting Offset, Brush Set: Scribbled, Brush Set: Urban Living, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Raw Material and Brush Set: Ultimate Grunge are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Ariadna Wiczling

Layout by Ariadna Wiczling
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Computer scrapbook layout by dinny [Diane Miller]

Layout by dinny [Diane Miller]
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Computer scrapbook layout by Valerie Randall

Layout by Valerie Randall
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Commercial license versions of Brush Set: Snowflakes 2101, Brush Set: Well Worn, Brush Set - 4x6: Inky, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Nutcracker Geometrics, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Inked Edges Neutrals 4102 and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glitter Metals Mini 4102 are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Melanie Johnson

Layout by Melanie Johnson
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Card Templates: 5.5x4.25 Kids' Thank You Notes 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.

Best of the Scrap Girls Blog: Life in Miniature Update

Note from Ro: Angela Blanchard has been making a cute dollhouse during the last few months. Because she has been using digital scrapbooking supplies to help her along, I’ve been interested in her progress. I just spotted this post on the Scrap Girls Blog and thought I’d share it with you. Wouldn’t a little girl adore getting something like this for Christmas?

Since there was such interest in an earlier blog post I did about a dollhouse I’m constructing, I thought I would post an update of my progress.

I’m doing really well at using scraps and found objects to furnish the house. I used leftover molding to make the bed and fabric scraps to sew a patchwork quilt. (The quilt was really difficult and you can see my squares don’t line up. If anyone has tips on how to sew such tiny pieces, I’d love to hear from you.) I took apart a broken wristwatch to construct the grandfather clock and used an oval plaque with a chopped down wooden candlestick to construct the dining room table.

A friend had given me some FIMO a few years back, so I decided to try my hand at making some food as well. There were tutorials on the Internet and it was really quite easy to make the cookies, bread, cakes, and pies.

Most of my other accessories are ones that I’ve collected over the years; however, I did go last weekend to the Portland, OR, Miniatures show. That was so much fun! I got lots of ideas and managed to stay within my $20.00 budget. (Well, not counting the $5.00 admission fee, oops!)

My next project will be to use my digital scrapbooking supplies to make some artwork for the bare walls.

What will I do when the house is complete? Well, there is some leftover wood stored in the garage... maybe an addition to the house will be in the future!

- Angela

Computer scrapbook project by Angela Blanchard

Project by Angela Blanchard

Angela Blanchard

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: ScrapSimple Alpha Templates

Come closer - I have a secret to tell you. I think that ScrapSimple Alpha Templates are about the coolest thing in the Scrap Girls Boutique! They let you create perfect titles using the right colors, papers, and styles to make an ordinary layout - well - extraordinary! Let me show you how.

Digital Scrapbook Product Review Screenshot: Open files

Today, I am working on a layout of my friend Paige and my daughter. I need to create a letter “F” that will give the word “Friendship” some extra pizzazz. I have chosen Erica Hite’s ScrapSimple Alpha Templates: Enchanted. The first thing I do is open all three pieces of the Alpha Template on my layout. This includes the Letter, Decor, and Outline.

I am going to apply a style to the Outline portion on my template, so I highlight that layer in the Layers Palette and select my style. I also click on the white space in the Layers Palette to open my Layers Style Window and select Syndee Nuckles’s ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Collage 6301 for the Outline. I add a bevel, contour, and stroke to the outline. Now I have achieved a chipboard effect as the base foundation of my letter.

Digital Scrapbook Product Review Screenshot: Place layers on top of each other

Next I move the Letter and Decor layer on top of my Outline Layer.

To finish it up, I add another Style to the Letter layer so that it stands out. I use Adriana’s ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Felt 8201 Super Biggie on this layer. My last step is to merge the visible layers so that I can easily move my new element to where I want it in the layout. See why Alpha Templates are WAY COOL?

Computer scrapbook layout by Debbie Layden

Layout by Debbie Layden
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Alpha Templates: Enchanted, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Beads and Strings, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Collage 6301, ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Stitching And Holes 4101 - Straight Stitching, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Felt 8201 Super Biggie, Brush Set: Sage Mini, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501 and Lettering Delights Hallmark Font are also available.

Debbie Layden

Debbie Layden is a children’s photographer in the Atlanta area. She discovered digital scrapbooking in November of 2007 and was hooked. In her spare time she can be found cooking on the grill and entertaining friends, or sitting on the sidelines watching her children play soccer and her husband coach. She loves every minute of being part of the Scrap Girls Layout Team!

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

NSBR Chat - Early Edition
Thursday, October 30th - 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) and Michelle (Shelbi), on October 30th, at 1PM ET, in the chat room Lobby! Hope to see you there!

Sketch Crop Challenge
Thursday, October 30th - 9:00PM ET

Join me, sprinklz, for the Sketch Challenge and Crop, Thursday, October 30th, 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 “chat room” link (above). 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.

High Noon Crop
Wednesday, November 5th - 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 November 5th, we'll do a repetition challenge! Create a layout using the design principle of repetition. Unsure of what that is? Come find out, we'll discuss this design principle throughout the crop!

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!

Recipe Challenge Chat
Saturday, November 8th - 8:00PM ET

Join April Showers and Sherry Lynn in the Chat Room Saturday, November 8th at 8 PM ET for our monthly Recipe Challenge Chat where we'll share and scrap our favorite recipes. Check the message board on Thursday morning for this month's theme and Recipe Swap details. Hope to see you there!

High Noon Crop
Wednesday, November 12th - 12:00Noon ET

On November 12th, we'll do a dominance challenge! Create a layout using the design principle of dominance. Unsure of what that is? Come find out, we'll discuss this design principle throughout the crop!

Sketch Crop Challenge
Thursday, November 13th - 9:00PM ET

Join me, sprinklz, for the Sketch Challenge and Crop, Thursday, November 13th, at 9pm ET in the Scrap Girls Chat Room!

New Member Chat **Early Edition**
Tuesday, November 18th - 3:00PM ET

Join April (April Showers) at 3:00 PM ET for a fun chat to get to know our newest members. We will discuss the message board, gallery, chocolate and so much more! Everyone is welcome, new or not so new! Not sure how to get there? Just click the “chat room” button at the top of this newsletter; you will need JavaScript enabled to access the chat room.

High Noon Crop
Wednesday, November 19th - 12:00Noon ET

On November 19th, we'll do a white space challenge! Create a layout using white space. This “negative” or blank space guides the eye to the important areas of your page. Remember, it certainly doesn't have to be the color white!

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.

October Mid-Month Layout Contest: Do you enjoy volunteering or helping out in your community? Whether it is at your local church or you are the founder of a non-profit, giving of your time and efforts really can make a difference to those around you. So, let’s see your layouts about how you help those around you or volunteer your time and what it means to you. Post your layouts to the October Mid-month Gallery 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 Amy Lemaniak

Layout by Amy Lemaniak
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Designer Freebie by Marnie Adams coordinates with her Digital Stickers: Happy Haunting Costume Kids Mini



Commercial license versions of Dynamic Brush Set: Halloween Hijinks, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Lifted Photos2 Biggie, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Old Metal 5101 Super Biggie and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501 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