The Art of Journaling

For many of us who love to scrapbook there is one area that we often struggle with ... and that is journaling.

We often just jot down the date and place of the photo, or 1 to sentences about the event taking place or better still we take the easy way out and don’t even bother with the journaling!

But truth be told …. We’re missing the point if we think we’re preserving memories for our loved ones. Years from now when your children and other family & friends look through the many albums of layouts that you’ve created they will wonder what really happened during that vacation, or “how old was I in that picture?” Now’s the time to write it down, share your feelings & emotions, share the detailed stories and funny things your kids say on your layouts because 5-10 years from now you won’t remember.

Now you don’t have to be an amazing writer you just need to let you heart speak. Start small if this is a big jump in your creative journey. Make some point form notes/idea first and then build on that. Write your thoughts on a piece of paper that can be hidden on your layout behind a photo or tucked in an envelope. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your thoughts will come together.

Here are some pages that a few of our DT have created and each one highlights the journaling in a different way.

Lydia Jackson

"Strong Start"

Here's a few words from Lydia regarding her project.

"I am one of those poeple who truly dislikes my hand writing, but sometimes even a computer and printer will goof up. Many times I am on my last scrap of paper and it prints in the wrong spot or off to one side. In this layout I use that mistake to my advantage by filling the space with additional embellishments. In this case of journalling, the writing printed to high up and left a lot of negative space to fill, so I used a pencil sticker and then doodled to fill the void."

Lydia is also sharing a tutorial on her blog today on how to use scraps of paper with your printer.

Supplies used: Imaginisce (Geek is Chic papers: Chalk Talk, School Days, Geeks Rule, Favorite Subject Geek Speak; canvas stickers, sticker stackers, Glam Rocks), My Little Shoebox (alpha stickers), Divine twine, sheep design by Lydia, banner punch (Stampin' Up), Core'dinations Cardstock, October Afternoon (small letter in banner)

Kim Holmes

"Home School"

Here are Kim's thoughts on her layout.

"Homeschooling has been such a long journey for our family and we aren't finished yet. The Geek is Chic line is so perfect for documenting our years of teaching at home - colorful, bright, and so much fun!"

Supplies used: All Imaginisce Products (Geek is Chic), EK Success Circle Punches, misc Baker's Twine and Reminisce Alphabet

Heather Leopard

"Corn Maze"

Heather's thoughts on her project.

"I prefer to hand write all of my journaling and even though I don't always like my handwriting I think it's an important part of preserving the memories. Many times I will use a pre-cut journaling card - or two or three - depending on how much I am writing but then other times, like today, I use it as a key part of the design. I wanted to highlight certain key words and I chose to do that through varying typography such as fonts, borders and the addition of color. Don't be afraid to try something new but take a hint from me and practice on some scrap paper first!"

Heather is also sharing some tips on her blog of how she did her journaling along with step-by-step photos on how she covered the i-top brads. So make sure to hop on over to her blog.

Supplies used: Imaginisce Happy Harvest colleciton - 003337 (Autumn Splendor), 003338 (Apple Crsip), 003339, 003342 (I Love Fall), 003353 (Fall Friends Icon DieCuts); i-top 2.0 small & medium brads, 18 & 22 mm punches; Bazzill Basics (Navel); Copic Sketch Markers in YG63, YR07, Y17; Kaisercraft Tiny Alpha Stickers (Toffee Apple); Cosmo Cricket Ready - Set - Chip adhesive chipboard alpha - Red Line (Used the negative space); green rafia; misc orange and chocolate ribbon

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Hopefully you've been inspired today to do a bit more journaling on your layouts & projects. We'd love to see what you create so please feel free

to post your projects on our Facebook page.

And to help get you inspired we have a little

GIVEAWAY!!

All you have to do is leave a comment on each blog post this week

and your name will be entered to win:

an i-rock tool & accessories!!

So spread the news, share it with your friends by email and on facebook!