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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]
Next Month in The Groove
Our theme next month is “Surf and Turf” -get your beach and outdoor activity LO’s ready…