Scrapbook Groove Digital Scrapbooking Magazine

Read The Groove Online!

2007-11-05T10:53:00.000-06:00

Attention Digital Scrapbookers!

To read the most current issue of The Groove, please visit:

www.scrapbookmax.com/newsletter

The Groove Newsletter - October 2007

2007-10-01T12:56:00.000-05:00

The Groove

October 2007 - Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration

In The Groove

“Sports” is this month’s energetic theme! Though we know that all of our readers are Olympic-quality scrappers, we wanted to celebrate some of our other recreational hobbies. So whether you have some great pics of yourself as pinch hitter for your community baseball team, or your child is gearing up for a black belt in karate, we want to see your sports and recreation-themed layouts!

This month’s freebie is from the Magnificent and Magnanimous Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store designer Michelle McCoy (love those “M’s”!). Check below to find ‘em! Also, before you “hit the showers”, check out our sporty layout contest, with a challenging design twist (below). GO TEAM!!!

Sports, Of Course!

Bases are loaded. You crouch down, ready to begin your race. Your skis are waxed and you’re off to hit the trails. Coach goes over the plan for the championship game one last time. You get the picture: ENERGY, ANTICIPATION, ADRENALINE, and of course, FUN are what sports and recreation themed layouts are all about! Get inspired with the layouts below, and then go and scrap your own!

“Hockey” – by Terry T., Boise, Idaho and “T-Ball” – by Daneta D., Petrolia, Texas

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

Groovy Tip #1: 8 x 8 is the default scrapbook page size in Scrapbook MAX!. But by choosing Page> Settings and clicking on the Size tab, you can alter your page size to the one that best suits your design needs!

Groovy Tip #2: Have you made a template that you want to share with other Scrapbook MAX! users? Find easy instructions on how to share your own Scrapbook MAX! templates by clicking here!

Scrapper Profile

Meet Johana M. (a.k.a. “omajo”) – a delightful Scrapbook MAX! member with fresh ideas and a joyful, creative design touch! Get to know more about her below, and enjoy some of her favorite layouts!

Q- If we asked your friends to describe you, what would they say?
A- Well probably, an active woman who likes good company and good food, especially 'ice cream'!

Q- Besides scrapbooking, what do you do for fun?
A- My other hobby is flower arrangement- I love flowers! I also enjoy having a cuppa with close friends and good company. But most of all, I love dancing with our 3 years old granddaughter.

Q- Who are the most special people in your life. Why?
A- It’s hard to say. I like everybody in my family. Been married for 38 years now, so I must say, my husband is special! My two sons and two daughters in-law are very special to me. And the most special are Tania and Matthew, our two grandchildren.

Q- Where do you find inspiration for your layouts?
A- My inspiration comes from looking at other people’s layouts in the galleries, and also from magazines and other media advertisements. Nature and the surroundings are also an important source of inspiration.

Q- Do you have a signature color scheme or type of embellishment that you love to use?
A- I really love happy spring colors; green, orange, yellow, pink and mauve. The type of embellishment that I love is hard to say; it really depends on the layout. But, I like flowers and beads.

Q- What is your next scrapbook project?
A- I have lots in my mind at the moment! Since I just bought PhotoSpark, I’d like to make an album for our grandchildren, part using Scrapbook MAX! and part using PhotoSpark.

Q- If you could be a celebrity for one day, who would you be and why?
A- Hahaha! Never thought about this before… but anyway, I would want to be like Martha Stewart, because her shows are about art and cooking and other wonderful tips.

See some of Johana's favorite layouts below!

“Wedding Anniversary” and “Joy”

Interested in being one of The Groove’s profiled scrappers? Write to us at newsletter@scrapbookmax.com for details.

!!FABULOUS FALL SALE!!
10% Off Booster Packs!

The Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store is known for its GORGEOUS embellishment and template Booster Pack kits, and its awesome prices. Well…the kits are still gorgeous, and with our FABULOUS FALL SALE, the prices are even better!

September 28 through October 31, 2007, when you spend a minimum of $10 in the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store, you can save 10% off of your order!* Just type in the coupon code FALL2007 during the checkout process.

The best part? You can use this coupon AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT! So take advantage of reduced prices and stock up on kits by our team of professional designers, made just for Scrapbook MAX!.

* Offer applies to new orders only. Valid exclusively on purchases made in the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store (minimum purchase of $10). May not be combined or used with any other discount.

Visit the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store today!

The Groove’s Monthly Freebie

Jazz up your pages with Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store designer Michelle McCoy’s fab mini-kit (from "Jazzie" Embellishment Pack #885)!

Click here

to get your Freebies!

Love Michelle’s mini-kit? Get the complete kit for only $5.00!

Creative Genius

Mmmmmmm…something smells tasty….

Why not create attractive recipe cards using Scrapbook MAX!?
To make your own signature recipe card, simply choose Page > Settings, select the Size tab, then choose Small Photo for 6 x 4 recipe cards, or select Custom to set your own widths and heights (smaller recipe cards are often 5 x 3). Now add pictures, embellishments, and “journal” the recipe itself right on the page. What better way to preserve those family food favorites forever!

(In fact – a little recipe book “homemade” with Scrapbook MAX! would make a terrific gift! Check out Wendy’s (Australia) recipe card to the right, made with Scrapbook MAX!, and get cookin'! )

Contest: Go, Team!

We’re looking for layouts that celebrate sports and recreation! So play ball, game on, stick that landing, etc., etc.! But here’s the added challenge: your TEAM COLORS must be the most prominent colors in your layout’s background! (If your layout doesn’t feature a team or uniform, use any two prominent colors of your choice for your backgrounds.)

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, October 26, 2007, 5:00pm (CST). ** Note: You must be a registered member of the Scrapbook MAX! forums to enter this contest. To register for free, click here.

"The Great Outdoors" Contest Winners!

1st Place Winner

For getting up close (maybe too close!!) to the Great Outdoors and making a super layout, 1st Place goes to “ ‘Bearly’ getting’ by…” by poppabob!

Congrats to our Runners-Up!

Runners-up – MomsCorner brought us a winter wonderland with cool colors and great nature embellishments. And Michelle M.’s layout was a great “catch” – we love the “water bubble” effect of the polka dot background in “Nature Boy” .

Congrats to all participants!

Inspirations

Keeping things “uniform”! Sometimes, layouts call for a whimsical blend of colors…and other times, it’s all about “matching”. That’s what we love about these two layouts – the colors of the background really highlight and complement the colors in the sports uniforms. Follow mint and crazcat3835’s lead - taking cues from the uniform in a sports-themed layout makes for a real winner!

“Johnny”, By mint and “Coby Wrestling”, By crazcat3835

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@scrapbookmax.com

Next Month In The Groove

The Groove celebrates “Real-Life Superstars!” Plus - look for October’s “Go, Team!” contest winners!

The Groove Newsletter - September 2007

2007-09-01T15:53:00.000-05:00

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration - September 2007

In The Groove

“The Great Outdoors” is this month’s “Groove-y” theme. So take a moment and step away from the computer (come on - you can do it!), and take in the beauty around you. Maybe it’s an elegant cluster of trees, a stunning sunset, or a favorite fishin’ hole that inspires you - the Great Outdoors has an endless supply of layout inspirations!

As for your favorite Groove feature, our monthly freebie, wonderfully talented and popular Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store designer Deanne Gow-Smith is sharing embellishments from her Sunflower Citrus template! Read below for more details. We’ve also got an outdoors-y layout contest, with a challenging design twist (below).

The Great Outdoors!

Summer may be coming to an end in some parts of the world, and in others it’s just beginning! Of course, no matter what the season, there’s always something to enjoy about the Great Outdoors: a shimmering lake on a hot summer day, the golden tones of autumn, a winter wonderland, the first buds of spring…Take a look at your outdoor photos and make a layout celebrating your moments in the sun (or rain, or snow!). To get inspired, check out the fantastic outdoors-y layouts below!

“Gone Fishing” – by Kim B., Port Elizabeth, South Africa; “Pool” – by Maureen K., Alsip, USA

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

Groovy Tip #1: Is there a special feature that you’d love to see in Scrapbook MAX!?Let us know about it in our Suggestions forum! Our developers regularly evaluate your suggestions in planning software updates and upgrades.

Groovy Tip #2: Remember to use the handy “layering” buttons found in your toolbar (Bring To Front, Bring Forward, Send Backward, Send To Back) to stack and arrange photos, paper scraps and embellishments in just the right order!

Scrapper Profile

Meet Irene Varner, a.k.a. Eye, a generous and creative presence in our Scrapbook MAX! Online Community. Check out some of her signature layouts, too!

Q- Tell us one thing about yourself that others are often surprised to learn.
A- That I am human-----Not! Just kidding. I guess they all know me too well so I cannot surprise them one bit.

Q- What got you interested in digital scrapbooking?
A- I was looking for a program that would be simple and with which I could design and print 12 x 12 pages. Found Scrapbook MAX! on a night that I could not sleep and tried the free trial. I was hooked in less then 3 days.

Q- Where do you get your layout ideas?
A-Layout ideas come to me very quickly. As most can see, I like to frame layouts as it brings them to life---like a tear to the soul. I try to make every layout different. I love to use unusual stuff as I like to be different.

Q- Tell us about your favorite feature of Scrapbook MAX!.
A- Scrapbook MAX! is one big Favorite Feature to me. It is such a perfect program.

Q- What tip would you share with a newbie to Scrapbook MAX!?
A- The tip I would share is never be afraid to be adventurous with colors. A lot are afraid and stick to neutral colors. Use the colors and please try framing faces, etc. You can never go wrong.

Q- What is the subject of the scrapbook that you are working on right now?
A- Right now I am working on making some more freebies for all to have. I love to give. By the way I never need credit. Once I give it is now yours to do with whatever you want.

Q- Heard any good (clean) jokes lately? Please share!
A- Not much for jokes. Never like them as I feel I laugh enough in my life!

Check out some of Irene's favorite layouts!

Nature's Best, Solar System, Gentle Spirit, Beach Fun

**EXTRA! EXTRA!**

“Speaking Of Rosie” Digital Scrapbooking MEGAKIT

A Collaborative Labor of Love

“Speaking Of Rosie” is a HUGE Digital Scrapbooking MEGAKIT to benefit Rosie Pittman. Fifteen (yes, that’s 15!!) designers have come together to bring you over 500 elements plus 3 complete Scrapbook MAX! template sets. By purchasing this HUGE kit, you will be supporting Rosie Pittman, a delightful 4 year old girl who brings joy to everyone she meets. Rosie has the disorders known as Autism and Apraxia. Simply stated, this means that at this point in time, Rosie is unable to communicate as most children her age can. She primarily communicates by using American Sign Language. Although she knows many signs, she has a very limited speech vocabulary. She has made great gains through speech therapy and through the diligence of her mother’s teaching. Your purchase will be raising money that will go directly to her speech therapy - 100% of the proceeds from your purchase will go directly to Rosie’s mother, Chelle, for the purpose of defraying the cost of her (very costly) speech therapy sessions. CLICK HERE for kit previews!

IMPORTANT NOTE: You can buy the individual components OR purchase the entire kit at over 70% off! If you load up your cart with ALL of the items in Rosie's Kit, you will get the whole thing for ONLY $13.44! Simply add ALL of the items to your cart and then type in the coupon code "ROSIE" at checkout to receive the MASSIVE discount!

The Groove’s Monthly Freebie

Celebrate the sunshine with some lovely Sunflower Citrus embellishments by Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store designer Deanne Gow-Smith!

Click here to get your Freebies!

Love Deanne’s mini-kit? Get the complete kit for only $5.00!

Creative Genius

Digital Greeting Cards!

Wish a friend happy birthday, cheer up a pal in need, or send your holiday greetings with Scrapbook MAX!. That’s right – you can use Scrapbook MAX! to design totally original, completely personalized greeting cards for friends and family! Then, share your creations digitally through email or on the web, or print them out to mail or attach to gifts.

We’ve noticed plenty of layouts expressing well-wishes and greetings among our online community members in our own gallery – what a great way to stay in touch and show you care. (Why not follow Marion’s example (above, right) and make a digital scrapbook card for a friend! )

Contest: "The Great Outdoors"

We’re looking for layouts that celebrate The Great Outdoors! So hunt through your pictures of all your great adventures camping, at the beach, in the garden, or wherever the sun (or moon!) is shining! But here’s the twist: you have to include three different nature-themed embellishments (for example: a leaf, a stone, and a seashell) in your layout!

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 Thursday, September 27, 2007, 5:00pm (CST). ** Note: You must be a registered member of the Scrapbook MAX! forums to enter this contest. To register for free, click here.

“Friends Are Like Rainbows” Contest Winners

“When It Rains”
By Tina S.
Salt Lake City, UT

For her captivating colors and touching story, Tina S. earns 1st Place in our “Friends” contest - Lovely!

Congratulations to our Runners-up!

“Friends Are Like Rainbows," by Evelyn I. Peebles, Scotland

and

“My Friends,” by Kim B., Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Evelyn I. dazzled us with a bold band of color, a stunning rainbow photo, and group of friendly faces. We also loved Kim B.’s fresh take on rainbow colors by mixing them beautifully with neutrals - and of course, love those friend pics!

Inspirations

Size surprise! Besides the popular 8 x 8 format, Scrapbook MAX! gives you the option to create layouts in different sizes (e.g., 12 x 12, Letter, Letter Tall, Custom, etc.) Just choose Page> Settings and click on Size, then choose the page size you prefer to work with. This feature is especially convenient if you are printing out your pages and need to fit a particular album size. Check out pages presented in a couple of different sizes below!

“Pick-A-Boo ” By Lindie K., East Sussex, U.K.

and

“Colorful Playtime” By Marnie W., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

The Groove Wants YOU!

Next Month in The Groove

The Groove celebrates “’Sports” Plus - look for September’s “The Great Outdoors” contest winners!

The Groove Newsletter- August 2007

2007-08-01T09:13:00.000-05:00

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration - August 2007

In the Groove

“Friends Forever” is this month’s “Groove-y” theme. To celebrate, you’ll notice that we’re featuring more work than ever by our dear friends from the online Scrapbook MAX! Community – that’s you, folks! This, we promise, is just the beginning of a new trend – look for more and more layouts by our very own Community members in future issues of The Groove…maybe even YOU!

As usual, we’ve got a tantalizing freebie for you to check out…this one’s by Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store designer Esther Barry (a.ka. the incomparable “Granny” - read below for details)! We’ve also got another exciting layout contest, with a challenging design twist (see below). And of course, happy scrappin’, friends!

Friends Forever - Through Thick and Thin

There’s almost nothing more precious in the world than a friend. Through thick and thin, laughter and tears, togetherness and distance, friends make us laugh, keep us strong, and believe in us even when we can’t seem to believe in ourselves. The following layouts beautifully capture the essence of friendship – when faced with the passage of time, or separation by great distances, true friendship endures the challenge.

“Circa 1950” – by juliehclark and “A Hero’s Welcome” – by Marion

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

Groovy Tip #1: Find cool websites with content you can use in Scrapbook MAX! by visiting the new forum in our online Community called:“Favorite Sites For Scrapbook MAX!-ers”.

Groovy Tip #2: Shapes can really enhance a theme! Don’t forget to check out the shapes that comes with Scrapbook MAX! when working with photos or paper scraps.

Scrapper Profile

Meet Michelle McCoy (a.k.a. wolvsie35), a friendly, helpful, and talented voice in the Scrapbook MAX! online community, as well as a designer for the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store. Get to know Michelle a little better by reading her interview below, and check out some of her favorite layouts!

Q- If we asked your friends to describe you, what would they say?
A- I'm caring, creative, always wanting to please others.

Q- How did you get involved with digital scrapbooking?
A- I love to take photos and be creative with them.

Q- Besides scrapbooking, what do you do for fun?
A- Design needlepoint patterns, draw, write poetry, bowling, listen to music, spend time with my family and my dog Boo Bear (newfoundland/chow mix).

Q- Who are the most special people in your life. Why?
A- First off, my mom. She has been there for me through everything and is always supportive, no matter what or how crazy my idea may be. Second, would be my two boys. They are always interested in my new creations and willing to help me in any way. Thirdly, my fiancé - he has become my inspiration by giving me the support I need and never complains when I become too busy with designing.

Q- Where do you find inspiration for your layouts?
A- I find my needlepoint designs to be my main inspiration. They come from my drawings, then I make a cross stitch design for them and sew them. The more things I can make with my designs, the more content I am. My family and friends through Scrapbook MAX! also bring light to everything I make.

Q- What's your next scrapbook project?
A- Ideas are flowing non-stop now that I'm a designer for MAX!...My next focus will be making templates from my kits.

Q- If you could be a celebrity for one day, who would you be and why?
A- I wouldn't want to be a celebrity but I think if I could be an angel for a day, I would help people realize that life is too short to take it for granted.

Check out some of Michelle's favorite layouts!

Country Apples, Gorgeous, Snowman, and Cutie

Looking for a Wedding Gift?...

How About Scrapbook MAX! Wedding Edition!

Summertime and the living is easy…except for all those bridal shower and wedding gifts on your “to do” list! Here’s a bright gift idea –Scrapbook MAX! Wedding Edition! Even if the bride-to-be in your life isn’t a full-fledged scrapper, she’ll surely want to do something special with her wedding photos! (And who knows, Scrapbook MAX! Wedding Edition may just be the beginning of another wonderful relationship…with digital scrapbooking!)

At only $39.95, Scrapbook MAX! Wedding Edition makes a unique and affordable gift, or even a great treat for yourself! It includes Scrapbook MAX! digital scrapbooking software and a fully-loaded wedding-themed content pack. With 30 new scrapbook templates (150 pre-made pages) and 20+ new kits, Scrapbook MAX! Wedding Edition is a terrific way for users of the “Classic Edition” to expand their digital content collection!

Buy Scrapbook MAX! Wedding Edition Today!

The Groove’s Monthly Freebie

You’re going to love the elegant freebies this month! Many thanks to our wonderful and generous “Granny”, Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store designer Esther Barry!

Click here to get your Freebies!

Love Esther’s mini-kit? Get the complete kit for only $3.99!

Creative Genius

Here’s a chance to wear your favorite layouts on your “sleeve” – or on your chest, your tote bag, your pillowcase, or any other place you dream up! That’s right – we’re talking T-Shirt transfers! Create a great “transferable” layout, then check out your local office supply store for the special transfer paper required. Follow the printing instructions, choose the item that you want to transfer your masterpiece to, and then get out the ol’ iron! And, since we’re celebrating friends this month, why not take up this creative genius challenge and make a t-shirt for a friend, featuring your “friend”-liest layout, of course!

Contest: "Friends Are Like Rainbows..."

This month we’re looking for friend-themed layouts…but there’s an added challenge! In your design, you must either incorporate the 7 colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet), OR creatively complete the phrase “Friends Are Like Rainbows…” in journal text or in a caption (e.g., “Friends Are Like Rainbows, Follow Them And You’ll Find Gold”). Hey, maybe you can even do both…Get creative!!

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 Monday, August 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.

"Wonderfully Whimsical" Contest Winners!

1st Place Winner!

“NemoNicole”

By Wendy S.
Rome, Italy

Glub! Glub! – We feel like we are floating about in Wendy’s wonderfully whimsical 1st Place Layout. What great fun!

Congratulations to our Runners-up!

“Forever Friends” By Shauna S., Ammon, Idaho and “Dragon Dream” By mrsaboyer

Runners-up: Shauna captured friends hamming it up for the camera; the definition of “whimsy”! And of course, mrsaboyer’s dragon theme and photo of wondrous expressions remind us of the delight and whimsy of childhood imagination.

Congrats to all participants!

Inspirations

Days of Fun and Friends! Friendships formed in childhood can last a lifetime, so now is the time to gather those precious pictures of children playing, laughing, and just plain being silly together – and make fab friend layouts! The memories may last a lifetime, and a great layout will help keep those memories “picture perfect”! Get inspired by the fantastic friend layouts below by chipperis and CrystalInMinn!

“Best Friends” By chipperis and “Soccer Fun” By CrystalInMinn

The Groove Wants YOU!

Next Month in The Groove

The Groove celebrates “The Great Outdoors”! Plus - look for August’s “Friends Are Like Rainbows…” contest winners!

The Groove Newsletter- July 2007

2007-07-01T09:45:00.000-05:00

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration- July 2007

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!

"Beautiful Innocence", "Creature Comfort", "June and Les’s 50th", "Sweet Dreams"

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!

Click here to get your Freebies!

Love Fiona’s mini-kit? Get the complete kit for only $3.95!

Creative Genius

Are 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!

“I Love Dad”
By Christine N.
Boise, ID

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!

“My Fisherman,” By Diana C., Newton, KS and “Sean and Kian Sleeping” by mackie

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!

From Sam and Ben, Mary H., West Coast of Scotland

and My Life By the Bay, by Irene V. Springhill, Nova Scotia, Canada

The Groove Wants You!

Next Month in The Groove

The Groove celebrates “Friends Forever”! Plus - look for July’s “Wonderfully Whimsical” contest winners!

The Groove Newsletter- June 2007

2007-06-01T09:32:00.000-05:00

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration - June 2007

In the Groove

June is here, and summer is on its way. But before vacations and beaches and sunscreen, our thoughts turn to fathers, grandfathers, and all the special men in our lives as we celebrate Father’s Day! Be sure to enter our brand new layout contest, called “Dear Dad”. Read below for more details.

Don’t forget to check out this month’s incredible freebies, a mini-kit designed by the amazing Julia Corley, one of our very own Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store designers! See below for more info!

Musings on Fathers

There is no job more important than raising a child! Whether you are a dad, or simply have a dad, you can appreciate the tremendous job of fatherhood.

Dads are supportive, trustworthy, and let’s face it – they have the biggest soft spot for their children. They have a quiet way of showing concern, pride, and love. They may not always say it with words, but their actions speak volumes. Can’t you just see the soccer fields lined with proud, encouraging dads? And even though we try their patience, they teach us to drive, catch a ball, fish, survive in the wilderness, do algebra, and how to behave on a first date.

When we’re children, dads seem to know everything; they can fix any toy, and tend to give honest, serious answers to our most pressing questions. Dads teach us the art of balancing hard work with “goofing off” and having fun. On the one hand, they’re famous for dispensing words of wisdom: “eat your vegetables,” “blood is thicker than water,” “you can achieve anything if you just work hard enough.” But dads also have warm laughs, enjoy silly movies, and playing with kids’ toys. Three cheers and a big hug to all of our dads around the world!

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

Groovy Tip #1: For step-by-step scrapping instructions and handy tips, go to Help > Scrapbook MAX! User’s Guide or www.scrapbookmax.com/webhelp.

Groovy Tip #2: Apply an old-fashioned feel to your photos and embellishments. After selecting the object, choose Effects > Sepia.

Scrapper Profile

Meet the fabulous Deanne Gowsmith, a.k.a. Moonbeam, who we know and love for her talent, creativity, and generosity in our forums, and for her dazzling creations in the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store!

Q - If we asked your friends to describe you, what would they say?
A- Mmmm ! I don't think you could print it! Seriously though, I feel so secure and loved with my friends I know they would think of something positive to say. They look for the good in me.

Q- How did you get involved with digital scrapbooking?
A- I had never even seen a scrapbook album until my daughter showed me her first one early this year (2006). I was awed at how you can turn ordinary photos into a work of art. I had to try it - in my internet search for scrapbook stores, I came across Scrapbook MAX! and I discovered digital scrapping. And the rest is history.

Q- Besides scrapbooking, what do you do for fun?
A- I love to laugh so I adore times with people who make me laugh. To me a fun time is when I have the stitch from laughing and tears rolling down my face. There is not enough laughter in the world today- I couldn't face this world without humour.

Q- Who are the most special people in your life. Why?
A- My husband. I think he is my biggest blessing. When we met I was a shy insecure emotional wreck. His love and support and faith in me turned me into a confident, outgoing, extremely happy person. He helped me find the real me, buried under years of abuse and control. He is the wind beneath my wings.

Q- Where do you find inspiration for your layouts?
A- I love to look for design in everything - nature, buildings, clothing. Whatever I look at, I see colour combinations or an arrangement that appeals to me. Even in a newspaper or magazine I see word art and ideas for layouts. I just work with ideas that present themselves from many places.

Q- Do you have a signature color scheme or type of embellishment that you love to use?
A- No, I don't think so. I love variety but maybe I do lean towards favouring dusky rose pink and florals - that is my favourite.

Q- If you could be a celebrity for one day, who would you be and why?

A- No-one. Although I wouldn't mind looking like some of them, I truly have NEVER wanted to be a celebrity. "Celebrities" are just humans like all of us. They're celebrities because they are good at something. They have a God-given talent - I'd rather give Him the credit. I like the privacy that being Mrs. Average Citizen gives you and celebs never have that!

Check out some of Deanne's favorite layouts:

“Bouquets Sage Beige & Pink”, “Blossoming”, “Patricia Rose”, and "Painted Rose"

**Interested in being one of The Groove’s profiled scrappers? Write to us at newsletter@scrapbookmax.com for details.**

Here Comes Scrapbook MAX! Wedding Edition

June is the month of fathers…but it’s also the month of weddings galore! Consider giving Scrapbook MAX! Wedding Edition as a wedding or shower gift to the bride or newlyweds in your life! At only $39.95, Scrapbook MAX! Wedding Edition makes a unique gift that will help the special couple preserve their memories for years to come.

This exciting new edition of Scrapbook MAX! includes Scrapbook MAX! digital scrapbooking software and a wedding-themed content pack bursting with gorgeous elements, perfect for weddings and romantic occasions! Plus, with 30 new scrapbook templates (150 pre-made pages) and 20+ new kits, Scrapbook MAX! Wedding Edition is a terrific way for users of the “Classic Edition” to expand their digital content collection!

Click here to view the thousands of elements that we’ve included. You’ll find a whole range of styles, colors, textures, and themes to capture the magic of your special celebration!

Buy Scrapbook MAX! Wedding Edition Today!

OR

Buy the “Classic Edition” and Wedding Edition
together, and save $10.95!

Speaking of Weddings... Please sign OUR Guestbook!

Do you love scrapping with Scrapbook MAX!? We’d love to hear your comments, and visitors to our site find your opinions invaluable!

Please sign our guestbook today -Your comment may even be used in our newsletter, marketing material and advertising!

The Groove’s Monthly Freebie

A sure cure for the blues – gorgeous blue embellishments! Our “very own” Julia Corley, a talented designer from the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store, has generously shared some dazzling elements from her Midnight Blue collection (check out a screenshot of the lovely goodies below!).

Click here to get your Freebies!

Love Julia’s mini-kit? Get the complete kit for only $3.50!

Creative Genius

High School “Not-So-Confidential!”

Preserve those high school memories with Scrapbook MAX!. Maybe you’re a teacher wishing to create a tribute to the graduating class. Maybe you’re a high school student wanting to produce a slideshow that includes pictures of your friends, teachers, school activities, and other memorable moments. If you’re a proud parent, show off your son or daughter’s accomplishments by scanning and compiling favorite school projects and pictures. While you’re at it, why not send Scrapbook MAX! graduation announcements to your friends and family!

Layout Contest: "Dear Dad"

They take us fishing. They teach us to throw a ball. They patiently lead us back on the right path when we stray. This month’s contest challenges you to make a “hats off to dad” page. Maybe you want to showcase his sense of humor, or show off his special talent, or focus on that picture that somehow captures his fatherly love and pride for his children. Start thinking about dad, and send us your favorite tribute page!

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 Monday, June 25, 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.

Contest Winners: "I Love You, Mom!" (May 2007)

1st Place Winner!

“The Best Was Yet To Come”

1st Place Winner “Meechie” chose subdued tones and an understated design – the result is a powerful, gorgeous “motherhood” layout. We just love it – congratulations!

Runners-up!

Memories-R-Us paired a beautiful photo, perfectly coordinated colors, and a statement that “says it all” for her winning layout, “Motherhood”. Christina R.’s (Lima, Ohio) lovely vintage layout, “My Mother”, paid tribute to her mother through a touching retrospective display of photographs.

Congrats to all participants!

Inspirations

Ready, Set, Action! Kids are constantly on the move! Make your page reflect their liveliness by laying out a series of photos from the same event or activity. The effect is kind of like a “flip book” where the images on the page seem to run, jump, twirl and spin! Special thanks to Kristy C. for her action-packed gymnastics layouts!

Spring Show: “Bars” and “Floor Routine”
by Kristy C., Rockford, MI

You can’t “overdo” the overlay! Make a patterned paper scrap very transparent and place it over the entire page. This transparent cover will add a slight tint of color, and a brushed, textured look to your page.

Original “Wedding” Layout compared with Layout With Paper Scrap Overlay

The Groove Wants YOU!

Next month:

The Groove celebrates “Whimsy”! Plus - look for June’s “Dear Dad!” contest winners!

The Groove Newsletter- May 2007

2007-05-01T12:12:00.000-05:00

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration - May 2007

"Mother and Daughter" Layout by Carol D. - read her profile below!

In the Groove

April showers bring May flowers - and May brings with it Mother’s Day! This month, we’re celebrating “mothers” in our Musings, and in our brand new May layout contest, called simply “I Love You, Mom!” See below for more details.

Speaking of special, you are going to LOVE this month’s gorgeous freebies – a mini-kit designed by superbly-talented Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store designer, Kathleen Woolery! Plus, Scrapbook MAX! presents Scrapbook MAX! Wedding Edition – including a fab limited-time discount just for you! Scroll down for the full scoop!

Musings on Mothers

Imagine: you have the worst flu of your life. What do you crave - Hot soup? A cozy bed? Your favorite slippers and pajamas? How about mom? There is something about the soothing comfort and nurturing of a mother that we never stop longing for. Moms have the ability to bandage any wound and wipe away the biggest tears, no matter how old we are!

Around Mother’s Day, it seems appropriate to feel in awe of the selfless nature of motherhood. Mothers spend so much of their day in service of others. To top it off, they really love this role. They relish making lunches, driving to soccer practice, and telling bedtime stories. Moms wear many hats: cook, chauffeur, nurse, teacher, fashion consultant, and friend to name a few. When asked how she does it, most mothers will say, “It’s easy when you love your children so much!”
Other than appreciation, the best gift we can give mom is time – time to herself to indulge in her own hobbies and entertainment.

Whether it’s shopping, getting a facial, watching movies, gardening, or scrapbooking, mom deserves it! Happy Mother’s Day to our moms all around the world!

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

Groovy Tip #1: Click on the envelope icon in the toolbar to email your scrapbook right from within Scrapbook MAX!.

Groovy Tip #2: Want to make page 2 very similar to page 1? While on page 1, choose Page > Duplicate.

Scrapper Profile

Meet Carol D. (a.k.a. caz38), a talented and inspiring friend of the Scrapbook MAX! forums. Read on to get to know Carol a little bit better!

Q- Tell us a little about yourself.
A- I live in a smallish city in NSW Australia. I live with my DH and our 4 boxer dogs. I have a stepson Steid and our almost 5 year old grand daughter Jett. I work part time as a sales assistant at Big W (like Walmart).

Q- How did you get started on digital scrapbooking?
A- I started paper scrapping first and a friend told me about digiscrapping. So I checked out a few sites and then I found Scrapbook Max! and went on from there.

Q- What are your hobbies/interests (other than digital scrapbooking of
course)?
A- I enjoy spending time with my family and our dogs. I like to fish, do patchwork and cross stitch.

Q- Where do you get your layout ideas?
A- I like to check out the galleries and see what everyone is doing. There are so many talented people out there. Then I usually choose my photos and then go through my stash and choose my papers and embellies and it seems to just grow from there. Sometimes a layout will change many times until I am happy with it.

Q- What do you think makes Scrapbook MAX! popular?
A- I think it is very versatile and extremely user friendly. I am learning to use CS2 for my designing which I have just started at Deco-Pages, but I always come back to SBM for my layouts as it has so many great features but is easy to use. It is great for the beginner and also has a lot of special features for the more experienced scrapper.

Q- What is your favorite Scrapbook MAX! tip or trick?
A- One of my favorite things I like to use is the shapes and opacity as they can give such varied results. I can use the same kit over and over and still get so many unique results.

Q- Who is your favorite movie star?
A- I love Sean Connery. I'm showing my age now. LOL I guess some of the younger members will read this and say "who?"

Psst…Don’t worry, Carol. We all think Mr. Connery is pretty groovy!

Have a look at some of Carol's favorite layouts below!

Mother and Daughter, Mud Pies, The 30’s, and Father and Son

Interested in being one of The Groove’s profiled scrappers? Write to us at newsletter@scrapbookmax.com for details.

"Here Comes" Scrapbook MAX! Wedding Edition

Scrapbook MAX! is proud to present Scrapbook MAX! Wedding Edition. This exciting new edition of Scrapbook MAX! includes Scrapbook MAX! digital scrapbooking software and a wedding-themed content pack bursting with gorgeous elements, perfect for weddings and romantic occasions!

At $39.95, Scrapbook MAX! Wedding Edition makes a unique and affordable gift for the bride-to-be and newlyweds on your list. Plus, with over 30 new scrapbook templates (150 pre-made pages) and 20+ new kits, Scrapbook MAX! Wedding Edition is a terrific way for users of the “Classic Edition” to expand their digital content collection!

Click here to view the thousands of elements that we’ve included. You’ll find a whole range of styles, colors, textures, and themes to capture the magic of your special celebration!

Best of all, you will save 15% if you purchase Scrapbook MAX! Wedding Edition by May 31, 2007! Be sure to enter the discount code WEDDING on the online purchase page.

Buy now and save!

The Groove's Monthly Freebie

We have a real treat for you this month! Our “very own” Kathleen Woolery, an amazing designer from the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store, has generously provided awesome spring-themed embellishments for you to enjoy (check out a screenshot of the lovely goodies below!).

Click here to get your Freebies!

Love Kathleen’s mini-kit? Get the complete kit for only $3.95!

Creative Genius

“Scrap” a Speech for the Bride and Groom!

Showing slideshows at wedding receptions has become very common. Why not – it’s a great way to highlight cute childhood pictures and show the evolution of the bride and groom’s relationship. Here’s a twist: Create a slideshow with Scrapbook MAX! (either the “Classic Edition” - or better yet, the new “Wedding Edition”!). If you’ve been asked to give a speech for the bride or groom, use pictures, captions, and speech bubbles to help tell their story. You can narrate right along with the slideshow. You can even burn copies of your presentation on a CD-ROM as a wonderful wedding keepsake – it’s sure to be a hit!

Layout Contest: "I Love You, Mom!"

Post your best “mom” page in our “I Love You, Mom!” Layout Contest! Get creative and capture the love, joy, humor, wisdom (etc. etc. etc.!!!!) of motherhood! 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, May 25, 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.

Contest Winners: "Spring Into Spring" (April 2007)

1st Place Winner!

“Thank God For Little Girls”
By Trish J.
Clarksville, TN

Our 1st Place layout from Trish J. lifts the spirit, like the first days of spring! We love the wildflower garden design and the sweet little girls who capture the joy of a spring day!

Runners-up!

“Spring in My Yard” by Carol E., Bethlehem, PA and “Apple Time” by Johana M., Winthrop, Australia

Check out the humorous “ladybug sayings” in Carol E.’s fresh spring layout. And be dazzled like we were by Johana M.’s refreshing use of warm colors to welcome spring.

Congrats to all participants!

Inspirations

Shoes-ies and Foot-sies! A scrapbook page centered around a “feature theme” can be very artistic. Take a snapshot of those darling little shoes and build your layout on a “foot-sie” theme. Or go elegant and expressive and use a picture of a bride and groom’s linked hands. Use your imagination, and make layouts with a fresh perspective!

Little Sandals by Denise W., St. Cloud, MN and Tap Shoes by Julie C., Nashville, TN

Double Take. Choose a favorite photo and use it twice on your page. Make one image more transparent with the opacity bar (slide the ruler toward “Transparent” in the Properties box). Play with sizing and layering to create an artistic effect.

“Imagine” and “Handsome Pup”

The Groove Wants YOU!

Next Month in The Groove

The Groove celebrates Father’s Day! Plus - look for May’s “I Love You, Mom!” contest winners!

Feature Article- A Digital Scrapbook Tribute

2007-04-24T16:43:00.000-05:00

Every Life Tells a Story

by Julie L.

Some life stories have been lived on a scale that we might not be aware of or expect! Below, read the story of Julie L.'s neighbor Jean, who's life of adventure, courage, and heroism was vividly shared in the form of recollections and photos. Julie has crafted a gorgeous digital scrapbook tribute for her friend; she shares some of her layouts from her "Vintage" album with you below. Enjoy the story of Jean's fascinating life!

You can know people for years or just a short while without really knowing them at all. It was just luck that we visited Jean and Alice the day they were going through old photos and memorabilia. It was then that we learned in bits and pieces about Jean’s experiences as a secret agent during WWII. He was only nineteen (and a freshman at Harvard) when he was drafted and immediately chosen to go undercover because he was fluent in French, English, and German. From what Jean has told us, he was given virtually no information when asked if he would be willing to serve in the British SOE. He simply said yes because he was young and adventurous and it sounded exciting.

After only three days of paratrooper training, Jean parachuted into France behind enemy lines. It was the day after D-Day. One of his teammates was Violette Szabo, who was captured and killed, and who has been the subject of books and a movie. He liked her very much, and the whole team was devastated by her capture.

Jean's team was in France to help train, organize, supply and arm the French Resistance groups which were called Maquis. Jean was the radio operator and responsible for transmitting coded messages to London (the SOE office was at the now-famous 64 Baker Street) and decoding the messages that came in from other stations. His position was so dangerous that his life expectancy was no more than six weeks. The group sabotaged railroads and attacked convoys and did everything they could to help the Allies. Jean has said that he was kept from the most dangerous activities because of his position as the only one who knew all the codes and who could keep in contact with Baker Street.

Because Jean was young and eager, he was finally allowed to participate more and more in the sabotage activities, but for the most part he needed to coordinate the supply drops and transcribe and send messages. He was very nearly captured one day but, fortunately, he heard the German trucks in time. He grabbed his radio, codes, and false identity papers and dove out the back window. While hiding in the woods he could hear the Germans exclaiming with delight that they had found his fresh chunk of chocolate! He said that he regretted not grabbing that precious chocolate as he ran for the back window!

After the liberation of Limoges and receiving the Croix de Guerre, the Silver Star and other medals, Jean was sent to China to prepare the Chinese army to repel the Japanese. Jean survived the war. He returned to the United States and to Harvard. He graduated and eventually met his Alice and married. He continued to serve by working for the CIA. They are our friends and our neighbors and we are so glad to know them, and we feel honored to have shared in these memories. Jean will deny it, but we think he is a true hero.

Elements are from various designers - Julie would like to thank them for sharing! To see more of Julie's WWII Scrapbook Layouts, view her "Vintage" Album in the Scrapbook MAX! Layout Gallery.

The Groove Newsletter- April 2007

2007-04-02T09:22:00.000-05:00

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration - April 2007

Lovely "Happy Easter" layout by Rosana B., Brazil

In the Groove

Ahhhhh…spring! Isn’t it simply marvelous? The grass is showing again, children are playing outside, the rains are cleaning away the snow and grime from winter, you even feel like doing some spring cleaning. Well, maybe not always! But it’s a great time to go through those digital photos you’ve been meaning to do something with, and “spring clean” your hard drive by scrapping! While you’re at it, why not make a layout that celebrates the freshness, life and hope of the spring season by entering our “Spring into Spring” layout contest – see details below. Happy Scrapping and Happy Spring!

CLICK HERE FOR THE GROOVE'S MONTHLY FREEBIES!

Musings

Feel the rain fall softly on your face. Stop and smell a budding flower. Enjoy pastels, greenery, and blossoming colors. Discover the worms, ladybugs, and other earthy creatures that crawl innocently around the garden. It’s springtime!

There’s something magical in the air at this time of year. It’s a time of birth, growth, renewal, change, hope, and fresh starts. There’s a sense of dusting off the hibernation blues, and taking a deep breath of outside refreshment. Nature sure has a way of encouraging us to appreciate the ‘little’ things in life.

I have this vivid memory of the beginning of a certain spring in my childhood. I begged to play outside until my mother gave in. The outdoors was beckoning me. I wanted to feel that fresh breeze on my skin, smell the aroma of new plant life, and explore the grass, buds, and puddles. I remember putting on pink rubber boots decorated with strawberries. Being outside without a heavy coat - I felt so free! I enjoyed the sound of birds and rustling trees as only children waking from winter “hibernation” can. When I sat on the edge of my soggy and neglected sandbox, I had a thought that surprised me. At such a young age, I actually said to myself, “this is the season of hope.” And I was right.

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

Groovy Tip #1: To keep journal text and a paper scrap together: Hold Ctrl, click on the text, then on the paper scrap. Choose Edit > Group.

Groovy Tip #2: For a 3D effect, add a shadow to all of your objects. Simply select Shadow in the object’s Properties menu.

Scrapper Profile

Meet Nicole N.– a fabulous scrapper, and a talented designer featured in the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store. She also has a great sense of humor (check out her joke at the end of the profile, tee-hee!)

Q-Tell us one thing about yourself that others are often surprised to learn.

A- I'm claustrophobic. My husband bought a camper, only to find out that I would not sleep on the top bunk with him. He had to sleep up there with Shelby while I slept on the couch!

Q- What made you interested in digital scrapbooking?

A- I started out like most people do-with the freebies available on the internet. I liked the idea of being able to make beautiful layouts without all the clutter in my already full scrapbooking cabinet.

Q- Tell us about your favorite feature of Scrapbook MAX!.

A-I love being able to change the colors of the elements. You can get so many different looks from one embellishment. With this feature you can also use embellishments from several different kits & just change the colors so that they all match. (Hint: Right-click on your object, and choose Effects > Advanced to get to the Adjust Color option!)

Q- What tip would you share with a newbie to Scrapbook MAX!?

A- Play around with it ALOT! There are so many great features in the program that it takes a little while to see them all.

Q- How would you describe your scrapbooking style?

A – “Simple.” I love the look of the really fancy layouts, but I always find myself going back to the simple styles.

Q- Heard any good (clean) jokes lately? Please share!

A- Imagine this: Famous Olympic skier Picabo Street (pronounced Peek-A-Boo) is working at the Intensive Care Unit of a large metropolitan hospital. She is not
permitted to answer the hospital telephones. It causes too much confusion when she answers the phone and says, "Picabo, ICU".

Check out some of Nicole's favorite layouts:

Gingerbread House, Adorable Shelby, My Little Pirate, Me and My Dad

Creative Genius

With Scrapbook MAX!, you can make large pages with superb image quality. So, we’re thinking “posters”! Advertise for an upcoming event in your community by making a colorful, eye-catching poster page. For maximum impact, choose a large page size for your layout, like 12 x 12 (go to Page > Settings, and click on “Size” to make your choice.)

Don’t have a big enough printer? Many print shops and photo labs offer a printing service for oversized pages. And don’t forget about the professional printing service available through Scrapbook MAX!. Just click on File > Order Prints Online in the menu, and have gorgeous prints shipped right to your mailbox!

Layout Contest: "Spring into Spring"

Maybe you’re outside gardening. Maybe the kids are playing in the puddles. Maybe your little girl is showing off her new spring dress. Submit a spring themed layout to the “Spring into Spring” layout contest, and celebrate the season! 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 Thursday, April 26, 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.

"Goin' Retro" Contest Winners!

Today’s Hollywood starlets should take their cue from “skiptothesue’s” gran! And “sue” sure shows us how to “glam up” those fantastic retro/vintage photos! (Love that va-va-voom “feather” border!) Our runners-up brought us right back to the days of flower power with their dazzling colors and retro patterns. Far out! Congrats to all participants on a groovy job well done!

1st Place Winner!

"Cor Blimey Grandma!" by skiptothesue

Runners-Up!

“My Groovy Girl” by Sue P., Peoria, Illinois and “Retro Wonders” by Fiona S., Havant, UK

Inspirations

Wow ‘em with Overlays! An overlay lies on top of your layout in a complementary way - it might give you a grungy texture, or an interesting semi-transparent design. No matter what, it gives your LO an extra punch of character! Scrapbook MAX! comes with a number of overlays – find them in the various embellishment kits.

“Birthday Page” without Overlay and “Birthday Page” with a “grungy”Overlay

Bring your page to life – literally! By scattering ladybugs, ants, or other little critters across your LO, you might actually believe they are crawling all over the page!

“Summer Picnic” By Deanne G., Estee B. and Lori K. and “Ladybug”Layout By Wendy S. Rome, Italy

Next Month in The Groove

The Groove celebrates Mother’s Day! Plus - look for April’s “Spring into Spring” contest winners!

Have an idea for The Groove? Contact us at newsletter@scrapbookmax.com

Coming Soon...

(Stay tuned for more details!)

The Groove Newsletter - March 2007

2007-03-01T09:57:00.000-06:00

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration - March 2007

Groovy layout by Stephen R., Arizona

In The Groove

Spring is finally on its way (of course, it’s closer for some of us than it is for others!). While we wait for the last traces of winter to disappear, let’s have some fun with this month’s Groove-y theme – Goin’ Retro!

Check out our “Goin’ Retro” contest below! And remember, retro not only refers to those wild psychedelic patterns that are showing up everywhere nowadays (especially lately in the forums, we’ve noticed!) – it includes anything from days past, including “heritage” style albums. So get creative when goin’ retro, and submit a layout that pays homage to the near or distant past!

Musings on the "Retro Craze"

Okay, class – sharpen your pencils, and copy the definition of “Retro”: Involving, relating to, or reminiscent of things past.

“Retro” seems to be an important word nowadays. It shows up everywhere. In fashion, music, television, entertainment, home decorating…the question is, why?

I’m sure we could come up with many theories on the current popularity of “going retro”. One of the most convincing is that connecting with things past makes us feel comfortable. It brings us back to a time when we had fewer worries. It reminds us of youth, old friendships, a world full of possibilities, simpler times.

Or maybe we want to “try on” an era we never got to experience the first time around. Who wouldn’t want to channel the elegance and grace of the movie stars of the 40’s, experience the energy and color of the sixties, or try a 70’s hustle on an illuminated disco floor? Going retro is the next best thing to a time machine.
Last but not least, going retro can be…FUN! In our opinion, that’s a great reason for almost anything!

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

Groovy Tip #1: Make your scrapbook into a fun screensaver by choosing File > Publish To > Screensaver.

Groovyy Tip #2: When you don’t like a change you’ve just made to your layout, you can always use the Undo/ Redo buttons found on your toolbar.

Scrapper Profile

Meet Julie LaPoint, aka MaggieMae! We all know and love her work – especially those desert sunset layouts! And of course, we are always grateful for her helpful comments in the forums. Get to know a little more about Julie!

Q - If we asked your friends to describe you, what would they say?
A - I think they'd say I'm friendly and outgoing.

Q - How did you get involved with digital scrapbooking?
A - I downloaded the Scrapbook MAX! trial version and found it to be user-friendly yet sophisticated. I was hooked on digi-scrapping within a day or two and never looked back.

Q - Besides scrapbooking, what do you do for fun?
A - I like to read and I love watching movies. If I can get up off the sofa (LOL) I like to walk with my husband and two dogs. We like to travel - especially to warm places with great beaches!

Q - Who are the most special people in your life. Why?
A - My husband of 43 years is literally my other half! Then there are our two wonderful children and nine grandchildren!

Q - Where do you find inspiration for your layouts?
A - Inspiration comes first of all from the photos - the colors, textures and feelings. Then inspiration comes from everywhere else- magazines, advertisements, television, and last (but not least!) the SBM gallery.

Q - Do you have a signature color scheme or type of embellishment that you love to use?
A - I love blues and browns and ribbons or other types of borders.

Q - What is your next scrapbook project?
A - Oh, boy! I've been putting off a heritage book for a long time. Now that I have SBM and have started digi-scrapping, I think that's my next big project.

Q - If you could be a celebrity for one day, who would you be and why?
A- Wow - this is a hard question. I'm afraid this sounds silly but maybe Queen Elizabeth* because I could wander around the palace and touch and feel history.

(*We like this choice – Julie, you could have won that Oscar!)

Some of Julie's favorite layouts!

Sweet Companion, Little Elephant, Sunset in Tucson, Cristina

Interested in being one of The Groove’s profiled scrappers? Write to us at newsletter@scrapbookmax.com for details.

Creative Genius

Words of Inspiration

Here’s an “inspiring” use of Scrapbook MAX!: using journal text, write your favorite verse, quotation or poem on a single page. Add a gorgeous background and embellishments. Print it out on high quality photo paper, and put it in a decorative frame. You’ve just made a beautiful gift to celebrate a special event like a marriage, birth, or graduation. Or, keep it on a bookshelf for your own personal inspiration!

Contest: "Goin' Retro"

“Goin’ Retro” can summon up the psychedelic patterns of the 60’s and 70’s. Or, retro layouts can have an old-fashioned, heritage feel. The choice is yours – be creative, go retro on your own terms, and above all…enter this contest! Three winning “retro” 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 Wednesday, March 28, 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.

Be My Valentine Contest Winners!

We feel OUR temperature risin’ looking at this stunning Valentine layout, “Burning Love” by MA3, our 1st Place Winner! Congratulations - what a fab tribute to true sweethearts, your dear Mom and Dad.

And thanks for ALL of your entries. You showed us how love is celebrated in many forms – in marriages, with our kids, and even in tributes to chocolate!

Congratulations also to our runners-up, Terry T. and Racquel L.!

“Sister’s Love” by Terry T., Boise, ID and “My Kids’Expressions” by Racquel L., Culpeper, VA

Inspirations

A New Family! When Heather P. and her husband were looking to expand their family by adopting a baby, Heather created a gorgeous family profile scrapbook using Scrapbook MAX!. When baby Jackson Brian arrived, she created his announcement page! Read the full story in the online version of The Groove at www.scrapbookgroove.com (click on February).

“Family Profile” and “Baby Announcement”

Sectioning! Try sectioning your pages by criss-crossing various strips or borders all over the page. This actually creates several ‘frames’ within a page, allowing for interesting combinations of photos, journaling, and embellishments.

“Then and Now” by Karyn R., Sydney, Australia and “Newport Beach” by Jessica L., Gilbert, AZ

The Groove Wants You!

Next month:

The Groove celebrates Spring! Plus - look for March’s “Goin’ Retro” contest winner!

2007-02-15T12:52:00.000-06:00

A Loving Family, A New Baby, and a Digital Scrapbook!

By Heather P.

An Inspiring Story from a Special Scrapbook MAX! Scrapper

Heather P. and family

Picture this: you’re 22, pregnant, and stuck in the hospital. That’s where I was 8 years ago when I was handed my first pair of fancy-edged scissors, a heap of paper, and some stickers. Ah, those were the days when I had time to sit and painstakingly prepare pictures, hand-selected with the love and attention of a mother who had nothing better to do. Then reality hit. Hard.

4 months after our daughter was born (and I was set free from the hospital), I had a hysterectomy. Clearly, it was a busy year. Somehow time sped up and now here we are 7 years later, and my pictures are still in boxes waiting for me to pretty them up and put them in carefully-stickered albums. This is not happening.

This is the part of the story where Scrapbook MAX! becomes a hero. One year ago, my husband and I decided we were still young and cool. So, rather than have a mid-life crisis and buy a car, we decided to adopt a baby. (Note: if you are an adoptive parent, skip a few lines.) Adoption is a paperwork nightmare. At our first meeting, I already had a stack of papers an inch thick. The words from our consultant started swimming in my ears and nothing made sense. Social workers were coming to make sure our marriage, home, and even our dog was safe for a baby. And then they said we needed to create a profile.

A profile... what? Of course, being a paper scrapbooker from way back, I got out my scissors and went to town. I proceeded to work for three straight days. When I looked at my work and thought it was gorgeous, I ran to Kinko’s and Xeroxed it in color several times, and sent the Perfect Profile to the agency. The agency, upon receipt of the aforementioned Perfect Profile, told me they wouldn’t use it because it’s wasn’t digital.

Enter Scrapbook MAX!. While searching the internet for something to assist me in becoming digitally more intelligent than I already was (which was somewhere beneath the level of my daughter), I stumbled upon Scrapbook MAX!. And that was the best day ever! I downloaded, I embellished, I laughed with joy upon my new discovery. And I submitted my digital masterpiece to the agency. After twelve edits, they accepted The Masterpiece.

Pages from Heather's digital family profile

That was August 5. Copies were made and sent out to agencies across the United States. Calls began to come in. Mothers were asking us questions. And finally, one picked us. However, on October 2, we ended up parting ways with her. That was the day of my 30th birthday. I was devastated. I wanted a baby for my birthday. My husband bought me a diaper bag for my birthday (a really nice Coach one at that). As we returned from dinner, I sat in the “baby’s” room with my best friend crying. After about 15 minutes, my husband joined us to ask if I wanted a baby. That was a Monday, and on Friday, we had a baby! And without Scrapbook MAX! we would never have him.

But the story doesn’t end there! I use this product all the time. I don’t scrapbook per se with it, but I use it for other projects. It has provided our Christmas card, our baby’s birth announcement, and his “Save the Date” announcement for his upcoming finalization. I may never get to that box of pictures I need to scrapbook, and I may never get to scrapbook my digital pictures either, but I thank Scrapbook MAX! and God every time I look into my little baby boy’s face!

Jackson Brian's Baby Announcement

Congratulations to Heather and family on the arrival of Jackson Brian! Scrapbook MAX! is thrilled to have played a role in your inspirational family story. We wish you all the best.

The Groove Newsletter - February 2007

2007-02-01T10:15:00.000-06:00

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration - February 2007

In the Groove

It’s February, and Scrapbook MAX! is “sharing the love” by offering you great savings on prints ordered online through SBM! There are reductions on almost all print sizes, including the popular 8 x 8 (reduced from $3.99 to only $3.49) and 12 x 12 (reduced from $4.99 to only $3.99) sizes. For more information on this high-quality, convenient, and now-even-more-affordable layout printing option, click here.

Another thing we love in 2007: Now there are MORE PRIZES to be won in our monthly layout contest, including a $20 gift certificate to the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store! Read on for details on our “Valentine Romance” contest. Plus, find out who’s gorgeous layouts won January’s “Pets” contest!

Musings on Valentine's Day

Flushed cheeks, sweaty palms, butterflies in your stomach, jello legs? Yes, you’re in love! We all remember our first love, and what it feels like in those initial heart-stopping, all-consuming months of bliss. The wonderment of being swept off your feet is an experience we cherish.

However, I also like to ponder the deep and lasting relationships that have weathered years of change, hardship, surprises, and friendship. Definitions of romance transform as our connection deepens. Instead of champagne, romance means quiet talks over tea. Instead of chocolates, it’s making her favorite supper when she’s had a tough day. Instead of lengthy love letters, it’s the quickly scratched “luv ya” on the bottom of his grocery list. Instead of elaborate dates, it’s stealing away for a movie while Grandma looks after the kids.

This is not to say that roses and chocolates, and elaborate dinners are things of the past! But the ‘little’ things that connect us become so precious as time goes on. Our inside jokes keep us laughing. The fact that we have ‘favorites’ – favorite meals, favorite ways to spend an evening – is a testament to our shared experience. That, my friends, feels romantic to me!

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

Groovy Tip#1: Giving your pages meaningful names is useful when creating large scrapbooks. To rename a page, click on Page >Rename.

Groovy Tip #2: Choose different zoom levels in either the View Menu, or by clicking the “magnifying glass” near the bottom right-hand corner of your workspace. To return to a full screen view, choose Fit All.

Scrapper Profile

Meet Julie Clark from Nashville, TN - a talented scrapper, a runner of Challenges, and just an overall energetic, creative, and terrific person!

Q- Tell us one thing about yourself that others are often surprised to learn.
A- How many projects I have going on at once. I scrapbook, make DVD's, design web pages, run an on-line forum for my neighborhood, maintain about 4 blogs, and have 2 *real* jobs (I work for a foster care program and I also handle the registration for Lamaze Classes here in Nashville) - Oh! and did I mention? I have a toddler and a newborn, a husband and a house to take care of!

Q- What made you interested in digital scrapbooking?
A- I have always, always been somewhat of a "memory advocate." Ever since I was a small child, pictures and video have been so important to me. I kept photo albums and scrapbooks growing up and worked on the yearbook staff all through school. When I got married and had children, I just had more memories to keep up with! I'm a computer nerd wannabe and so I have been purposely staying away from digital scrapbooking for years because I knew that if I ever got into it, I would be hooked! (See answer #1 :lol) Thankfully, Scrapbook MAX! is so very easy to use and there was virtually no learning curve at all for me.

Q- How would you describe your scrapbooking style?
A- I don't use a whole lot of "clip art" things and I try to stay away from "themed" pages - I love layouts where the photo is the main focal point. I've started doing 2 page layouts a lot - one page with the main photo and the 2nd page with a few smaller photos and significant space for journaling the story behind the photos.

Q- What is your favorite SBM feature?
A- I cannot pick one favorite feature. (Too many cool things!) I love that you can recolor things using the Hue/Saturation/Lightness slider in the advanced features menu and I love the e-mail feature. I upload my layouts to my flickr account by e-mail and I send layouts to family and friends - It's super easy! Oh! I also love the "gauze" filter.

Q- What tip would you give to a SBM newbie?
A- I bring all of my elements into the program as photos (i.e., I don't use the "backgrounds" or "embellishments" options). Even for backgrounds - I bring them is as a "photos" and that way I can alter them by using the advanced features. Once I have the background exactly how I want it, I lock it down and then start adding elements.

Q- What are you working on right now?
A- I am working on a heritage album for my mother and a family tree album for our family. I am also using scrapbooking in my job with the foster children and helping them to deal with their losses by doing scrapbook pages about their family and their experience in Foster Care.

Check out some of Julie's favorite layouts! (See more of Julie’s work in the SBM Sharing Corner, Store, and Gallery.)

Click on Nathaniel 11 Weeks, Happy Boy, Seriously Sweet and Grammie Loves You to view larger images.

Interested in being one of The Groove’s profiled scrappers? Write to us at newsletter@scrapbookmax.com for details.

Creative Genius

Gift Coupons!

Use Scrapbook MAX! to create coupons for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or any other special occasion! Be the coolest (and most appreciated) Grandma on the block by creating babysitting coupons so that your son and daughter-in-law can have an anniversary date. Don’t just give your daughter money for clothes; make a jazzy little gift certificate for a shopping date. The kids can get into the act by creating “I’ll cut the grass” or “I’ll wash the dishes” coupons for Mom and Dad.

Think outside the “gift box” and make coupons with Scrapbook MAX!

Contest: "Be My Valentine"

Submit your favorite romantic layout to The Groove’s “Be My Valentine” contest. We’re looking for cute, funny, romantic, or all-of-the-above layouts to celebrate the month of love! 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 February contest page in the Scrapbook MAX! gallery. All entries will be available for viewing. Contest closes Monday, February 26, 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.

"Pets" Contest Winners!

Click here to view larger image

Congratulations to our “Pets” Layout Contest 1st place winner: Donna T. from Charlotte, NC. A remarkable layout with a remarkable story! Read the complete article below!

Runners-up are Lisa S. and Lor. Thanks for your beautiful work (and showing off your wonderful pets!)

We sure loved “ooh-ing and ahh-ing” over all of your puppies, kitties, snakes, guinea pigs, fish and horses. Adorable!

Inspirations

Vintage Visions. Scan cherished photos from days gone by and use them in digital scrapbooks that will last far into tomorrow. Look to the elegant presentation of old-fashioned photo albums for layout ideas. (A special thanks to Sue. C for contributing her spectacular layout to The Groove.)

Click on "Time" by Sue C. and "Vintage Page" to view larger images.

Travel Journal. Photos capture the feeling of the places we’ve been – words recall the rich details. Whether you write a few words or recreate events point by point, journaling enhances your travel layouts and makes you feel “there” all over again. (To insert journal text, choose Object > Journal Text.)

Click on “Paris” and “Bridge Over a Lake” to view larger images.

The Groove Wants You!

We’re always looking for fresh ideas to make The Groove fun and exciting – just like our readers! Email The Groove your bright ideas today! Contact us at newsletters@scrapbookmax.com

Next Month in The Groove:

The Groove celebrates “Going Retro”! Plus - look for February’s “Be My Valentine” contest winner!

Fisher - Service Dog, Loving Friend

2007-02-01T10:00:00.000-06:00

FISHER

More than a helper...a friend.

A good digital scrapbook layout transforms images into stories. A remarkable layout tells a remarkable story.

Above, Donna T. has shared a stunning digital scrapbook layout from a design point of view - a lovely photo serves as a backdrop and theme, photos in miniature pepper the main image with moments to remember, embellishments and frames balance the page with complementary colors and placement, and journal text draw us in to know more about the dear people and special dog at the heart of the page.

Donna has also shared the remarkable story of Fisher and her son John in writing. As The Groove's January "Pets" Layout Contest comes to a close, we wanted to make sure you all had a chance to read Donna's inspiring story about a service dog who's work, life and love made him much more than a helper, but the truest kind of friend. We invite you to read Donna's incredible story below.

Fisher is John's Canine Companion for Independence. What a difference Fisher made to all of our lives! Fisher was a working dog when we took John out to the store and out to play. Educating people to not pet Fisher when he was working or to fuss at us for having a "dog" in the store was always a challenge, but we broke ground for others to have less resistance.

The nightmares I could tell you of John running out into streets. How John would take off and how we'd find him in strangers cars in the parking lot... before Fisher came along. The harness kept John from being unannounced with his departures.

John couldn't speak, but wanted to say the commands to get Fisher to work. John was alone in his world, but had to come out of it to care for his dog.

Now, Fisher is officially our pet. He's not allowed to wear his vest anymore. He loves to go out in the car, but can't go into stores. He sleeps next to John, but has a harder time getting up the steps because of his arthritis. Fisher is a great watch dog...but he loves all people!! What a loving, fun dog!

We paid $1,500 out of pocket during training. More costs are involved in training a service dog and providing for vet costs, etc. But our time with Fisher shows that it is well worth the money.

The Groove Newsletter-January 2007

2007-01-01T09:29:00.000-06:00

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration - January 2007

In the Groove

It's a new year and we're ready to "groove"! We are so excited about this issue and all of the upcoming issues of The Groove, your source for digital scrapbooking inspiration in 2007! Our favorite new thing: Now there are MORE PRIZES to be won in our monthly layout contest, including a $20 gift certificate to the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store! Read Page 3 for details!

January's theme is "Pets". We love 'em, we photograph 'em, and then we scrap with 'em! A quick glance through the Scrapbook MAX! gallery tells us that we know what we're talking about – you sure love your pets! So cuddle up with your favorite pup, kitty, ferret, tarantula, or goldfish, and get inspired by The Groove!

Musings

When I was five, I wanted a boa constrictor. I wore out many a green crayon drawing pictures of “Bruce” and his long, scaly, winding body. My parents were true sports about the whole thing, never once laughing, indulging my need to go into every pet store we passed so I could press my nose against the glass and stare at the slithering, slippery snakes. Only when my request for Bruce the boa constrictor became incessant did my dad casually deliver the fatal blow to my dream. “They eat rabbits, you know.” My eyes widened in disbelief. “Bunnies.”

Fish became my next obsession – sharks, actually. But I was old enough to know that a standard fish tank is no home for a Great White. So I tended to neon tetras and guppies and angel fish in a tiny aquarium all the while reading facts and statistics about sharks and dreaming of one day becoming a marine biologist.Years later, I’m writing this for you with a small, sweet puppy on my lap. His black coat is shiny, his back rises and falls as he sleeps. Occasionally he wakes to look up at me with the most soulful brown eyes I have ever seen. I love him more than I could have imagined. Sorry, Bruce. If only you ate kibble…

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

Groovy Tip#1: You can preview how your printed layout will look by choosing File > Print Preview.

Groovy Tip#2: Add a ruler to help you align objects: simply go to “View” in the menu, and select “Ruler”.

Scrapper Profile

Meet Marion Worthing, a “worthy” scrapper indeed (yes, we can hear you all groan at our little pun…). But seriously folks, Marion is a very talented scrapper and helpful source of advice, inspiration and support on the Scrapbook MAX! forums. Get to know her better!

Q - If we asked your friends to describe you, what would they say?
A- Do I dare ask? I think they think of me as caring and fun (I hope).

Q- How did you get involved with digital scrapbooking?
A- I have been doing regular paper scrapping, but since I bought a larger printer I started doing more and more with my computer, and since I found Scrapbook Max!, I have done very little else.

Q-Besides scrapbooking, what do you do for fun?
A- I love to travel, spend time with my family, play with my grandkids and read.

Q- Who are the most special people in your life?
A- My husband and my family.

Q- Where do you find inspiration for your layouts?
A- Everywhere.

Q- Do you have a signature color scheme or type of embellishment that you love to use?
A- Not really. I am not sure if I really have a certain style - I just start working on a page or with a picture and see what comes of it. I don't like clutter on a page, I like the focus to be on the pictures.

Q- What is your next scrapbook project?
A- I am still trying to scrap several of my last trips. One to Bavaria last year that is half done, and my most recent trip to Las Vegas.

Q- If you could be a celebrity for one day, who would you be and why?
A- I really wouldn’t want to. I like who I am and who I am with.

Check out some of Marion's favorite layouts:

Click on Dylan and Devyn, Sad Boy! Dylan 2003, and The Measure of a Man to view larger images.

Interested in being one of The Groove’s profiled scrappers? Write to us at newsletter@scrapbookmax.com for details.

Creative Genius

Check out this month’s awesome idea - a truly ingenious use of
Scrapbook MAX!:

Personalized Calendars Keep Us Close!

“A couple of my friends were moving to another country to teach for a year. I decided to make them personal calendars with pictures of their friends, as well as messages and travel tips from their closest friends. I created each month’s image using Scrapbook MAX!. I made sure to indicate all of our friends’ birthdays, and all the Canadian holidays within the calendar. I hope they will feel closer to home with these calendars.”

- Ayn Lewandoski, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada

Contest: "Pets"

Our pets are among our best friends. Furry, scaly, cuddly - they make us laugh, they love us no matter what, and we love them! This month, we want to see your best pet layout. 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.

**Note: You must be a registered member of the Scrapbook MAX forums to enter this contest. To register for free, click here.

"Happy Holidays" Contest Winner

Click here to view larger image

Congratulations to our “Happy Holidays” contest winner: Linda R. from Gadsden, AL ! We love the creative “Photo Wreath” concept – what a wonderful way to showcase those precious holiday pictures! And the choice of a snowflake patterned background captures the wondrous spirit of the season.

As for all our other entries, you created the longest “short list” in The Groove history – well-done! We look forward to your enthusiasm and artistry in next month’s “Pets” layout contest.

Inspirations

Check out a great Advanced Effect! Select a picture, then go to Effects > Advanced. Now apply the Halftone effect. It creates a black and white dotted effect on your photo. Adding a blurred, gauzed, or transparent effect creates a softer image.

Click on “Family” and “Grad Photo” to view larger images.

Add Personality with Speech Bubbles! Give your layouts a playful touch with speech bubbles (find them in the “Bubbles” category under Embellishments). Insert a clever line and the laughs roll in! Works well with baby and pet pics (hint hint!)

Click on “Turkey Exhaustion” and “Cute and Dog-Tired!” to view larger images.

The Groove Wants You!

Next Month in The Groove:

The Groove celebrates Valentine Romance! Plus - look for January’s “Pets” contest winner!

The Groove Newsletter - December 2006

2006-12-01T13:14:00.000-06:00

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration - December 2006

Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store Is Now Open!

After months of making sure it was just right, Scrapbook MAX! has finally opened its Booster Pack Store! Here at The Groove we just want to say…the wait was worth it! You'll find TONS of highly original digital kits, templates, and embellishments that you can use with Scrapbook MAX! (You can also view new items added to the store in the forums under New Releases). Search by theme or category, or even by your favorite, highly talented Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Designer. You can even sign up to become a Designer yourself!

You’re going to be amazed at the quality and variety of premium content available at the Scrapbook MAX! store- it’s sure to take your digital scrapbooking experience to the next level! We’re so excited to have you browse around that we’re giving you a coupon code for 10% off your order. Simply fill up your virtual shopping cart, and type CHRISTMAS in the field labeled “Coupon Code” before you checkout. How’s that for an incentive? (Hurry – offer ends December 31, 2006!

Check out the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store today!

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

Groovy Tip #1: Slideshow CDs are a great way to share your scrapbook with friends who don't use email, or who can't receive large email attachments.

Groovy Tip #2: Align your objects precisely with the Align toolbar. Go to View > Toolbars, and select Align to use the alignment options.

Scrapper Profile

Meet Bob Halberg a.k.a. poppabob. We know Bob for his beautiful work (which often highlights nature settings) and his helpful advice on the Scrapbook MAX! forums. Learn a little more about this very talented “poppa”!

Q- If you were an animal, what would you be? Why?
A- A bear. I think it would be cool to be able to sleep all winter!

Q- How long have you been digital scrapbooking and what got you started?
A- I've been digi-scrapping about 3 months or so. It started with a desire to put together a book for my grand-daughters so when they graduate they would have all these memories of when they were younger. I never realized at the start how much fun this hobby was going to be!

Q- What are your non-scrapbooking hobbies?
A- Almost anything to do with computers. I'm a geek. A very large geek. I also like to read and I play the guitar when no one is around.

Q- Tell us about your family.
A- I have the two most wonderful parents anyone could hope to have. I have a wonderful wife with a great sense of humor and who is very supportive of all my "hobbies". I have 4 children that I can be proud of and 2 grand-daughters that have taught me how to be young again. My sister is a very talented paper scrapper. I bought her a copy of SBM and she just loves it too!

Q- Tell us about one layout that you are particularly proud of and why.
A- I really like the "Sunrise" layout in my gallery. It's one of my favorite photos and encapsulates how I feel about Mother Nature.

Q- What is the best part about using Scrapbook MAX!?
A - Scrapbook MAX! makes it so easy to try different things and experiment. It's just plain simple to use without sacrificing features! It allows you to explore the creative aspect of a layout without getting mired down in all the technical details. That and the wonderful, caring and sharing community that came with the program.

Check out some of Bob's favorite Layouts!

Click on Sunrise, Many Faces, and Home to view larger images.

Interested in being one of The Groove’s profiled scrappers? Write to us at newsletter@scrapbookmax.com for details.

Creative Genius

Holiday Spirit!

Want to celebrate the “true meaning” of Christmas? Why not collect funny and special pictures of your friends and family, and make them each a digital scrapbook that describes memorable experiences together! This scrapbook would also be a great place to tell a special person what you love and admire most about them. Isn’t that what the season is all about?

As always, share via print, email, or CD - a great way to keep in touch during the holidays!

Click here to view larger image

Contest: "Happy Holidays"

The holidays are fast approaching. It’s time once again to decorate, to sing, to eat, to gather with friends and family, and to hope for peace in the world. This month, we are looking for layouts that capture the spirit of the season, past or present. The winning layout will be published in the next issue of The Groove and the winner will receive a groovy prize!

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 January 1, 2007, Midnight (CST) –the extended deadline means you can use this year’s holiday pics! **Note: You must be a registered member of the Scrapbook MAX! forums to enter this contest. To register for free, click here.

"Thanksgiving" Contest Winner

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Congratulations to our “Thanksgiving” contest winner: Nicole N. from Wabasso, MN. This layout perfectly captured the feeling of the fall season and the spirit of thankfulness. We loved the color combinations, clean design, and originality. Marvelous!

EVERYONE outdid themselves this month. The entries were gorgeous and straight from the heart. We’re looking forward to seeing your layouts for next month’s contest (see above for details)!

Inspirations

Pin it down! Add buttons, rivets, and brads to the corners of your pictures or paper scraps to create a “pinned down” look. These embellishments really add to the 3D feel of your digital scrapbook. (A special thanks to Julie C. and Carol D. for supplying these great layouts!)

Click on “First Haircut” and “Jett” to view larger images.

Embellishment Backdrop! Choose your favorite embellishment. Add a blurred effect then make it almost transparent. This blurred figure is now an interesting backdrop image for your page. Make several duplicates and scatter them across your page for a “wallpapered” look.

Click on “Christmas 2005”, “Girl’s Best Friend” and “Graduation” to view larger images.

The Groove Wants You!

Next Month in The Groove:

The Groove celebrates Pets! Plus - look for December’s “Happy Holidays” contest winner!

The Groove Newsletter - November 2006

2006-11-01T10:49:00.000-06:00

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration-

November 2006

BREAKING SCRAPBOOK MAX! NEWS

Hey groovy scrappers, there’s a great new feature in Scrapbook MAX! Now you can order high-quality, professional prints of your layouts directly through Scrapbook MAX! .

That’s right! Simply go to File > Order Prints Online in the Scrapbook MAX! menu, or click on the “Order Prints” button at the top of the Scrapbook MAX! website (www.scrapbookmax.com). You’ll be asked to follow three easy steps: 1. Publish your layouts as images, 2. Upload your prints to the link provided by the ordering service, 3. Choose from a wide variety of available print sizes (including 4x6, 8x8, 12x12, 12x18 and more!). Indicate the number of prints you want, then click on “Checkout” to complete your order form. That’s it, that’s all!

Can you think of an easier, more convenient way to get top-notch prints of your scrapbook creations? You don’t even have to leave your computer! (Well, you will have to walk to your mailbox, but we think that’s pretty reasonable.)

Professionally printed scrapbook pages make an enduring keepsake for you and your family. They also make a great gift – a perfect way to keep in touch with friends and family near and far. (Psst…Make sure you are using the latest version of Scrapbook MAX! to take advantage of this great new feature!)

Try it today!

*Shipping is a flat rate of $4.95 to USA and Canada, no matter how many prints you order. At this time, International orders can not be processed.

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

Groovy Tip #1: Choose Page >Organize to get your pages in order! Put your pages in your preferred order in the list, and click OK.

Groovy Tip #2: To fix bright or dark pictures, choose Effects > Advanced > Brightness/Contrast, then use the sliding bars to adjust Brightness and Contrast.

Scrapper Profile

Meet Estee Barry, a.k.a. Granny – an indispensable member of the Scrapbook MAX! community. We all know her as a creative designer of digital scrapbook content, a helpful advisor to fellow SBM users, and of course…as comedienne extraordinaire! Get to know more about Estee below.

Q - Tell us one thing about yourself that others are often surprised to learn.
A- I use my humor to hide my fear of people. I'm rather quiet and hate being introduced to strangers. I enjoy the (Scrapbook) Max! community, where I can relax and joke with the members.

Q- What made you interested in digital scrapbooking?
A- Ladybug (a fellow SBM community member) had a lot to do with it. I love computer graphics, but could not find the right medium for my work. I love to see people using my embellishments. It's very rewarding.

Q- What tip would you share with a newbie to Scrapbook MAX!?
A- Read the help file in the program and use the Search option in the forum. The documentation provided by Max is excellent. And of course, the forum is wonderful. I have yet to find a community as helpful and enjoyable as this one.

Q- What is the subject of the scrapbook that you are working on right now?
A- Someone gave me pictures of their mom from the time she was a little girl, to the time she passed away and asked me to do a slide show that they could put on cds and pass out at her memorial service. It really touched my heart and I decided to make this available to others, so I'm doing an entire collection of Memorial Templates.

Q- Tell us about your three favorite layouts.
A- My favorite is Memory Lane. I used some of Max's embellishments and some of mine, plus I created the background. Then I like "Conceal", a memorial template, and last but not least, the Hong Kong template I did in collaboration with Moonbeam (another fellow SBM community member).

Check out some of Estee's favorite layouts!

Click on "Memory Lane", "Conceal", and "Hong Kong" to view larger images.

Interested in being one of The Groove’s profiled scrappers? Write to us at newsletter@scrapbookmax.com for details.

Creative Genius

Gift Tags!

Use Scrapbook MAX! to make attractive gift tags! Put a paper scrap on your page, and size it to your preference. Add a “signature” embellishment or two. “Group” your objects together (select all of your objects, then choose Edit > Group), then copy and paste your tag several times on the page – you can then duplicate this page to make a ton of tags (choose Page > Duplicate)!

Print your tags, cut them out, write your messages on them, then secure to your gifts with a hole punch and a ribbon.
Of course, you can use captions or journal text in SBM to write your messages directly on your tags. Print them out, and they’re ready to jazz up your gifts!

Contest: "Thanksgiving"

Though not everyone celebrates an official “Thanksgiving Day” in November, we all have something (or someone!) for which we are thankful. We’re looking for layouts that highlight whatever or whomever you want to say “thank you” for. The winning layout will be published in the next issue of The Groove and the winner will 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 November 27, 2006, Midnight (CST). Good luck! **Note: You must be a registered member of the Scrapbook MAX! forums to enter this contest. To register for free, click here.

"Happy Halloween” Contest Winner

Click here to view larger image.

Congratulations to our “Happy Halloween” contest winner: Chris G. from Greenwood, LA. Adding Halloween recipes was such a creative (and tasty!) idea! And surely those are the spookiest jack-o-lanterns ever carved…

Thanks to everyone who participated and got into the “spirit”. We’re looking forward to seeing your entries for next month’s contest (see above for details)!

Inspirations

Color Coordinated. Find one or two colors featured prominently in your pictures. Build your page around that color scheme. Notice the clean, elegant, coordinated effect in these inspiring layouts (provided generously by three “groovy” readers - Kathie W., Diane M., and Marion W.!).

Click on "Working Girl", "Seriously Sky", and "Devyn and Bella" to view larger images.

Create an Authentic “Album” Page. Choose a paper scrap that complements your background. Shape it into a strip, and place it on the left or right side of the page. Finish the look by adding a vertical row of brads or ribbon on top of the strip. Your page now has an interesting “bound” look!

Click on "Delight", "Bordeaux", and "Seashore" to view larger images.

The Groove Wants You!

Next Month in The Groove:

The Groove celebrates the Holidays. Plus - look for November’s “Thanksiving” contest winner!

The Groove Newsletter - October 2006

2006-10-01T16:05:00.000-05:00

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration - October, 2006

BOO! Welcome to the Halloween edition of The Groove (cool Halloween layout, don’t ya think?). Take a look inside for “frightening” tips, “chilling” inspirations, and a “spooky” layout contest! (Okay – maybe our content isn’t all that scary, but you’ve got to dig that groovy Halloween spirit!) And speaking of spirited…

NEW! Look for the Weekly Challenge in the Scrapbook MAX! forums, hosted by Julie C. Every week, Julie throws out a scrapping challenge (a theme, a type of font, a scrapping style, etc.) and looks for the best layout in that category. It’s been extremely popular right from the start– so be sure to take a look and join the fun!

Musings on Halloween

I live in the middle of Canada, and Halloween night is inevitably freezing. I recall cruel blizzards blowing into town on the very eve of October 31. Not that it stopped us – oh no! We trudged ahead in our door to door pilgrimage, pillowcases hopefully outstretched, shouting “Trick-or-Treat!” at the top of our lungs. Our mouths would water at the thought of all that candy inches from our faces, in need of parental inspection before we’d stuff ourselves silly on a school night.

But we’d first have to “stuff” our parka-ed, mufflered, mittened, capped, booted selves into our costumes. Snow White swelled to unsightly proportions. Superman looked as though the donut rather than kryptonite was his arch nemesis. We walked the streets in a stiff shuffle, bloated versions of our svelte, school-costume-party selves.

It finally dawned on me in my last year of trick or treating to masquerade in gear appropriate to the climate. I donned an ancient fur coat that had belonged to my grandmother, wrapped a scarf glamorously around my head, and sported elbow length gloves and knee high boots. I was a movie star, and oh so toasty!

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

Groovy Tip #1: To group two or more objects together, hold Ctrl, select the objects with your mouse, and choose Edit > Group from the menu.

Groovy Tip #2: To avoid accidentally moving an object, right-click on the object, then select Pin or Lock.

Scrapper Profile

He cooks, he programs software, he’s handy, he makes music, and of course... he creates awesome scrapbook layouts! Meet Stephen from Arizona – another familiar face from our friendly forum family (whew! – now that’s alliteration!). Below – check out some of Stephen’s groovy layouts.

Q-Tell us a little about yourself.

A- My wife Shelley and I have lived in Phoenix, AZ area for many years. We have no children, but have two Black Labrador Retrievers that might as well be. I enjoy doing anything creative, so I've done many careers concurrently... I'm a professional chef, musician, programmer, multimedia developer and cabinet maker. I run my own software development business from my home.

Q- How did you get started on digital scrapbooking?
A- I've worked as a developer and designer on scrapbooking-type programs in the past, but I've never done any kind of traditional scrapbooking. For the last 15 years, I've created many CD-ROM interfaces, websites, games and programs, so when Scrapbook MAX! came along, it was a great fit.

Q- Where do you get your layout ideas?

A- Many of my influences come from ordinary everyday things or objects. I'll see something on television or in the store and say "I can use that idea for a scrapbook page!". Sometimes I think of a general category, like "Travel", then think of a theme that will be appealing to the masses. I never really know what my layout will be until it's finished. I've always been known for "thinking outside the box,” so many people have said that my scrapbooking style is very different.

Q- What is your favorite Scrapbook MAX! tip or trick?

A - Using an image swatch as a quick border around a photo.

Q- What are your hobbies/interests (other than digital scrapbooking of course)?
A- I love to travel, do photography, shoot video, play with my dogs and swim. I've recently started going to concerts. I love all types of movies and music.

Q- Who is your favorite movie star?

A- My favorite actor is Robert Deniro - He is one of those "once in a lifetime" actors that is great in anything he does. My favorite actress is Marg Helgenberger - great dramatic actress in both movies and television.

Some of Steve's favorite layouts!

Click on "Happy Halloween", "Winter", and "Basketball" to view larger images.

Interested in being one of The Groove’s profiled scrappers? Write to us at newsletter@scrapbookmax.com for details.

Creative Genius

Self-publish a picture book!

A great project to do with the kids: Write out a draft of a short story- either an original or a retelling of a favorite. Think like a picture book – keep one action or event to a single page. Now get out the costumes and props and take a picture to accompany each page. Then the scrapping fun begins – put your text and pictures together with Scrapbook MAX!, print it out, and bind it in an album. You are now a published author and your children are the stars of their very own book!

Contest: "Happy Halloween"

It’s Halloween season – time for pumpkins, candy, costumes, black cats and full moon fever! To get into the “spirit”, The Groove is hosting a “wary, scary” layout contest! We want ghosts, ghouls, and goblins - even if they are the “cute” variety. Send us your best Halloween page layout…if you dare! The winning layout will be published in the next issue of The Groove and the winner will receive an official Scrapbook MAX! mousepad!

To enter, publish your layout as a JPEG image using the ‘High Quality’ and ‘Web/Email’ size options, and upload it to the contest page in the Scrapbook MAX! gallery. All entries will be available for viewing. Contest closes October 25, 2006, Midnight (CST). Good luck! **Note: You must be a registered member of the Scrapbook MAX! forums to enter this contest. To register for free, click here.

“Back to School” Contest Winner!

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Congratulations to Kristy C. from Rockford, MI - our “Back to School” layout contest winner! Besides the adorable scholars en route to class, we love the summery sunflowers that compliment the yellow and black school bus in the background. What a good eye!
Top marks to all entries! We’re preparing ourselves to be “scared silly” (in a good way!) by your submissions for next month’s contest.

Inspirations

Variations! Choose a “focal” picture for your page. Paste several copies of the picture, each cropped differently. Or, surround your main picture with several other pictures taken from the same photo session, and bring your page to life! (Thanks to Kristy C. who provided the adorable "Dylan" layout!)

Click on "Dylan", "Friends", and "Birthday" to view larger images.

Totally Textured! Add texture and interest with photo effects. Right-click on your photo, then choose Effects and experiment with the options in the list. Hint: Emboss and Crackle create particularly “touchable” images.

Click on "Grasshopper", "Baby Boy", and "Gardening" to view larger images.

The Groove Wants You!

Next month:

The Groove celebrates Thanksgiving! Plus - look for October’s “Happy Halloween” contest winner!

The Groove Newsletter- September 2006

2006-09-01T20:43:00.000-05:00

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration - September, 2006

In the Groove

This month, The Groove celebrates “Back to School”. We’d like to give the first official “A+” to Scrapbook MAX! for the exciting new features included in the latest software upgrade (version 1.0.4.1)! Features include: the option to order online photo finishing directly through Scrapbook MAX (COOL!), the ability to import pages from other scrapbooks into your current scrapbook (AWESOME!), the ability to email your scrapbooks directly through Gmail (FAB!), and more (WOO-HOO!)!

Here’s a tip: To make sure you are working with the latest version of Scrapbook MAX!, go to Help > Check for Update in the SBM menu bar.

Musings on "Back To School"

September is an ending and a beginning. For me, it always feels like the true New Year, full of promise and potential.

There is always a change in the air on the first day of school. A sort of chill – not unpleasant – that signals the end of summer. Like the school bell, it calls us back. Back to freshly sharpened pencils and brand new stacks of paper and desks impeccably organized. Back to chalk boards with the new teacher’s name written on it in large, even letters. Back to friends and recess and lunch boxes and the playground and improvised soccer tournaments and skipping rope.

September calls parents back to routine, back to a quieter household, back to lingering a little longer over the morning cup of coffee. Back to homework at the kitchen table, back to reading out loud, back to priceless artwork on the fridge, back to piano lessons, back to basketball try-outs.

Back to wondering how it is that the fifth grade was twenty years ago – or even more – when it could just as easily have been yesterday.

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

Groovy Tip #1: Choose Page> Import to insert a previously made page into your current scrapbook (a great new feature in SBM!).

Groovy Tip#2: To change your page size, go to Page > Settings. Then, click on the Size tab and make your selection.

Scrapper Profile

Meet Wendy G., a talented digital scrapper and a member of the friendly Scrapbook MAX! “forum family”!

Q- Wendy, if we asked your friends to describe you, what would they say?
A – Hmm…Tough question! I try not to think about what people think of me. I guess maybe they’d say creative, giving, and talented?

Q- How did you get involved with digital scrapbooking?
A - I fell into digital scrapbooking naturally. I was dabbling in website design and digital graphics creation before I even knew what scrapbooking was. I then found that scrapbooking was a natural extension of the type of graphics I was already creating.

Q -Who are the most special people in your life. Why?
A- My family is the most important thing in my life, specifically my husband, son and two daughters. I would be lost without any of them. My husband is my biggest fan and is very supportive of what I do.

Q- Where do you find inspiration for your layouts?
A - My inspiration comes from many sources. Life in general inspires me, especially when dealing with crisis – the emotions bring out the best in my work.

Q- Do you have a “signature” color scheme or type of embellishment that you love to use?
A- I am a doodler. I love using hand drawn accents and pen stitching on traditional scrap layouts as well as on digital layouts. I also love to use the color red for the “wow” factor.

Q- What’s your next scrapbook project?
A- I am currently developing templates and graphics for use with Scrapbook MAX!.

Q- If you could be a celebrity for one day, who would you be and why?
A- I honestly don’t think I’d like to be anyone other than myself. I love who and what I am at this point in my life and that suits me just fine!

Some of Wendy's favorite layouts!

Click on "Solitude", "Serene", and "Play Ball" to view larger images.

Creative Genius

Digital scrappers are famous for "thinking outside the page". Every month, we feature examples of imaginative uses of Scrapbook MAX!. Read on and get inspired!

Free Your Fridge!

Kids love to display their artwork and school projects on the fridge, but who has the space for it all? The Scrapbook Solution: take digital photos of each masterpiece, and make a “School Projects” digital scrapbook that will last forever - complete with titles, dates, and other details. And unlike fridge art, you can send the artwork scrapbook to family and friends!

Contest: "Back To School"

Despite the grunts and groans, most of us secretly loved heading back to school. This month, we want to see your best school-related page layout. First day of kindergarten, band concerts, science fairs, track and field days, etc. - like your English teacher told you, be creative! The winning layout will be published in the next issue of The Groove and the winner will receive a fabulous Scrapbook MAX! mousepad!

To enter, publish your layout as a JPEG image using the ‘High Quality’ and ‘Medium size’ options, and upload it to the contest page in the Scrapbook MAX! gallery. All entries will be available for viewing. Contest closes September 21, 2006, Midnight (CST). Good luck! **Note: You must be a registered member of the Scrapbook MAX! forums to enter this contest. To register for free, click here.

"On Vacation" Contest Winner

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Congratulations to our “On Vacation” contest winner: Marion W. from Janesville, Wisconsin, USA! What a striking black and white collage! We sure love Marion’s use of strong lines and sense of graphic proportion. Way to go, Marion - and thanks to ALL contest participants for your fabulous entries!

Inspirations

Black and White. Add a touch of elegance to your scrapbooks by turning color photos black and white. To do so, right-click on your photo, then choose Effects > Grayscale. Tip: Use bold colors with your black and white photos for a real “pop”!

Click on "Wedding Romance", "Pals" and "Joy" to view larger images.

Opposites Attract. Use “mirror images” of a great photo! One easy way to do it: Right-click on your photo and choose Flip Horizontal. Use it when a “flipped” image better suits your layout, or for artistic expression! (Thanks to Julie L. from Mead, WA for her inspirational layout below featuring an adorable face..."times 8"!)

Click on "Laugh" , "Giraffe" and "Giraffe Flipped" to view larger images.

The Groove Wants You!

Next Month in The Groove:

The Groove celebrates Halloween! Plus - look for September’s “Back to School” contest winner!

The Groove Newsletter - August 2006

2006-08-01T13:30:00.000-05:00

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration - August 2006

In The Groove

They say that a change is as good as a rest. We, your groovy editors, can't think of a better change than a well-deserved vacation! Of course, holidays have a special place in the hearts of digital scrappers because: vacations = memories = photos= scrapping. We hope you’ll share your favorite holiday layout with all our readers by entering our “On Vacation” page layout contest! (See below for details). Whether you choose to sun yourself on a beach in the south of France, or happily cram yourself into a tent - kids and all – at the local campground, enjoy!

Musings on Vacations

Quick! Pack your bathing suit, flip flops, camera, and sunscreen – it’s time for vacation! For me, vacations come in two varieties. First, I think of road trips filled with car games, maps, and camping gear. These trips always begin with a packing frenzy. Clothes, beach wear, sandals, hats, sunscreen, tents, pillows, coolers, snacks, and excitement – all crammed into a car or camper. Once you arrive, you settle in for relaxing strolls, adventurous bike rides, and evening campfire gatherings. The menu includes hotdogs, roasted marshmallows, and your favorite chips.

Vacations can also mean 8-hour plane rides to fun and exotic destinations! Disney World, France, Italy, Australia, Asia - wherever your dream spot may be… just don’t forget your passport, camera, map, and dictionary. I revel in the tourist role; the hustle and bustle of sightseeing, snapping pictures, gathering memorabilia, and planning the next day’s activities. Don’t you love to collect pamphlets, flags, postcards, and stamps? And of course, trying new restaurants and foods is all part of the package. Then, you return home with souvenirs, great stories, and a thousand pictures!

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

GROOVY TIP#1 : In Scrapbook MAX!, you can quickly change the properties of an object by double-clicking on it.

GROOVY TIP #2: Move objects around your page using your keyboard. Select the object and press one of the cursor keys to "nudge" the object in that direction one pixel at a time.

Scrapper Profile

You might be wondering about the design team that creates the templates included with Scrapbook MAX!. Well, wonder no more! We had an opportunity to sit down and talk with Karin, a truly groovy part of the design team.

Marnie- Karin, what are your hobbies (other than digital scrapbooking of course)?

Karin- Reading, attempting to knit things, and playing with my dog.

M- If you were to create a scrapbook that included the most important people in your life, who would be on those pages?
K- My family, friends and pet – is that cheating? Of course there’s also my large, close, extended family…thank goodness Scrapbook MAX! is so expandable that I can fit everyone in!

M- Where do you find your inspirations?
K- My favorite layouts have been inspired by patterns and funky color combinations that scream “the 70s”. Coffee mugs, placemats, and retro clothing are a great source for scrapbook ideas!

M- Tell us about the three pages from the Scrapbook MAX! templates that you are most proud of and why.
K- Page 1 of Baby Boy – I love the soft colors that are perfect for baby, and the little blue footprints!

Page 1 of Imagination – I think bright, primary colors are so fun for kids. And who doesn’t like dinosaurs?

Page 3 of Olden Days – My grandma’s old photo albums, the ones with the black pages and faded, sepia-toned photographs, inspired this album.

M- In one sentence, tell us what you think is the best feature of Scrapbook MAX!.
K- Point, click, scrap – perfect!

M- Finally, tell us about the scrapbook project(s) you are currently working on.
K- A dinosaur-themed scrapbook for my hilarious godson, and a “travel diary” of a recent trip to Victoria, B.C. with my husband.

Creative Genius

Digi scrappers are famous for "thinking outside the page". Every month, we feature examples of imaginative uses of digital scrapbooking. Read on and get inspired!

"I use Scrapbook MAX to communicate my son’s milestones to Grandma and Grandpa who live far away. Just last month, my son started walking. I made a three-page scrapbook filled with footprints and ‘hoorays’. After receiving the “My First Steps” album through email, my mom called to say that she didn’t feel so far away!”

- submitted by a groovy Scrapbook MAX! user

Contest: "On Vacation"

Vacations are often the highlight of the entire year. They’re fun, exciting, and rejuvenating! The Groove wants to see your favorite vacation page for this month’s “On Vacation” contest, no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve seen! The winning layout will be published in the next issue of The Groove and the winner will receive an official Scrapbook MAX! mousepad!

To enter, publish your layout as a JPEG image using the ‘High Quality’ and ‘Medium size’ options, and upload it to the contest page in the Scrapbook MAX! gallery. All entries will be available for viewing. Contest closes August 24, 2006, Midnight (CST). Good luck! **Note: You must be a registered member of the Scrapbook MAX! forums to enter this contest. To register for free, click here.

July 2006 “Summer Fun” Contest Winner

Click here for a larger view

Congratulations to our “Summer Fun” contest winner: Julie C. from Nashville, Tennessee! We loved Julie’s summery colors, cool pattern combinations, and her fantastic use of layering. Thanks, Julie, for your fun and inspiring layout!

And thanks to everyone for your fabulous entries. Picking one winner was a challenge! We’re looking forward to seeing what you all come up with for next month’s contest (see above for details).

Inspirations

Behind the Scenes. Do you tend to snap a lot of “scenery” pictures – rolling hills, interesting trees, beautiful sunsets? Use one of these pictures to make an attractive page background. Just enlarge the picture to fit the page. Then, right-click and choose Effects > Blur or > Gauze. If you’d like, you can adjust the opacity bar to make the image more transparent. Then lock the picture to your page. It’s that easy!

Click these links to see larger "Hawaii" and "Sunsets" images.

Embellishment Rainbow. Found the perfect embellishment, but it doesn’t match your page’s color scheme? Simply use the Advanced Effects to alter the color. Right-click on the object, choose Effects > Advanced, and click on “Adjust Color”. Then slide the bars to adjust hue, saturation, and lightness until you get the right look!

Click these links to see larger "Dog Bone" and "Dog Bone With Color Adjusted" images.

The Groove Wants YOU!

Next month:

The Groove celebrates Back to School. Plus - look for August’s “On Vacation” contest winner!

The Groove Newsletter - July 2006

2006-07-01T11:17:00.000-05:00

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration - July 2006

Welcome to the first ever edition of The Groove - an inspiring newsletter for digital scrapbookers! Each month, you’ll find “musings” on a theme to get your creative juices flowing, bright ideas for scrapping, design tips and tricks, contests, freebies and more! You’ll meet other digi scrappers who tell us a bit about themselves in our Scrapper Profile section – in fact, why shouldn’t that scrapper be you! (See details below under “Scrapper Profile”). Everyone knows that the best part of digital scrapping is sharing. So read on, and get in The Groove!

Musings on a Summer Day

When I think of summer, I immediately remember the last day of school. It’s been quite a few years since my school days. But the summer still evokes thoughts of fidgeting in my seat, trying to focus on the probably not-all-that-important last lesson of the year. The hand on the clock creeps toward the end of the school day. It’s hopeless.

My mind is far from fractions and maps and report cards. I’m already at the family cottage where my brother and I are taking our first leaps of faith into the ice-cube cold lake. I’m at the beach carrying pail after pail of water to fill the moat around the enormous sand castle I’ve just built. I’m sitting under the blazing sun on the warm green grass of our front lawn licking a grape popsicle.

A silly grin spreads over my face - even now - as I contemplate the endless march of weeks upon weeks of freedom filled with play dates and bike rides and water fights and ice cream and road trips and sunsets and campfires. School’s out – summer’s on!

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

GROOVY TIP#1 : A scrapbook on a CD-ROM makes a great gift!
GROOVY TIP #2: …keep family and friends in touch by emailing your digital scrapbooks.

Scrapper Profile

Get to know Marnie, who we feature in this month’s "Scrapper Profile"! As well as being a friendly and helpful "regular" on the Scrapbook MAX! forums, Marnie is part of the design team that put together the stellar templates included with Scrapbook MAX!.

Heeeeeeeeere's Marnie!

Karin - Let's start short and sweet! You have one word to describe yourself. Go for it!
Marnie- Driven.

K- Your LOs display a range of styles and moods. Where do you find your inspirations?
M- I find inspiration everywhere! It’s amazing how the color scheme on a notepad or an architectural pattern can trigger a layout idea. When I begin to get “scrappers block”, I look for consistent patterns, placements, or colors in my recent layouts. Then, I start a new layout by purposely doing the opposite of my usual. This often sparks a new approach! And of course, my fellow Scrapbook MAX! forum members are a great inspiration.

K- The templates you helped design for Scrapbook MAX! are awesome! Tell us about the three pages you are most proud of.
M- Thanks!
Page 1 of Spring Garden – This one isn’t cluttered and seems to have the right balance. I like the colors and layering. This entire package is feminine, yet slightly rustic.
Page 2 of Baby Girl – This background separated the page so nicely! I can just imagine a picture of mom with baby and another of dad with baby.
Page 3 of Classic Romance – I love the vertical hanging triple-frame offered in this kit! This layout offers so many possibilities! For example, you could crop the larger photo in three different ways.

K- Tell us about your favorite feature of Scrapbook MAX! in one sentence.
M- Hmm, that’s tough – there are so many! I suppose my favorite feature is the custom shape option for all paper scraps and photos- I love the torn edge look for photos.

K-Any helpful digital scrapbooking tips and tricks that you can share?
M- I like combining the grayscale and opacity effects on a picture in order to create an interesting background.

K- One last question- favorite pig out snack?
M- Without a doubt, chips and dip!

Interested in being one of The Groove’s profiled scrappers? Write to us at newsletter@scrapbookmax.com for details.

Creative Genius

Digi scrappers are famous for "thinking outside the page". Every month, we feature examples of imaginative uses of digital scrapbooking. Read on and get inspired!

"I use Scrapbook MAX! to make collage pages. I fill the entire page with overlapping photos and make heavy use of different photo shapes for interest and texture. A collage makes a great keepsake for school events, fun trips, sports tournaments, you name it!"

- submitted by Nancy H., Winnipeg, Manitoba
(Click here to see larger image.)

Contest: "Summer Fun"

Road trips, sand castles, BBQs, ice cream ...This month’s contest is about all things summer! We’re looking for the best summer-themed page layout out there. The sky’s the limit for designs– just make sure your page clearly has something to do with summer. The winning layout will be published in the next issue of The Groove and the winner will receive an official Scrapbook MAX! mousepad!

To enter, publish your layout as a JPEG image using the ‘High Quality’ and ‘Medium size’ options, and upload it to the contest page in the Scrapbook MAX! gallery. All entries will be available for viewing. Contest closes July 22, 2006, Midnight (CST). Good luck! **Note: You must be a registered member of the Scrapbook MAX! forums to enter this contest. To register for free, click here.

“Groove”-y Design

Karin is part of the SBM design team. Her favorite layouts are “groovy” ones (like her top!). We’ll be posting our contest winners’ layouts here in the coming months- but for now, let Karin’s groovy dog design get you “in The Groove”!

Inspirations

Tie it with a bow! Dress up your page with ribbon. Place a strip of ribbon or skinny paper scrap across your page, then add a flower, bow, button, brad, or other embellishment. You can even cross two ribbons to create a "wrapped present" feel. “Secure” with an embellishment. Fancy, shmantzy!

Click these links to see larger "Valentine's Day" and "Baby Blue" images.

Feature a great face! We all have those great candid shots that deserve special attention in our albums. Baby's cutest pout, hubby's gorgeous smile, Johnny's clown face. Give these shots special attention by cropping the photo to feature only the face. Then choose a circular photoshape to set off that great mug!

Click these links to see larger "Hey There!" and "ABC" images.

The Groove Wants YOU!

Next month:

The Groove celebrates travel and vacation. Plus - look for July’s “Summer Fun” contest winner!