Maybe you're new to scrapbooking or maybe you have been doing it for years.
Either way, you might want to consider the addition of journaling to your scrapbooking efforts.
Many people enjoy journaling on its own, but if you put it and scrapbooking together, you will create more complete memories to treasure.
And it's so easy to add journaling to your scrapbooking endeavors.
Short journal entries can be added to each picture or just specific ones.
Longer journal entries can be enhanced with sketches, pictures and other mementos.
Perhaps you're at a loss when it comes to journaling in general?No worries, simply try making lists concerning the theme for that page or the topic/s you want to cover.
In fact, a list can be a fantastic way to add journaling to any scrapbook.
If you are doing a baby page, you can list baby's likes and also list baby's dislikes.
You can do a general list or separate lists to cover foods, toys, or whatever.
If you're doing a friend page, try listing your favorite activities to do together.
Or maybe make a list of the top ten friend moments.
You could even make a general list that includes where you met, how you met, how long you've been friends and so on.
For a recipe page, try listing the top five reasons you love this recipe.
Is it your dead grandmother's prize-winning stew?List that.
Is it the dish that was always served at holiday dinners when you were growing up?List that.
Journaling is great for scrapbooking because it is so flexible.
You aren't limited by the list suggestions made here or those that anyone else comes up with.
You can tailor it entirely to your own project and needs.
Other ways to include journaling are to write letters (This is not as hard as it sounds, many people write numerous emails every day.
It doesn't have to be formal or stilted; try pretending you're emailing a friend or relative!), have others write letters or short entries and ask questions.
Asking questions is most appropriate for when you feel stuck for what to say.
Think about your theme and the mood you want to encourage.
Also think about why you are creating this page.
Chances are if you feel strongly enough about the subject to create the page, you'll feel strongly enough to have something to say.
Having others journal for your scrapbook can be a lovely way to include the kids, your spouse, or even extended family and friends.
Is this a group project?Great.
Have each person contribute at least a small amount of journaling.
Is this for a wedding or baby shower?A graduation?Supply each guest with a decorative or special piece of paper and have her or him write about a special memory concerning the graduate, expectant parents, or happy couple.
Or just allow the guest to express his or her best wishes in her or his own words.
Letter writing--for guests or yourself--is a simple matter of trying to speak to the subject of the page/event or even writing to a friend or family member.
If the subject is not a specific person, try pretending you're writing your letter to a friend or family member and then tell him or her about the pictures you've included or the memory you're recreating.
Scrapbook Journaling can be as in-depth or as superficial as you want to make it.
It can take a little space or a lot of space.
You decide what's best for you and make your scrapbook shine!