Note from Ro: Want a laugh? Then you need to read this article I found on the Scrap Girls Digital Adventures Blog by Ursula Schneider. What a terrible-funny thing to have happened!

Ursula Schneider

My family and I are normally pretty upstanding citizens. We serve in our local church, we pay our taxes and we do good deeds for others. We're also a rambunctious, outgoing sort of group. We like to have fun, if you know what I mean.

Last week, we went on vacation in the great state of Colorado. (If you've never been, you should definitely check it out!) Our vacations pretty much always involve camping and this time was no different. (You try paying for hotels and eating out for six people for 10 days and you'll know why camping is the method of choice!)

Since we were not lake camping, it was important that we find campgrounds that had amenities such as showers. If you've ever camped, then you know that this sort of campground is almost always private, almost always expensive and very frequently full. Thus, we needed to make reservations. I found us a lovely campground near the Durango area, and we arrived as planned and were promptly told where to go.

Unfortunately, the spot we were given was next to a very quiet couple who went to bed at 7:00 p.m. each night. I don't think they liked us. As I said, we are noisy and fun loving. Did I mention loud?

Quiet time started at 10:00 p.m., but I think we may have pushed it a bit. The second morning, we woke to a sharp rap on our door at 7:30 a.m. (We'd planned to sleep in that morning.) I groggily answered the camper door to a very angry campground owner who told us we were being evicted! Not only evicted, but he told us that the sheriff would be called if we weren't out at the appointed time. I must tell you, I was positively mortified. I've never been kicked out of any place before in my life!

I tried, to no avail, to plead my case. This man meant business though and would have no part of my pleas for a second chance.

Off we went to find another campground. We did and here it is. Once again, I have a great story to scrapbook now and an opportunity to stay somewhere I wouldn't otherwise have gone. (Don't be fooled though, I was pretty steamed at first. But alas, all's well that ends well.) I hope your luck with camping in a private campground is better than mine.

Photo by Ursula Schneider

Photo by Ursula Schneider

Did I tell you about getting pulled over by a ranger? Next time!

- Ursula

Scrap Girls is looking for qualified digital scrapbooking teachers to teach online Photoshop and/or Photoshop Elements classes.

The position involves:

Developing interesting and creative classes
Creating detailed PDFs for each class using either Adobe's InDesign or Serif’s Page Plus
Timely interaction with students in both chat room and forum situations
Providing kind and constructive feedback on student gallery homework
Timely and consistent creation and scheduling of classes

Candidates should have the following skill sets:

Comprehensive knowledge of Photoshop and/or Photoshop Elements - ability to easily handle questions that arise regarding their particular software area of expertise.
Excellent layout design ability
Attention to detail is a must
Excellent communication skills
Ability to handle fast-paced chat room situations
Warm and friendly personality

Applicants will be required to audition for this paid position using a class that they've developed.

Please contact Jan Hicks at [email protected] if you would like more information.

If you are interested in applying, please forward an up-to-date resume as well as a sample tutorial you have written to Jan at [email protected] and Brandie Valenzuela at [email protected]. Please include a link to your online gallery showing a sample of your layout designs.

SCRAP GIRLS CLUB

Join the Scrap Girls Monthly Club and you can have fun with the newest traditional digital and printable scrapbooking looks while saving! (A $27.94 value for $9.99 or less!)

The Scrap Girls Club contents are released on the 1st day of the month (or the closest business day to the 1st).

With the Scrap Girls Club, you will receive:

1 Collection Biggie
1 Paper Super Mini
1 8.5x11 Sheet of Word Art
1 Embellishment Set
1 Assemble Your Own Zoom Page Set
1 Designer's Choice Item

Layout by Valerie Randall using August's Scrap Girls Club
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Created for you by Valerie Randall

If you prefer not to join a club, the Scrap Girls club contents are available at regular prices in the Boutique. You can easily find them right now by checking the What's New? section of the Boutique.

Note: The Scrap Girls Club contents are always available for sale elsewhere in the Boutique at their regular prices once the associated club month is released. But all club contents are totally brand new, never seen before product releases for each month!

SCRAPSIMPLE CLUB

Join the ScrapSimple Monthly Club and you can enjoy the newest ScrapSimple looks while saving! (A $13.95 value for $6.99 or less!)

The new ScrapSimple Club contents are released on the 15th day of the month (or the closest business day to the 15th).

With the ScrapSimple Club, you will receive:

1 ScrapSimple Paper Template Set
1 ScrapSimple Embellishment or Word Art Template Set
1 Brush Set
2 Designer's Choice Items

A commercially licensed version of the ScrapSimple club is also available here.

Layout by Cherise Oleson using August's ScrapSimple Club
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Created for you by Keri Schueller and Cherise Oleson

If you prefer not to join a club, the ScrapSimple club contents are available at regular prices in the Boutique. You can easily find them right now by checking the What's New? section of the Boutique.

Note: The ScrapSimple Club contents are always available for sale in the Boutique at regular prices once the associated club month is released. But all club contents are totally brand new, never-seen-before product releases for each month!

Dynamic Brushes

I enjoy using dynamic brushes on my layouts – there are many different moods you can create with them. What can a dynamic brush do that you can't do with a regular brush? Dynamic brushes can change direction, which makes them really versatile. Plus, they are a lot of fun to use!

For this tutorial, I am using Sheri Johnson's Tropical Fruit Collection Biggie. This collection is perfect for a photo of my niece because it has the exact shade of green I need, as well as being fun and vibrant. I went crazy over the little green limes on the paper – how cute are they?

First, I open up a photo and place it on a few of my favorite papers from the collection.

Immediately, I decide that the white space at the top of the photo is the perfect spot for an embellishment, so I select Ariadna Wiczling's Dynamic Brush Set: Variae Formae 8201. I adjust the size, create a new layer and brush a line of flowers across the top of the photo.

Because I want my background paper to be the flowers, I "turn off" my photo layer and select the dynamic brush layer. (Ctrl+click on the layer.) With the flower layer highlighted by the marching ants, I select the striped paper layer. I press Ctrl+J to duplicate the selected area and bring it to the front.

The multi-colored flowers are now on top.

The coolness factor of dynamic brushes doesn't end here, however. Using Dynamic Brush Set: Doodle Borders 5403 by Erica Hite, I create a new layer and then draw a border around my photo. I apply Shalae Tippetts' ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Transparency 4901 to the doodle layer to give it texture, while allowing the paper to still show through.

Just like peanut butter and jelly go together, there are many dynamic brushes that are made for Melissa Renfro's ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Edge It 5001. It is a pretty cool tool that cuts the work out of edging an object and I've used it more times than I can count. I love using it for putting glitter around a photo or for inking the edges of a photo. When combined with the dynamic brushes, you just can't go wrong.

When I saw Ariadna Wiczling's Dynamic Brush Set: Dashed 8201, I knew we would have a beautiful friendship. I decided to use it on this layout within each of my purple rectangles. They definitely need an inside border – don't you agree? I select the brush and activate the layer. (Ctrl+click on the purple box on the Layers Palette.) I select ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Edge It 5001 - Contract and then run the action and contract by 35 pixels.

I repeat the action on each of my rectangles. It doesn't get faster or easier than this!

With the dynamic brushes and a single click of your mouse button, a fun embellishment is created. I love the grouping of flowers from the Dynamic Brush Set: Variae Formae 8201, so I add individual groups on each of my purple rectangles. For the clear, embossed look that I want the flowers to have, I apply ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Transparency 4901 and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Embed 1801.

Finally, I pull my layout together with some ribbon and stitching by using Dynamic Brush Set: Stitching 6401 and Dynamic Brush Set: Paper Piercing 8201 for the holes.

Dynamic brushes can be used so many different ways on a layout and they can add realism, depth and interest. I love their versatility and convenience and I especially love the unique, fun selection of dynamic brushes in the boutique. The designers certainly hit on a wonderful idea for brushes when they developed them. I'm sure you'll agree that they are must-have scrapbooking tools.

Layout by Joann Brown
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Corner Folds - Off Center Biggie, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Transparency 4901, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Embed 1801, Dynamic Brush Set: Variae Formae 8201, ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Edge It 5001, Dynamic Brush Set: Dashed 8201, Dynamic Brush Set: Doodle Borders 5403, Dynamic Brush Set: Stitching 6401, Dynamic Brush Set: Paper Piercing 8201, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Stitching And Hole 4101 Mini, ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Mega Lift I-Squared Biggie and Lettering Delights Noodge Font are also available.

Article written by Joann Brown

FREE STARTER KIT

Free eBook "starter kit" turns your dreams of digital scrapbooking into reality today!

This dynamite eBook is 65 pages - packed full of the information, ideas, and help people need when they are about to dive into this great hobby. It answers all of the important questions new digital scrapbookers have. They are all here for you - in one easy to use eBook!

Bonus! Download the free "Warning" Label, too. It was created for you by Valerie Randall as a little bit of extra fun!

Would you like a chance to try digital scrapbooking yourself?

Scrap Girls' Refresh Collection Biggie offers you free samples of some of our most popular product types. Try making a layout, your own paper with a ScrapSimple Paper Template, a fast layout with a ScrapSimple Digital Layout Template, or experiment with a brush.

We know you'll love digital scrapbooking as much as we do, and we have thousands of products to feed your new addiction!

Ready to Take Off? In-depth Tutorials Help You Become a Great Digital Scrapbooker

Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed!

NEWLY UPDATED! Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Photoshop CS4, CS3, CS2, and CS
NEWLY UPDATED! Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Photoshop Elements 6.0 and 7.0*
Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Paint Shop Pro X (XI)

(*Have Photoshop Elements 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, or 5.0? We have a tutorial program that will work for you. Please visit the product details page for more information.)

Find out what tens of thousands of people have already learned: Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed is the fastest way to learn how to create digital scrapbooking layouts. And because this series covers so many topics with one purchase, it is a bargain!

In the tutorials, you'll see Ro working on her computer and hear her talking about why she is doing what she is doing. It's like having Ro come to your home and give you private scrapbooking lessons. You can create digital scrapbooking layouts today!

Download and CD versions available.

Photoshop and Photoshop Elements users receive:

30-31 movie tutorials
Companion eBook(s)
Collections
Other supplies

Paint Shop Pro users receive 31 movie tutorials.

MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed!

MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed! for Adobe Photoshop
MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed! for Adobe Photoshop Elements

It's time for you to stop playing catch-up in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements and start having a blast creating your own digital scrapbooking supplies! You'll also learn all sorts of tricks that professionals and advanced digital scrapbookers use in their layouts. And because Ro covers so many topics in the series, it is one of the most cost-effective methods of moving your skills to a higher level. Join in with the thousands of digital scrapbookers who have chosen to learn advanced skills from Ro. You'll be happy that you did!

Note: These are NOT beginning tutorials. If you get this training and you have never used Photoshop or Photoshop Elements before, or if you aren't pretty sure of yourself in the software, you are going to be lost. You simply have to understand layers, where things are located, and all of the basic, important skills that Ro teaches in her Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed series before you try to use it.

eBooks

Scrap Girls offers a large catalog of eBooks covering topics that will expand your digital scrapbooking abilities to new heights. Here are just a few samples:

The Virtual Canvas eBook

What happens when you move digital scrapbooking beyond the basic page? What happens when you allow the layout to blur the edges between keepsake and art? The Virtual Canvas: Celebrating The Art of Digital Scrapbooking eBook will provide those answers for you.

Colour (me) Creative eBook with 36 color swatches

Scrapbooking 911 - 20 Sketches to Revitalize Your Digital Scrapbooking - Book 4

Scrap Girls Tutorials & Way Cool Stuff eBook Set
2009 - 2nd Quarter

Start to Finish eBooklets

Start to Finish eBooklet - PS: How to use ScrapSimple Tools: Custom Shapes & Patterns

Nothing could be simpler than learning to scrapbook digitally with Scrap Girls Start to Finish eBooklets. Step by step written guidelines and detailed screenshots will help you learn new digital scrapbooking skills. Included with the eBooklet are the actual digital files you need to create a finished project!

See more titles

Layout by Syndee Nuckles
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Designer Freebie by Syndee Nuckles coordinates with her About a Boy Collection Mini

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Aged Photos 6301 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.

CROPS AND CHATS

Desktop Challenge Crop
Thursday, August 27th - 6:00PM MT

Are you bored with the simple backgrounds that your PC or MAC came with? Want to learn more about using your Scrap Girls products to make exciting and colorful new desktop wallpapers? Join Angela (angelaNussbaum) and Becca at 6pm MT for this month's Desktop Challenge Crop. A few hours before chat time, we'll give you some details on how to get started, plus a technique challenge and a theme for an extra dose of motivation!

Ad Inspiration Challenge
Thursday, August 27th - 7:00PM MT

Join Pat (PBarnes) at 7pm Mountain Time for an Ad Inspiration 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, August 28th - 9:00AM MT

Join Michelle (Shelbi) and Sherry_Lynn at 9am Mountain Time on Friday mornings to chat about all the cool new things in the boutique. You never know who else is going to show up! 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!

Swap Crop Chat
Friday, August 28th - 7:00PM MT

It's time for the Swap Crop Chat! We've done the swapping, and created the layouts, now it's time to chat about all the gorgeous layouts! I don't know what it is, but these swaps bring out the best in everyone. This is the time to chat about the theme, the beautiful layouts and learn about the swap crop if you haven't participated before. Join Carla (CRS) for a fun chat at 7pm Mountain Time on Friday, August 28th!

Scraplift Challenge Crop
Sunday, August 30th - 3:00PM MT

Join Amy (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!

Baby Album Chat
Tuesday, September 1st - 11:00AM MT

Do you need some motivation getting those baby albums done? Children grow so fast! Let's get those baby memories scrapped! You can scrap your children, grandchildren or even your own baby album. Join Carla (CRS) and Shari (Shari PV Mom) in the chat room on Tuesday, September 1st at 11am Mountain Time to work on those albums! You can start from fresh on a brand new album, or jump in where ever you are in your project. We'll provide an optional challenge each crop for motivation if you want one.

East Coast High Noon Crop
Wednesday, September 2nd - 10:00AM MT

Join your guest host April Showers for the East Coast High Noon Crop every Wednesday at 10am Mountain 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 September 2nd we'll do a Brush Challenge! Create a layout on any theme, any topic, and using at least one brush! You'd be amazed what you can get done in just one hour! We hope you'll join us!

What's New Chat
Friday, September 4th - 9:00AM MT

Join Michelle (Shelbi) and Becca at 9am Mountain Time on Friday mornings to chat about all the cool new things in the boutique. You never know who else is going to show up! 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!

AUGUST EVENTS

August Message Board Game: Embellishment Hunters!

Calling all adventurous souls! Join us for the August Message Board game - Embellishment Hunters! This month, we're playing an old game with a new twist and hope you'll join us for fun and of course... prizes!

Your task is simple! Imagine a dartboard with 100 targets. To find the target hiding the embellishment of the day, simply guess a number between 1 and 100. The first person to guess the correct number is the daily winner and will be showered with applause and will proudly enjoy bragging rights PLUS the possibility of prizes at the end of the month!

All daily winners will be included in a month-end drawing with prizes including one $10 gift certificate and five $5 gift certificates to the Scrap Girls Boutique! Visit the Monthly Message Board Games Forum on the message board for specific rules and instructions about game play.

Layout Contests:

August Monthly Layout Contest: Be cool! Since we're in the middle of summer here in the U.S., thoughts of staying cool are at the forefront. For the August Challenge, we want you to scrap your photos of your favorite ways to stay cool during the hot summer months. Create your layout and post it in the August Layout Contest Gallery before Midnight MT on August 31st. Be sure to list your credits in the description or under the details tab. If your layout is chosen, you will win a $10 gift certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

August Mid-Month Layout Contest: Everybody loves dogs – right? For the August Mid-month Challenge we want you to scrap photos of your dog(s) – current or past. Not a dog person? Then you can scrap your photos of your cat or any other pet. Create your layout and post it in the August Mid-Month Layout Contest Gallery by Midnight MT on September 15th. Be sure to list your credits in the description or under the Details tab. If your layout is chosen, you will win a $10 gift certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

Check our message board calendar if you have any questions about what is happening at Scrap Girls. All event times are given in Mountain Time Zone unless otherwise noted. Need help converting time zones? Check out the World Clock - Time Zone Converter. (Use 'USA-Utah-Salt Lake City' as the location for the Mountain time zone.)