In the Groove
July means summer time, and that’s the perfect season for this month’s theme: “whimsy”! That’s right – we’re paying tribute to those carefree moments when you let your inner child lead the way, and life seems at its brightest. Look for our brand new layout contest that celebrates this theme: “Wonderfully Whimsical” (details below).
And don’t worry, though we are delighting in being carefree, we haven’t forgotten your favorite – our monthly freebies! This month, you’ll be treated to a stunning mini-kit designed by the incredible Fiona Storey, Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store designer extraordinaire! See below for all the details.
Musings on "Whimsy"
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of work, to-do lists, chores, plans, etc. But life isn’t all serious – in fact, the reason that we work so hard is so that we can ENJOY moments of laughter, love and play!
This month, The Groove is celebrating “whimsy” – what a great word! When I hear the word whimsy, being a child or childlike comes to mind. I immediately think of twirling in an open field, blowing bubbles, acting out fairy tales, leaving dishes in the sink to make paper hats and play pirates for the afternoon. What do you think of? What comes to mind when you let go of your lists?When it comes to whimsical digital scrapbook layouts, that can mean a great many things. A layout might be called whimsical because of the unusual, playfully patterned paper scraps you choose. Or maybe instead of using the formal portrait from a family reunion for your layout, you choose the one where everyone is scrunching their faces into their silliest-of-silly grins.
Whatever whimsy means to you, try it out sooner rather than later, and oftener rather than less. Make today a magical memory!
Digital Scrapbooking Tips
Groovy Tip #1: Don’t be afraid to combine colors and textures that don’t usually “go together” – digital scrapbooking lets you be creative and whimsical, so go wild! You might just be surprised at how much you love it!
Groovy Tip#2: Have a question about Scrapbook MAX! or our online Community? Don’t forget to check out the Frequently Asked Questions forum for some helpful information.
Scrapper Profile
Meet Karyn R. (a.k.a. Kazr), a dear friend of the Scrapbook MAX! forums and one talented scrapper! Get to know Karyn better by reading her profile below! (She's shared some of her fave layouts below!)Q- If you were an animal, what would you be? Why?
A- My first choice would have to be a tiger - they are such majestic creatures. I also worry they are becoming more and more an endangered species.
Q- How long have you been digital scrapbooking and what got you started?
A- I had only been digital scrapbooking for several months; I had checked out some digital sites and while surfing the net, I came across Scrapbook MAX!. It was so easy to use, now I am truly a SBM addict!
Q- What are your non-scrapbooking hobbies?
A- Spending time with my parents, brother, grandaughters and pets - they help to keep me grounded. I am an avid reader, plus love traditional scrapbooking & have a couple of albums I am quite proud of.
Q- Tell us about your family.
A- I am so lucky to still have my parents in my life (June & Les), my brother Mark, my son (Lee), my daughter (Jade-Ellyn) & my grandaughters Skye & Kiara (both 7 this year). My husband Jim passed away just over 5 years ago from a brain tumor.
Q- Tell us about one layout that you are particularly proud of and why.
A- Wow, that is a hard one! Of course I have some favorites, but one I am proud of is ' June - Les 50th Anniversary ' a tribute to my parents’ 50 years together. I am thrilled that they have reached that milestone in their life; not many marriages these days last the distance.
Q- What is the best part about using Scrapbook MAX!?
A- This program is so consumer friendly and is by far the easiest and most fun program to learn. You get fantastic results so quickly and the staff and newfound friends are always willing to help if any problem should arise. I cannot think of any one thing I love more than another- I love it all.
Q- Describe your favorite time of year.
A- Spring is definitely my favorite time of year- not too hot nor to cold. The flowers and trees are in full bloom and usually the warmer days are perfect for getting together with family & friends for a barbeque.
Check out some of Karyn's favorite layouts!
Interested in being one of The Groove’s profiled scrappers? Write to us at newsletter@scrapbookmax.com for details.
And Now, Presenting PhotoSpark!
From the makers of Scrapbook MAX! comes PhotoSpark – a brand new digital photo album software program for digital photography enthusiasts! With its easy-to-use design space, slick content, and super cool themes, PhotoSpark is sure to appeal to everyone, scrapbookers and non-scrapbookers alike!
At $39.95, PhotoSpark makes an affordable gift for the digital photography enthusiast on your list, or a great treat for yourself! And here’s the best news –as friends of Scrapbook MAX!, we are giving you a spectacular offer. If you purchase PhotoSpark by July 16, 2007, you will receive 50% off the purchase price – that’s only $19.97 + shipping! Be sure to enter the coupon code 54373 at checkout to receive this incredible deal.
Click here to see everything that’s included. And remember, you can use everything you see included in PhotoSpark right in Scrapbook MAX! with our free file converter. (At the special price of $19.97, PhotoSpark is a tremendous deal for content alone; thousands of pieces of content are included!).
Hurry – offer ends July 16, 2007! Buy now and save!
The Groove’s Monthly Freebie
Even though this month’s free mini-kit is called “Barely There,” you’ll sure be glad that it is there! Many thanks to the superbly talented Fiona Storey, Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store designer, for sharing her creations!
Creative GeniusAre you planning to host an event this summer? Instead of just inviting your friends the old fashioned way through “snail mail” or by phone, why not make simple, themed invitations with Scrapbook MAX! and send them out through email!
You can either email your invitation right from Scrapbook MAX! by clicking on the “envelope” icon, or choose Publish To > Images,
and select the High Quality and Web/Email settings. Then, attach the published image(s) to an email message!
(Check out our sample invitation to a scrumptious fondue party. Mmmm…melted chocolate….)
Contest: "Wonderfully Whimsical"
Whimsy is being spirited, carefree, imaginative, and childlike. Whatever your interpretation is, we want to see your layouts celebrating the wonderful world of “whimsy”. Three winning layouts will be published in the next issue of The Groove: 1st prize is a $20 gift certificate to the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store! 2 runners up will each receive an official Scrapbook MAX! mousepad.
To enter, publish your layout as a JPEG image using the 'High Quality' and 'Web/Email' options, and upload it to the contest page in the Scrapbook MAX! gallery. All entries will be available for viewing. Contest closes Friday, July 27, 2007, Midnight (CST). ** Note: You must be a registered member of the Scrapbook MAX! forums to enter this contest. To register for free, click here.
“Dear Dad” Contest Winners
1st Place Winner!
Our 1st Place layout by Christine N. shows off great “daddy” photos with an eye-pleasing color palette, and well-chosen embellishments. Awesome!
Runners-Up!
Check out the cool “bulletin board” design by Diana…with a recipe included! The soft colors and tender photos used by mackie sure capture the special love of father and child.
Congrats to all participants!
Inspirations
A World of Whimsy! Sometimes, the best layouts are the ones where we let our imaginations run free! Below, we feature two inspiring layouts that we think reflect a fresh, fun way of featuring great photos. We love Mary H.’s spirited use of color, pattern, and layered scraps to capture the dizzy fun of an amusement park ride (and check out those smiles!). And isn’t the “underwater” effect of Irene V.’s shimmering background, bubbly elements, and gorgeous ocean coast photo spectacular? So, gather up your favorite photos, look at them in a new way, and enjoy the creative results!
The Groove Wants You!
Have a Lois Lane complex? Put it to use by contributing to The Groove! We’re always looking for fresh ideas to make The Groove fun and exciting – just like our readers! Tips, musings, inspirations, ingenious scrapbook ideas - if you’ve got ‘em, we’d love to read ‘em! Email The Groove your bright ideas today! Contact us at newsletter@scrapbookgroove.com
Next Month in The Groove
The Groove celebrates “Friends Forever”! Plus - look for July’s “Wonderfully Whimsical” contest winners!
