The importance of journaling in your scrapbook albums can't be overemphasized.
You'll add meaning, depth, and history as you write alongside your
well-preserved, treasured photographs. Remember that what you write
is just as important as writing in your own handwriting. Your well
thought out journaled scrapbook pages will be treasured for generations
to come. Here are some things to keep in mind as you journal in
your scrapbooks:
Handwritten
vs. Computer Generated Journaling
This is the ongoing debate. Every magazine you pick up seems to
have most (if not all) of the journaling done on the computer. While
this gives a nice, clean, consistent look to a scrapbook page, what
it lacks is personality. I think we can liken computer-generated
journaling to e-mail; while there is emotion involved, is it effectively
expressed? How many times have you misinterpreted an e-mail because
it was written just like all the others?
Excuses for not using your own handwriting include "I don't
like my handwriting", "I write sloppy and crooked",
or "It's too much work!" Too much work? And setting
up margins, font sizing and such on the computer is easy?
Now I'm not saying never to use computer-generated journaling, in
fact, I'm not promoting either one. I do tend to lean toward hand-written
journaling, though, and for what I think are good reasons. Consider
this:
~ With computer-generated
journaling, I find that my pages are designed around the journaling
and not the photographs. For me personally, this is uncomfortable
and seems backwards.
~ For titles and larger captions, I do like the ease and space computer-generated
journaling offers. However, I love our alphabet stamps for these
purposes.
~ Computer journaling does look nice in that it has a consistent
look about it but it doesn't present any personality. Today, when
I come across a letter written by my grandmother many years ago
I am taken back to being in her presence. Her handwriting imparted
her warmth and tenderness, something that can't be accomplshed by
any computer font.
~When telling a lengthy story (as I have done with our Charlie
Album), I chose to use the computer. I set up one main
document that could be used throughout the album, thus making it
quick and easy.
If you're concerned with keeping exact dates for journaling purposes,
jot down your thoughts or phrases in a datebook. Again, keep it
handy all the time!
Don't be too concerned with sloppy writing or even leaving out small
words when you jot down quickly. Remember, the purpose here is to
get as much on paper as was said.
Is there a better time of day when you journal better than another?
For myself, it's usually quite late, long after I've said "I'm going
to bed." Where does your inspiration come from? Are you inspired
by sitting on the porch swing or taking a walk? Follow through with
what your heart says and I guarantee, journaling will never be the
same.
As you spend time with your loved ones, always be on the alert for
clever, witty words that come from their mouths, especially the
mouths of little ones! Memories fade but jotting them down for later
use will preserve the precious moment.
Other sources that I find insightful for my journaling are magazines,
especially the advertisements that can be turned into something
comical for a silly page. How about newspaper headlines? Store bought
greeting cards will sometimes have an appropriate sentiment that
fits a particular theme for a layout. Even license plates may provide
inspiration for a journaling thought!
Another great idea is to simply brainstorm! Have a pencil and paper
in front of you as you begin reminiscing about about a particular
person or occasion. Write that person's name (or occasion) in the
center of the paper. Begin writing thoughts, memories, descriptions,
etc. that relate to that person or occasion. When you begin putting
these thoughts together you'll just about have written a small story!
After all, isn't that what we want to accomplish?
Your journaling deserves the best product. My favorite journaling
pens are the My Legacy Writers® in both black and color sets. These
markers work great for everything from journaling to adding detailed
borders on your layouts.
For sentiments for your scrapbook pages, click here.
What you will find is a classic collection of inspirational, motivational
and sometimes humorous quotes. Feel free to use them if they are
able to make the connection between the remarkable past and the
present in your scrapbooks. Often times it's a quote that gets me
to thinking about what photos to group together in a layout.
Through journaling, our lives will be far more important and appreciated
for generations to come.
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