Journaling your scrapbook is one of the most important elements of scrapbooking. Some people find it hard to get started when it comes to journaling. They tend to find reasons not do it. Reasons like, "I hate my handwriting" or "I can't think of anything to write about." Remember, that if the events are important enough to scrap, then they are just as important to write about. It is your story and your story is important to tell. Remember, you are leaving a legacy for your loved ones and your friends, too. As the old adage goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words". What words will you use in your scrapbook journaling?
The first question everyone asks is, " Where do you start?" Scrapbook journaling on the computer is a great place to start. It is easy to just sit down at your computer and start writing out your thoughts. You just type, print, and glue. I love it, and its my favorite way to journal, not too mention all of the cool fonts you can choose from! It's a great place to start and a lot of fun too!
For a little variety, make sure you include your own personal hand-writing at some point in your albums. Hand-written journal entries are another way you can express yourself on your scrapbook pages. This adds a nice touch and flavor to any page. It is always so nice to look back and be able to see how you wrote "way back when", or remember how your children wrote as they progressed through their school years. These type of entries are priceless.
Another important point to keep in mind about scrapbook journaling is that you are the "Memory Keeper". You are recording your memories and possibly the memories of others, especially for those who may not be able to record their own thoughts or feelings. Also, you may be writing for those that never took the time or effort to record their thoughts and feelings. So be a "Memory Keeper". I love keeping a little calendar in my purse or a little notebook with me in my camera case. That way I can remember what my photos were all about or what was happening or maybe a simple event or word that was said that might come in useful too my scrapbook journaling.
Here are some "Journaling Joggers" to get the creative juices flowing.
ASK YOURSELF QUESTIONS
- Why is this photo meaningful to me?
- What was the subject in the photo thinking, saying or doing?
- How did I feel when I took this photo?
- Could I fill in a comical quote or saying that adds life to the page?
- What do I want others to remember about this page?
- Use the 5 "W"s: Who, What, Where, When, and Why?
- Write snippets of conversations that were happening during the photo or event
- Do a "Top 10" list for your thought or idea
- Write a personal ad about the page
- Add Song titles and lyrics--they can express perfectly how you felt at the moment of the event
- Kid quotes--Write from the mouths of babes because kids say the funniest things. Why not write about what they say, or better yet, let them write it out for you.
- Thank you note on the page for them being who they are or what they did
- Write about how your kids remember the event....this is a great journaling experience. Plus kids love to read their own stories and interpretations of events later on.
- Write from your heart. Share your tender moments and the wishes of your heart. These will be treasured for a life time.
- Make Friendship pages. Share how you met, how long have you known that person, what makes your friendship unique.
- Write a letter to or about the subject you are scrapbooking. Make it personal and inspiring.
- Ask yourself questions about the event: What was my favorite part? What was most embarrassing? What was most memorable? What did you take away from the event?
- Storytelling: Re-writing the event in story form--kids LOVE IT!
- Share your feeling about those you are remembering. People love to hear good things about themselves. It's a builder! Building memories is what its about.
Happy Journaling! Keri
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