“Thankful” by Julie Moberly
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:

To make my text vertical, I right clicked the text tool to reveal the selection menu. Then I left-clicked on “Vertical Type Tool” and typed my text onto my layout.

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Jen - Edges and Textures, ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Sketch It PSE 8501, Brush Set: Grungelle, Brush Set: Beautiful Distress, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Urban Living Glitter 5501 and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501 are also available.

Software used: Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0

Name of challenge: Thankful

Other Ingredients:

• Font - Trajan Pro

Journaling: I thank God for the difficult times. Finally, I see the blessings in disguise.

“Grateful” by Armi Custodio
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:

I used Sarah Batdorf’s ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501 on my elements. It really does take out the guesswork when applying shadows.

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501 and ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: My Blessings are also available.

Software used: Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0

Name of challenge: Thankful

Other Ingredients:

• Font - Century Schoolbook

Journaling: As a mother of twins, I am so thankful that these ordinary, everyday things have been invented in my lifetime. Cloth diapers? With two babies, I couldn’t keep up with the laundry. Need to go to the bathroom? Barney and friends can hold my babies’ attention long enough to keep them out of trouble. Picky eaters? Old reliable mac & cheese hasn’t failed me yet. Messy artists? Washable paints and crayons have saved me from pulling my hair out when my kids decide to extend their artistic efforts onto their clothes, the walls, and sheets. So to the inventors of these modern conveniences, you have my utmost gratitude for the past three Thanksgivings and a few more years beyond. Life with twins isn’t easy, but you have made it a little easier.

“Give Thanks” by Kim Meeder
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:

After applying Erica Hite’s ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Beveled 5401 to the window frame, I decided to change the size of the bevel so it would be more noticeable and fit the large size of the window on my layout. It was easy to make the adjustment. First, I highlighted the layer containing the window frame in my Layers Palette. Next, I double clicked on “Bevel & Emboss” to bring up the Layer Styles window. I played with the Depth, Size, Soften, and Opacity sliders until the bevel was just right.

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Windows, ScrapSimple Type Paths: Curves 2101, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Beveled 5401, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Gold 5401 and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Wrought Iron 5201 are also available.

Software used: Adobe Photoshop CS3

Name of challenge: Thankful

Other Ingredients:

• Font - S Uneven
• Font - Microsoft Sans Serif

Journaling: Special blessings in my life... Phil and Beth and Dylan and Kristi and Michael and Laura and Adam and Jill. Eight reasons to be thankful everyday. Thanksgiving 2007

“Thankful” by Jennifer Labre
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:

When I thought about what kind of page I wanted to do for this challenge – all about what I am thankful for – I realized that I don’t have any recent photos to depict all of those things, or even any photos at all. As I thought more about it, this became more and more the story. It’s not just the people that I am thankful for, but what they mean to me that matters. Those things cannot simply be depicted in photos. So, my layout focuses more on the words behind the non-existent photos, which is a great way to focus on the story and not always assume that your photos convey your feelings.

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Eyelet Edges are also available.

Software used: Adobe Photoshop CS

Name of challenge: Thankful

Other Ingredients:

• Font - Acoustic Bass

Journaling: Today, I am thinking about what I am thankful for. And, normally on a scrapbook page I would include photos depicting those things. But as I think about it, I realize that I don't really have the photos to go with those things right now. I am thankful to know God and have Him be a part of my life. Can't take a photo of that. I am thankful for my family... Jeff, my husband, my rock - who is out of the country for two months - no recent photos there. I am thankful for my daughter, Jordan, who I do have a photo of, but none that capture her essence - the person she is - the person she is becoming, the person I am so very proud of. Hard to capture those things in a photo. I am thankful for the opportunity to have another child - my daughter that is just roughly 48 days from joining us in this world. (Then I'll be sure to get lots of photos!) I am thankful for my wonderful parents, who are always there for me  - and my sisters, who I may not be as close to as I'd like, but I know they are there for me. I am thankful for so many things right now and these words help me to remember my blessings when photos cannot. - October 27, 2008

“Thankful” by Kelly Favor-Chronister
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:

To draw extra attention to the title at the bottom of the page, I added brackets around it using Valerie Randall’s ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Brackets 2102 Biggie. To make the brackets hold the title, I duplicated the original bracket I drew and flipped it horizontally. I added a small bevel and a drop shadow, then I clipped a textured paper to both of them.

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Grunged Metals Super Biggie 4106, ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Vintage PSE 6502, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501 and ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Brackets 2102 Biggie are also available.

Software used: Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0

Name of challenge: Thankful

“Eternally Grateful” by Stefanie Harris
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Directions for one technique I did on this layout:

One of the challenges people have with boldly patterned papers is keeping their elements from getting “lost” in the design. This is exactly what presented itself as I created this layout. I loved the bold and cheery floral pattern from Valerie’s Janet Collection Biggie, and I knew I wanted the title letters to complement the layout, but it ended up blending too well. I came up with a solution that – I think – did the trick wonderfully.

I Ctrl+Clicked the layer icon that had my title lettering on it. With that layer active, I then went to Select> Modify> Expand and entered 8 pixels in the dialogue box. With the “marching ants” activated, I created a new layer under my title layer, and filled with a dark (but still coordinating) color. Voila! It has the look of layered letter stickers!

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Classico Weaves, ScrapSimple Transparency Overlays: Scrollwork 2, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Rivet Up Biggie, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Scruffy, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Rhinestones, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Micro Glitter 6401 Super Biggie, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Gold 5101 Super Biggie, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Inked Edges Neutrals 4102 and ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Photo Basics 5001 are also available.

Software used: Adobe Photoshop CS2

Name of challenge: Thankful

Other Ingredients:

• LD Dabble Font
• Stefanie's own handwriting (created with her Wacom Tablet)

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.

WARNING: Contents may be addictive.

Just over a year ago, I was grocery shopping and happened to see a magazine about digital scrapbooking. Little did I know that it was to become a life altering experience. Through the magazine, I found the Scrap Girls website and a wealth of knowledge about digital scrapbooking, tips, tutorials, a new career path and, best of all, an amazing group of new friends.

My kids may tell you that Scrap Girls has been something of an addiction. On more than one occasion, they have asked, “Mom, Mom, hello, Mom are you in there?” while standing right next to me. Then, “Her brain has been sucked into the computer again.”

The timing was perfect as our youngest son was starting first grade. Without realizing it, I was looking for a new challenge, a new creative endeavor and, lucky me, I found it! You have all been so supportive, encouraging and those challenges got me hooked. I had never been in a chat room or posted anything on the Internet before coming to Scrap Girls. The day Ro invited me to come to her home and meet her in person was about as far out of my comfort zone as I have ever been, but she was so warm and welcoming that all of the anxiousness melted away.

I still can’t believe that I get to spend time designing products and creating layouts. It was a dream come true when I got to meet so many of you in person during the Scrap Girls convention in October. Scrap Girls are even more fun in person than online, so my advice is to start planning now for next year’s convention and I’ll see you there!

- Paula

Favorite product I've designed:
Thankful Collection

I had so much fun working on this product. The inspiration started with a pizza box left over from the staff day at our Scrap Girls’ convention. I thought it would be interesting to make a hinge out of wire. Then, with the wire in hand, I found myself twisting photo frames. They were delicate, so I thought torn paper would be a funky balance. I like that this collection works equally well for masculine or feminine layouts and funky or more elegant projects. I hope you have fun with it, too!

Layout by Paula Wright
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The Scrap Girls Monthly Club allows you to get all of the newest looks while saving money! It is perfect for anyone who wants beautiful, coordinated digital scrapbooking supplies that are easy to use. You get all the products shown above, a $29.33 value, for $9.99 or less! Plus, each month we will help you find new ways to use your club contents to the fullest with this article full of ideas, tips, and projects to get your creativity going!

November’s Scrap Girls Club’s featured designer is Durin Eberhart. This digital scrapbooking club was inspired by the rich colors of autumn and is enhanced by golden accents. Perfect for autumn and holiday digital scrapbooking and altered art projects. The character trait word art included makes it especially appropriate for tribute and heritage layouts. Let’s look a little closer and see what additional ideas we can come up with for this club.

Layout ideas:

• Photos of a Thanksgiving table all dressed up for the feast

• Showcase buildings with Spanish-style architecture

• Layouts dedicated to those who serve in the military (especially using word art in Character Collection Biggie and Character Word Art Mini)

• A mini album or paper bag album celebrating someone who has passed away, with each page dedicated to a one characteristic that person had (using word art in Character Collection Biggie or Character Word Art Mini).

• Use papers as wallpaper in a layout and create a family wall of photos. Would work nicely with ScrapSimple Digital Layout Album Templates - Layered: 12x12 Gallery.

• Scrapbooking photos of a room or home with character

Layout by Christy VanderWall
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Project/Printable ideas:

• Create a Thankful Tree - print and cut Character Collection Biggie and Character Paper Super Mini papers into 3x5” pieces, fold in half, punch with a hole, and add some string. Place in basket near an artificial tree, such as a Christmas tree, for Thanksgiving dinner guests to jot things down that they are thankful for on the papers. Hang on tree.

• Print out papers for use as dollhouse wallpaper and rugs.

• Create placecards, napkin rings, food signs for a buffet table, and a menu to display for Thanksgiving dinner.

• Use the papers as matting for photos, diplomas, etc. for a masculine office space.

• Print out papers to make tiny lampshade covers on dining room chandelier shades.

• Print papers to make book covers for display on bookshelf and use Character Embellishment Mini frames to create book plates.

• Create an assortment of greeting cards such Congratulations, Appreciation, Birthday, Thank You, etc., to give as a gift for someone special to use when they need a card to send.

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Cards by Kim Meeder
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We hope this article gives you some ideas to get you scrapping! We’d love to see what you come up with. You can share ideas and tips on the message board, plus there’s a special gallery available for you to show off your Club creations and inspire each other, so start creating!

And remember, this club will be expiring in just a few days! So if you like these ideas, don't hesitate to sign up today, or you will miss your chance to get in on these tremendous savings! It's like buying the Collection Biggie and getting the coordinating Paper Super Mini, Word Art, Embellishment Set, Assemble Your Own Zoom Page Set and Designer's Choice Item for free! Now, that's a bargain. Don't miss out!

Have fun!

- The Scrap Girls Team

P.S. We hope you are enjoying our Club Concepts articles. Each Monday, we give you ideas on how to use your current club selections in many different ways. We give you ideas for layout themes, embellishments, tips, cards, quotes, projects, and more! Well, we have realized that in creating these articles, we were leaving out one of the most important voices in our club... yours! So, we would like to announce that we will be looking for your help in creating these articles. And, of course, there are prizes involved!

How can you get involved, you may ask? Simply post your new layout using the current club selection (either the Scrap Girls club or the ScrapSimple club) in our Scrap Girls Club Members Gallery. Be sure to list all of the Scrap Girls products you used, as well as a short (1-2 sentence) description of the unique idea or theme your layout shows off. If your layout and its corresponding tip is chosen, they will be showcased in our Club Concepts article, and you will win a $5 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

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

Aussie Chat Monday, 24 November - 9:00PM *Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time* Join Jo (ScrappingJo) and Karen (kazbar73) for our next Aussie Chat on Monday, 24 November. This week's challenge will be to design a Christmas Desktop for your computer. Join us in the chat room from 9pm Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time for lots of laughter and fun. PS - For our International ladies, the chat will start at 5AM ET Monday, November 24. Ad Inspiration Crop/Chat Monday, November 24th - 9:00PM ET Join Pat & Launa for an Ad Inspiration Chat and Crop in the Scrap Girls Chat Room Monday, November 24th at 9:00 EST. We will use a magazine ad to inspire a LO, 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! New Member Chat Tuesday, November 25th - 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. NSBR Chat - Early Edition Thursday, November 27th - 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 us, Shari (Shari PV Mom) and Michelle (Shelbi), on November 27th, at 1 PM EST, in the chat room Lobby! Hope to see you there! Desktop Challenge Crop Friday, November 28th - 8:00PM ET Please come join Angela (angelaNussbaum) and Becca at 8PM ET for the Desktop Challenge Crop. Tired of your desktop being some graphic that you would've liked to make? Tired of a solid background? Did you know with your digital scrapbooking skills you can make a fabulous background for your enjoyment? A few hours before the chat, we will provide you with a source of inspiration, so stay tuned. ATC Crop/Chat Sunday, November 30th - 7:00PM ET Please join me, Sherry_Lynn, in the chat room for our November ATC Swap Crop/Chat on Sunday, November 30, at 7PM ET. For this month's challenge we are doing ATC's (Artist Trading Cards) that feature Holidays! Swap Crop Chat Sunday, November 30th - 9:00PM ET Join Shelbi (Michelle) for the November Swap Crop Chat Sunday, November 30th, at 8pm EST. I can't wait to see all the wonderful fall layouts you have made for each other. If you can't make it to the chat we would still love to see your Layouts in the gallery. You can start uploading your layouts at 6pm and we'll chat about them at 8pm. NSBR Chat Monday, December 1st - 9:00PM ET What is NSBR? It’s a non-scrapbooking related chat! Take some time out from your busy holiday schedule and relax with us in the chat room. We can chat about anything, including scrapbooking, chocolate and the craziness of the season! So join me, Carla (crs), at 9 pm et in the chat room!

November Events

November Board Game: Bingo! It's that time again! Join us for an exciting game of BINGO on the Message Board Forum in November! Pick 25 words from the list provided in the forum and send them in an e-mail to [email protected] with a subject line that says “BINGO CARD” and your message board user name by Monday, November 3rd (midnight MST) in order to play in the first round which will begin Tuesday, November 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 win 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. Layout Contests: November Layout Contest: Have you ever wanted to get a little crazy with your layouts and create something unusual? Here's your chance! For the November Layout Contest, we want to see some unusual layouts! Get a little crazy and type your text sideways or backwards; maybe turn the whole layout on its side! Or use mirror images to create some unusual effects! The sky's the limit! Post your layouts in the November Layout Contest Gallery before November 30th at midnight, and if your layout is chosen, you will win a $10 gift card to the Scrap Girls Boutique. Have fun! November Mid-Month Layout Contest: We all have some principles that we look to for guidance in our lives. These principles help us make decisions and choices. For the Mid-November Layout Contest, we want you to create a layout documenting a list of five principles or rules that you live by. Post your layouts in the Mid-November Layout Contest Gallery by December 15th at midnight, and if your layout is chosen, you will win a $10 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique! Good Luck!

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.)

Layout by Theresa Kavouras
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Designer Freebie by Theresa Kavouras coordinates with her Charlotte Collection

* 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.