Layout featuring a cool calendar idea by Wendy Gibson. Read more about it below!

In the Groove

You Scrapbook MAX!-ers are a talented bunch! Your layouts continually dazzle us, and so many of you are true artists when it comes to created elements and templates. We wanted to know what other amazing talents you have, and boy were we impressed!

In this issue, we feature layouts from our readers that display their dazzling craft and hobby abilities. You’ll be inspired by the variety of activities, and at the level of talent! And what better way to capture the pleasure your craft or hobby gives you than by creating a layout?

**A HUGE thank-you to all who sent us “crafty” layouts. Though we could not use them all in this issue, we enjoyed viewing your various talents!**

Read on and get inspired to scrap your own special pastime, art, or craft! You’ll also find your usual Groove favorites: a fab scrapper profile, a discount coupon for this month’s featured kits, a fun challenge by Michelle McCoy, and of course….FREEBIES!

A Stitch in Time

Michelle McCoy shares these two beautiful layouts (above) of handmade objects that are sure to thrill. She describes her cute crafts below!

Light-up Buddies (top layout)

“These crafts were made from terra cotta pots. Underneath the pots, I placed lights and those were glued inside the fish bowl heads…Real cute…”

The Groove says: Awesome Christmas and Halloween decoration idea!

Wall Hangings (bottom layout)

“These wall hangings were hand drawn and then stitched by me…You might recognize their cute faces from some of my kits…”

The Groove says: Perfect for a newborn’s nursery!

Keeping Organized, and Keeping Memories

Calendar Craft (top layout)

Wendy Gibson used Scrapbook MAX! to make an adorable calendar set (see top layout above). Read her description of this awesome idea, and get inspired to make your own!

“Here is a calendar made using my small calendar template found in the Scrapbook Max! store.Once personalized you simply print it off, cut out the pages and bind together any way you wish. For this particular calendar I punched holes in the top left corner of each page and inserted an eyelet then ran a binder ring through the eyelets, finishing it all off by tying my favorite ribbons to the binder ring. If you don’t want to bind your calendar together you can simply display the pages in a clear acrylic brochure holder, which can be found at your local office supply store!”

The Groove says: Perfect for popping in your purse or pocket - no more excuses for being late! LOL

Sandblasted Art (bottom layout)

We were dazzled by KPierce’s awesome sandblasted art abilities. Take a closer look at her amazing family heirlooms!

“We create vectored graphics, print <cut>  the graphics on vinyl with a plotter, place the vinyl mask on the item, mask the  portions of the item not covered with vinyl with tape for protection, pull / remove pieces of cut vinyl we want to sandblast <this could be many pulls which allows for various depths called multi-stage>; when sandblasting is finished clean up the item.”

The Groove says: Quite simply…WOW!

A Crafty Freebie For You!

Enjoy this freebie Scrapbook MAX! template featuring a collection of bookmarks!

Scrapbook MAX! can be used for many crafts and projects other than scrapbooking. One craft we have read about in the forums several times and that we are particularly fond of is making bookmarks with Scrapbook MAX!.

So, for all you bookworms out there, visit this thread and download a freebie template of bookmarks - just print, cut out, and never lose your place in a book again!

Of course, you can personalize these bookmarks any way you wish, or get inspired to make your own original bookmarks!

The Groove says: A great addition when you give a book as a gift!!

Content used to create bookmarks from Scrapbook MAX! Classic Edition, Wedding Edition and Baby Edition.

Scrapper Profile

Meet Paula K. (aka pkdoll)

Paula K. (aka pkdoll) is a talented participant in the Scrapbook MAX! forums who generously shares her talent, digital scrapbooking advice and friendship. Get to know her better below (and be sure to ask her if she still pulls out the ol’ saxophone every now and again…)

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

A- Hmmmm—this is a hard one to answer.  I am a pretty predictable kind of person.  The one thing that comes to mind is that everyone close to me (family, friends, coworkers, etc) always tells me that I am very good at whatever I put my mind to doing and I don’t give myself enough credit.  I’m too hard on myself and easily intimidated.  Oh! And I played the saxophone in my high school marching band!

Q- What made you interested in digital scrapbooking?

A- I actually was just starting to learn paper scrapping and started buying all these supplies and I thought wow this is really a lot of work and a big mess. I googled scrapbooking online and I came across some digital sites and saw what people were doing and thought this is awesome!  Then I happened upon Scrapbook MAX! and downloaded the trial software and fell in love with it!  So I ordered the full version and the rest is history!

Q- Where do you get your layout ideas?

A -  I get most of my ideas from surfing the galleries to see what others are doing.  I will see a layout that I just love and than ideas pop in my head, and I start thinking of pictures I have and inspirations for pictures I should work on taking.  Most of the time I have no clue what I will create.  I will find a kit I like and bring in the background paper and then the picture I want to use and it takes off from there.
Q- Tell us about your favorite feature of Scrapbook MAX!.

A- I like everything about it.  What’s not to like?  It is so versatile and easy to use that beginners can start creating layouts instantly, and the more advanced scrappers can play with the features and expand on their talents.

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

A - I would highly recommend being an active participant in the forums.  There is a wealth of information, freebies and an extremely friendly and supportive group of people.  You will find tutorials and a great mix of fun challenges to expand your scrapbooking skills.

Q - What’s the subject of the scrapbook that you are working on right now?

A - I am always working on several at the same time.  I want to make each of my kids a scrapbook of their lives and their children’s lives.  I especially like working on layouts with the grandchildren.

Q - How would you describe your scrapbooking style?

A - I am always changing my style. For example, right now I like working with blending and grunge. I also like playing with photo effects.  Whatever catches my eye I do, so I can’t say I have a certain style.

Thanks for sharing, Paula!

Some of Paula’s favorite layouts:

Phenomenal Flowers!

Don’t these layouts just take your breath away? Seems that our dear friend omajo is not only a great scrapper, but a talented maker of floral arrangements as well! We fell in love with these stunning wedding floral arrangements.Thanks for sharing, omajo!

The Groove says: Absolutely amazing!

 The Groove Monthly Freebie Challenge! 

 - Michelle McCoy’s Scrappy Kids kit - the inspiration for her freebie! Read more details below…

The “Freebie” Part!

Michelle McCoy has generously supplied a freebie mini-kit and freebie template (based on her adorable Scrappy Kids kit) to all our Groove readers. You’ll find it attached to our The Groove Monthly Freebie and Challenge  thread.

Here’s how Michelle describes her kit:

I started putting this kit together to make layouts of my nephew…One thing led to the next, and I ended up with this cute theme instead. The colorful papers and spunky elements work great together for any child’s page.

The “Challenge” Part!

Here’s Michelle’s fun challenge (using the freebie mini-kit and template found here):

Since the Groove’s Theme this month is Crafts and Hobbies, use my free mini kit to whip together a layout of your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc…doing some type of craft or hobby. You must use pieces from my freebie.

Fun Freebie Rules:
You can only use the mini kit and add one embellishment or paper of your own (Changing the colors is ok)
You can only use one photo.
You can add journaling.
You have to make your layout(s) using my mask/template…Adding things to it is ok…(Look at my example below)
Most important, have fun!!!! I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with…((HUGS))

Inspiration using freebie template and freebie mini-kit

The Groove says: Thanks, Michelle! And have fun everyone. Remember that EVERYONE gets the freebies, and one participant in the challenge will be picked at random to receive a free Scrapbook MAX! mousepad!

Discount Coupon For
August 2008 “Featured Kits”

Love Michelle’s freebie mini-kit? Looking for more?

This month, when you purchase the full Scrappy Kids kit, or any of Michelles’s four Featured Kits (all pictured below), you’ll receive a discount for 10% off! Simply add any of the four Featured Kits to your cart until August 31, 2008, and type in the coupon code AUG-MMC to receive your 10% off discount (be sure to type in the code AUG-MMC exactly as shown).

Offer is good on new orders in the Featured Kits category only, until August 31, 2008. Coupon code must be used at the time of purchase and must be typed in exactly as shown. Cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.

Scrappy Kids

Buggie

Doodle Bug

Beary Cherry

All Aboard!

The “Granny Express” is now leaving the station! We were delighted with these whimsical layouts featuring (yet another) hidden talent by Granny - building HO trains!

The Groove: Granny, you never cease to amaze us!

Booster Pack Store:

 New Releases
 

Have you been shopping lately? Dozens of new kits are added to the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store each month. Be sure to stop by and check out our awesome selection of embellishment kits and template sets, professionally-designed to work with Scrapbook MAX!.

Below is a small sample of some of new kits recently added to the store by various designers.

Crystal Longbrake - Beautiful Kit

Kristi Cakebread - Totally Girl Kit

Steve Russell - Desert Sage Kit

Kathy Waddell - Candy Jelly Beans Kit

Wendy Gibson - Build a Cupcake Kit

Look for our BACK TO SCHOOL issue of The Groove next month (release date September 1, 2008).

Not yet signed up for The Groove?  Sign up for free today, and get a link to The Groove delivered to your inbox each month. Inspiration, freebies, challenges, scrapper profiles and more await!

Share This

A beautiful layout featuring two Scrapbook MAX! community members (Evee and Carena) who met in person. We love how Scrapbook MAX! has been a part of people coming together!

 - layout by Carena

In The Groove

Do you remember your very first friend? I made my first school friend on the very first day of school. We came to class with the same lunchbox, and of course at lunch time, each took the wrong one to our desks. Soon after we had figured out what had happened, we were sitting together sharing cookies and deciding what to play at recess. The friendship lasted throughout our school days, as we grew from shy little girls with the wrong lunch boxes, to young women sharing our hopes and dreams.

In this issue of The Groove, we’re celebrating friendships by featuring layouts that pay tribute to friends. Some are full of fun, some full of grace. Some full of style, some full of humour - just like our friends! We’re especially excited to bring to you the special story of OnieRN and MaggieMae, two Scrapbook MAX!-ers who, in traveling the country, decided to meet in person. Below, they tell us all about it!

Also below, find an amazing freebie and fun challenge by Donna Thomas. Have fun, reflect on friendships, and get into The Groove!

- Karin, co-editor of The Groove

Personal Challenge: Take a look at the layouts below for inspiration. Then,  make and share a friendship layout of a friend who’s on your mind! Remember, Scrapbook MAX! makes it easy to share - you can print, email, burn to a CD, and more.

Celebrate the lighter side of friendship!

 - layout by scrappyaggie48

 - layout by makeyesup

Our friends have seen us through it all - including the times when we let loose!

We love the free-spirited photo and sassy elements chosen by scrappyaggie48 in her fun friend layout. Woo-hoo!

We can also relate to the perfect, light-hearted caption chosen by makeyesup. Thank goodness we trust our friends - the stories they could tell…

Bright Idea: Show a friend how much you care by making them a fun layout with a favorite picture, cute embellishments, and a witty caption. Then email your page to them directly from Scrapbook MAX! by choosing File > Email. It’s sure to brighten their day!

 Friends Throughout The Years

- layout by fourfoxes

- layout by sacannon

Photos of friends are dear to our hearts. Even more so when you do something special with them, like making a layout to commemorate a moment or a special time together.

You can either choose the photos you’ve just snapped, like fourfoxes has done in her lovely friendship layout. Don’t you just love the close-up photo contrasting with the photo of the girls walking off together in the distance? Lovely!

Or, choose photos that you’ve had for a while. You can scan your cherished photographs, and use them in Scrapbook MAX! to preserve them for many more years to come! We love sacannon’s knack for using black and white photos with vintage-themed elements. Classy, sentimental, and special!

Bright Idea: Why not make a small album showcasing a friendship “through the years”? Create a series of layouts at a small size, such as 4 x 6 (Choose Page> Settings> Size to alter the size pf pages in Scrapbook MAX!). Begin with a layout featuring photos from the earliest stages of your friendship until the present. Then, print out two copies by choosing File > Print in Scrapbook MAX!, and insert in two 4 x 6 photo albums -  a great gift for yourself and a friend, and perfect for toting in a purse!

 Rhapsody in Blue

- layout by Marion

- layout by pkdoll

These two blue-toned layouts certainly caught our eye! The first by Marion shows how this traditional “boy color” does justice to a father/son layout. What a great mix of denim blue with leathery brown tones!

The second layout by pkdoll shows us, on the other hand, that blue isn’t for “boys only”. The muted blue shades are soft soothing, and match the philosophical tone of Aristotle’s quote: “What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies”

An amazing description that captures the feeling we have about our most amazing friendships!

Bright Idea: Does your friend have a birthday coming up? Why not make a personalized birthday card using a photo of the two of you to celebrate? Print it out or email it to say “Happy Birthday!”. Your layout can also be the birthday gift itself! Print (File > Print) at a size for which it is easy to find a great frame, such as 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 (Choose Page> Settings> Size to alter the size pf pages in Scrapbook MAX!). Insert into a special frame, and voila!

Scrapbook MAX! Friends Meet in Person!
 

 Layouts by MaggieMae and OnieRN commemorating their meeting in person.

Read on to hear more about how these two lovely ladies who met online in the Scrapbook MAX! online community met in person, and put “real faces” to “cyber screen names”!

 
OnieRN and MaggieMae are familiar names in the Scrapbook MAX! forums, sharing layouts, digital scrapbooking advice, and friendship with others. When the two realized that they would be in the same city, they decided to meet in person. The story of their meeting follows below. We’re delighted how Scrapbook MAX! has played a role in bringing people together!
 
 
How did you get involved in the Scrapbook MAX! Online Community?
 
OnieRN: I was googling for digital scrapbooking tips, after purchasing another program at an Electronics Store. I was having a hard time with the other program, when Scrapbook MAX! showed up in the google. I downloaded the trial version and was hooked within a couple days. It was so easy to use!
 
MaggieMae: I got involved in the scrapbooking community here shortly after I found the program in May 2006. It was my first forum and first digital scrapbooking (experience). It’s been such a great learning experience!
 
How did you two decide to meet?
 
OnieRN: I was driving through Tucson, Arizona to visit my parents in Mesa, AZ. I contacted Julie (MaggieMae) and to see if she wanted to meet, as I drove through town. The timing was perfect, as my parents were in Tuscon at the time, doing some mission work. The two of us had been communicating for nearly a year, when we arranged to meet. Julie and her husband had 2 homes and spent the winter in Tuscon, so it was perfect timing.
 
When and where did you meet?
 
MaggieMae: We met at an I-Hop right off I-10 because it was easy to find! We had lunch and talked about just about everything. My DH Ron was there and Onie’s son Josh was there, too.
 
What sort of things did you chat about? Anything particularly funny or surprising that you would like to share?
 
OnieRN: We were only together for a few hours, but we chatted about everything from our kids to our grandkids. We also talked about some of the other (Scrapbook MAX!) members and how wonderful it would be to meet them too. Julie’s husband is the picture taker, so Ron was snapping pictures.
 
MaggieMae: Onie and I talked a lot about digital scrapbooking and computers - I think we bored Ron and Josh! LOL We also talked about how much all of us know about one another through our scrapbooking.
 
What was the best part of meeting your fellow Scrapbook MAX!-er?
 
OnieRN: It was wonderful to have a real face and voice behind the screen name (MaggieMae). I realized that we had so much in common and we had a lot of laughter between us. The reality that there is a real person on the other end is the best!

MaggieMae:The best part was actually seeing that we were real - not just cyber people!! It was so much fun to see each other in person and recognize each other from pictures and realize that we knew each other so well!
 
What else would you like to share with us about your meeting?
 
OnieRN: I believe that Julie and I were the first to meet of the group. Everyone knew we were meeting and they were as excited for us as we were. Our meeting involved the two of us, Julie’s husband Ron, My son Josh and my parents. We talked and talked and talked! The nice waitress kept coming by and refilling our glasses for several hours.
 
MaggieMae: There really wasn’t a best part about the meeting - we enjoyed it from start to finish.
 
Do you still keep in touch?
 
OnieRN: We do stay in touch, and soon we will be living closer. I am hoping that we will be able to have many more opportunities to see each other.
 
MaggieMae: …soon we will be practically neighbors when Onie moves to Phoenix!
 
What is your favorite part about the Scrapbook MAX! community?

OnieRN: The closeness of the group. I have found this group of individuals to be loving and caring. We all support one another in good times and in bad times. We’ve had marriages, deaths, babies born, and sicknesses in our group. We started a buddy system, where we have exchanged personal contact information with a group of individuals. The system was started so that we could stay in touch, in the event someone “disappears” (from the forums). I have had many friends in my life time but I have never experienced anything like the love we all share with each other. We are a big family! Closer than most real families.
 
Our group is now talking about arranging a large meeting in the next year or so. We want to get as many of us together as possible. So, with any luck, we will be putting a cruise together.

MaggieMae: My favorite part about the SBM! community is the genuine friendship, warmth and caring we have for one another. We share our lives through our scrapbooking and in the forum.

Thanks OnieRN and MaggieMae for sharing your awesome story and lovely layouts!

Has anyone else out there met a fellow “Scrapbook MAX!-er”? We’d love to hear your story! Email us at newsletter@scrapbookmax.com if you would like to participate in an interview. We may feature it in an upcoming issue of The Groove! 

 Put Your Stamp On It!

(Your “signature style” stamp, that is!)

 - “signature” layout by mh51

- “signature” layout by eye

These two friendship layouts have the umistakeable “stamp” of their creators! mh51 has a knack for choosing delicate florals, and here she doesn’t disappoint. Great retro photos against an elegant backdrop. A perfect keepsake commemorating a special college friendship.

Eye displays her talent for bringing together a layout with an edgy, dreamy, fun quality - what a perfect backdrop for these two young friends!

We have featured the work of these two talented scrappers before in previous Scrapper Profiles, and are thrilled to do so again!

Bright Idea: What is your “stamp” - the kinds of elements and backgrounds you choose again and again? Make a friendship layout using your “signature style”. Then, publish as a screensaver to brighten your day by choosing File > Publish To > Screensaver. You can read more about publishing layouts as screensavers in Chapter 6 of our User’s Guide found under Help or at http://www.scrapbookmax.com/webhelp

Designer Friendships!

  - tribute layout for Steve Russell, by Michelle McCoy

  - tribute layout for Donna Thomas, by Fiona Storey 

Michelle and Fiona, Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store designers, created fun friendship layouts in tribute to fellow designers (and friends). Take a look!

Bright Idea: Did you know that you can send a Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store Gift Certificate to a friend? Just go to the store’s home page, and choose Gift Certificates near the top of the screen. Your friend will love getting treated to kits and templates of their choice to use with Scrapbook MAX!.

The Monthly Freebie Challenge! 

-sample for Donna’s “super challenge”. Details in the Challenges and Contest forum.     

The “Freebie” Part!

Donna Thomas has generously supplied a freebie shapes mini-kit (the “Maxie Kit”) to all our Groove readers. You’ll find it attached to our The Groove Monthly Freebie and Challenge  thread.

Here’s how Donna describes the Maxie Kit:

This kit is introducing blended photo add ons concept - for more information, (see The Groove Monthly Freebie and Challenge thread). I have two related items in the store: Photo Word Tags and Trendy Expressions Templates (pictured below) .The Trendy Expressions Templates use the Word Tags for backgrounds and coordinate well with any mixing and matching of the pages. These shapes will help you add more to your photos using family member word tags with the blending base.

The “Challenge” Part!

Donna has issued this challenge based on her freebie mini-kit:

Simple challenge: Use the shapes in this mini-kit to plop on your photos or papers and display them in the challenge thread!

FIND THE FREEBIE AND CHALLENGE IN THE “CHALLENGES AND CONTESTS” FORUM, AND GET SCRAPPIN’!
 
Looking for more fun? See Donna’s “super challenge” in this thread! - don’t worry! It’s “super fun”, not “super hard” - LOL! 

PLUS - a lucky, random challenge participant will get an official Scrapbook MAX! mousepad.

Discount Coupon For
July 2008 “Featured Kits”

Love Donna’s freebie mini-kit? Looking for more?

This month, when you purchase the full Maximizers kit, or any of Donna’s four Featured Kits (all pictured below), you’ll receive a discount for 10% off! Simply add any of the four Featured Kits to your cart until July 31, 2008, and type in the coupon code JULY-DTH to receive your 10% off discount (be sure to type in the code JULY-DTH exactly as shown).

Offer is good on new orders in the Featured Kits category only, until July 31, 2008. Coupon code  must be used at the time of purchase and must be typed in exactly as shown.

July 2008 Featured Kits

Trendy Kit

Photo Word Tags

Maximizers Torn Photo/Paper Scraps Set 1

Trendy Expressions Templates

Booster Pack Store:

 New Releases
 

Have you been shopping lately? Dozens of new kits are added to the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store each month. Be sure to stop by and check out our awesome selection of embellishment kits and template sets, professionally-designed to work with Scrapbook MAX!.

Below is a small sample of some of new kits recently added to the store by various designers.

Deanne Gow-Smith - Red Rover Kit

Kathie Woolery - Celebrate Freedom Kit

 Carena Scott - Tom Boy Elements Kit

Fiona Storey - Violet Hill Kit

Look for a fun new issue of The Groove next month (release date August 1, 2008).

Not yet signed up for The Groove?  Sign up for free today, and get a link to The Groove delivered to your inbox each month. Inspiration, freebies, challenges, scrapper profiles and more await!

Share This

(Above) A fun and creative summer layout featuring “sandals and toes”, by Fiona Storey

We love how laying out a series of photos from the same “event” makes a statement - why not try it yourself!

In The Groove

Summertime is knocking at the door! And though the living may not always be completely “easy” (as the tune goes), we hope that you find a moment or two to relax and enjoy The Groove!

In this laidback issue, we put the focus on everyone’s favorite - layouts by members of our Scrapbook MAX! Online Community. We were so inspired by the contributions to our call for summer layouts, that we decided to feature one stellar layout from each contributor!

So pour yourself a cold glass of lemonade, put on the shades, and dream of all the summertime layouts you’ll be inspired to scrap after reading The Groove!

 ”Beach Baby”

We love how these three beach layouts make you feel like you’re swimming! Setting photos right into a watery background is a super cool idea. Try it out with your own beach day photos - Thanks to pkdoll, sacannon, and Oceania for sharing!

Scrapper Profile

The amazing *eng*!|

Meet *eng*, who’s warm and friendly personality is well-known to us all in the Scrapbook MAX! Online Community. Get to know her better, and check out her gorgeous layouts!

Q- If you were an animal, what would you be? Why?

A - A dog… why? Because they are so loyal and their love is unconditional.

Q - How long have you been digital scrapbooking and what got you started? 

A- I began digi scrapbooking when google found Scrapbook MAX! very soon after it was launched on the www. It saved me a fortune as I gave up paper scrapping and such a space saver!

Q- What are your non-scrapbooking hobbies?

A- I used to do anything and everything craft related but now I have disciplined myself. Photography, I now have a DSLR, (digital single lens reflex) I’m hooked on genealogy now, inspired by Sue Cannons lay outs and  finally my lappy (laptop). I am no expert and am self taught but love messing about making posters for noticeboards etc.

Q - Tell us about your family.

A- My husband Micky and I have been together for 28 years, he works for Housing within our local council. I have 3 children, Jonathan is 24, at uni doing film production, he moves into a flat in July but he says he’ll still bring his washing home! James is 22 on May 28th , Amy is 18 next month and is hoping to do Film and Media in September. She loves photography and goes to all the film premieres, concerts and sign ins getting there hours before to get the best pitch!  Oh and of course there’s Jasper our human Jack Russell !

Q - There’s a blank screen in front of you. How do you begin your layout?                    

A- Inspiration used to just happen, I just used to get an idea and  off I’d go. However in 2001 I was seriously ill and am so lucky to be able to say that.  My memory was badly affected and seems to have affected my creative side which I find frustrating as art and craft was my ’speciality’ from a young age. So, a blank screen often faces a blank mind. Now I tend to pick something and build on it, wheras I used to have an idea and hardly be able to keep up with myself!

Q- Tell us about one layout that you are particularly proud of and why?                        

A- The one I have just completed about my great -great grandfather. I can’t emphasise how emotional the journey is discovering those who went before you and the thrill of tracing them which is so time consuming but it is so worth it.

Q- What is the best part about using Scrapbook MAX!?

A- Well the software is the best on the web, so user friendly, especially for numpty’s like me! I was lucky I found it soon after its launch and I’ve never looked for anything else. The forum is just full of people who have developed strong friendships through SBM and these are so well established they will be forever. Several have met in person and Eye and Smile are coming over to England to see me in a couple of years and I can’t wait!

Q - Describe your favorite time of year.

A- Spring  - I love the lighter mornings and evenings, the blossom on the trees, the chirruping of the birds as they feed their young, all the baby animals and the feeling of wanting to ‘get on and do!’.

Check out some of *eng*’s favorite layouts below:

Mother Nature’s Colors

These two layouts caught our eye for taking their cue from “Mother Nature”. Notice how in each layout, the tones of the sand and water are echoed in by the embellishments, backgrounds and papers chosen. Thank you Wendy Gibson and LSignal - Just stunning!

And, To The Contrary

These two layouts show you how to do just the opposite, in perfect style! When you have a photo with neutral tones, you can make an artistic statement by choosing elements in bright, bold, colors for dramatic contrast. Love the results by Michelle McCoy and twclerk!

 The Monthly Freebie Challenge!

Get in on the fun of our Monthly Freebie Challenge! Here’s how it works:

The “Freebie” Part!

Deanne Gow-Smith has generously supplied a freebie mini-kit to all our Groove readers based on her lovely full kit called Victorian Series Charlemaine. Find it in our Challenges and Contests Forum, download it, and use it to get in on the challenge!

The “Challenge” Part!

Deanne has issued this challenge based on her freebie mini-kit:

Use the freebie mini-kit to create a layout. Add to this layout two papers or embellishments from a different source (i.e., not from this kit), but who’s colors cooordinate with your page. Post your layout in a reply to the  Monthly Freebie Challenge thread (June 2008).

FIND THE FREEBIE AND CHALLENGE IN THE “CHALLENGES AND CONTESTS” FORUM, AND GET SCRAPPIN’!

PLUS - three lucky, random challenge participants will get an official Scrapbook MAX! mousepad.

Discount Coupon For
June 2008 “Featured Kits”

Love Deanne’s freebie mini-kit? Looking for more?

This month, when you purchase the full Victorian Series Charlemaine Kit, or any of Deanne’s four Featured Kits (all pictured below), you can receive 10% off your purchase! Simply add any of the three Featured Kits to your cart until June 30, 2008, and type in the coupon code JUNE-DGO to receive your 10% off discount (be sure to type in the code JUNE-DGO exactly as shown).

Offer is good on new orders in the Featured Kits category only, until June 30, 2008. Coupon code  must be used at the time of purchase and must be typed in exactly as shown.

Deanne Gow-Smith - Victorian Series Charlemaine KIT

Deanne Gow-Smith - Patricia Rose Template

Deanne Gow-Smith - Lovey Dove Template

Booster Pack Store:
 New Releases
 

Have you been shopping lately? Dozens of new kits are added to the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store each month. Be sure to stop by and check out our awesome selection of embellishment kits and template sets, professionally-designed to work with Scrapbook MAX!.

Below is a small sample of some of new kits recently added to the store by various designers. 

Wendy Gibson - Colorful You Template

Crystal Longbrake - Alpha Double Pack Dotted Acrylic & Notebook Paper Kit

Donna Thomas - Photo Word Tags Kit

Kathy Waddell - Art Deco Gingerbread House Mini-Kit

Summer Sunset

We saved this breathtaking layout by Fern Byrd for last, featuring an amazing sunset. The perfect ending for a great summer day, and the perfect ending to this issue of The Groove.  Happy Summer!

Be sure to check out next month’s issue, coming July 1, 2008!

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Glamourous and Hilarious! - layout by OnieRN

The April Fool’s Day Edition (in MAY!)

In the Groove

They say that laughter is the best medicine. We, your Groove-y Editors, could not agree more! That’s why this May Issue of The Groove is dedicated to humor, fun, and good times in general!

In fact, we’re calling this issue of The Groove our April Fool’s Issue. (Why are we doing this in May, you ask? Because April’s theme was “babies” in honor of the release of Scrapbook MAX! Baby Edition. Sooooo, by doing this in May, I guess we’re already off to a wacky start!)

 Want to win a mousepad in honor of April Fool’s Day? Be one of the first three people to email us at newsletter@scrapbookmax.com listing the three (3) fiercely foolish headlines about Scrapbook MAX! found in this issue. Remember, you’re looking for outlandish, non-sensical, crazy facts. Our usual fun and foolery doesn’t count!

Lusciously Ludicrous Layouts!

We called for your kooky layouts, and boy did you deliver! Marion obviously had food “on the brain”, while Grannywin made cultural commentary by combining 70’s inspirational poster themes and the contemporary home renovation craze. Way to go, ladies!

Scrapbook MAX! used in Prehistoric Times?

Up until recently, it was thought that prehistoric humans preferred cave-drawing for artistic expression. However, a recent discovery by Dr. Maximus Overdrive of the Scrapsville Paleontological Institute suggests that digital scrapbooking may be a much older art form than previously thought. See the stunning photo below.

“What most impressed us at the Institute was the fact that the polite convention of giving credit was practiced even in these early times,” said Overdrive, referring to the surprising cave paintings recently discovered behind the town hall in Scrapsville. “We are also impressed with how well Scrapbook MAX! has stood the test of time.” 

The date of the image is still being hotly debated, and tests are at this point still inconclusive. However, Dr. Overdrive expects the results to show that the image may date as early as the Ice Age. “In any event,” says Overdrive, “it surely pre-dates Vista.”

Scrapper Profile

Meet Sue P. from Illinois, a talented scrapper and helpful contributor to the Scrapbook MAX! forums. Read on!

Sue P. from Illinois

Q- If you were an animal, what would you be? Why?
A- Oh boy, a tough one. I’d probably be a bear. A very cuddly one. I’ve always loved Teddy bears and how comforting they can be. I aspire to give that comfort and support as often as I can. Yep I know a teddy bear isn’t quite the answer you were looking for LOL, but its me.
 
Q- How long have you been digital scrapbooking and what got you started?
A- I’ve been digi scrapping ever since I found Scrapbook Max, December 2006. I try and send pages to my family in the UK. It’s a great way to keep in touch and for them to see how their Grand baby is growing. That’s what got me started.
 
Q- What are your non-scrapbooking hobbies?
A- Hmmm …. not sure I have any LOL. I do, just kiddin! My main hobby right now is my little angel with horns. Her name is Amy. I love cooking for my family and reading. But my favourite hobby right now is drawing on the aquadoodle wall poster with DH and DD.
 
Q- Tell us about your family.
A- I have family in the UK and in the USA. There is one little character that I really miss [yes I miss everyone so much, but this guy is special]. He is my nephew Jacob and has trisomy 13 [Patau Syndrome]. The doctors said he would not survive more than a few hours, he turns 8 in May. If there was anyone sent to teach us what life really means, he is the one. Love you sweetie.
 
Q- There is a blank screen in front of you. How do you begin your layout?
A- I always start with the photos and choose a kit to go with them. The hard part used to be deciding on the arrangement of the page but that is becoming easier with every page I do. Practice makes perfect. Now I just have to get over the indecision on what kits to use and I’ll be high n dry LOL.
 
Q- Tell us about one layout that you are particularly proud of and why.
A- I really really love “Fairy Dreams”. It was the first page that I managed to blend successfully and it was also a birthday card for my mum. The softness draws me to it every time.
 
Q-  What is the best part about using Scrapbook MAX!?
A- Oh easy question. Its ease and quickness. I can spend ages in Paint Shop Pro with special blending etc but when I want to put a LO together with speed and easiness, Scrapbook Max! is where I go. There is also the added bonus of the community. Yeah that’s you lot out there. You’re fantastic.
 
Q- Describe your favorite time of year.
A- Has to be autumn/fall or spring …. I can’t quite make up my mind. Spring is all about new growth and warmer weather. It’s a time of getting back in to step again. Autumn is the cool down of the hot summer and what can I say about the colours. They are adorable. Its a time to reflect and prepare for the winter.

Check out some of Sue’s favorite layouts:

Left-Handed Version of Scrapbook MAX! May Be In The Works

Sources close to the Scrapbook MAX! Team, including one person known only as “Resident Geek”, claim that Scrapbook MAX! may be in talks with left-handed experts about releasing a Left Handed Edition of Scrapbook MAX!.

“Left-handed scrapbookers are feeling…well…left out,”  our sort-of reliable sources say that perhaps someone involved in Scrapbook MAX! may have possibly said. “So we’re thinking of releasing a version that automatically puts all of the embellishments on left side of the page. Most importantly, the CD-ROM for the Left-Handed Edition will be nestled in the left-side of the box for easier access.”

Our sources also suggest that the Scrapbook MAX! team may eliminate  right-clicking in the rumored left-handed edition so as not to befuddle layouts created by southpaws.

The Monthly Freebie Challenge!

Get in on the fun of our Monthly Freebie Challenge! Here’s how it works:

The “Freebie” Part!

Carena Scott has generously supplied a freebie mini-kit to all our Groove readers based on her full kit called “Alex” - “[A]versatile kit for both men and women. Scrap your family photos and outdoor photos. Warm neutral earthy colours to blend with any colour range with a little floral for the ladies and star bursts for the gents.”

The “Challenge” Part!

Carena has issued this challenge based on her freebie mini-kit:

“Use the freebie kit and complete a layout using all items. Multi use of the same item is allowed and recommended. Remember your elements don’t have to be completely within the page, they can hang out over the edge. Use as many photographs as you wish but they must be black and white or monotone. Make your pages as interesting as you can and most of all - have lots of fun..”

FIND THE FREEBIE AND CHALLENGE IN THE “CHALLENGES AND CONTESTS” FORUM, AND GET SCRAPPIN’!

PLUS - three lucky, random challenge participants will get an official Scrapbook MAX! mousepad.

Discount Coupon For May 2008 “Featured Kits”

Love Carena’s freebie mini-kit? Looking for more?

This month, when you purchase the full Alex kit, or any of Carena’s four Featured Kits (all pictured below), you’ll receive a discount for 10% off! Simply add any of the four Featured Kits to your cart until May 31, 2008, and type in the coupon code MAY-CSC to receive your 10% off discount (be sure to type in the code MAY-CSC exactly as shown).

Offer is good on new orders in the Featured Kits category only, until May 31, 2008. Coupon code must be used at the time of purchase and must be typed in exactly as shown.

Featured Kits for May 2008

 Alex
http://www.scrapbookmax.com/store/product.php?productid=1928&cat=0

Whisper
http://www.scrapbookmax.com/store/product.php?productid=1877&cat=0

Garden Magic
http://www.scrapbookmax.com/store/product.php?productid=1755&cat=0&page=2

All Male/Boy
 
http://www.scrapbookmax.com/store/product.php?productid=1581&cat=0&page=1

  Here’s how Carena describes her style:

[My style] is best described as modern and on the edge. I like to keep up to date with the latest trends and styles in the scrapping world. I am constantly on the look out for new ideas and love to put them into action with a new kit for members. My style is changeable sometimes with my mood and sometimes current trends is my biggest influence in my kits. Constantly learning new techniques and most nights I’m still at my computer until midnight learning and exploring new ideas. Best way to see my style is taking a look around my gallery. See my kits in action and how they look on layouts which is probably the best way to see it all happening. - Hugs from Carena

Thanks for sharing, Carena!

Creative Genius

 Use a Scrapbook MAX! Mouse Click Stick!

Are you tired of using your finger to click the buttons on your mouse?

Give your fingertips a break, and reach for a stick instead! With spring yard clean ups abounding, you’re sure to find an ample supply of sticks for the job.

“In the 70’s and 80’s, everyone complained about dishpan hands.The problem we face today is mouse finger callous,” says Karin, co-editor of The Groove. “The solution is a mouse click stick. Ever since I started using one to click the buttons on my mouse, I can let my index finger do what it really wants - like pointing to trash bags that need to be taken out, and digging out the last of the double fudge cake frosting from the bottom of the container while I watch my favorite reality shows.”

Now that’s genius!

Inspirations

Baby, you’ve gotta be kidding! If theses aren’t just the baby funniest faces out there, we don’t know what to say! Another reminder that you should always have your camera at the ready when a baby is in the house! Thanks to Moonlightpearl and Marion for sharing.

Want more laughs? Visit our “call for wacky layouts” thread in the forums. Thanks to all participants for making us chuckle!

Booster Pack Store:

 New Releases

Have you been shopping lately? Dozens of new kits are added to the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store each month. Be sure to stop by and check out our awesome selection of embellishment kits and template sets, professionally-designed to work with Scrapbook MAX!.

Below is a small sample of some of new kits recently added to the store by various designers.

Fiona Storey - Delightful Frames

http://www.scrapbookmax.com/store/product.php?productid=1835&cat=0&page=8

Esther Barry Shades of Love

http://www.scrapbookmax.com/store/product.php?productid=1886&cat=0&page=1

Michelle McCoy - Doodle Bug

http://www.scrapbookmax.com/store/product.php?productid=1876&cat=0&page=1

Kathie Woolery - Softly Spoken Template

http://www.scrapbookmax.com/store/product.php?productid=1871&cat=0&page=1

Deanne Gow-Smith -  Boys N Bugs Kit

http://www.scrapbookmax.com/store/product.php?productid=1927&cat=0

Carena Scott - Spring Garden

http://www.scrapbookmax.com/store/product.php?productid=1733&cat=0

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
 

Our theme next month is “Surf and Turf” -get your beach and outdoor activity LO’s ready…

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Baby Layout by Shelley C., Kansas

In The Groove

It’s spring - the season of new things! And what new thing is more special than “baby”! In this super special issue of The Groove, we’re celebrating layouts that put the focus on those beautiful, bouncing bundles of joy!

 Speaking of “New” and speaking of “babies”, we are delighted to present the ALL-NEW Scrapbook MAX! Baby Edition.

You’re going to be amazed by the premium templates and incredible baby themed-kits that are included. Read below for more details about this exciting “new addtion” to the Scrapbook MAX! family!

Babies “Making Faces”

There is no better expression of pure joy and wonder than on a baby’s face!Here are some adorable layouts that show off those priceless grins. Get inspired!

Baby layouts (beginning top left) by Clara O.,TN, Julie Clark

Crystal Jozlin, Rochester MN and Carena

Debby Fuchs (a.k.a. fourfoxes)St. Clair Shores Michigan and scrappieaggie48

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

Groove Tip #1 : Scrapbook MAX! makes it easy to keep everyone informed about the new baby in your life. Simply scrap a “birth announcement” page using photos, baby elements and descriptive text, and email your good news to friends and family! It’s personalized, and quick and simple to send!

Groovy Tip #2 : Did you know that with Scrapbook MAX!,  you can make a screensaver out of your baby layouts (or any layouts!)? Choose File > Publish To> Screensaver. What a great way to bring a little extra joy to your work day!

 Scrapper Profile

O2BNGdHope a.k.a Melanie

Some of Melanie’s favorite layouts

Q -  If we asked your friends to describe you, what would they say?
A -  My friends would probably say “A quiet, responsible individual, too easily taken advantage of, that really needs to get a life of her own but is totally devoted to her grandchildren and so takes care of them while life passes her by.” I might agree with part of that; the part that says I’m totally devoted to my grandchildren.
 
Q -  How did you get involved with digital scrapbooking?
A -  When my dad was still alive, he wanted to preserve all the old stories his brothers and sisters had told him over the years. Being what he called a 2nd generation baby, his siblings were all much older than he was. His oldest brother actually taught Dad in school. But Dad had waited too long and his brothers were developing Alzheimers by the time he tried to record the stories. After my Dad died having Alzheimers, too, I wanted to preserve those same family stories that he loved so the next generations could get a better sense of who these ancestors were. I created a traditional scrapbook with all the family stories I could collect from cousins but it was so very expensive that I NEVER planned to do one again. Then, one of the sites that I had ordered heritage papers from put a column on her website about Scrapbook MAX! & she recommended it so highly that I jumped right in and ordered it. I’ve never been sorry & I’ve gained a new family in the online community. Everyone there is so very helpful and I’ve learned so much from them. 
 

Q - Besides scrapbooking, what do you do for fun?
A - Is there something fun besides scrapbooking? Hmmmm…….well…..I used to enjoy reading romances and ghost stories as a way to leave my troubles behind. I could live (for a short time) in a fantasy world where the troubles of life always end in happily ever after and the girl being swept into the arms of tall, dark and “perfect”. 
 
 
Q - Who are the most special people in your life.Why?
A - I have a lot of special people in my life. I consider my extended family (cousins, aunts, etc) to be special to me. We’re very close. My siblings and their families are Extra special and of course my Mom tops the list. Even my new SBM family is special to me. I feel so much for all of you here that my heart just aches. But the MOST special people are my 5 grandbabies.
 
 
Q - Where do you find inspiration for your layouts?
A - Ha Ha! I’m still new at this so I can get inspired just by something Granny says in a thread in the online community! But mostly from the galleries. I’ll see a particular layout or embellishment that will strike a chord in my memory and I’ll think, “Boy! I could use that with such and such picture” & I go from there. Sometimes it’s the picture itself. I’ll bring a special photo in first and then just start adding things around it. 
 

Q - Do you have a signature color scheme or type of embellishment that you love to use?
A - I would have to say my favorite colors and embellishments would be anything considered “Heritage”. Being the family genealogist, I love finding papers and embies I can use with my ancestors’ pictures. I also adore Deanne Gow-Smith’s style. I’ve done several of her Victorian Series but I also use a lot of her flowered templates. Their realistic & almost dreamy quality appeal to the woman in me.  
 
Q - What is your next scrapbook project?
A - I have several scrapbooks going at the same time…I HAVE just started a Book About Me. Baby photos, how I got my name, what love means to me, these are the beginning of a scrapbook to be left to my grandchildren that would explain a little about who I am and what things I found important. Maybe some day one of them will become the family genealogist in my place and be excited to sit down and look through this Book About Me. 
 
Q- If you could be a celebrity for one day, who would you be and why?
A - Hidden behind the anonymity of this computer screen, you wouldn’t know this about me but……I blush! Profusely. I was once willed a hot pink “Blush Towel” in high school because my blushing was so famous. I had to walk to the front of the auditorium, in front of 700 people, to get it. It was not a pretty sight. So, in the literal sense, fame would not suit me. But if I could be any celebrity, I think I’d want to be Barbara Walters. I love to listen to stories and she’s heard a lot of stories from a lot of interesting people. I personally would be too shy to ask them any questions but if I were her, I’d know exactly what to ask to get the most interesting story. And then I’d want to scrap it.