Thinking Out Loud

I so enjoy all the muses in our newsletter. As I read them each day, I find that I can apply myself to all of them somewhat. I am amazed at how they describe my very feelings from stories about babies growing up too fast to teenage problems and even to what one cooked for dinner the night before. But mostly I am amazed at how much they bring us all closer together just by learning about each other.

I am overwhelmed by the number of friends that I have made on Scrap Girls, virtual though they may be, they are friends, and no matter what we post - a prayer, a praise, bragging rights for being published or one of Ro's lists about life itself.

I become completely immersed in some of the lists that Ro has published as a muse, and they have encouraged me to make my own list about what I need to work on about myself, things I am proud that I am doing for myself or my family, or things that I just cannot control. Ro's muses have given me such strength when it comes to those things that I simply have no control over and have spent many sleepless nights pondering how I can fix those things. Her writings have led me to starting many different journals - I have a gratitude journal, a journal for all the things I used to whine about out loud, and one for just what my daily routine has been. I have learned from Ro and others' muses to make a list of my strengths and weaknesses and have prioritized those weaknesses that need work - even those things I can't control. Although I know I can't fix everything that is wrong, I find that just writing it down lifts a huge weight from my shoulders.

I love everything about this little warm, fuzzy purple place that I call my second home. I am in awe of being able to post things that are weighing heavy on my shoulders and seeing the support I get from members who are not just members, but friends now. There are few places where one can "clean out their closets" and post all the baggage, whether it be heavy or just a need to vent, and know that I am never being judged, but supported by amazing people.

Scrap Girls is not only a place where we wait anxiously for new collections on Thursdays, chat about technical and creative things, scour the boutique for wonderful things from our talented designers, comment on each other's layouts and ask for and get constructive critiques that are always helpful, but it is a place to land - a safe place to land and know that we are loved and cared for by our friends. The number of friends is astonishing and the care and concern are from the heart.

As I read through the posts, I know that I am not alone but surrounded by hope and love and genuine concern. Where else but this little purple place that Ro has given us could we possibly find all of that? We share our most heartfelt thoughts, our problems, our joy and we are received ten times over with comments from friends who really do care. Our friendships eventually become more than just talking on the message board - we are safe and comfortable enough here to share our email addresses and even our telephone numbers with loyal friends so that we can broaden our friendships and really get to know each other.

I am thankful every single day for SG. It is so much a part of my life that my first priority each day is to always read the newsletter and check the new posts first thing every morning. I have read the Scrap Girls newsletter long before I read the local newspaper, and I just wanted to say thank you to Ro and all of our members who make my day a lot brighter every single day.

Thank you for the sunshine you bring to me - for the rainbows, the color purple, the friends, the awesome boutique and just for always being there each and every morning.

Sara Arell

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.

Would you like to earn a $20 Gift Certificate? Send your own muse to [email protected]. If it is selected for publication in the Scrap Girls newsletter, you'll get to have fun shopping!

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 Amanda Sok using January's Scrap Girls Club
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Created for you by Amanda Sok

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 Thao Cosgrove using December's ScrapSimple Club
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Created for you by Thao Cosgrove and Caroline Kaiser

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!

I have to admit that I love your website and products. I look forward to seeing new products appear, and I especially look forward to the first and the 15th of the month when the club packages are released. To top it off, the freebies are great too!

I have to tell you that I am very pleased with the products and service provided by Scrap Girls. I am very new to digital scrapbooking and find myself spending more time trying to look at layout ideas, learning my software, organizing my new scrapbooking supplies on the computer, etc., than actually completing scrapbook pages. The times when I did have issues with my orders and downloads, Angie was extremely helpful and timely in getting my issues resolved and making sure that I had the download links for all the products I had ordered and possibly missed, as well as providing credit for products I purchased twice – no questions asked. She is a gem! I even received email replies from her on Saturday and Sunday. I did not expect that at all. I figured I would get answers on Monday but was extremely happy to have gotten a response over the weekend. Thank you!

Thank you for the email. To this day, I've been satisfied with all of my dealings with Scrap Girls. My orders and downloads have always gone smoothly. Recently, after discovering I wasn't as satisfied with a collection I had purchased, I sent along an email and within a few hours, Angie responded back with a coupon code equal to the amount I spent on the collection. I hate complaining and felt I should just take the loss on the product. But after talking to Thao Cosgrove a few times, she reminded me that you all believe in 100% satisfaction. I was still hesitant but pleased when it went smoothly. Of course, I immediately found another collection I would enjoy!

I'm very pleased with Scrap Girls' products, support, and service. I love that there is a variety of items for both personal and commercial use. The newsletter is awesome! My favorite is the tutorials. As for the service end, about a month or so ago I emailed Scrap Girls to reactivate my downloads at your store, because my EHD died. I received an email very quickly and was able to download everything that I thought was gone forever. Thank you and keep up the great work!

I have had nothing but a fantastic experience each and every time I have purchased a product, read your newsletter and visited your web site. Every newsletter has a least one page that provides me with inspiration for a page of my own. The freebies are a much appreciated bonus that I am always amazed that you give away for nothing. I don't know of another company that is willing to be so giving to their customers. Thank you so much for everything that you do.

I think you run a fantastic site. I love the community. I wish I had the financial luxury of giving you more support! You have something to be very proud of, and I know you put a lot of work and heart into what we, the public, see at Scrap Girls.

Ro, this is just the kind of personal touch that separates Scrap Girls from all other sites. Not to mention your awesome products. All went well with this purchase. In the past I have had some difficulties figuring out how to use my new goodies and have heard promptly from the designer who stayed with me until we got everything worked out. I am so lucky to have stumbled onto your site and now consider it my second home! Thanks for all the special attention and quality products.

Weekly Layout Winners

Layout by Cheri T
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Anodized Aluminum: Primary 6401, Brush Set: Beautiful Distress and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501 are also available.

Layout by hyper.mum
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Commercial license versions of AMC_Chatty Font 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!

December's Monthly Layout Contest Winner

Layout by camerabug
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Congratulations to Amber (camerabug) for winning the December Layout Contest. Amber's darling layout did a great job fitting the theme of scrapping about family holiday traditions! Amber receives a $10 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique for her efforts. Congratulations!

Congratulations to this month's winner. Please email [email protected] to get your gift!

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

December's ScrapSimple Club Concepts Layout Winner

Layout by princessrunningfingers
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These first four 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 Embellishment Templates: In The Kitchen, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Kitchen Papers, Brush Set: Everyday Eats, ScrapSimple Word Art Templates: Food Expressions, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Wires 6401, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501 and ScrapSimple Tools - Scripts: Supply Tracker 11101 are also available.

Congratulations, princessrunningfingers! We loved your layout so much we had to share it with everybody! Joyce receives a $5 Gift Certificate for her layout using December's ScrapSimple Club! Congratulations!

Congratulations to this club's winner. Please email [email protected] to get your gift!

Want to see past winners of the ScrapSimple Club contest? Visit the ScrapSimple Club's Winners gallery on our message board here!

Contest Winners

Holiday Hoopla 2009 Game Winners:

The following members participated in and completed all fifteen Holiday Hoopla 2009 tasks and each earned a $10 gift certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

B&K Mom
Bride
camerabug
CelticLady
Cheri T
Heatheranne
hyper.mum
Jenna
JessicaLeigh
jkjundt
Julie-scrapaholic
Kacie
KarinaS
mbc72
Nutmeg
PhotoshopScrapper
podiumchick
princessrunningfingers
Reminiscing
RosemaryS
scraphappen
scrapngeek
TheresaK
tinkerbell11

And here are the winning layouts chosen from each of the six Holiday Hoopla layout tasks. Each layout designer wins a $5 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls boutique.

Task #1 Layout by hyper.mum
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Commercial license versions of Dynamic Brush Set: Glitter 6401 and AMC_Chatty Font are also available.

Task #5 Layout by podiumchick
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Mischief Maker, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Chipboard 1801 Mini, Dynamic Brush Set: Mischief Maker, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: My Blessings, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Organica 5201 and ScrapSimple Tools - Scripts: Supply Tracker PSE 11101 are also available.

Task #8 Layout by jkjundt
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Type Shapes: Circles 8301 Biggie, ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates: Curves 2102, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Curves - Printer's Ornaments Super Biggie, ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Edge It 5001 and ScrapSimple Tools - Scripts: Supply Tracker 11101 are also available.

Task #10 Layout by B&K Mom
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Digital Layout Album Templates: 4x6 Blessings, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Edgy, THIN, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: My Own Stories, Dynamic Brush Set: Rubber Stamps, ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Edge It PSE 5001, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Inked Edges 1801 Mini, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Micro Glitter 6401 Super Biggie, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501 and Lettering Delights Warm Heart Font are also available.

Task #13 Layout by Reminiscing
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Funky Christmas are also available.

Task #15 Layout by Kacie
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501 and ScrapSimple Tools - Scripts: Supply Tracker 11101 are also available.

12 Days of Christmas Game Winners:

Star Game Winner ($20 Gift Certificate): jlesiak

Quiz Game Winner ($20 Gift Certificate): mbc72

Christmas Tree of Doom Winners:

5-9 correct ($5 Gift Certificate): KarinaS
10-24 correct ($10 Gift Certificate): hyper.mum
25+ correct ($25 Gift Certificate): Kimski1

Congratulations to these members who found all of the items on this year's Christmas Tree of Doom! They receive a $10 Gift Certificate for their efforts!

Bride
PhotoshopScrapper
princessrunningfingers
Cheri T

Congratulations to all of our contest winners! Please email [email protected] to get your prize, if you haven't already received it. Thanks for participating!

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
NEWLY UPDATED! Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Photoshop Elements
Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Paint Shop Pro X (XI)

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

Now that you've learned the basics of digital scrapbooking with Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, you are ready to learn advanced skills for having even more fun while you create digital scrapbooking layouts!

Get a big boost learning how to use ScrapSimple products to make your own backgrounds, embellishments, and alphas with the MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Photoshop Elements movie tutorial series. You'll learn so much that your digital scrapbooking layouts will never be the same!

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:

Inspirations eBook

With three richly illustrated sections, Inspirations eBook not only offers a virtual gallery of stunning works by EIGHTEEN contemporary digital artists in a variety of styles, but it also describes the techniques they used and gives several key points on how you can recreate each of these TWENTY-EIGHT layouts yourself.

Ten Beginner Tips on Type eBook

If you're creating a digital scrapbooking layout, it's almost guaranteed that you'll be using type on your pages somewhere. But did you know that type can make or break your page? What typeface will you use? What size font? Where will you place it on your page? If you want to take some beginner steps towards improving the type on your layouts, and thereby improving the overall look of your layouts, then this eBook is perfect for you.

digital Photography Simplified eBook

This eBook is full of easy to understand information and photographic examples, and is tailored to the beginning digital photographer who wants to take better photos. More advanced photographers will also benefit from this eBook with the sections that get you out of your comfort zone.

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 Julie White
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Designer Freebie by Julie White coordinates with her Year Round Collection Biggie

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates - Calendar: Snapshots and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Grunged Metals Super Biggie 4101 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

Recipe Swap Crop
Saturday, January 9th - 8:00PM MT

Please join April Showers at 8pm MT in the chat room for our Monthly Recipe Swap Chat. Please check the message board on Thursday, January 7th for this month's theme and the swap details!

Quote Challenge Chat
Sunday, January 10th - 6:00PM MT

Come join Pat (PBarnes) for the Quote Challenge Crop at 6pm MT. 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 layouts!

Photography Focus Club Chat
Monday, January 11th - 7:00PM MT

Do you want to challenge yourself and improve your photography? Check out the Scrap Girls Photo Focus Club. No membership required - Everyone is welcome. If you are looking for tips, techniques or inspiration to help you take better images, this is the chat for you. Join Mary Elizabeth O'Toole (NS_Scrapper) and special guests for a monthly conversation about photography. Each month, we'll have a theme and post a photography challenge. The challenge will be posted on the message board a week before the club meets to give you a chance to plan or practice your "assignment" - and consider some of its challenges. Note that this is not a class but an opportunity to share ideas, ask questions, and try something new.

Baby Album Chat
Tuesday, January 12th - 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, January 12th at 11am MT 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. For this month's challenge, let's scrap a milestone... the first birthday!

New Member Chat
Tuesday, January 12th - 7:00PM MT

Join Pat (PBarnes) and Carol Ann (Zaz) for the New Member Chat at 7pm MT in the Live Chat room lobby. This is a great place to ask questions about getting around the Scrap Girls site or about digital scrapbooking in general - and a great place to make some new friends. All are welcome, new and long time members included. You do need to have Java installed on your computer to access the Live Chat.

East Coast High Noon Crop
Wednesday, January 13th - 10:00AM MT

Join your guest host April Showers for the East Coast High Noon Crop every Wednesday at 10am MT. 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 January 13th, we'll do a "use your stash" challenge! Create a layout using a collection you've had for a while, but just haven't used yet! 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!

Journaling Challenge Chat
Wednesday, January 13th - 5:00PM MT

Join Becca for a Journaling Chat at 5pm MT. Struggle to find the right words for your layouts? Are your layouts more decorative than descriptive of the moments you're trying to capture? Then you won't want to miss this chat - I'll have a special challenge to encourage you to journal on your pages more! See you there!

NSBR Chat - Early Edition
Thursday, January 14th - 2:00PM MT

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 Michelle (Shelbi) and Shari (Shari PV Mom) at 2pm MT in the chat room Lobby! Hope to see you there!

JANUARY EVENTS

January Message Board Game: Jumpstart January!

Join us on the message board this month for "Jumpstart January!" This is a message board game and challenge to start your year with fun and focus on taking time to scrapbook regularly despite the little speedbumps of life. When the month is over, you'll have completed several layouts and been challenged and treated to some fun along the way.

A member of the Welcoming Committee will post a mini-challenge/task every day from January 1-30 in the games folder on the message board. Check out the game thread titled "Jumpstart January 2010" for complete details and rules.

Those who complete all tasks and submit or post required participation by 11:59PM MT on January 31st will be entered in a drawing to win one of three $10 Gift Certificates to the ScrapGirls Boutique! Those who complete just the layouts will be entered in a separate drawing to win one of three $5 gift certificates. (Those who complete all tasks will have their name entered in both drawings!) Winners will be announced in the newsletter on Saturday, February 6th.

Layout Contests:

January Monthly Layout Contest: Did you have dreams as a child as to what your life would be like? Did you dream as a young adult how you wanted your future to pan out? Do you, as a mature adult, have dreams unfulfilled? The beginning of a new year is a great time to think about the future. This month's layout contest, create a layout about your hopes and dreams. It might center on family, a job or a recreational pursuit, show and tell us what your dreams are and how you are making them come true. Create your layout and post it in the January Layout Contest Gallery by Midnight on January 31st. Be sure to list your credits in the description or under the EXIF Properties. If your layout is one of the two chosen, you will win a $10 gift certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

Club Concepts Layout Contest: Post your new layout using the current club selection (either the Scrap Girls club or the ScrapSimple club) in our Scrap Girls Club Members Gallery or the ScrapSimple Club Members' Gallery. Be sure to list all of the Scrap Girls products you used. If your layout is chosen, they will be showcased as a Club Concepts layout winner, and you will win a $5 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.)

Haven't received your prize as a contest winner? Please send an email to [email protected] and we'll get it out to you right away!