layouts

The Groove March 2008

March 1, 2008 By karin

“Green” St. Patrick’s Day Layout by Aggie Girl

In The Groove

In many places, March is a month where things begin to get “green” again. Throughout this issue, you’ll notice that many of the layouts have a green theme to help us celebrate the new beginnings of the season.

We also have some “new” and exciting features to share with you – like our brand new challenge format – where everybody gets a little something (hint…designer-made FREEBIES!), plus a discount deal on featured kits from our store.

So read on for all of your Groove-y favorites, and more!

Ideas for “Around the House”

No, we’re not promoting a new cleaning product or suggesting that you re-decorate! When we say “Around the House”, it’s in relation to scrapbooking (of course!). So though this may be the month of “spring cleaning” your house, we hope you’ll look at your house with a “scrapper’s eye” for layout inspirations!

Perhaps it’s a pattern in the draperies or area rug that gets your creating juices flowing. Or maybe it’s a view from a window, or an ordinary day at home that turns into one of your fondest memories. Get inspired by the layouts below from Fiona Storey and O2BNgHope that take home and family as a starting point for scrapbooking inspiration!

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

Groovy Tip #1 – Use a Photo as a Background! Just open up your photos folder, and drag and drop your favorite photo into the Scrapbook MAX! design space. Select ‘Background’ in the drag and drop assistant. The creative possibilities are endless!

Groovy Tip #2 – When exporting a template, make sure that you choose to “remove photos”. This ensures that your template is a “fresh canvas” for those you share it with!

Scrapper Profile

Mary

Meet Mary (mh51) – a talented scrapper (love those art posted layouts!), and a delightful presence in the forums. Read on and get to know this generous, humble and all-around lovely lady!

Q- Tell us a little about yourself.
A- I am happily married (second time around) to Bob. He’s my best friend. I have two loving, caring sons and two WONDERFUL grandsons.
I was born in Scotland and migrated ‘south’ to England when I was 25yrs old. I’m quite a private person, not too good with words & having difficulty describing myself!! I love spending time with family and am VERY ‘close’ to my sister Helen.

Q- How did you get started on digital scrapbooking?
A- I just cannot remember… I was making paper cards only for a short time & only for family members and I think I was browsing the web looking for some supplies and stumbled across Scrapbook MAX! and, as the saying goes, the rest is history.

Q- What are your hobbies/interests (other than digital scrapbooking of course)?
A- My main interest HAS to be my grandsons, Sam & Ben. I just cannot imagine life without them. Travel has to come pretty high on my list also. We have now visited ALL of the 50 USA States and quite a bit of Europe also.

Q- Where do you get your layout ideas?
A- I just find a ‘subject matter’ ~ drag into SBM ~ and take it from there. As you all probably know I use quite a lot of art posters & just can’t get away from the floral theme. We had quite a large garden before moving to apartment living, so I suppose that love of flowers never leaves you.

Q- Tell us about the layout you are most proud of and why.
A- Sorry ~ I’m not that conceited.

Q- What do you think makes Scrapbook MAX! so popular?
A- Its Members & the Forum. I check it EVERY day and almost every hour. Everyone is so friendly & helpful. I love the community spirit. We have many talented people and I just adore the work of Deanne Gow-Smith ~ our very own MOONBEAM. However does she keep coming up with such great work… it just gets better & better. I wish I had her vision.

Q- Who is your favorite movie star?
A- Had to think about this one…. And if I have to choose one I would probably say Denzel Washington. He’s so versatile and I don’t think he’s made a bad move yet! (psst..sound like YOU, Mary!)

Check out some of Mary’s favorite layouts below:

The Scrapbook MAX!

Community Welcomes YOU!

For those of you who have not yet joined our free Online Community, the time is now! Get great scrapbooking tips, join interesting, informative (and sometimes downright wacky!) discussions (in a good way!), and post your questions about Scrapbook MAX! – our active community of thousands of members means you have support and fun at you fingertips 24/7!

And the best part? A CONTINUOUS SUPPLY OF DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING FREEBIES! In our Community’s Sharing Corner, you’ll find new freebie templates and embellishments posted all the time by generous and talented “Fellow MAX!-ers”

Join the fun and find some friends in the Scrapbook MAX! Online Community. Here’s how to register (it’s fast, secure, and free!):
Step 1: SIGN UP: http://www.scrapbookmax.com/forums/register.php

Step 2: ACTIVATE: You’ll receive an email from us after you register. Follow the link to activate your account.

Step 3: SIGN IN: Once you’ve registered and activated an account, you can sign in and download embellishments.

The Groove’s (first-ever)

Monthly Freebie Challenge!

So we were thinking…”our readers love freebies”. And then we thought some more…”our readers are always up for a layout challenge”. And that’s how THE GROOVE MONTHLY FREEBIE CHALLENGE was born! Here’s how it works:

The “Freebie” Part!

Kathie Woolery has generously supplied a freebie mini-kit to all our Groove readers based on her full kit called “Primavera Promises” – “Tender pink flowers, blue skies, and the first sweet green grass; this mini-kit coordinates with Primavera Promises and features five springtime backgrounds in a watercolor on canvas texture and ten elements to help you celebrate Spring!”

The “Challenge” Part!

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

“Create a layout using all three colors of papers and at least five elements (i.e., the papers and elements from the free mini-kit).” Upload your layout to your gallery, and then post a link to your layout in a reply to this thread (also where you’ll find the freebie kit!!!).”

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

March 2008 “Featured Kits”

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

This month, when you purchase the full Primavera Promises kit, or any of Kathie’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 March 31, 2008, and type in the coupon code MARCH-KWO to receive your 10% off discount (be sure to type in the code MARCH-KWO exactly as shown).

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

Featured Kits for March 2008

Primavera Promises Kit

Days Gone By Kit

$Kathie Woolery - Bare Footin\$

Looking For Love Kit

Bare-Footin’ Kit

Here’s how Kathie Woolery describes her design style:

“I would have to describe my design style as realistically textured. I prefer designing (and using) realistic backgrounds and elements with a feeling of substance like cardstock, linen, lace, chipboard and painted wood.”

Thanks for the freebie, featured kits, and fun challenge, Kathie!

A special Freebie from our

Community!

Tired of freebies yet? We didn’t think so!!!

Sometimes “seeing green” is just right! Enjoy Scrapbook MAX! Community Member Wickel’s lovely St. Patrick’s Day template page to get you into the spirit of green!

Find Wickel’s “Think Green” template in our Sharing Corner.

First Place Winner

in “The Four Seasons” Contest

by ryansmom66

Isn’t this fantastic? Besides the stunning photo, we love how the color palette of the layout shows off its best features. The crisp white background sets off the dazzling carpet of leaves at the feet of this stunning couple, not to mention the dazzling wedding gown! And the red elements and border pick up the richest tones in the leaves, as well as in the bouquet. Simply genius!

Our Runners-Up

makeyesup provided us with a frosty feast for the eyes – her stunning Winter Layout. What lovely photos and icy color choices – perfection!

We also loved KPierce’s Spring Butterfly Layout, another page that “took flight”. The pastel colors gave the page an airy quality, perfect for showcasing the delicate winges of these regal butterflies!

Congratulations to all who entered The Four Seasons contest. We look forward to seeing your entries in our brand new “Monthly Freebie Challenge” thread, where everyone gets something, including freebies and fun!

Inspirations

The layouts below combine the two themes running throughout this issue of The Groove: around the house, and “green”. What is more “homey” than food, such as the fresh baked cookies in Michelle McCoy’s Lucky Charm Dance layout, or the “good food/good wine” theme of jamiept’s page (with a sophisticated green background)?

Get inspired, and focus on your plate the next time you need a “fresh” layout idea!

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 added to the store in February 2008 by various designers.

Deanne Gow-Smith – Victoriana Series Adelaide

http://www.scrapbookmax.com/store/product.php?productid=1666&cat=0

Stacey Kluczny – Sweet Memories

http://www.scrapbookmax.com/store/product.php?productid=1674&cat=0

Fiona Storey – She Remembers

http://www.scrapbookmax.com/store/product.php?productid=1675&cat=0

Esther Barry – Dance With Me

http://www.scrapbookmax.com/store/product.php?productid=1640&cat=0&page=5

Carena Scott – All Male

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

Michelle McCoy- Paddy Green

http://www.scrapbookmax.com/store/product.php?productid=1651&cat=1

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

Hold on to your hats…we have a wonderful and wacky “April Fool’s” issue in store for you next month!

The Groove January 2008

January 1, 2008 By karin

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration

In The Groove

Another great year has come and gone. It’s time to celebrate the past year, and look forward to the future! What better way to celebrate than to get out your favorite photos from 2007, and start scrappin’!

This month, we’ve packed The Groove with layouts that show off the fine art of “Celebrating”. You’ll get your chance, too – look for our brand new layout contest called “Celebrate Good Times!” – details below.

We’re starting off the “Groove-y” New Year with our usual round of tips and tricks for great digital scrapbooking. Plus, you’re going to l ove this month’s freebie from Steve Russell, and an incredible coupon for 20% purchases in the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store (read below for the full scoop!). Get into 2008, and get into The Groove!

Life’s Celebrations

We all work hard every day. That’s why it’s important to take time to remember what it’s all for – the joy of celebrations, big and small. Maybe that’s why special times for celebrating were invented in the first place!

Check out two very special layouts below that capture the magical moments that we live for. Our thanks to the very talented fourfoxes (Nolan’s First Christmas) and kimbob (And So It Begins) for their wonderful contributions!

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

Don’t forget about Drag and Drop!

Groovy Tip #1: You can use embellishments that you’ve downloaded from other sites in Scrapbook MAX!. Just open up the folder where you keep your stash, select the image you want to use, and drag it into the Scrapbook MAX! design space. The Drag and Drop Assistant will ask you how you want to add your image; as a Photo, Embellishment, Paper Scrap, or Background. It’s that easy!

Groovy Tip #2: When you drag and drop embellishments into your Scrapbook MAX! design space, make sure you add them in as Embellishments (and not Photos). Otherwise, if you make a template and choose Remove Photos, your embellishments will be removed!

Scrapper Profile

Fiona Storey

Meet Fiona Storey, a.k.a. “angelwithin”! This lovely lady is a true “angel” in our forums, helping others with technical questions and sharing her creative ideas. She is also a designer in our Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store. Read on to learn more about her.

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

A. I’d have to be a wild Cat as the wildcat would never take a conventional route, preferring to explore life from off the beaten track, relying heavily on thier instincts and powers of observation to guide them safely through the jungle. Their air of indifference and need for privacy keeps them on the outskirts of society, but their love for comfort always brings them back – that is so me lol!

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

A. I got into digital scrapbooking by accident around November 2006. I have been making cards for numerous years. I’d been making my own embellishments in paint shop pro but often found when I printed them they were slightly the wrong size for the card I was designing. So I went hunting online for a program that I could use to help me layout out and size all the digital embellishments for my cards. I found Scrapbook MAX! and within a few hours I was totally hooked!

Q. What are your non-scrapbooking hobbies?

You mean there are hobbies outside of scrapbooking!!! I’m joking, I am still into card making, I write poetry, create digital art, I love making printable paper crafts, weave dream catchers, make relaxation dvd’s, play bingo and build web sites……..but my Hubby says my biggest hobby besides scrapbooking is spending money on ebay! lol

Q. Tell us about your family.

I’ve been married to Stephen for nearly 5 years now and it’s 2nd time lucky! I have two great kids, Joe & Jenny, both well adjusted normal people ….still trying to figure out how that happened with me as their mother!

I come from a big crafting arty family and have 4 sisters and 3 brothers scattered all over southern UK. Mum & dad live a few miles away from us. We were brought up to be creative; both my parents and my grandparents were artists & writers.

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

A. It really depends on my mood! I sometimes start out with paper and pencil, scribble down a rough draft of how I want a set of layouts to look. Often, I will start with just one item – it may just be a photograph, a paper scrap, a frame or an embellishment – and that then becomes the focal point for the layout.

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

It’s not a single page layout, it’s a whole album about my son Matthew’s short life. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. At times I really didn’t think I would finish it as I re-lived so many happy and heart wrenching memories doing it – but it was the most healing, cleansing and liberating experience and worth every tear.

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

A. It is so user friendly, easy and versatile. You can get fantastic results with very little effort, the fabulous friendships & backup from our forum members, and I can’t forget our great techie & lovely admin staff…..we break it, they will tell us how to fix it *grins*……. Not many programs have such a friendly interactive support system which makes MAX! a pleasure to use.

Q. Describe your favorite time of year.

A. Oh, this is a hard one! I love all the seasons for different reasons lol – that rhymed! I love spring for the vibrant colours and the wonderful feeling of hope it inspires, summer for the long warm cloudless skies and the way it makes everyone happier & friendlier, autumn for the vivid colour changes, misty mornings and the excuse to start putting on weight *winks*, and winter for those long cozy nights with family, friends and steaming mugs of hot chocolate with marshmellows.

Check out some of Fiona’s favorite layouts below:

New Year’s Blow-Out Sale!

20% Off Booster Pack Store Purchases !

You read right! To kick off the New Year with a great big bang, we’re giving you 20% off Booster Pack Store purchases!

This is a great time to stock up on kits to scrap your Christmas and holiday pics, and to stack your stash for all the photos you’re going to be snappin’ in ’08!

Here’s how it works: On purchases of $10 or more in the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store, simply type in the coupon code NEWYEARS2008. You will receive a whopping 20% off of your purchase! Offer expires January 31, 2008.

Offer valid only on purchases made in the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store with a minimum $10 value. Applies to new purchases only; cannot be applied to previous purchases. Coupon code must be used at the time of purchase. Offer expires January 31, 2008.

The Groove’s Monthly Freebie

Here is a mini-kit that’s sure to liven up your fall photos. Enjoy these dazzling freebies by Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store designer Steve Russell!

Click here for your freebies

Love Steve’s Kit? Find links to his autumn themed content kits here!

Creative Genius

Christmas Tags by Tina S.

We love it when folks come up with creative ways to use Scrapbook MAX! -here’s further proof that it`s not just for scrapbooking! Tina S. has not only shared her idea of making Christmas Tags, but she’s giving you a template to make your own! Why not get started on next year’s Christmas wrapping today…hey, it could happen – LOL!

“Hey girls. Made these up so I could have some fun tags this year! Just print them out on white card stock and cut them out! The tags are a shape I made so you can change the papers to anything you like!…” – Tina S., a.k.a. Manatee25

Read Tina’s post in the Scrapbook MAX! Sharing Corner to get Tina’s cool tag template:

Contest: Celebrate Good Times!

There are so many things to celebrate in life, we bet you can`t choose one theme for your contest entry! Whether you want to scrap pics of birthdays, holidays, weddings, anniversaries, first steps, or just a really special day with a really special person, we want to see your
“Celebrate Good Times” layout!

Three winning layouts will be published in the next issue of The Groove: 1st prize is a $20 gift certificate to the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store! 2 runners up will each receive an official Scrapbook MAX! mousepad.

To enter, publish your layout as a JPEG image using the ‘High Quality’ and ‘Web/Email’ options, and upload it to the Celebrate Good Times contest page in the Scrapbook MAX! gallery. All entries will be available for viewing. Contest closes Monday, January 28, 2008, 5:00pm (CST). ** Note: You must be a registered member of the Scrapbook MAX! forums to enter this contest. Register for free here!

First Place Winner

in “Vintage Memories” Contest

This Christmas-themed vintage layout was a winner. We love the shining smile of this adorable little lady, and the embellishments truly reflect the special times of yesteryear. Way to go, Gotart!

Our Runners-Up!

These two vintage layouts look they are right out of great-grandmother’s cherished album. Perfect colors and old-fashioned embellishments showcase spectacular photos. Congratulations to Sue C. and Agnes H. for these inspiring contributions!

By the way, did we mention just how hard it was to choose three winners this month? You blew us away with your creative, vintage layouts. Congrats to everyone who participated -we’re looking forward to your entries in next month’s contest!

Inspirations

We can find celebrations in major milestones, such as a wedding, or in a cherished moment, such as a favorite picture of ourselves and a loved one. Be inspired by such celebratory layouts below by mswizard and OnieRN – they each capture the joy that can we find in the special day, and in the “everyday”.

The Groove Wants YOU!

Next Month in The Groove

The Groove celebrates “The Four Seasons”. Plus, look for January’s “Celebrate Good Times” 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 March 2007

March 1, 2007 By karin

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration – March 2007

Groovy layout by Stephen R., Arizona

In The Groove

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

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

Musings on the “Retro Craze”

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

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

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

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

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

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

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

Scrapper Profile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some of Julie’s favorite layouts!

Sweet Companion, Little Elephant, Sunset in Tucson, Cristina

Interested in being one of The Groove’s profiled scrappers? Write to us at [email protected] for details.

Creative Genius

Words of Inspiration

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

Contest: “Goin’ Retro”

“Goin’ Retro” can summon up the psychedelic patterns of the 60’s and 70’s. Or, retro layouts can have an old-fashioned, heritage feel. The choice is yours – be creative, go retro on your own terms, and above all…enter this contest! Three winning “retro” layouts will be published in the next issue of The Groove. 1st prize is a $20 gift certificate to the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store! 2 runners up will each receive an official Scrapbook MAX! mousepad.

To enter, publish your layout as a JPEG image using the ‘High Quality’ and ‘Web/Email’ options, and upload it to the contest page in the Scrapbook MAX! gallery. All entries will be available for viewing. Contest closes Wednesday, March 28, 2007, Midnight (CST). ** Note: You must be a registered member of the Scrapbook MAX! forums to enter this contest. To register for free, click here.

Be My Valentine Contest Winners!

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

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

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

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

Inspirations

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

“Family Profile” and “Baby Announcement”

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

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

The Groove Wants You!

Next month:

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

The Groove February 2007

February 1, 2007 By karin

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration – February 2007

In the Groove

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

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

Musings on Valentine’s Day

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

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

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

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

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

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

Scrapper Profile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interested in being one of The Groove’s profiled scrappers? Write to us at [email protected] for details.

Creative Genius

Gift Coupons!

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

Think outside the “gift box” and make coupons with Scrapbook MAX!
Contest: “Be My Valentine”

Submit your favorite romantic layout to The Groove’s “Be My Valentine” contest. We’re looking for cute, funny, romantic, or all-of-the-above layouts to celebrate the month of love! Three winning layouts will be published in the next issue of The Groove. 1st prize is a $20 gift certificate to the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store! 2 runners up will each receive an official Scrapbook MAX! mousepad.

To enter, publish your layout as a JPEG image using the ‘High Quality’ and ‘Web/Email’ options, and upload it to the February contest page in the Scrapbook MAX! gallery. All entries will be available for viewing. Contest closes Monday, February 26, 2007, Midnight (CST). ** Note: You must be a registered member of the Scrapbook MAX! forums to enter this contest. To register for free, click here.

“Pets” Contest Winners!

Click here to view larger image

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

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

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

Inspirations

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

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

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

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

The Groove Wants You!

We’re always looking for fresh ideas to make The Groove fun and exciting – just like our readers! Email The Groove your bright ideas today! Contact us at [email protected]

Next Month in The Groove:

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

The Groove January 2007

January 1, 2007 By karin

The Groove

Digital Scrapbooking Inspiration – January 2007

In the Groove

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

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

Musings

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

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

Digital Scrapbooking Tips

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

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

Scrapper Profile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check out some of Marion’s favorite layouts:

Click on Dylan and Devyn, Sad Boy! Dylan 2003, and The Measure of a Man to view larger images.Interested in being one of The Groove’s profiled scrappers? Write to us at [email protected] for details.

Creative Genius

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

Personalized Calendars Keep Us Close!

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

– Ayn Lewandoski, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada

Contest: “Pets”

Our pets are among our best friends. Furry, scaly, cuddly – they make us laugh, they love us no matter what, and we love them! This month, we want to see your best pet layout. Three winning layouts will be published in the next issue of The Groove. 1st prize is a $20 gift certificate to the Scrapbook MAX! Booster Pack Store! 2 runners up will each receive an official Scrapbook MAX! mousepad.

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

“Happy Holidays” Contest Winner

Click here to view larger image

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

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

Inspirations

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

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

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

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

The Groove Wants You!

Next Month in The Groove:

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

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