Scrap Girls Chit Chat Newsletter: December 10, 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_081210_Wed_Crumb.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: Holiday Edge and ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Hand-Tinted 6301 are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Sarah Batdorf

Layout by Sarah Batdorf
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Commercial license versions of Brush Set: Moments and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501 are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Keri Schueller

Layout by Keri Schueller
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The fourth product is included in this month's Scrap Girls Club offering. Members receive a substantial discount on these club supplies. They are also available elsewhere in the Boutique at regular prices for those individuals who would rather not join a club.



Commercial license versions of Brush Set: Christmas Sayings and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Ceiling Tin 5401 are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Ariadna Wiczling

Layout by Ariadna Wiczling
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Artistic Paper 8201, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Felt, Brush Set: Stamped Dates and ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Stitch 'n Holes 8301 Machine Stitch are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Durin Eberhart

Layout by Durin Eberhart
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Scruffy 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: Crumb Counting

Note from Ro: Here’s a Best of Ro muse, written in 2007. It was a good reminder that I’ve been blessed. Hope you enjoy it.

Gooey frosting stuck to the knife as my mother sliced through the remainder of the cake. There would be two pieces when she had finished her work and we waited to see which one would be ours.

My brother, his eyes barely peeking over the counter, pointed at the larger piece, “That one is mine!”

“Is not!” I retorted.

“Is too.”

“Is not!”

“Is too.”

My mother acted as if she hadn’t heard our bantering, placed the cake on two dessert plates and handed them to us with a remark about them being the same size.

I can’t remember who ended up with the larger piece that day and it doesn’t matter who did. But, there is always a larger piece, even if it is only one crumb bigger. Nothing in this life is exactly even, equal, or the same size.

God doesn’t hand out the same gift to each of us. We each have unique talents, blessings, opportunities, personalities, and experiences. As a result, we end up with different piles of goodies.

It’s life. It happens. We will never have every good thing we see other people enjoying because it is rather impossible for a single individual to have every good gift.

We know this in our hearts, right? And yet, we keep crumb counting....

She is prettier than I am.
Their children are more successful than mine are.
His house is bigger than my house.
I am being left out of the group that goes to lunch together every Tuesday.

Crumb counting.

Crumb counting leads to envy, and the problem with envy is that it destroys the one thing that can make us feel truly happy in this life: thankfulness.

Crumb counting makes us feel afraid, left out, not good enough, and as if we lack something that is causing us to “get what they have.” We feel jealous and many poor choices (such as unkind words or unethical behavior) are self-justified because jealousy has blinded our hearts. We fail to see that when we are grateful for the crumbs we have been blessed with and use them wisely, God tends to bless us with more crumbs. We don’t have to worry one bit about it.

So, why don’t we pull ourselves up to the table, pour a glass of milk and enjoy the dessert that life has placed on our tables?

What flavor of cake do you have? Mine’s chocolate.

- Ro

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 CharleneJ, Soozlou, and mtorres_usa.

Digital Scrapbooking Tutorial: How to Use Brush Sets Creatively

Note: Tutorial created using Adobe Photoshop CS3 on a Mac.

Sometimes, you get a photo that lends itself to playing with a fun technique that is specific to digital scrapbooking. I found a great snow picture with a gorgeous blue sky and since there are so many great snowflake brushes in the Scrap Girls boutique, I couldn’t resist playing and making my own snowstorm.

Digital Scrapbooking Tutorial Screenshot: Create new document

Create a new document at 300 ppi. I chose to make a 12x12 inch canvas for this layout.

First, I choose the paper that I want to use for my background. I want a light colored background paper with a winter feel, so I am using paper from the Chillin Collection.

Open “DMI_Chillin_swirlie.jpg,” and while holding down the Shift key, drag it onto your newly created document. Then, open and move your photo onto your canvas also.

Digital Scrapbooking Tutorial Screenshot: Add layer mask

Once your photo is where you would like it, make sure the photo layer is selected and add a Layer Mask by clicking on the icon at the bottom of the Layers Palette that has a rectangle and a circle.

A Layer Mask will allow you to alter your photo without altering the actual photo. You are going to use brushes to remove areas of the photo using the Layer Mask.

Digital Scrapbooking Tutorial Screenshot: Selected layer mask

Make sure the Layer Mask is selected; there will be a double black edge on all four corners.

Digital Scrapbooking Tutorial Screenshot: Foreground color is black

Now, select a brush to work with and make sure the Opacity is at 100% and that the foreground color is black.

Digital Scrapbooking Tutorial Screenshot: Brushwork on layer mask allows background to show through

Start your brushwork with Brush Set: Chillin. (I am using “DMI_Chillin_breeze.”) You will notice that using the brush with black on the Layer Mask removes that part of the photo and allows the background paper to show through.

Digital Scrapbooking Tutorial Screenshot: Change opacities

Now you can add a variety of snowflakes, but you don’t want the paper to show through at 100%, so change the Opacity to 40%.

With Brush Set: Snowflakes 2101, use the brush named “VRA_BrushSet_2101_Snowflakes” and with Brush Set: Hints of Holiday, use the brush named “TYO_HintsHoliday_BrushSet” to scatter a variety of snowflakes around your photo.

Digital Scrapbooking Tutorial Screenshot: Add snowflakes in teal color

Now, we will add a few snowflakes in the teal color from the background paper, so add a new layer on top the photo layer. With a variety of snowflakes from the same brush sets listed above, scatter a few teal colored flakes here and there.

After adding a few other small embellishments, you have the perfect winter layout through the magic of digital scrapbooking!

Computer scrapbook layout by Trish Yochum

Layout by Trish Yochum
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Commercial license versions of Brush Set: Chillin, Brush Set: Hints of Holiday, Brush Set: Snowflakes 2101, Brush Set: Holiday Time and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glittered Epoxy 6041 Super Biggie are also available.

Trish Yochum

Tutorial written by Trish Yochum

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

High Noon Crop
Wednesday, December 10th - 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 December 10th and 17th, we'll do a TWO-PART, end of year challenge! Create a 2-page layout or a mini album using the very best photos of your 2008. Part one (December 10) may be an hour of sorting, planning and picking photos, papers, and embellishments, and part two (December 17) could be all about the layout/album. As Tim Gunn says in Project Runway, “Use your time wisely,” and, “Make it work!”

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, December 11th - 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 December 11th, at 1 PM EST, in the chat room Lobby! Hope to see you there!

Sketch Crop Challenge
Thursday, December 11th - 9:00PM ET

Join me, sprinklz, for the Sketch Challenge and Crop, Thursday, December 11th 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.

Quote Chat & Challenge
Sunday, December 14th - 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 have a layout with a Word Art example in the gallery. Then we'll meet in the chat room to have fun, chat, and create our Word Art layout!

I'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!

Coffee Break Chat
Monday, December 15th - 6:30AM ET

Does your morning routine include reading the daily Scrap Girls newsletter with a cup of coffee, cocoa, or tea each morning? Are you an early riser who can't wait for the newsletter to hit your Inbox? Join Sherry Lynn and Becca this Monday morning at 6:30am ET for a Coffee Break Chat!

This chat is short and sweet, only a half hour long so you can get on with your day. We'll discuss the layouts, concepts, muse, and freebie from the newsletter. Set your alarm a little early and come join us for some caffeine-free delight!

New Member Chat **Early Edition**
Tuesday, December 16th - 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.

Getting Published Chat
Tuesday, December 16th - 8:00PM ET

Join Angela (angelaNussbaum), Amy (tysMommy) and Christy (christyVW) for the Get Published Chat at 8 PM EST.

Do you want to see your layouts in magazines, but you are not quite sure how? Do you need a little more confidence with your layouts? During the Get Published Chat, we will talk about current calls, give constructive criticism on requested layouts, and we will answer your questions about submitting to magazines.

As with most of our chats, there will also be a challenge, to help you further your chances of being published, we will select a Magazine, and challenge you to do a layout with one of their calls!

Be sure you come to this informative Monthly chat, you will be glad you did!

High Noon Crop
Wednesday, December 10th - 12:00Noon ET

December Events

December Board Game: Holiday Hoopla!

Welcome to Holiday Hoopla 2008! This time of year is packed with holidays and events and traditions galore! It's also time for our most challenging game of the year! This challenge promises to keep you busy all month long. We're going to celebrate the season together here on the Message Board through tasks and challenges focused on holiday and seasonal traditions and of course there will be prizes in store!

Here's the nitty gritty: Every other day (December 1st through December 29th), a Holiday Hoopla 2008 task will be posted in the Events folder on the Message Board. If you complete all 15 tasks, you'll win a $10 gift certificate to the ScrapGirls Boutique! Also, there will be layouts to complete within these tasks. If you choose to only do the layout tasks, then you are eligible for a $5 Gift Certificate should your layout be chosen as a winner of that particular task.

Read each task carefully and compile all your answers and links into ONE word document and e-mail it to [email protected] at the end of the month when you've completed all the tasks. Emails need to be received by December 31st at midnight ET (Happy New Year!). Please put “Holiday Hoopla 2008- Username” in the email subject line.

Good luck!

Layout Contests:

December Layout Contest: We want to see your trees! For the December Layout Contest, we want you to scrap layouts featuring trees! You can scrap a tree full of leaves or a bare tree, or a tree in any season (Christmas trees too!). Maybe you have a tree with a very interesting shape; let’s scrap it! To be eligible for a chance to win a $10 gift certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique, create a layout featuring a tree and post it in the December Layout Contest Gallery before December 31st at midnight. Good Luck!

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.)

Today's Freebie

Computer scrapbook layout by Brandy Murry

Layout by Brandy Murry
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Designer Freebie by Brandy Murry coordinates with her Holiday In Lights Collection Biggie



Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Halloween 1501 and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Star Bright 5001 are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Cherise Oleson

Layout by Cherise Oleson
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Designer Freebie by Cherise Oleson coordinates with her Christmas Applique Collection


Commercial license versions of Dynamic Brush Set: Frayed 5401 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