In my little world, I find that the more we look at each other as individuals, with individual thoughts and ideas that we can share without imposing ourselves upon each other, makes for a more peaceful lifestyle. Sometimes, it is very difficult to appreciate those differences when they are so different from our own.

It took a long time for one of my neighbors to accept who I am and for me to accept who she is. We kept at it though and now have an understanding and are able to see the beauty inside of each other without our own beliefs, thoughts and ideas interfering with our conversations. It is the way I would love to see everyone work. The idea that we are all brothers and sisters is a belief that I hold dear and wish everyone felt this way.

It is hard to watch world events and wonder why others cannot see that this world of ours is a gift from God and should not be abused in such horrible ways. If each of us believes in the beauty of God's gift and works toward it every day of our lives, we can have an affect. One person can make a difference, regardless of what some may say.

I know, because I now have a friend for life and will treasure her always. She gives me strength and, hopefully, I give some to her. We worked for a long time to come to this point. It didn't happen overnight or even over months. It took two years of misunderstandings and hurt feelings, but we stuck to it until it worked.

It is all God asks for... that we try and, every time we do, it is one less problem in this very confused world. So, everyone should look around and if there is a person that they would like to be friends with or just get along with, reach out and try, try, try. Love does win the day if we give it a chance.

- Karen

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.

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

Alert! Alert! MONDAY is the last day you can sign up for the Scrap Girls club and still get this great group of products at this amazing price. Don't delay... sign up now!

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!

This is probably not where I should send this, but I want to thank all of you and Ro, too, for sending me the newsletter. I have saved every one of them because each has something I want to try and/or the muse touches my heart. The tutorials in the newsletters are great and, of course, I like getting something free. But, I would want the newsletters to keep coming, freebie or not. So, thanks to all of you and Ro for everything it takes to keep these newsletters coming and for all of the great designs, etc.

Thanks, Angie. I'd like to thank you for all of your help! I am amazed at how quickly you always respond. Digital scrapbooking means so much to me. Besides a way to preserve memories, it gives me an outlet for my artistic side and I find it to be very therapeutic, too! Sometimes, I think it's the only thing that keeps me sane in the craziness of trying to balance work and family needs. Having someone like you and Scrap Girls who understand the richness that scrapbooking can bring to our lives makes something that's already great even better. Once again, thanks!

Thank you so much! This is why I love Scrap Girls and why I will remain a customer! Not only do you have fabulous products, but your customer service is the best! Thank you again!

I just want to let you know how grateful I am for Ro's Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for PSE 6 and 7. I've been paper scrapbooking for a few years and have been frustrated recently due to the fact that you have to go through and edit your pictures, then remember which ones you really want to use for a scrapbook, print them, build your pages, run to the store, etc. I can do all of this in one location and I do not have to drag all of my stuff out and put it away. I made my first page yesterday! I am determined to finish my three-year-old daughter's baby book the "old-fashioned" way, but as soon as my son is born in two months, you can bet I will be making his digitally. I told my husband that I have arrived at my scrapbook mecca. Now, I just have to figure out what to buy next!

I have been digi-scrapping for a relatively short time and want to tell you how in love I am with your site and products! I can't believe all of the wonderful things you offer and I am so impressed with it all! I used to wonder what graphic designers did - your site tells it all! If only I had time to use all that you have to offer! Thank you so much and keep up the great work!

I just want to say a big thank you to you for getting back to me on a busy holiday weekend with the Watercolor Baby Boy Collection. Thank you so much for letting me re-download it. I still can't figure out how only that kit was missing. (At least that's the only one I've noticed so far.) My new computer has had hiccups all weekend and I'm hoping that they will end soon.

You are amazing and I love being at Scrap Girls. There isn't a place I'd rather be during my day than on the message board and in the gallery, chatting with all of my new friends and scrapping with you. I've learned so much in the past eight months since finding Scrap Girls... how to preserve my family photos and do it in such a fun way with digital scrapping. Thank you all for creating such a fun and helpful community.

I've been paper scrapping forever, but have always been intrigued by digital scrapping. I had the usual hang-ups: I like to "feel" things, don't know where to start, how do I learn Photoshop Elements? Then, I came across Scrap Girls and decided to give it a whirl. All I can say is wow! This is an awesome site and I am learning so much. I've been able to create two digital layouts and, if I do say so myself, they're not half bad! I really want to thank you for the tremendous services and products you provide. I still have a lot to learn, but I know that your site is a tremendous resource so I won't be alone! I hope to get to one of your conventions some time.

I just want to say Theresa Kavouras' article about her grandma Ciela brought tears to my eyes. Everyone has special memories about their grandmas and wouldn't it be nice if grandmas could live forever! She also did an awesome touch-up job on the photo.

I love your newsletter. It gives me great ideas and inspiration. I've used a number of the techniques and short tutorials and look forward to receiving the newsletter every day!

Weekly Layout Winners

Layout by mum42
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Lovely Lace and Brush Set: Worn Threads are also available.

Layout by Gisele
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates: Squares and Strips are also available.

Want to see your layouts make an appearance in the Scrap Girls newsletters?

Simply post your digital or paper layouts that use Scrap Girls products in our online gallery, and if we choose your layout to be featured in the newsletter, you'll win a prize! To be considered, don't forget to list the Scrap Girls products that you used in your layout.

Congratulations to this week's selectees. Please email [email protected] to get your gift!

Want to see past winners of the Weekly Layout Contest? Visit the Weekly Layout Winners gallery on our message board here!

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 Well Traveled Collection

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

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.

Creative Card Chat
Tuesday, September 1st - 6:00PM MT

Do you use your digital supplies to make cards? Do you want to? Instead of going to the store every time you need a card, you can save money and have fun making cards with your stash! Make a note of any cards you might need for the upcoming month and join Michelle (Shelbi) and April (April Showers) for the once a month Creative Card Chat at 6pm Mountain Time. Can't wait to see you there!

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!

Back-up Party and Chat
Friday, September 4th - 2:00PM MT

Need a little extra motivation to back-up your layouts and stash? Join April Showers in the chat room Friday for a Back-up Party and Chat. We'll also go over several different ways to safeguard your files. You won't want to miss this one!

Labor Day Chat
Monday, September 7th - 7:00PM MT

Join Carla (CRS) in the chat room at 7pm Mountain Time for a fun Labor Day chat! Not only does Labor Day honor the working force, it's the unofficial end of summer in the United States and Canada. It also is the unofficial start to the National Football League and College Football seasons! So, take some time to come chat about your summer, football or work! Hope to see you there!

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.)