| Does your mind go blank when it's time to add | | | | Computer generated - Using a computer to generate |
| journaling to your scrapbook pages? You're not alone. | | | | your journaling gives you many choices of fonts, sizes |
| Learning some simple journaling exercises can get that | | | | and colors, but you lose the personal quality of |
| pen moving. Many consider journaling their least | | | | handwriting. Be sure to print your journaling on acid |
| favorite part of scrapbooking. Don't let journaling get | | | | free paper. |
| you down, it is a vital part of our scrapbook page | | | | Handwriting font - Turn your handwriting into a font. |
| layouts. | | | | This allows you to print your journaling from your |
| Journaling adds depth and meaning to our layouts. It | | | | computer, but still maintains some of the personal |
| captures so much more about the stories behind the | | | | element of your handwriting. |
| photos. There are many ways to include journaling in | | | | Combination - Add your handwriting in small areas |
| our scrapbooks, and lots of places to look for | | | | such as dates and photo labels, while printing the |
| inspiration. Let's take a look at some journaling ideas | | | | journaling from your computer. This will keep the |
| for your scrapbook. | | | | personal element of your writing on the page. |
| Divide and Conquer -- Why do we have a difficult time | | | | Your families memories are important. Regardless of |
| journaling on the scrapbook pages we just created? | | | | the method you choose, just make sure you journal on |
| Creating the scrapbook page layouts is a right brain | | | | your scrapbook pages. |
| activity, while journaling on those pages is a left brain | | | | |
| activity. Some may find it difficult to switch gears | | | | What to write on a page |
| easily. Try creating page layouts and journaling at | | | | We've looked at some ways to add journaling to the |
| separate times. | | | | page. Are you wondering what to journal about? Here |
| Write a letter -- Journaling in your scrapbook may feel | | | | are some important items to include. |
| awkward. Try journaling as if you were writing a letter | | | | Scrapbooking page title - A title let's others know what |
| to someone. Who will be looking at your scrapbooks? | | | | the page is about. It can also help set the mood for the |
| Write as if you were speaking to them. Most of us will | | | | page. A title can be added in handwriting, with stencils, |
| be sharing our scrapbooks with good friends and | | | | stickers or pre-made titles. |
| family. | | | | The five W's - The basics of each layout should be |
| Spur of the moment -- Jot down poems, quotes, | | | | the five W's; who, what, when, where and why. Write |
| phrases and other journaling ideas right when the | | | | the names of the people in the photos. List full names, |
| inspiration hits. If you wait until you have time to | | | | not everyone knows who Uncle Jim is. Include the |
| scrapbook, you may forget. Carry a small notebook | | | | dates the photos were taken. As time passes it will be |
| with you to write in. Keep one in your purse or in the | | | | harder to remember. Don't forget where you were |
| car. | | | | and what you were doing, why the photos were |
| Resource File -- Create a resource file to organize | | | | taken. You may also want to include the funny stories |
| and store information that you may want to include in | | | | and memorable events not shown in the photos. |
| your scrapbooks. Use a binder or find some space in a | | | | Include your thoughts and feelings. |
| filing cabinet. An expandable file or a storage container | | | | Poems and quotes - Not sure you can find just the |
| might do the trick. Some items you may consider | | | | right words? Still have a bit of space you want to fill? |
| storing for future use are... | | | | Try adding a poem or quote to the page. Lyrics from |
| - Postcards | | | | your favorite song are another great idea. Poems and |
| - brochures | | | | quotes also help set the mood for your layout. |
| - pamphlets | | | | |
| - magazine/newspaper clippings | | | | Make it interesting |
| - programs | | | | The information journaling adds to the page is |
| - invitations | | | | important, but let's look at how journaling can add |
| - greeting cards | | | | interest to your page as well. |
| - notes and letters | | | | Outline your journaling -Draw an outline around your |
| | | | journaling with one of your permanent acid-free pens. |
| Email -- Save or print emails from your family and | | | | This will make your journaling stand out on the page. |
| friends. These may contain some real treasures; | | | | You can also add a frame around it. |
| remarks, sayings and stories to use in your | | | | Journaling box - Write in a journaling box. Many |
| scrapbooks. | | | | companies offer journaling boxes You can make your |
| Lists and bullet points -- Using lists and bullet points can | | | | own by matting lined paper with a coordinating color |
| keep information clear and to the point. This is a great | | | | paper. Add a sticker to spice up the journaling box. |
| technique for organizing a lot of information in a small | | | | Monogram - Use a larger size for the beginning letter in |
| amount of space. | | | | the first word of your title or journaling to add some |
| How to get started | | | | interest. |
| Handwritten journaling is a great method for traditional | | | | What are you waiting for? Let's get writing on those |
| scrapbooking. Your handwriting leaves your personal | | | | pages. Put these journaling exercises to work. Your |
| touch on the page, becoming a legacy for future | | | | scrapbook albums will be cherished for generations to |
| generations. What if you don't like your handwriting? | | | | come. |
| Here are some alternatives | | | | |