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Karina
Well, it’s finally done.
After completing 19 layouts since June 3rd (how’s that for speed scrapping, Ro?) I have finally completed the last of 90 layouts for my slideshow project.
This is the project that brought me to Scrap Girls. Last September, I read in a magazine about a parent who gave a slideshow on DVD to their child’s coach as an “End of Year” present. I thought that it would be a great idea for Marissa’s class, since they’re graduating this year. Since I was a paper scrapper for over 10 years, I thought it would be cool if they weren’t just regular pictures, but more like scrapbook pages. And, it would be cheaper than printing all the pages out for each child.
The process began. First, I talked to my good friend who told me about some cool digital scrapbooking sites. Scrap Girls was the only one I remembered later after our conversation, so I looked it up. After reading “15 Things You NEED to Know to Become a Great Digital Scrapbooker,” I figured that I probably needed more RAM on my desktop computer. I called my “computer guru” brother to figure out how to do that and, after about an hour, we realized that the company no longer makes the type of RAM I needed. Even if I could find some somewhere, it would probably be cheaper to buy a new computer.
I started thinking about what Ro said in her book... If I had a laptop, I could scrapbook anywhere! Now, I don’t like laptops because I have found that I NEED a 10-key number pad (former accountant - old habits die hard) and most laptops don’t have that. However, the more I thought about it (I can scrap in the car while waiting in the carpool line...) I convinced myself. While I waited for the new laptop to arrive, I bought and downloaded Ro’s Secrets videos and my first kits: Brandie Valenzuela’s Irish Bliss Collection and Melissa Renfro’s Little One Collection Biggie.
In October, I watched Ro’s videos and was off and running. I completed my first layout and posted it online. I received a lot of nice comments from people who I now regard as friends. I participated in almost every UFO chat and got help from Janine, Christy and Kelly with a few layouts I was stuck on. (Thanks, April, for finding those cupcakes!) Steadily, I completed layouts (thank you, Vaughnde, for commenting on every single one) and got to know people on the boards.
As I began to complete more layouts, I began to panic. What if my computer crashed or was stolen or the house caught on fire? After reading many posts and recommendations, I got a subscription to Carbonite for both of my computers. (It took 40 DAYS to back up my laptop and I had only had it for three months. I think I did a lot of shopping in the boutique!) Without Scrap Girls, I don’t think I would have ever known about this service and now I sleep a lot more soundly knowing my precious memories are protected.
Every time I had a question, someone was there with an answer. Soon the day came where someone had a question and I KNEW the answer! One day, I spent about an hour helping a new member through a technique from the newsletter (first in the chat room and then we actually spoke on the phone!) until she finally got it.
During Mischief Week (thank goodness my husband was out of town and the kids were on “Swine Flu Vacation”) I LIVED on Scrap Girls. I don’t remember what the kids ate during that week (brownies, maybe?) but since they’re still alive, I know they didn’t starve. I searched the Garden of Doom, helped to cram the chat room and learned a few new techniques. I made a lot of new friends, too.
Today, I completed my last layout. Scrap Girls got me through each and every step. Thank you to all the girls who’ve commented on or even just viewed my pages. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way. Without you, without Scrap Girls, this video would not be what it is today. I’ve watched the slideshow (complete with music) several times and it makes me cry every time. I can’t wait to give it to the girls and see their reaction. I plan to stand where I can see their faces as they watch the video and hopefully get a few more pictures... and then the scrapping will continue.
- Karina A.
Layout by Karina
larger view
We are so excited to have all of you meet some of the amazing people that have become Scrap Girls! We'd love to introduce you to our readers, too! If you would like to be spotlighted, send the following items to [email protected]:
- 500-900 word essay about your experience with digital scrapbooking, Scrap Girls, and specific examples of how we have helped you.
- A 600-pixel wide, 72 dpi copy of a layout you've created that uses Scrap Girls products.
- A complete list of any and all supplies used on the layout.
- A 100 pixels wide 72 dpi picture of yourself.
- Permission to use your statement.
If your entry is selected, you'll win a $25 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!
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