Even though it's fun to browse through the patterned paper and embellishments at your local craft store, don't forget that the fundamental components of any layout are photos and scrapbook journaling.
The Importance of Scrapbook Journaling
Why is journaling such an important part of scrapbooking?
- Journaling provides an opportunity for the people who look at your album to learn more about you as a person.
- Without names, dates, and other identifying details, your album will be meaningless to future generations.
- If you're making a scrapbook for your children, they'll want to know the stories behind photos of their early years.
Although many people insist it's best to use your own handwriting when journaling on your scrapbook layouts, don't let poor penmanship keep you from adding your thoughts to a page. If you feel more comfortable with typewritten journaling, try experimenting with free fonts to vary the appearance of your pages. Either way, keep in mind that what you have to say is more important than the journaling method you choose.
Improving Your Writing Skills
Many scrapbookers who struggle with journaling complain they simply lack writing ability. However, the Internet has made it easier than ever before to improve your writing skills. For a crash course in the fundamentals of good writing, check out the following links:
Easy Journaling Techniques
Contrary to popular belief, journaling doesn't have to be complicated. It's fine to write a detailed narrative if you're in the mood, but there are plenty of other options to consider as well. For example:
- Write a letter. If you're creating a scrapbook for someone else, write the journaling in the form of an informal letter.
- Make a timeline. Creating a timeline of events is an easy way to provide important information in a vacation album or family heritage book.
- Make a list. List journaling, such as "10 Things I Love About You" or "Logan's 5 Favorite Toys" is easy for anyone to write.
- Make a quiz. Ask your subject a series of questions and print the answers directly on your layout. For a personal touch, include the journaling as a handwritten questionnaire.
- Show the steps in a process. Many family activities, such as cooking Thanksgiving dinner, require extensive preparation. Describe the steps involved.
- Practice your ABCs. Making an ABC book works well for many different themes. For example, an ABC book of your baby's first year could use the words angel, bottle, and crib to start the layout.
- Create your own dictionary definition. To add a lighthearted touch to your pages, make a faux dictionary definition. Possibilities include "The Definition of a Big Sister" or "Defining a Miller Family Christmas."
Say it With a Quote
When you're feeling completed uninspired, a famous quote can be a great starting point for scrapbook journaling. To search for quotes, visit the following websites:
Keeping a Journaling Notebook
If you frequently find yourself working on the journaling for a layout several months after the event has passed, you've probably noticed that it can be difficult to accurately recall all of the relevant details. One easy solution to this problem is to keep a small notebook in your car or purse to use for jotting down journaling ideas. Writing down your thoughts and feelings as an event is happening ensures that you won't be at a loss for words when it's time to create your layout.
