Scrap Girls Chit Chat Newsletter: December 12, 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_081212_Fri_New.htm

What's New in the Scrap Girls Boutique?

Something New - Something Cool

Hot off a computer, created just for you: Learn the INSIDE secrets of a master digital scrapbooking designer.... Watch Valerie Randall, Scrap Girls' own Creative Director, as she demonstrates how easy it is to make coordinated digital scrapbooking kits with vector brushes!

In the tutorial movies with accompanying companion eBooklet that are included with your purchase of Step by Step Movie Tutorial: How to use Adobe Illustrator Pattern Brushes, you'll learn just how powerful Adobe Illustrator vector digital scrapbooking brushes truly are.

At this point, you may be asking yourself, “Why are vector brushes so wonderful? Why should I care?”
The answer to your questions can only be answered by confessing an inside secret that only the very top digital designers know: Vector brushes can be enlarged and reduced without losing quality, making them ideal for pattern creation!

Adobe Illustrator brushes are designed to create a series of vector patterns along paths in Illustrator in a flash. Once created, the finished design can be imported into Adobe Photoshop for polishing with ScrapSimple Styles.

Find out how simple it is to use these vector brushes to create:

Paper patterns
Ribbons
Borders
Frames
Edges
Journaling papers
Mats
Embellishments such as brads, corners, and more!

To get you started, you'll receive a vector brush to practice with as you learn. The brush has been applied along a path, making it easy for you to start designing right away. The paths you'll receive with your purchase include:

The paths you'll receive with your purchase include:

One straight 12" line
One rounded rectangle at 8x10"
One 7" circle
One 4x6" oval

Here are just a few of the cool things you'll learn how to do in Step by Step Movie Tutorial: How to use Adobe Illustrator Pattern Brushes movie tutorial:

How to copy shapes from Illustrator into Adobe Photoshop without loss of quality.
How to apply a ScrapSimple Style to create embellishments or paper patterns.
How to create instant pattern repeats.
The basics of the Illustrator brush and pen tools.
And more!

Note: These brushes ARE NOT designed to make hard corners. They work best on rounded corners. You can, however, make a vertical line and a horizontal line and match the corners the way you want them to connect.

Files included are Adobe Illustrator .ai files saved at level CS, for all CS versions. For more information on how to use Adobe Illustrator Pattern Brushes, start with the video tutorial: Step by Step Movie Tutorial: How to use Adobe Illustrator Pattern Brushes, sold separately in the Scrap Girls Boutique.

IMPORTANT: You must have a basic understanding of Adobe Illustrator, version CS or higher. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop software is not included with your order.

Commercial license versions of Step by Step Movie Tutorial: How to use Adobe Illustrator Pattern Brushes are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Valerie Randall

Layout by Valerie Randall
larger view





Commercial license versions of Step by Step Movie Tutorial: How to use Adobe Illustrator Pattern Brushes, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: 14K 4103, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glossy Super Biggie 4102, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Inked Edges Neutrals 4102, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Paper 4901-Biggie, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Sugar Coated 6501 and ScrapSimple Tools - Patterns: Fabric 5401 are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Caroline Kaiser

Layout by Caroline Kaiser
larger view



Commercial license versions of Illustrator Brush Set: Avalon 4, ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Crowns 2101, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Beautiful Distress, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Grunged Metals Super Biggie 4101 and Lettering Delights Scratchy Pen Font are also available.

These designs are currently available, with LOTS more on the way! Stay tuned!





Commercial license versions of Step by Step Movie Tutorial: How to use Adobe Illustrator Pattern Brushes, Illustrator Brush Set: Avalon 1, Illustrator Brush Set: Avalon 2, Illustrator Brush Set: Avalon 3, Illustrator Brush Set: Avalon 4, Illustrator Brush Set: Barbara 1, Illustrator Brush Set: Barbara 2, Illustrator Brush Set: Barbara 3, Illustrator Brush Set: Braids 1 and Illustrator Brush Set: Chain Links 1 are also available.

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 Scrapbook Tutorial: Quick and Easy Gift Idea - Framed Calendar

Are you ready? The holidays are almost here. Is there anyone on your list that you still need a gift for? Or, perhaps you'd like to give a special handmade gift to go along with things you've already purchased? I have a gift idea to share with you that is practical, simple, inexpensive, and sure to be treasured every month of the new year. It's a framed calendar.

The first item you will need is a frame. The frame I purchased at a local discount store is 8x10, which works well for me so I can print it at home. If you have a large format printer or plan to print your layout elsewhere, you might be able to use a larger frame. If you prefer, you can even use a smaller frame, such as 5x7. A small frame would be nice for use on a desk or table.

After you have your frame, you will need to create a layout for it. If time is short, you may want to consider using one of the many photo or frame “cluster” type products in the Scrap Girls boutique. (Search in the boutique with the word “Cluster” in quotes and a capital C to find those that we sell.) These work well so you can place them at the top of your document leaving the bottom portion for a yearly calendar.

Digital Scrapbooking Tutorial Screenshot: Put photos and embellishments in top part of layout

Start with a new transparent document and size it according to the size of the frame you purchased. My new document is sized 8x10 inches and 300 dpi. Create your layout in any way you wish, but keep most of your photos and embellishments to the top half to two-thirds of the layout.

Digital Scrapbooking Tutorial Screenshot: Add calendar dates

Then, with Brush Set: Calendar Year 2008-2013, stamp the year you wish to use (I used 2009) in the bottom portion of the layout. You can stamp your brush in any color you wish. You can also apply a ScrapSimple Style to the calendar if you prefer.

Now, print your layout according to the manufacturer instructions for your printer. Or, if you prefer, you can have your layout printed by a printing company of your choice. (Make sure to check in advance if the company prints layouts in the size you need.) After printing, place your layout in the frame. I like to include a handwritten note on the back of the frame, such as “to” and “from” information, as well as the date of the gift. Wrap the frame and you now have a quick and inexpensive gift that is sure to be loved!

Computer scrapbook calendar by Brandie Valenzuela

Calendar by Brandie Valenzuela
larger view


Commercial license versions of Brush Set: Calendar Year 2008-2013 and Brush Set: Grungelle are also available.

Thao Cosgrove

Tutorial written by Brandie Valenzuela

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

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.

Life Moments Chat and Crop
Tuesday, December 16th - 4:00PM ET

Join Pat (PBarnes) for the next Life Moments Chat And Crop at 3 PM ET. Life Moments is all about YOU. Through these challenges, we will build an album all about ourselves.

The topic for this chat is “At Play.” Use a picture of yourself involved in some form of play as a child, teenager, or adult. You are welcome to post a layout even if you can not attend the chat.

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 17th - 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!

Journaling Chat
Wednesday, December 17th - 8:00PM ET

Join Becca and angelaNussbaum for the Journaling chat @ 8pm.

Are most of your layouts decorative? Do you have stories to tell, but are just not motivated enough to make a layout with journaling? We are going to challenge you to do a layout with your Journaling in mind.

Come join us and tell your stories.

Textile Inspiration Chat
Wednesday, December 17th - 9:00PM ET

Join Launa & Zaz, for a Textile Challenge and Crop. We will meet Wednesday, December 17th, at 9pm EST in the Scrap Girls Chat Room!

Do the patterns, textures, and colors of textiles fascinate you? Do you get inspiration from anything from pillows to your grandmother's apron? Then this challenge is for you!

A few hours before the challenge begins, I'll post a textile for you to use as the starting point for your page. You may be inspired by the colors, placement of patterns, textures... just let it be your inspiration! I can't wait to see what you come up with!! See you there!

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

Surprise! Surprise! More Gifts Galore for you. We have TWO designer freebies for you today! Keep scrolling....

Computer scrapbook layout by Debbie Layden

Layout by Debbie Layden
larger view

Designer Freebie by Syndee Nuckles coordinates with her Winter's Hush Collection Mini




Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Jot It Down Biggie, Brush Set: Collage Alphabet Biggie, ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Stacked Photos PS 6501, ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Hand-Tinted 6301, AMC_Thoughtful Font, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glittered Epoxy 6041 Super Biggie and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501 are also available.

Computer scrapbook layout by Jan Hicks

Layout by Jan Hicks
larger view

Designer Freebie by Jan Hicks coordinates with her Brush Set - 4x6: Christmas Borders




Commercial license versions of Brush Set - 4x6: Christmas Borders and ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Sew Doodly Shapes 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