The Digital Scrapbook Place
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A Letter from Team Digital
Hello, fellow scrappers and photographers! Once again, the dog days of summer are coming to an end for many of us and September is already here. In my part of Canada we’ve had several night frosts and the leaves on the trees are already starting to change colour, signaling the start of fall. I just love the sight of the colourful fall leaves against a clear blue sky. During these few short weeks of fall, I try to spend as much time as possible walking around, enjoying and photographing the beautiful landscapes. Living among the mountains and lakes here, I never run out of beautiful scenery to capture with my camera.

Many of you have students heading to school for the first time, or students returning to school. That may mean a change in routines, as well as more (or maybe less) time to work on scrapbooking. If you want to, maybe challenge yourself to learn something new. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn how to make a particular element or background for your pages. Are you suffering from scrapper’s block and looking for new ideas? Besides browsing through the gallery, here’s something you can do: check out these links at the upper right of DSPlace: New to Digital, Tutorials, and Articles. I’m always amazed at how much information is available at those links.

If you haven’t already done so, now is a great time to get ready to take some family photos, whether it’s fall or spring in your part of the world. If your camera has a timer and you have a tripod, you’re all set to take your own photos, or you could ask a friend to take them for you. If you take photos now, you’ll have time to get them ready to send along with your Christmas cards or year end greetings. If you need ideas for card making, there’s at least one quick click template for a Christmas card and envelope you can make yourself. For more ideas check out the CIJ Christmas cards to see cards that other members have made, or do a search for "card." I just love making cards on the computer.

At DSP you, our wonderful members keep us all on our toes. Because of your questions, comments, andsuggestions, everyone is able to learn from one another.

Have you seen the new stuff in the store lately? Wow, the designers and others behind the scenes have been busy, busy, busy designing and coming up with some awesome products! I hope you’ll be able to take a moment to look through the store, although you’ll definitely need more than only a moment to do so!

Audrey
DSP Moderator
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See more samples and sign up for the club here.

This month's Club Digital has: two Page Kits (Summer Time and School Pictures), a plopper, an Alpha, four Word Arts, a Quick Click, a Font, and a Stamp and Brush set featuring dates, a scrapper's essential! Don't miss out!

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What's Inspiring the DET?
The DSP Digital Elite Team (DET) is a group of six very talented scrappers. This month we asked the team what their term on the DET has meant to them and their thoughts as their term wraps up.

Meg Beverly's (Meg) experience on the DET has been inspiring her from the very first moment of the contest! Often we plan our scrapbook pages around our photos, but the DET contest forces you to look at the kits first and create in a way that will highlight the designers' art. Meg says, "round 3 was my hardest, as we were given Lauren Bavin's gorgeous, and very formal, Reflections kit to use; formality not being a word that generally applies to my life." She adds "but the layout I created with that kit (pictured above) has become one of my absolute favorites!" Ever since then, Meg has eagerly awaited each month's list of new kits to play with! Being on the DET has completely changed the way Meg looks at scrapbooking and has prompted her to help others find new sources of inspiration through her Daily Blog Prompts, Art Journal Challenges, and her DSU class Finding Inspiration Around You.

"I am looking forward to being inspired by the next group of DET members, I know they will bring fresh ideas and excitement to DSP" Meg says.

"September being the last month of our tenure on the Digital Elite Team, I look back on the experience and count myself tremendously fortunate in so many ways" says Sandra. "It was such an honor to be chosen among such talented teammates, and I feel I have established some new digital friendships I plan to continue into the future" she adds. Sandra says she has learned much from each of her team mates in the form of inspiration, technical knowledge, and artistry and wants to thank them each for that! (to see one of her current favorite DET creations, pictured at right, click here)

She looks back on her time on the team knowing that this opportunity allowed her to push herself creatively each and every day. "I am so grateful to DSP because even though being on the team was sometimes hard work, it was extremely gratifying work. I produced many layouts using the fantastic DSP products I was supplied with, and posting them on various scrapbooking sites really opened my eyes to a world much larger than I had known" she says. She found inspiration in the work of many scrappers, and the trends she observed pushed her to continue evolving her own style and developing skills.

She also wants to thank the talented designers for all their artistry and hard work. Having been allowed "behind the curtain" to a degree, she has become more acquainted with some of the designers. "We DET members have seen and heard about their many hours creating new products, running challenges, and even supporting the DET challenges we are running" she says. Adding, "it has been a pleasure to work with these wonderful women. They are so generous with their time, knowledge and talents. They are the heart of DSP!" Thanks to their talents, Sandra is the proud owner of a digital scrapbooking collection that would certainly be the envy of any digital scrapper. She plans to use every alpha, kit, brush, template, font and tool she have acquired through DET many times over! Even though her time on the team has ended, she wishes people all over the digital scrapbooking community to be as inspired by their products as she has been.

Kris (thyme_4_me) says "the past 6 months have been a thrill!" She found her term on the DET to be a rewarding and humbling experience. There has been days of self-doubt. "How did I make this team? Am I worthy?" Yes, days were she felt like she lost her mojo. "I made a team with incredibly wonderful talent. And at times it's intimidating" she says. She said that getting "the list of kits the first of the month is like Christmas! The vast list and incredible choices is exciting. Each month brings more appreciation for our designers." She enjoyed opening each kit to see the detail they've put into them. The best thing, however, Kris feels she came away with besides wonderful kits, is a great group of friends."I came into this competition not knowing very many people. I've walked away with a bounty of wonderful friendships. The experience has been something I'll always treasure. Thank you DSP!" (to see one her current DET layouts, pictured above, click here)

As the current term wraps up for Karen (Karen Bowers) she says "it truly has been a wonderful time for me. DSP has lavished me with kits. I’ve grown artistically, I’ve had a blast getting to know my teammates, and each of the team has gotten to have the fun of hosting challenges." She adds that's it's been a dream come true to be on the team. (to see one of her favorite layouts from her term, pictured at right, click here)

Karen's advice for you entered into the current contest? Remember to breathe! "It’s a rollercoaster ride and most won’t make it to the end (it was only on my THIRD attempt that I made the team, so I know very well how it feels to try and not make it)" she says. She adds, "scrap your best, use only superb photos that really tell the story, make sure everything counts and is thoughtfully placed… and have fun getting to know the 'competition'– you may find some very good friends there, like I have!" This contest ultimately is to help sell DSP kits, so make sure your layouts showcase the kits. The first view anyone has of your layout is in the gallery, so your layout needs to appeal at gallery size as well as at full-size. And when you think you’ve got your layout perfect, don’t submit it; wait until the next day, so you can look at it with fresh eyes to make sure it truly is perfect. And remember, ultimately you are scrapping for yourself, so make layouts that you love because truly the pages are a gift to you and your family.

And DSP wishes to thank the current team for the beautiful work. They are truly an inspiration and we look to the current DET contest with excitement on what it may bring us in the next 6 months! Keep an eye on the DET gallery! There are inspirations abound by the current team and the one to come!
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Read more about her here! Congrats Julie!
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September's featured designer is Jamie Rousselle.

"Generally, I'm inspired by my photos." Jamie says about her design process. "I'll usually choose one or two photos to work with, then pull a few colors from them and work from there. I always do my backgrounds first because they are my favorite to create, I then do a lot of browsing of magazines and online galleries, looking for stuff to jump out at me."

A New Orleans area resident, her new kit, Life After Katrina, was truly inspired by the spirit of New Orleans and the people there. "Despite all the bad things that happened during and after the storm, this city still lives on and is determined to rebuild," she says. The fleur de lis has always been a symbol of New Orleans and in the last year has come to represent the rebuilding that is taking place. The kit represents the history, strength and future of the city.

Jamie has been a designer for DSP for two and half years and truly enjoys it. She adds "I've met so many people through the site and I've learned so much from many of them. I knew from the beginning that DSP was different and had so much more to offer than other sites and I look forward to being around and watching it grow!" You can see more of her work in the store!
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Classes For October
DSU110: Adobe Photoshop: Introduction to Digital Scrapbooking
This course shows step-by step how to create three layouts: paper style, graphic montage, and elements collage. In-depth instructions on each tool, filter, and layer style used to create basic layouts, backgrounds, maneuver text, create simple elements, and save for printing and sharing on the web. Instructor Emma Powell.

DSU160: Adobe Photoshop Elements: Introduction to Digital Scrapbooking
This course shows step-by step how to create three layouts: paper style, graphic montage, and elements collage. In-depth instructions on each tool, filter, and layer style used to create basic layouts, backgrounds, maneuver text, create simple elements, and save for printing and sharing on the web. Instructor Emma Powell.

DSU198: Finding Inspiration
In this class you will take a look around your home to discover many new ways to present and design your layouts. These will serve as inspiration not only for your day-to-day scrapbooking, but also for those times you have “scrapper's block", or when working on a theme album. In this four week class, you will create as many as eight layouts, using different items and ideas from your world to compliment and enhance your photos and journaling.
Instructor Megan Beverly

DSU 261: Creating Digital Elements in PSE
Create realistic embellishments in PSE in this 4-week class, using layer styles and patterns, as well as filters and brushes. Add realism to your layouts by making new elements each week: metal and wood objects and patterns, ribbons, fabric and fibers, tags, leather, and shapes.
Instructor Emma Powell.

DSU312: Adobe Photoshop: Advanced Element Creation 2
Continue on the journey of element creating with this class by Lauren Bavin which will teach you the intricacies of embossing paper and metal, woodwork, carving, burning, sewing and patchwork, lace, tulle and ric-rac. This class gives you the skills to create unique and intricate backgrounds and elements for your scrapbook pages .
Instructor Lauren Bavin

DSU331: Jasc Paint Shop Pro: Creating Elements (Advanced)
In the Advanced Paint Shop Pro Element Creation class, you'll expand on the skills you learned in the beginners course, enhancing your abilities to create sets of elements for your scrapbook layouts without using plug-ins.
Instructor Lori Davis

DSU351: Home Lighting
Learn to work with lighting in your Home Studio! Depend no more on the whim of the available sunlight for awesome studio portraits at home! This course will focus on purchasing good, inexpensive lighting sources for your home studio setup, and learning the basics of lighting setup and function for home studio portraiture. Students will be responsible for the purchase of halogen work lights (one set under $50, two sets of lights for less than $100, depending on your location and shopping resources/resourcefulness), and cloth light diffusers (approximately $20). Halogen work lights can pose a safety hazard due to heat; please use caution when working with this type of homemade studio lighting.
Instructor Suzanne Walker.

• Blending Overlays (PSP)
• Borders or Mats (PSE) (DIP)
• Changing Background Colours (PSP)
• Chenille Stems (PSP)
• Doodle Dandy Fun (DIP)
• Easy Alphas or Tiles (PSP)
• Folded Ribbons (PSPX) (PSP)
• Make a Flower (PSE) (DIP)
• Organizing your DSP Gallery
• Quick Clicks, Using (PSP) (PSE) (PS) (DIP) (FotoFusion)
• Saving Brushes (PSP)
• Two Toned Text (PS)

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DSP and Me!
What is DSPandME with Lisa Carter? It's an exciting new challenge! Each week a DSP Designer kit from a newly released CD or Club Digital will be selected for a layout competition! Ten layouts each week will be selected and you can vote for your favorite layout. You have a chance of winning up to four coupons to the store! Win one category or win them all!

And, get this, if you ever wondered why we selected a particular layout for the top ten, join the challenge and find out! Each week when the voting poll goes up you will have feedback from the designer(s) as to what drew them to that particular layout.

The layout categories are (1) Best Overall, (2) Best Composition: how the page flows, (3) Best Photo, and (4) Best Journaling. Check out the DSPandME with Lisa Carter forum for more details!

Look for Fall Flower Power . . .
René will be hosting a new challenge this fall! Post a layout using any number or type of flower element or papers for a
chance to win a freebie from René. Post a layout using one of René's September kits and automatically the Freebie!! Keep an eye on her forum for more details!

Z's Bogo Bonus
Be sure to check out the Elisabeth's Extras forum to see the details of Elizabeth's latest BOGO challenge. In September, she'll be featuring her new Academic kit. Scrap a layout with it and you'll get another kit for free!! They're the perfect kits for scrapping all sorts of school related layouts!
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Items Of The Week (IOTW)
Each week a new item goes on sale for only 99 cents. Check out the IOTW challenge starting each Sunday. Buy the kit, use it to make a layout, post it to the IOTW gallery and the designer will have different prizes for you! It could be a posting bonuses, random drawings, chances at a free fonting, you never know! Check it out this week!

The first week of September the IOTW is A Splash of Color by Lauren Bavin. There's an add-on already available for this kit and she'll be making an extra bonus for all those post this week!
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Also added to the store is Scraps of Words: Garden Word Art. (CD and downloadable) Over 40 garden themed word arts to add the perfect touch to your layouts! Make sure to check them out!

DSP introduces another way to showcase your artwork in a beautiful way, Jacquard Keepsakes! Turn your precious memories into family heirlooms. These products are jacquard woven, never printed, 100% cotton, machine washable, and will not fade! With Christmas quickly approaching, these will make wonderful gifts!

And here's a gift idea for you, ClearView page frames. Don't just hide your scrapbook pages in an album. Hang them on your wall where everyone can see them or display them on easels. You've worked too hard not to show them off!

The ClearView Page Frame, designed specifically to display scrapbook pages, is perfect for digital layouts. ClearView frames are made of a clear, lightweight, shatter resistant, acid-free, acrylic material that allows your artwork to take center stage. With minor accessories, ClearView frames mount easily to any wall, window, or metal surface. They also convert to free standing with the use of an easel.

• Add coordinating embellishments to the frame for a creative touch.
• Hang with fun ribbons and bows on walls or doorknobs.
• Glue a magnet to the back and display on the refrigerator.

Great scrapbook sizes too! 12x12, 8.5x11 (portrait and landscape), 8x8, and 6x6! Be as creative as you like and enjoy being surrounded by your precious memories!

And how about Zoom Albums for a great gift idea? They are mini albums that let you create a handmade gift of memories with a professional look from your digital photos and home printer. Each 3” X 3” album holds twelve photos on glossy, high-quality, 8 ½ x 11 paper. Charmingly small, they are instantly appreciated keepsakes. Each package includes everything you need for three complete albums.
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A newsletter special! A specially designed plopper for your computer desktop. This one uses Life After Katrina by our featured designer, Jamie Rousselle. This month's plopper was designed by our very own DET member, Meg Beverly! Also used were the wonderful Calendar Grid Brushes by Kim Liddiard.

Download the PNG file of your choice here: 1024x768 hires version and 800x600 regular version. And just like any of our ploppers, put your photo on a layer underneath the desktop plopper. Angle and size it as you please, add journaling, and save it as a jpg. Then update your desktop wallpaper background by browsing to your new image!

Voilà! A favorite photo paired with a a great kit and this month's calendar to help keep you up-to-date all month! Look for a new one each month in our newsletter!!
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