Rozanne Paxman

Are You Documenting Historical Information?

As you create your scrapbooks, are you remembering to document important information about your ancestors?

You might remember that I recently created a four-generation family tree that contains photos of my ancestors with the Country Family Tree Collection.

I realized later that even though this layout is fun to look at, it doesn't contain critical information about my family members. So when I put together my ScrapSimple Digital Layout Album Templates: 12x12 My Life 1 templates, I made sure to include a four-generation pedigree chart.

Layout by Ro

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Digital Layout Album Templates: 12x12 My Life 1, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Gold 2201 Biggie and ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Mega Lift III - Linear Biggie are also available.

A pedigree chart is different than a family tree because it contains vital information about the individual, such as their birth date, where they were born, marriage date, and date of their death. Of course, you can build your pedigree chart further back, but it is a great way to start out.

Perhaps, when you think of beginning such a project, it makes you feel a little overwhelmed because you might not know how to locate the information you need. Here are some tips that can get you started:

Find out what information your family has already recorded. Talk to your mother, your grandparents, your cousins, and your aunts and uncles. You might be surprised what a treasure-trove of information and photos they will share with you, if you tell them what you are trying to do.


If family members are hesitant to share information, I have found that it is helpful to volunteer to send them copies of your work. Often, they would like to pass the information down to their own children, but they feel too busy to get it ready. Your efforts will be welcomed because it relieves them of the burden.


Search through the information found at Family Search. Family Search is a free database containing millions of genealogical records gathered from around the world by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is considered by genealogists to be one of the top resources for information.

To demonstrate how easily you can locate someone in Family Search, I did a search for one of my great-grandfathers (five generations back) named Dorus Burzee Warner. I entered what information I knew about him.

I was then presented with a list of individuals with that name.

I clicked on his name and was presented with the information that was in the database about him.

For fun, I kept clicking on links and followed back his father's line. It dead-ended with John Warner, who was born in Bradford, Haverhill, Massachusetts in 1733. Then I clicked around some more on various ancestors until I located an ancestor named Abraham Temple who was born in 1597 in Salem, Massachusetts. I kept going and found many lines that went a lot further back than that. (Warning: This is fun to do!)

As a note: If you find you enjoy poking around Family Search, you might enjoy volunteering a little time to help them with the massive work of turning images of old census records, marriage records, etc., into a format that can be part of the database. That's where most of the information has come from. I've helped out before and found that it was fun to see all of the names and imagine what their lives might have been like. It's very easy to do. If you are interested, you can find out more here.

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 Angie Briggs using July's Scrap Girls Club
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Created for you by Angie Briggs

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 Template
1 Brush Set
2 Designer's Choice Item

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

Layout by Melissa Renfro using June's ScrapSimple Club
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Created for you by Melissa Renfro and Valerie Randall

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!

Photo Mask Ideas

Note: Tutorial created using Adobe Photoshop CS2 with a PC.

Photo Masks are one of the most simple ways to add an artistic touch to your photos. With just a few steps, you can transform your basic, rectangle-shaped photo into something really special. But it doesn't end with photos. You can use Photo Masks on everything from embellishments, mats, papers, and more. When purchasing a Photo Mask, you are making a digital scrapbooking product choice that will be extremely versatile in your layouts.

The Scrap Girls Boutique sells many different styles of Photo Masks, and they are sold in a variety of ways. Currently, there are Embellishment Templates, Paper Templates, and Brush Sets. All of these pretty much work the same way, so purchase the type that you feel most comfortable with or that have the style you need.

The most common way of using Photo Masks is by clipping a photo (or something else) to them. Using a clipping mask could also be called "attaching," because you are attaching something (such as a photo) to something else (such as a photo mask). Once you clip a photo to a Photo Mask, it will cover it perfectly (assuming it was big enough to cover the mask).

To use a clipping mask to perfectly cover a Photo Mask with a photo (or other item), simply Click+Drag your photo mask to your layout or new document. Then, Click+Drag your photo to this same new document. If you look in your Layers Palette, you should have your photo above the photo mask; if it isn't, rearrange your layers so it looks like the example below.

Move your photo so it covers your Photo Mask completely. Now, select the photo layer in the Layers Palette. (Selecting means just clicking once on the layer in the Layers Palette, which will now highlight the layer in the palette list.) To create a clipping mask in Photoshop CS2 and higher, press Ctrl+Alt+G (for Windows) or Cmd+Option+G (for Mac). In Photoshop Elements, this can be done by pressing Ctrl+G (in Windows). Another option for Photoshop users (my preferred method) is to simply right-click on your photo layer in the Layers Palette and select "Create Clipping Mask."

Your Layers Palette will now look something like this:

Here is an example which shows the photo, then the Photo Mask, and ends with the photo clipped to the Photo Mask using the steps above:

Here are some other examples of ways you can use digital scrapbooking Photo Masks:

Amanda Sok shows us how you can use Photo Masks as a frame without clipping anything to them. She added a ScrapSimple Tool - Style on the Photo Mask, added a photo on top - but no clipping.

Photo Mask Sample by Amanda Sok
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Artful Mix 6401 Super Biggie and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Mixed Metals 6402 Biggie are also available.

In this layout below, Laurel Lakey demonstrated how to make it look like a photo is painted onto your layout by combining one product multiple times. She merged two different templates from ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Mixed Media and clipped a green paper to them. Then, she used a third template from the same product to clip her photo to. This clipped photo is then clipped to the original merged templates (the green paper one). Everything was given texture (ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Painting Textures 8501) to give it a painterly look.

Layout by Laurel Lakey
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Mixed Media and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Painting Textures 8501 are also available.

In this next example by Angie Briggs, she shows how you can use a Photo Mask to spice up photos that you want to frame on your layout. She added a frame cluster from the Old Friends Collection Biggie, placed the mask under the cluster, and tilted/resized it so that part of the mask was hanging out over the sides of the frame. Angie then clipped her photo to the mask.

Layout by Angie Briggs
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Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Photo Masks - Grungy Stencils are also available.

Tutorial written by Brandie Valenzuela

When you dive into Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed and MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed, you'll learn the basics and a whole lot more! Explore the multiple methods of quickly color-changing ScrapSimple Templates, of using ScrapSimple Templates to make your own backgrounds, and the tips and tricks for using ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates to create beautiful memories for yourself and your loved ones. And that's just the beginning - there's so much more! Drop by the Scrap Girls Boutique now!

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:

Scrap Girls 2009 Digital Scrap Link Class: Tips and Tricks to Make Quick Albums Fast!

Have you ever received an email offer for a really great deal on a 20-page album? But then you sit at your computer and get overwhelmed. This eBook will cover some great tips and tricks to help you pull it off in a snap! Included with your purchase, you will receive a special digital layout template set of three layouts in both 8.5x11 and 12x12 size, with which you can practice the techniques taught in the eBook.

Artistry eBook by Marnie Adams

Artistry: A Celebration of Digital Design Excellence highlights the best-of-the-best in digital scrapbooking focusing on high quality layout design, imaginative use of products, creative vision, top-notch typography, and artistic expression.

Scrap Girls Tutorials & Way Cool Stuff eBook Set
2009 - 4th Quarter

Subscribers to the Scrap Girls Newsletter have one thing in common: they love to learn new techniques! Each issue shares ideas, tutorials, and new ways to use Scrap Girls quality digital scrapbooking products. Now you can have all those past tutorials and Way Cool Stuff articles of the 4th Quarter of 2009 in one convenient PDF format.

Start to Finish eBooklets

Start to Finish eBooklet - PSE: Patterns, Blends & Filters, Oh My!

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 Ang Campbell
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Designer Freebie by Ang Campbell coordinates with her Rough and Tumble Collection

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Basically Bordered Squares 2 and ScrapSimple Digital Layout Templates: Year In Review 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

East Coast High Noon Crop
Wednesday, July 7th - 10:00AM MT

Join April (April Showers)each Wednesday at 10am MT for the East Coast High Noon Crop. All coasts and time zones are welcome! 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 July 7th, we'll do a color challenge! Create a layout on any theme, any topic, using the color TURQUOISE! Create your layout and upload it to the special High Noon Crop Gallery. You'll be amazed what you can get done in just one hour, but there is no High Noon Sheriff timing you!

ATC Swap Crop
Wednesday, July 7th - 4:30PM MT

Please join Sherry Lynn and Elisha (elibar) in the chatroom for our July ATC (Artist Trading Card) Swap Crop/Chat on Wednesday, July 7th at 4:30pm MT. We're looking forward to seeing you there!

Project SG Chat
Thursday, July 8th - 6:00PM MT

Have you heard about Project SG yet? This challenge is all about creating an album for 2010 and scrapping your most current photos. Join Angela (angelaNussbaum) and April Showers on Wednesday, July 8th at 6pm MT for this month's Project SG Chat! It isn't too late to start. We'll fill you in on all the details at the chat. Hope to see you there!

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

Join Michelle (Shelbi) and Sherry Lynn at 9am MT 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!

Recipe Swap Chat
Saturday, July 10th - 6:00PM MT

Join April (April Showers) and Lei (Bride) at 6pm MT in the chat room for our Monthly Recipe Swap Chat. Please check the message board on Thursday, July 8th for this month's theme and the swap details!

Hybrid Craft Chat
Sunday, July 11th - 2:00PM MT

Do you miss working with paper, scissors and glue to create beautiful craft projects? Hybrid crafts combine your digital supplies with traditional scrapping methods to create amazing crafts! Join Sherry (Sherry Lynn) and Carla (CRS) on July 11th at 2pm MT for the Hybrid Crafts Chat where we'll discuss the current project and share ideas. Watch the message board for our next project!

Quote Challenge Chat
Sunday, July 11th - 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, Pat will 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 she 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 Word Art layout! Everyone can participate and create a layout, even if you can't make the chat. Hope to see you there!

Life Moments Crop
Tuesday, July 13th - 1:00PM MT

Have you noticed that one person is missing from your scrapbooks: You? Life Moments Crops are designed to challenge us to scrap about ourselves. For this crop, let's scrap a layout about what makes you happy right now, today! So join Carla (CRS) in the chatroom on Tuesday, July 13th at 1pm MT! Hope to see you there!

Faith Journey Chat
Tuesday, July 13th - 5:00PM MT

Join Elisha (elibar) and Sherry Lynn for a Faith Journey Chat on Tuesday, July 13 at 5pm MT. All faiths are welcome! We'll be chatting and scrapping about our individual faith walk and how we also walk together. Watch the message board for this month's topic of discussion, and if you like - create a layout based on the topic!

New Member Chat
Tuesday, July 13th - 7:00PM MT

Join Pat (PBarnes) 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.

Baby Album Chat
Tuesday, July 13th - 8:00PM 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) in the chat room on Tuesday, July 13th at 8pm MT to work on those albums and chat about our children and grandchildren!

JULY EVENTS

July Message Board Game: BINGO!

It's that time again! Join us for an exciting game of BINGO on the Message Board Forum in July! Pick 25 words from the list provided in the forum and send them in an e-mail to [email protected] with a subject line that says "BINGO CARD - your SG message board username" by Wednesday, June 30th (Midnight MT) in order to play in the first round, which will begin Thursday, July 1st.

Each day, members of the Welcoming Committee will call five random words from the Bingo list. Match just 15 of those words to win a BINGO. You must be first to call bingo in the forum to win that round. After a winner is called, the boards can be cleared and a new round will begin the following day. All winners win a $5 gift certificate to the Boutique! We like to see lots of winners, so please remember that each person can only win one round during the month. Have fun!

If you miss the first round cutoff date, you can still play! Just send in your Bingo card at any time during the month and you'll be eligible to begin playing when the next new round starts. Everyone who sends in a Bingo card will receive a confirmation email that their card has been received. If you do not receive confirmation within 24 hours, please re-send your list of words.

For complete details and examples of game play, visit the Monthly Message Board Games folder on the Scrap Girls message board.

Layout Contests:

July Monthly Layout Contest: Most all countries have a national holiday. The time of the year varies across our wide world but the United States just happens to celebrate Independence Day in July. For this month's layout contest, we want you to create a layout showing us something about what you do to celebrate your nation or show your patriotism. Post your layouts in the July Gallery before Midnight MT on July 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, it 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!