contest

The Groove March 2010

March 1, 2010 By karin

lemonade6363’s Green-themed Layout

(This cutie is no grouch!)

In the Groove

Lucky ol’ March is here, and with it spring is around the corner! To celebrate, we’ve included fresh layouts that incorporate green as their standout color – in unexpected ways. Check them out to inspire YOUR creativity!

We also have a freebie challenge that will have you in a spring tizzy! Fiona Storey’s springlike elements are gorgeous (as usual), and they are yours to use. Find the freebies and challenge details below.

Happy March, happy spring, and let The Groove inspire your layouts this month!

Color Theory

Certain colors just go together. Sometimes this is because they are completely opposite and they help each other “pop”. That’s the case in the layout below – we love how Diana (knzus) used purples and greens grounded by white to put together this lovely layout. It all looks even fresher because the tones are muted and not too bold. Pretty and unexpected!

knzus – Love Shines From the Heart Layout

Greens and Neutrals

Another way to make greens catch the eye is to layer it on a neutral. Kimbob’s grassy green elements on a grungy, neutral background are ingenious! We love how the natural green color catches your eye, but doesn’t distract from the subject of the layout – the photos of “good friends”. Fabulous!

kimbob’s Good Friends Layout

Greening Up a Storm

This layout by sacannon was just so creative! There is so much artistry – using the main image as the background with an embossed image effect, focusing on a single frost-covered tree as the subject, and of course the pop of green (and touches of lively red), which make us think of warmth and life despite the storm. Inspired!

sacannon – Winter Storm Layout with Greenery

The Monthly Freebie Challenge

Freebie Mini-Kit by designer Fiona Storey

Each month, a featured designer offers a great freebie mini-kit and issues a challenge based on that kit.

All you need to do is download the freebie, create a layout that steps up to the challenge, upload it to the Groove challenge and post a link to your layout in a reply to the challenge thread!

This month, designer Fiona Storey has shared a free-spirited, springy kit with great colors and embellishments!

Fiona’s Challenge:

Using at least 4 items from this kit (one item MUST be a butterfly or dragonfly), scrap a ‘spring’ layout. You may add other items from other kits but remember to give credit.

Your page must include text that has one of the following words on it: “Spring” ”Dragonfly” or ”Butterfly” (e.g. Like “Butterfly Dance” “Spring at Last” ). Let your creativity spring into life!

Find the freebie challenge thread here!

March 2010 Featured Kits

Looking for kits similar to this month’s lovely freebie? Here’s a few for your list, and a coupon to use, too! Below are March’s four featured kits, all by Fiona Storey.

Be sure to use the coupon code FST-MAR to get 10% off your purchase. Simply add any of the four Featured Kits to your cart in the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store until March 31, 2010, and type in the coupon code FST-MAR, to receive your 10% off discount (be sure to type in the code FST-MAR exactly as shown. Applies to new orders only).

Fiona Storey – Eternally Spring Kit

Fiona Storey -Delightful Denim Kit

Fiona Storey – Lace Dreams Kit

Fiona Storey – Naturally Yours Kit

Booster Pack Store: New Releases

Great 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.

Siobhan Kite – Bunnie Template

Julia Corley – Lilly Dreams Template

Diana Carmichael – Artwerk Kit

Watch for the next issue of The Groove, coming April 1, 2010!

The Groove February 2010

February 1, 2010 By karin

An adorable layout in red by akela

In The Groove

February is here – a month of love and romance that has us seeing red – in a good way, that is!

In this issue of The Groove, we’ve fully embraced the Valentine spirit. You’ll find “red” layouts, a “love”ly challenge and freebie by Booster Pack Store designer Diana Carmichael, a special 20% off offer on the all-new Forever Love Expansion Pack for Scrapbook MAX! 2.0 – and more!

Read on for the full scoop – and celebrate life, love and “scrappy-ness”!

Erase-a-rama!

Last month, we introduced an awesome new feature added to Scrapbook MAX! 2.0 – an eraser (HOORAY!)!! We called for your most creative layouts using this tool, and boy did you respond! We’ve posted some of our favorites below, but you all sure made it hard to choose. For more terrific layouts showing you what you can do with this super-easy-to-use tool, check out this thread in our forums (you’ll find some great tips and suggestions offered by our members, too!).

Carena – Caitlyn with a Crocodile Layout

kds_24_f- “Popeye” Layout (what a face!)

omajo – Creative Layout

Eraser Tip: To zoom in on the object you want to erase, use your mouse wheel!

The Forever Love Expansion Pack for Scrapbook MAX! 2.0 –

**SPECIAL OFFER!**

Looking for the perfect scrapbooking content to scrap wedding, bridal shower, engagement or any romantic themes? (Remember Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!).

Look no further than the Forever Love Expansion Pack for Scrapbook MAX! 2.0, on sale now for 20% off the regular price:

Click here to get 20% off Foreve Love until February 28, 2010.

Forever Love comes with everything you need to create dazzling pages that celebrate love and romance. We send it to you as a download immediately after purchase, and it imports automatically into Scrapbook MAX! 2.0 so you can get started right away! This pack comes with:100+ unique, customizable wedding-themed template pages; 570+ embellishments; 140+ backgrounds; 75 paper Scraps; 18 photo shapes.

Click here to see everything you get!

You’ll love the variety of styles: elegant, contemporary, crafty, classic, fun and more!

Offer ends February 28, 2010 and applies only to the Forever Love Expansion Pack and to new orders only. You must use the special link to receive your discount. The Forever Love Expansion Pack requires Scrapbook MAX! 2.0 software. (To purchase Scrapbook MAX! 2.0 software, click here.)

Gorgeous Layouts made with content from the Forever Love Expansion Pack for Scrapbook MAX! 2.0:

The Monthly Freebie Challenge

Preview of “Love”-ly Freebie Kit by Diana Carmichael

Each month, a featured designer offers a great freebie mini-kit and issues a challenge based on that kit.

All you need to do is download the freebie, create a layout that steps up to the challenge, upload it to the Groove challenge and post a link to your layout in a reply to the challenge thread!

This month, designer Diana Carmichael has shared a gorgeous, kit in sumptuous red and purple tones.

Diana’s challenge:

Using at least three (3) of the freebie kit items, scrap a layout using at least one of the following titles:

    Funky Love
    Love Is _____ (you fill in the blank)
    Color The World With Love
    How Do I Love Thee? (tell us the ways!)

Find the freebie and challenge here!

February 2010 Featured Kits

Looking for kits similar to this month’s fab freebie? Here’s a few for your list, and a coupon to use, too! Below are February’s four featured kits, all by Diana Carmichael.

Be sure to use the coupon code DCA-FEB, to get 10% off your purchase. Simply add any of the four Featured Kits to your cart in the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store until February 28, 2010, and type in the coupon code DCA-FEB, to receive your 10% off discount (be sure to type in the code DCA-FEB exactly as shown. Applies to new orders only).

Booster Pack Store: New Releases

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

Michelle McCoy – i Need u Kit

Monja Wessel – My Secret Garden Elements

Katie Castillo – Cupid Kit

Shades of Red

To conclude our February issue – A wonderfully creative layout with a red theme by nannybernie.

Watch for the next issue of The Groove, coming March 1, 2010!

The Groove October 2009

October 1, 2009 By karin

NEW Scrapbook MAX! 2.0 IS HERE!

Michelle McCoy: Butterfly Layout – made with NEW Scrapbook MAX! 2.0

You may have already heard the great news – we are thrilled to announce the release of a brand new, improved and enhanced version of Scrapbook MAX! – NEW! Scrapbook MAX! 2.0! we’ve kept the fast, fun, easy workflow of version 1, but have added in a whole lot more dazzle for your pages!

You’ll be amazed at all of the amazing artistic and creative things you can do with Scrapbook MAX! 2.0. Bend, curve and squish your text or flow it along a curve; colorize embies and photos to your exact specifications; add outlines and patterned fills to text;enjoy complete control over the blur, distance, angle and even color of your shadows – and SO MUCH MORE! (Read our HUGE Feature List here!) PLUS – it’s all spruced up with a super fast graphics engine, awesome output quality, and more to make your scrapbooks works of art.

Scrapbook MAX! 2.0 is already a hit! In this issue of The Groove, we feature layouts from our members made with the new software and using some of the great new features. we’ve also included some handy mini-tutorial screenshots to help you get acquainted with the program.

We also have a fun new challenge and freebie by Michelle McCoy that gives YOU a chance to win a copy of the new software (see below for details!). Read on to get inspired!

Get Creative With Your Text!

In new Scrapbook MAX! 2.0, you can get creative with your text: add outlines, fill your text with patterns, images and gradients, bend, curve and distort your captions, squish and stretch your characters, and more! Below are a couple of creative examples of what you can now achieve with text in Scrapbook MAX! 2.0 – remember, what you see below are not “word art” embellishments; it’s actual typed text that you can now easily and artistically manipulate to get the results you want!

KPierce – Memories Layout featuring curved text

Marion – Cruise Ship Pool Area Layout featuring curved text and a gradient color fill

Mini-Tutorial #1: Step-By-Step

To Creative Text!

Below is a simple step-by-step mini Scrapbook MAX! 2.0 tutorial demonstrating how to change a plain caption into an outlined text filled with a pattern, and curved and bent into a fun shape to liven up a layout. HINT: You can click on the screenshot images to enlarge them and get a closer look.

Remember – this is just the beginning of what you can do with text in Scrapbook MAX! 2.0! The best way to learn is to play around – you’ll be amazed at your creative possibilities!

Step 1: Add caption text to your page. Double-click on the text to call up its Properties box.

Step 2: Set the Style of text to Image/Pattern, and choose Select Image to browse to any image on your system that you wish to use as the fill for your text.

Browse for an image on your system – we chose an orange paper scrap from the Cloth category:

We also chose to use the “Ridiculous” font – one of the fun new creative fonts included free with your software. Select a new font directly from the Properties box:

Step 3: Click on the Advanced tab for more options.

Step 4: On the Advanced tab, you can check the Show Outline box to add an outline to your text. You can then pick the color for your outline from the color selection box, and adjust the thickness of your outline with the slider.

Step 5: We added our caption text to the page and right-clicked on it. From the drop-down menu that appears, we selected “Bendable”. Now we can drag and pull the dots that appear on the lines above and below our text to shape it into fun patterns. We can even right-click along those lines to add more bend points for more possibilities!

Dragging the bend points to get our text “into shape”!

Wasn’t that easy? And aren’t the results amazing!

Check out our free trial on www.scrapbookmax.com and see what you can do! Or, better yet, buy the full version today and save 20% – PLUS get a free bonus mega expansion pack collection, “Life Is Beautiful” – full of enhanced templates and thousands of pieces of content!

Colorize and Tint – A Rainbow

of Possibilities!

You’ve never been able to adjust the tint and colorize with such precision and ease! Make all of your photos and embies color-perfect with our easy new tools that put all the control in your hands. On the Advanced tab on the Properties box for embies and photos, simply select the Adjust Color box, and use the sliders to alter Hue, Saturation, and Lightness – watch the adjustments as they happen so you can get the exact results you want!

Plus, anytime you are shown a color selection box in Scrapbook MAX! 2.0, choose More Colors to enable an eye-dropper color picker. Simply move the eye-dropper onto a color you love anywhere on your layout, and select it to colorize your object.
How cool is that!

Omajo’s Rock And Roll Waltz Layout- embies have been colorized using Scrapbook MAX! 2.0’s new color/tint feature!

Mini-Tutorial #2:

Colorize An Embellishment!

We made this layout and love it – but think that a blue-toned froggie would be a better match for this page. That’s no problem with Scrapbook MAX! 2.0. HINT: You can click on the screenshot images to enlarge them and get a closer look.

Step 1: Double-click on the froggie embellishment to call up its Properties.

Step 2: Click on the Advanced tab.

Step 3: On the Advanced tab, select the Adjust color box. Then slide the Hue, Saturation and Lightness slider bars until the color is the one you want. You’ll see the changes occur in “real time” as you slide the bars.
We created the perfect denim blue for our frog with a couple of simple slider adjustments.

Step 4: Add the colorized embie to your page and voila!

Easy as 1-2-3! And remember, you can adjust the color of photos too with Scrapbook MAX! 2.0!

NEW in Scrapbook MAX 2.0:

Color Picker “Eye-Dropper” Tool!

HINT: You can click on the screenshot images to enlarge them and get a closer look.

Here’s another colorizing tool in new Scrapbook MAX! 2.0. Whenever you are presented with a color selection box like this:

you can use activate the eye-dropper tool to select a color from anywhere on your page as the color you use to colorize your object! (Note: in this example, we’re working with the color selector box that appears on the Caption Properties Box, but you’ll find the color selector box in other places, too!)

Simply click the arrow on the color box, and choose More Colors:

Then, move your mouse to select a color from your page as shown here (we’re selecting the pink shade of the stitched apple embellishment):

Click your mouse and the eye-dropper grabs this color to colorize your object!

In this example, we’ve colorized our text with the eye-dropper so that it coordinates exactly with the stitched apple embellishment – how cool is that?

The Groove’s Monthly Freebie Challenge!

It’s been an exciting few weeks with the release of new Scrapbook MAX! 2.0, so we’ve made sure to provide you with a super exciting challenge and freebie! Michelle McCoy has shared a terrific freebie and a very cool challenge.

FIND THE FREEBIE AND CHALLENGE THREAD HERE!

PLUS! each week in October 2009, Michelle will be randomly selecting a layout made by a challenge participant – the creator of that layout will win a FREE copy of Scrapbook MAX! 2.0 or, if you already have the software, the mega Scrapbook MAX! 2.0 Expansion Pack of your choice (Bundle Of Joy or Back To School)!

“Stamp It” Challenge!

by Michelle McCoy

This month I thought I would try something easy, but different from the ordinary “Fall” or “Halloween” theme for October. I think this challenge will keep your ideas flowing since there are so many ways to be creative with this.
Here is what I want you to do…
1.) Download freebie.
2.) Using the stamp templates provided, you are to make a layout look like a postal stamp..basically we are making our own personal stamp, but as a layout. Templates provided can be used for 12×12, 8×8, 5×7 or 4×6 in size.
3.) You can ONLY use items from the kit provided. But you MAY change the color of anything you use and you may make other embellishments out of the backgrounds as well…
4.) Upload your layout to the gallery and add the image or link to your page, here in this thread.
5.) ALL participants have a chance to win the new updated Scrapbook MAX! 2.0 software (or, the Scrapbook MAX! 2.0 Expansion Mega Pack of your choice – Bundle Of Joy or Back To School). Every week, I will randomly pick someone who places a layout for this challenge. So if you don’t win the first week, don’t’ give up, make another page for the second week, etc etc…Good luck to you!
6.) If you would like to share your template for others to have, by all means, upload the .smt file here as well..

I hope you have fun with this one, and remember, if you have any questions…Pleeeeeeease ~ ask away…((HUGS))

FIND THE FREEBIE AND CHALLENGE THREAD HERE!

October 2009 “Featured Kits”

Love Michelle’s freebie mini-kit? Looking for kits with a similar style?

Below are October’s four featured kits, all by Michelle McCoy. Be sure to use the coupon code MMC-OCT, to get 10% off your purchase. Simply add any of the four Featured Kits to your cart in the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store until October 31, 2009, and type in the coupon code MMC-OCT, to receive your 10% off discount (be sure to type in the code MMC-OCT exactly as shown. Applies to new orders only).

Michelle McCoy – Autumn Bliss

Michelle McCoy – Country Roosters

Michelle McCoy – The Great Outdoors

Michelle McCoy – Jungle Buddies

Shape UP!

You’ve always been able to have fun with photoshapes in Scrapbook MAX! – but now, in Scrapbook MAX! 2.0 there’s another option: INVERT your shape! So, instead of cutting around the perimeter of your photo or scrap, you can “cut out” the interior of it (like the cookie dough that’s left on the counter after you’ve cut out the cookie!). This gives you another creative way to design layouts! Check out what Wendy and Val have done with inverted shapes below. Following that, we show you how easy it is with a mini tutorial!

Booster Pack Store Designer Wendy Gibson uses an inverted shape to jazz up her layout. She used her Applelicious and School Days kits for the great elements – find them in her section of the store here.

Valerie Elanie made this gorgeous layout making use of the invert shape feature.

Mini-Tutorial #3: Invert a Shape!

Getting creative doesn’t get any easier than this! Using Scrapbook MAX! 2.0, invert your photoshapes for endless creative possibilities! HINT: You can click on the screenshot images to enlarge them and get a closer look.

Step 1: Double-click on your photo or embellishment to call up it’s Properties. Choose Custom Shape, and then the Select button to find the shape you want to add.

We added a “galaxy” type shape to a blue paper scrap:

Step 2: To invert the shape – meaning that we’ll be cutting the shape OUT of the paper scrap instead of around it – simply check the Invert Shape box (just below the Custom Shape box). And you’re done!

We hope that you’ve enjoyed this special issue of The Groove as we celebrate the release of New Scrapbook MAX! 2.0. Learn more about it on our site, and remember to check out our free trial at www.scrapbookmax.com. And if you buy today, you’ll save 20% off the regular price, PLUS you get the jam-packed content collection Life Is Beautiful absolutely FREE – all the details are on our site!

Thanks for reading – see you next month!

The Groove October 2007

October 1, 2007 By karin

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]

Next Month In The Groove

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

The Groove September 2007

September 1, 2007 By karin

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration – September 2007

In The Groove

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

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

The Great Outdoors!

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

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

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

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

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

Scrapper Profile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check out some of Irene’s favorite layouts!

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

**EXTRA! EXTRA!**“Speaking Of Rosie” Digital Scrapbooking MEGAKIT

A Collaborative Labor of Love

“Speaking Of Rosie” is a HUGE Digital Scrapbooking MEGAKIT to benefit Rosie Pittman. Fifteen (yes, that’s 15!!) designers have come together to bring you over 500 elements plus 3 complete Scrapbook MAX! template sets. By purchasing this HUGE kit, you will be supporting Rosie Pittman, a delightful 4 year old girl who brings joy to everyone she meets. Rosie has the disorders known as Autism and Apraxia. Simply stated, this means that at this point in time, Rosie is unable to communicate as most children her age can. She primarily communicates by using American Sign Language. Although she knows many signs, she has a very limited speech vocabulary. She has made great gains through speech therapy and through the diligence of her mother’s teaching. Your purchase will be raising money that will go directly to her speech therapy – 100% of the proceeds from your purchase will go directly to Rosie’s mother, Chelle, for the purpose of defraying the cost of her (very costly) speech therapy sessions. CLICK HERE for kit previews!IMPORTANT NOTE: You can buy the individual components OR purchase the entire kit at over 70% off! If you load up your cart with ALL of the items in Rosie’s Kit, you will get the whole thing for ONLY $13.44! Simply add ALL of the items to your cart and then type in the coupon code “ROSIE” at checkout to receive the MASSIVE discount!

The Groove’s Monthly Freebie

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

Click here to get your Freebies!

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

Creative Genius

Digital Greeting Cards!

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

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

Contest: “The Great Outdoors”

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

To enter, publish your layout as a JPEG image using the ‘High Quality’ and ‘Web/Email’ options, and upload it to the contest page in the Scrapbook MAX! gallery. All entries will be available for viewing. Contest closes Thursday, September 27, 2007, 5:00pm (CST). ** Note: You must be a registered member of the Scrapbook MAX! forums to enter this contest. To register for free, click here.

“Friends Are Like Rainbows” Contest Winners

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

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

Congratulations to our Runners-up!

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

and

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

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

Inspirations

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

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

and

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

The Groove Wants YOU!

Next Month in The Groove

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

The Groove July 2007

July 1, 2007 By karin

The GrooveDigital 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 [email protected] for details.

And Now, Presenting PhotoSpark!

From the makers of Scrapbook MAX! comes PhotoSpark – a brand new digital photo album software program for digital photography enthusiasts! With its easy-to-use design space, slick content, and super cool themes, PhotoSpark is sure to appeal to everyone, scrapbookers and non-scrapbookers alike!At $39.95, PhotoSpark makes an affordable gift for the digital photography enthusiast on your list, or a great treat for yourself! And here’s the best news –as friends of Scrapbook MAX!, we are giving you a spectacular offer. If you purchase PhotoSpark by July 16, 2007, you will receive 50% off the purchase price – that’s only $19.97 + shipping! Be sure to enter the coupon code 54373 at checkout to receive this incredible deal.

Click here to see everything that’s included. And remember, you can use everything you see included in PhotoSpark right in Scrapbook MAX! with our free file converter. (At the special price of $19.97, PhotoSpark is a tremendous deal for content alone; thousands of pieces of content are included!).
Hurry – offer ends July 16, 2007! Buy now and save!

The Groove’s Monthly Freebie

Even though this month’s free mini-kit is called “Barely There,” you’ll sure be glad that it is there! Many thanks to the superbly talented Fiona Storey, Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store designer, for sharing her creations!

Click here to get your Freebies!

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

Creative Genius

Are you planning to host an event this summer? Instead of just inviting your friends the old fashioned way through “snail mail” or by phone, why not make simple, themed invitations with Scrapbook MAX! and send them out through email!

You can either email your invitation right from Scrapbook MAX! by clicking on the “envelope” icon, or choose Publish To > Images,
and select the High Quality and Web/Email settings. Then, attach the published image(s) to an email message!

(Check out our sample invitation to a scrumptious fondue party. Mmmm…melted chocolate….)

Contest: “Wonderfully Whimsical”

Whimsy is being spirited, carefree, imaginative, and childlike. Whatever your interpretation is, we want to see your layouts celebrating the wonderful world of “whimsy”. Three winning layouts will be published in the next issue of The Groove: 1st prize is a $20 gift certificate to the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store! 2 runners up will each receive an official Scrapbook MAX! mousepad.

To enter, publish your layout as a JPEG image using the ‘High Quality’ and ‘Web/Email’ options, and upload it to the contest page in the Scrapbook MAX! gallery. All entries will be available for viewing. Contest closes Friday, July 27, 2007, Midnight (CST). ** Note: You must be a registered member of the Scrapbook MAX! forums to enter this contest. To register for free, click here.

“Dear Dad” Contest Winners

1st Place Winner!

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

Our 1st Place layout by Christine N. shows off great “daddy” photos with an eye-pleasing color palette, and well-chosen embellishments. Awesome!

Runners-Up!

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

Check out the cool “bulletin board” design by Diana…with a recipe included! The soft colors and tender photos used by mackie sure capture the special love of father and child.

Congrats to all participants!

Inspirations

A World of Whimsy! Sometimes, the best layouts are the ones where we let our imaginations run free! Below, we feature two inspiring layouts that we think reflect a fresh, fun way of featuring great photos. We love Mary H.’s spirited use of color, pattern, and layered scraps to capture the dizzy fun of an amusement park ride (and check out those smiles!). And isn’t the “underwater” effect of Irene V.’s shimmering background, bubbly elements, and gorgeous ocean coast photo spectacular? So, gather up your favorite photos, look at them in a new way, and enjoy the creative results!

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

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

The Groove Wants You!

Next Month in The Groove

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

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The Groove October 2009

NEW Scrapbook MAX! 2.0 IS HERE!

Get Creative With Your Text!

Mini-Tutorial #1: Step-By-Step

To Creative Text!

Colorize and Tint – A Rainbow

of Possibilities!

Mini-Tutorial #2:

Colorize An Embellishment!

NEW in Scrapbook MAX 2.0:

Color Picker “Eye-Dropper” Tool!

The Groove’s Monthly Freebie Challenge!

“Stamp It” Challenge!

October 2009 “Featured Kits”

Shape UP!

Mini-Tutorial #3: Invert a Shape!

The Groove October 2007

The Groove September 2007

The Groove July 2007

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In the Groove

Color Theory

Greens and Neutrals

Greening Up a Storm

The Monthly Freebie Challenge

March 2010 Featured Kits

Booster Pack Store: New Releases

In The Groove

Erase-a-rama!

The Monthly Freebie Challenge

February 2010 Featured Kits

Booster Pack Store: New Releases

NEW Scrapbook MAX! 2.0 IS HERE!

Get Creative With Your Text!

Mini-Tutorial #1: Step-By-Step

To Creative Text!

Colorize and Tint – A Rainbow

of Possibilities!

Mini-Tutorial #2:

Colorize An Embellishment!

NEW in Scrapbook MAX 2.0:

Color Picker “Eye-Dropper” Tool!

The Groove’s Monthly Freebie Challenge!

“Stamp It” Challenge!

October 2009 “Featured Kits”

Shape UP!

Mini-Tutorial #3: Invert a Shape!

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