Layout by Syndee Nuckles
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These products are 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.

Layout by Paula Wright
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Layout by Brandy Hackman
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Layout by Trish Yochum
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Layout by Sarah Batdorf
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Commercial license versions of Lettering Delights Becca Font and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501 are also available.

Layout by Erica Hite
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These first five products are included in this month's ScrapSimple 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 ScrapSimple Word Art Templates: Dirty Press, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Dirty Press, ScrapSimple Tools - Shapes: Curvy Mats 2103, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Printer's Ornaments, Dynamic Brush Set: Letterpress 2101, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Dirty Press Retro Inks 5401 Biggie and ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Extra - Masking Tape Biggie are also available.

Layout by Valerie Randall
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Dots Biggie are also available.

Layout by Amanda Sok
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Layout by Erica Hite
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Layer Your Own Brushes: Antiqued Photo Frame, Brush Set: Watermark, Brush Set: Timeless, Brush Set: Paint Stroke, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Patch It Up, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Enchanted 2 and ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Swirls and Pearls 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.

Don’t get me wrong... I like a good vacation, I really do. I like getting away with or without the kids. (Okay, maybe I like them without more.) I like a change of scenery and trying something new. But, if your household is anything like mine, then you know all about the preparation that has to take place beforehand: planning, getting everything together and packing.

I hate packing everything for a vacation. I hate it because I have to make sure that I’ve packed everything we might need on our trip - and I can’t just pack for myself, I have to do the packing for everyone.

It’s not until we arrive at our destination that I get a partial break and can actually relax and unwind. But, once again, it is short-lived, as my husband is asking if I brought this or that and where did I put it. It’s like I am the only one who can find things! Then, the vacation is over almost as soon as it began and I have to pack... again. Only this time it takes longer because I have to check and recheck every inch of our room to make sure that we don’t leave anything behind. Then and only then do we leave and head back home.

Now, as much as I may dislike doing all of that, the worst part is still yet to come. Most importantly, I hate the unpacking that comes after the vacation. Here it is, let’s see... over two weeks later (at the time I’m writing this) and I still have not completely unpacked our bags from our trip. Of course, I took care of the essentials, like toothbrushes, make-up, razors, etc. But, as far as clothes, they are still in the bags, without a clue as to when they will ever make their way out and into the wash so that they can be worn again.

I don’t know why it is so difficult for me to unpack everything when we return. I see the stuff every day, lying on the floor. It’s in my way and I want to wear some of the clothes that are in those bags. But, it doesn’t seem to matter; it’s like a curse. My life would be so much easier if I just took care of it right away but, no matter how good my intentions, I NEVER EVER do it.

So... will today be the day? Maybe. But, if I was a betting person, I would bet that today I will say, “I’ll do it tomorrow” and carry on my merry way stepping on, over and around the bags and wondering whatever happened to my red shirt...

- Natalie L.

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.

We've just opened a Retirement Sale section of the Boutique. Items in this section are always on sale for 30% off. The items you will find during any particular month will be discontinued permanently on the 5th of the following month. So if you see something you like, grab it while you can!

ScrapGirls Member of the Month – April 2009
Member Name: Sara Arell

My name is Sara Arell and I have been a Scrap Girl for a little over a year. When I heard that I had been selected as April’s Member of the Month (MOM) I cannot express to you how much this honor means to me - me, just me - a Scrap Girl lover and one of thousands. I feel very blessed to be a part of this amazing, little, purple, fuzzy place on the planet and now, being named MOM. I am so grateful and feel very honored to be chosen for this.

1. What program do you use to digital scrapbook?

I am, by trade, a graphic artist and have been for the last twenty years. I began my journey when my husband was in the Air Force. I worked with the base newspaper writing articles about the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Division. It took me three months to learn how to do this on the computer, since I had been doing my job primarily using the cut and paste method. I remember working long nights, sometimes until 10:00 and 11:00 p.m., just so I could turn out a newsletter or advertisement on one of our agencies within the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Division. My job was to increase the number of people taking advantage of the bowling alley, the art shop, the AF gym and anything else that brought in revenue for the USAF. I was quite proud of myself for learning how to do my job on the computer because I had a boss who totally expected me to learn how to use a computer and without his encouragement, I never would have succeeded. But, I did and it has been my vocation ever since.

I primarily use Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator for my layouts. In fact, I would say that 95% of my final layouts are done in InDesign.

2. Tell us the make and model of digital camera that you use.

I have four digital cameras that I use, but my favorite one is my Canon Rebel XTI. I am still playing with it and learning how to use it, getting pointers from a photographer who works for our local newspaper.

3. Name one thing that every beginning digital scrapbooker should know.

I believe that every beginning scrapbooker should know that creativity is a personal thing and that just jumping right in and scrapping from your heart is the only way to do it. I am a big believer in scrapping first and then reading all of the help videos and books that Ro and Scrap Girls provide for us. They are awesome and very helpful in answering those questions that only come to mind after you have scrapped on your own first.

4. If you could be transformed into a digital scrapbooking embellishment, what would you choose and why?

Digital embellishments and which one would I be transformed into if I could is a very hard question to answer, but I think that right now, my favorite embellishments are ribbons. I love using ribbons on my layouts and, right now, my favorite collection is Angie Briggs� Sweet N Sassy Collection. I love the flowers and the ribbons that she has designed, so I suppose I would be a ribbon.

5. What time of day do you find that you do your best scrapbooking?

I do my best scrapbooking late at night when I can’t sleep. Some nights, I wake up at 3:00-4:00 a.m. and by 7:00 a.m. I have completed six or seven layouts. There is something about the quiet of the house that just turns my creative juices on and I get on a roll and cannot stop. I love it! It is so rewarding to me to just have all of these ideas and be able to suddenly access ideas that have been running through my head for days. I keep a little notebook by my computer and am constantly making notes of layouts I just have to do.

6. What is your favorite snack?

My favorite snacks are almond macaroon cookies, which I bake fairly often because I love them so much. If I don’t have time to bake them, there is a local bakery here that makes them exactly as I do and I stop in and buy a dozen so that I don’t indulge in too many of them.

7. What brand of toothpaste do you use?

I use Topal toothpaste and prescription trays to whiten my teeth. This is almost an obsession for me and I have been known to brush my teeth six or seven times a day. I used to be in dental hygiene when we were in the Air Force and just got in the habit of doing that.

8. What is your least favorite household chore?

My least favorite household chore is picking up clutter, which, I guess, is also my pet peeve. I cannot stand clutter and in my house, there seems to be an abundance of it, so I stay busy doing that when I am not on the message board.

9. Finish this sentence. “I couldn’t live without...”

I couldn’t live without my absolutely amazing husband, Rich, who has been my husband for 44 years this year. He is my rock and my best friend and I cannot imagine my life without him. In the last year, I have come to realize that living without Scrap Girls would just be pure torture for me. The first thing I do every single morning is to grab a cup of coffee and hit the message board. I have made more friends on Scrap Girls than I ever thought possible and am amazed at how close we have become just through knowing each other virtually on Scrap Girls.

10. What's your current favorite layout that you've done?

One of my favorite layouts that I have posted is of my granddaughter, Lucy, on her eighth birthday and her very first slumber party.

Layout by Sara Arell
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I am so grateful for being April’s Scrap Girl of the month. It is such an honor for me and I am still wondering why me? But, whatever the reason, I am thankful for being selected and I love every single minute of it. I feel so special this month. Thank you to whomever decided that I was worthy of such a special honor. You have made this month very special for me.

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

Recipe Swap Chat Saturday, April 18th- 9:00PM ET Join Danna (scrappylibrarian) and April (April Showers) to chat about this month’s recipe swap. The theme for the month will be posted on the message board on Thursday, April 9th. We always end up with some great ideas so be sure to join us! UFO Crop & Chat Sunday, April 19th- 3:00PM ET Please join Sherry_Lynn and special guest co-hostess Kimmy (kimmybutton) from our Layout Artist Team, in the chatroom. Let’s complete or revamp some of those layouts that are sitting in your “Layouts to be Completed” folder. Post your layout in the UFO Gallery and meet us in the Lobby at 3pm ET to get some inspirational suggestions from our incredible professionals here at Scrap Girls! Scraplift Crop & Chat Sunday, April 19th- 5:00PM ET Join ManiakMama and angelaNussbaum for a Scraplifting Crop. A few hours before the crop we will tell you the name of a Scrap Girls Team Member, and you will be able to choose one of their layouts to be your inspiration. During the crop we will also help explain about scraplifting, how to use a layout as inspiration, and the importance of giving credit. Scraplifting is a lot of fun! So come join us, you’re sure to enjoy it! Coffee Break Chat Monday, April 20th - 6:30AM ET If reading the Scrap Girls Newsletter and having a cup of coffee, cocoa, or tea first thing in the morning is a part of your daily routine, join Sherry_Lynn at 6:30am ET for this month’s Coffee Break Chat. We’ll chat over the latest issue of the Newsletter for a light and fun way to start off your week! Hope to see you there! New Member Chat - Early Edition Tuesday, April 21st - 3:00PM ET Join April (April Showers) at 3:00pm 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, April 22nd - 12:00Noon ET Join your guest host April Showers for the High Noon Crop every Wednesday at Noon ET. 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 April 22nd, we’ll do an inanimate object challenge! That’s right - your layout will be about someTHING, not someONE! Favorite dessert? Favorite drink? A child’s beloved toy? Your new car? Lots of possibilities! 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, April 22nd - 8:00PM ET Join Becca and angelaNussbaum for the Journaling Chat at 8pm ET. Are most of your layouts decorative? Do you have stories to tell, but 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. Faith Journey Chat Wednesday, April 22nd - 9:00PM ET Join Shalae (satippetts) for the Faith Journey chat at 9pm ET. This is a great time to recieve support in your faith or challenges as we help each other grow in our testimonies of our beliefs. Ad Inspiration Challenge & Chat Thursday, April 23rd - 9:00PM ET Join Pat (PBarnes) at 9pm 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! What's New Chat Friday, April 24th - 11:00AM ET Join Michelle (Shelbi) and Sherry_Lynn at 11am ET to chat about all the cool new things in the boutique. What are you getting? What did you kaboodle? And most importantly show us the layouts or other projects you made with your new goodies! There’s a thread every Thursday and now there’s a chat too!

April Events

April Board Game: The Alphabet Hunt We're taking your ABC game skills to a whole new level this month... and tacking on some prizes as well! This month's message board game is The Alphabet Hunt. Each week we'll give you a theme and a searching task and then set you loose to start building our list in alphabetic order! For each item you correctly add to our alphabetic list in the game thread on the message board, your name will be entered into a drawing which will be held at the end of the month and the TEN winners of the drawing will each win a $5 gift certificate to the ScrapGirls Boutique! Participation is what counts big this month, so join us on the message board for the detailed rules, weekly specifics and LOTS of fun! Layout Contests: April Monthly Layout Contest: With April 1st being April Fools Day we've decided to get Silly. If you have kids or grandkids, or even spouses, that like to mug for the camera, then you have what you need to do a layout for the April Monthly Layout Contest with the theme of Silly Faces. You could win a $10 gift certificate to the boutique if your layout is chosen! Just post your layouts in the April Monthly Layout Gallery before April 30th at Midnight ET and you will be eligible to win! Be sure to include the credits for items used in the description area or under the Details tab. April Mid-Month Layout Contest: Do you have a mischief maker in your family? Pets or wildlife in your yard are often mischief makers, too. For this layout contest, we want to see your layouts of a mischief maker or two you have known. You could win a $10 gift certificate to the boutique if your layout is chosen! Just post your layouts in the April Mid-Month Layout Gallery before May 15th at Midnight ET, and you will be eligible to win! Be sure to include the credits for products used in the description area or under the Details tab.

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 Amanda Sok
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Designer Freebie by Amanda Sok coordinates with her Nostalgia 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.