Layout by Anna Mansfield
larger view

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Hodgepodge Collage Biggie, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Lifted Photos 2 Biggie and ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: All Buttoned Up Biggie are also available.

Layout by Caroline Kaiser
larger view

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Packaging 9901, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Packaging, Dynamic Brush Set: Musical Notes 5701 Biggie, ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Photo Basics 5001 and AMC_Friendly Font are also available.

Layout by Amanda McGee
larger view

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Staples & Holes 6101 are also available.

Layout by Brandy Murry
larger view

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Manuscript and ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Basic Buttons and Brads Biggie are also available.

Layout by Valerie Randall
larger view

Commercial license versions of Brush Set: Fractals, ScrapSimple Photo Templates: Sand 2101, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Jen - Edges and Textures and Texture Set: Mission - Embossable Mingei Textures are also available.

Layout by Paula Wright
larger view

Layout by Janine Buckles
larger view

Commercial license versions of AMC_Happy Font, ScrapSimple Layer Your Own Brushes: Slipped Stitches Biggie, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Crumpled Corners, ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Photo Basics PSE 5001 and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Stitching And Holes 4102 are also available.

Layout by Trish Yochum
larger view

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Photo Basics 5001 and ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Edge It 5001 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.

On January 10th, I started a new project. I picked a goal - just one - and worked on it for 30 days. It is important to only work on one goal at a time. We pick too many goals to work on. Doing this sets us up for failure because no one can change themselves all at once!

For accountability's sake, I post my goal on my blog (Life Muses by Ro). In January, I worked on the goal of keeping my inboxes clean (both email and snail mail). I did well! I've either deleted, archived or, if it had an action item associated with it, I put on my task list.

As the 30 days progressed, I began taking care of the mail as soon as I got it. I do have to admit that I take a breath when I face a stack of mail like this one. But, it is good to get it off my mind. Otherwise, it sits and looks at me, making me feel guilty. Now, I need to remember to check my task list regularly and select some for knocking off. (I forget!) It was a good goal, though. I recommend it. It has kept me from feeling frazzled.

Layout by Ro
larger view

I've chosen my new 30 day goal. This one is going to be hard because it is problematic to me. (Gulp) I am only going to allow myself to check my email three times a day. (Gulp)

I've noticed that once I start to check my email, I check and recheck and check again and, before I know it, I'm tired and my brain feels like it's in a stupor. I'm not getting to my big projects. So, I'm going to look at it first thing in the morning so I can relax without worrying that there is a crisis that needs attending to. Then, I close the tab and stay away from email until (gulp) 1:00 p.m. I'll check it again at 4:00 p.m. (Gulp)

This is going to be difficult. I'm an email addict. I suspect that there are many of us out there. I think we need EAA meetings (email anonymous). We could chat about it in email strings (not).

I tried to achieve this goal after I went to Arizona in August. I failed. But, this time, I'm going to talk about it in public. I think it will help me because knowing I had told you about my last goal kept me going. Public declarations are more powerful than we realize.

If you would like to work on some goals with me, you can talk about them in the comments of my posts. The section of my blog in which this is happening is here.

If you are working on a goal and have goofed up, don't beat yourself up. Just recognize it, get back up, and try again.

Hope I see you out there!

- Ro

P.S. This particular article comes from my blog. I posted it on February 10th and I can already report that my new goal is hard! It has helped me cut down how often I check, but I haven't achieved the three times a day goal yet. But, it's been helpful to talk about it with my blog readers, so I thought I'd give you a chance to share with us, too.

Commercial license versions of Brush Set: Fiber 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.

As the chilly winter air gives way to the warmth and sunshine of spring, the world around us bursts forth with new beauty. Flowers, baby birds, and butterflies are just several of the sights that greet and delight us. Another rite of spring is the prom season.

The weeks prior to the prom are filled with dress shopping, tuxedo rentals, hair and makeup appointments, manicures, pedicures, and visits to the florist. This flurry of activity by teenagers and their parents culminates in a beautiful couple and the perfect photo opportunity.

If you are anything like me, you can’t wait to turn those photos into beautiful digital scrapbooking layouts. But, you say, you can’t find that perfect prom collection in the boutique? What’s a proud mama, aunt, or family friend to do? Don’t panic! Let’s explore some of the wonderful products that can be used with these very special photographs.

While many collections can be used, the following are very girly and feminine in nature:

• Amusing Collection
• Barbara Collection Mini
• Delightful Collection
• Design Pack: Fairy Dusted
• Girls’ Night Out Collection Mini
• Hannah Collection
• Pretty Little Spring Collection Mini
• Pretty Primavera Collection Biggie

When I think about proms and prom dresses in particular, my mind is filled with images of glitter, beading, rhinestones, satin, silk, lace, and ribbons. Lucky for us, the boutique is overflowing with these items. Here is just a sampling:

Papers:

• Glitter Party Paper
• Glittered Scallops: Chipper Paper Mini
• Glittered Scallops: Hushed Paper Mini
• Glittered Kraft Paper
• ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Glittered Scallops
• ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Lace Edge
• ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Sherbert Silk
• Sherbert Silk Papers

Glitter Brushes, Styles, and Transparencies:

• Dynamic Brush Set: Fancy Glitter 6401
• Dynamic Brush Set: Glitter 5001
• Dynamic Brush Set: Glitter 6401
• Dynamic Brush Set: Star Bright Biggie
• Glittered Edge Transparency Overlays Biggie
• ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glitter Metals Mini 4102
• ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glitter Rocks 5101
• ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glitter Brights Super Biggie 4101
• ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glittered Gelly 6401 Super Biggie
• ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Micro Glitter 6401 Super Biggie
• ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Star Bright 5001
• ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Urban Living Glitter 5501

Sparkle and Ribbon Embellishments:

• Ribbons To Go Embellishment Biggie
• Sparkle Curls Embellishment Biggie
• ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Ribbons To Go I
• ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Ribbons To Go II
• ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Ribbons To Go III
• ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Sparkle Trails
• ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Glittery Chipboard Shapes Biggie
• Star Bright Embellishment Biggie

Rhinestones:

• Dynamic Brush: Rhinestones 6301 Biggie
• ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Bedazzled
• ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Rhinestone Alpha Biggie
• ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Rhinestones
• ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Rhinestones 2
• ScrapSimple Word Art Templates: Bling

Pearls and Beading:

• Dynamic Brush Set: Beads and Pearls 6301 Biggie
• ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Swirls and Pearls
• ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glass Beads 4101 Super Biggie
• ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glass Beads 4102 Super Biggie
• ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glass Beads 4103 Super Biggie
• ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glass Beads 4104 Super Biggie
• ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glass Beads 4105
• Swirls and Pearls Embellishments

Lace:

• Brush Set: Lace
• Brush Set: Yesterday Lace
• Fancy Lace Embellishment Mini
• Lacey Borders Embellishment Mini
• ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Lace Set 1

Now, don’t despair if you have spent most of your budget on the dress or tuxedo. Here is a solution that will have you grinning from ear to ear. Use glitter styles on some of the collections, papers, and elements you already own. Who says a prom layout has to be serious? Why not have some fun and be frivolous? Here’s a layout of my daughter’s senior prom to show you what I mean.

Layout by Kim Meeder
larger view

Commercial license versions of AMC_Happy Font, Brush Set: Circles 1, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Photo Clusters, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Rivet Up Biggie, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Victorian Scalloperoo, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Acrylic Swirls 4102 Super Biggie, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glitter Brights Super Biggie 4101 and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glitter Sparks 6401 Super Biggie are also available.

Concentrate on themes other than the prom couple. Use “out of the box” ideas to create unique and personal layouts for your special prom queen or king. Think: diva or princess, photo op, shopping for the dress, color of the dress, makeup and hair, school prom theme or music, dance, or fairy godmother ideas. Here are some additional goodies to inspire you.

Princess Themes:

• A Princess Collection
• Assemble Your Own: Wand
• Brush Set: Fairy Princess
• Brush Set: Princess
• Design Pack: Enchanted
• Fairy Dust Paper Mini
• Scrap Pack: Fairy Tale Princess
• ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Fairy Dust
• ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates - Layered: Fairy Dust

Alphas, Brushes, and Word Art:

• Brush Set - 4x6: Fancy Frames
• Brush Set - 4x6: Enchanted
• Brush Set: She’s All That
• Brush Set: Stylish Beauty
• Brush Set: Stylish Hair
• Dynamic Brush Set: Musical Notes 5701 Biggie
• ScrapSimple Alpha Templates: Enchanted

For the non-traditional or unique layout, dress, or teen:

• Pink Ink Collection Mini
• Shall We Dance Collection
• ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Photographic
• ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Shall We Dance Biggie
• ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Pink Ink
• ScrapSimple Transparency Overlays: Pink Ink - Crowns
• Stylish Beauty Collection Mini

Finally, here is one more layout of my daughter all glammed up for the homecoming formal. You’ll see that I have used products not even included in this article. So, think outside the box, be original and, above all, have fun! I can’t wait to see the amazing and beautiful prom layouts that will soon be filling the gallery created by our artistic members.

Layout by Kim Meeder
larger view

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Glitter Brights Super Biggie 4101 and ScrapSimple Type Paths: Spirals 2101 are also available.

Kim is the mother of four grown daughters and an expert on all prom related questions. If you convert that to a mathematical equation, it would be: (2 formals/year x 3 years) x 4 dramatic teenage daughters = 24 different dresses as “no one” wears a prom gown twice. Kim is considering opening a formal wear store with the current inventory she has on hand. Anyone need a prom dress?

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

New Member Chat **Early Edition** Tuesday, February 17th - 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. Ad Inspiration Challenge and Chat Tuesday, February 17th - 9:00PM ET Join Pat (PBarnes) on Tuesday, February 17th, at 9 PM ET for an Ad Challenge and Chat. A few hours before the chat, a magazine ad will be posted on the message board to use as inspiration for a layout. You can use whatever you want to from the ad - the colors, the shapes, the composition. There are no wrong answers! High Noon Crop Wednesday, February 18th - 12:00Noon ET Join your guest host April Showers 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 February 18th, we'll do a patterned paper challenge! Create a layout on any theme, any topic, and any colors - using multiple patterned papers - at least two different patterns! Mix it up! 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! Scrap Girls 52 - Chat Wednesday, February 18th - 8:00PM ET Calling all Scrap Girls 52 participants! And those who want to find out more about it! Join Angela (angelaNussbaum) and Becca at 8pm on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 for this month's chat! You'll be given a new “one word” for inspiration this month, and we'll discuss ways to keep scrapping lots of photos on a single or two-page layout! Hope we'll see you there! NSBR Chat Thursday, February 19th - 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, Michelle (Shelbi) and Shari (ShariPVmom), on February 19th, at 1 PM EST, in the chat room Lobby! Hope to see you there! Heritage Crop Thursday, February 19th - 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. ATC Swap Crop/Chat Sunday, February 22nd - 3:00PM ET Please join me, Sherry_Lynn, in the chatroom for our February ATC Swap Crop/Chat on Sunday, February 22nd at 3PM ET. For this month's challenge we are doing ATC's (Artist Trading Cards) that feature “LOVE!” Quote Challenge and Chat Sunday, February 22nd - 8:00PM ET Come join Pat (PBarnes) for the Quote Challenge Crop at 8 PM ET! 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! Everyone can participate and create a layout, even if you can't make the chat. Hope to see you there!

February Events

February Board Game: BINGO! It's that time again! Join us for an exciting game of BINGO on the Message Board Forum in February! 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 - your SG message board username” by Monday, February 2nd (midnight MST) in order to play in the first round, which will begin Tuesday February 3rd. Each day, members of the Welcoming Committee will call five 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: February Layout Contest: Amour, Amor, Amore! The word LOVE is one of the most popular in any language across the globe. For this month's contest, we want you to use the word “Love” on your layouts. Let's see how creative you can get with it by using it in a unique way on your pages. Post your Love layouts in the February Layout Contest Gallery by midnight ET on February 28th, and if yours is selected, you will win a $10 gift certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique. February Mid-Month Layout Contest: Did you know that February is International Friendship Month? Let's honor the special people we call friends by featuring them in a layout! Post your Friendship layouts in the Mid-February Layout Contest Gallery before March 14th at midnight eastern. You will be eligible to win a $10 gift card to the Scrap Girls Boutique! Let's get scrapping!

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 Christy VanderWall
larger view

Designer Freebie by Erica Hite coordinates with her Creative Spirit Collection Biggie, part of this month's Scrap Girls Club offering!

* 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.