The Groove Newsletter - October 2007

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

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!

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, 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!

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 - Contact us at newsletter@scrapbookmax.com today!

Next Month in The Groove

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

The Groove Newsletter- July 2007

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!

Have a Lois Lane complex? Put it to use by contributing to The Groove! We’re always looking for fresh ideas to make The Groove fun and exciting – just like our readers! Tips, musings, inspirations, ingenious scrapbook ideas - if you’ve got ‘em, we’d love to read ‘em! Email The Groove your bright ideas today! Contact us at newsletter@scrapbookgroove.com

Next Month in The Groove

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

The Groove Newsletter- June 2007

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!

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!

Next month:

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