This month’s workshop focuses on journaling. I can hear the groans from here. C’mon gals! Anyway, like most workshops we’ll create a 2-page 12×12 layout as well as a 1-page 12×12 layout. The 1st double spread layout involves a pre-class assignment where a custom title & journaling can be created using a word editing program. Although I use my own handwriting nowadays more often than not, the computer comes in handy many times. I also encourage for other members of the family to also help with the journaling. I always enjoy seeing my family’s (new & old) personal handwriting on things. When I first started “formally” scrapbooking 7 years ago I always used the computer- ya know, the don’t want to ruin a layout w/ my handwriting thing, when in actuality personal handwriting adds so much character & emotion to a layout. But….there’s something to be said about all the cool things that can be done on a computer.
I also used labels on the photos to show another way to document the story. I used a TON of photos ‘cuz I just couldn’t narrow it down (& I still have others I didn’t use- so you can imagine). I had a lot to say & show apparently. You can also use 4- 4×6 photos (2 on top; 2 on the bottom) or 6- 4×4 photos (3 on top & 3 on the bottom) or any other multiple combinations….
For the second layout I used a nursery rhyme as a prompt to jump start my journaling. Songs, poems, sayings are all great spring boards to get our journaling communicated in a creative manner. Notice I used a couple of different stamp sets also instead of stickers or handwriting. This gives it a very custom & unique look.
I also included hidden journaling with a pull tab. This is a creative way to include sensitive & personal content with privacy. Although mine isn’t exactly private in this case it turned out to work well with the design of the layout. The hidden text is my blog entry from when this happened. You can see it here. This is one of the many reasons I blog. To communicate the story when it’s fresh in my mind & then I have instant journaling when I go to create a scrapbook layout.
So basically the moral of the story is to use different journaling techniques. From the tools: computers, pens, pencils, stamps, etc. to the supplies: ledger paper, cards, notebooks, labels, tags, stickers, etc. To the prompts: {who, what, when, where}, stories, repetition, poems, songs, etc.
I know journaling tends to be the last thing done on a layout and it’s often neglected or rushed. When I look back at my old books I tend to focus & be most interested on the story & the pictures. I know all the embellishments & bling are fun when we’re creating and it keeps it fun & motivating, but you’ll look back for the memory.
supplies:
6~Jenni Bowlin Studios Town Square 12×12 patterned papers
1~Jenni Bowlin Studios Town Square 12×12 die cut patterned paper
2~Prism 12×12 card stock ~ cream
4~Jenni Bowlin Studios Memo Book Journaling pages ~ red
2~7 Gypsies photo carousel tab sheets ~ manila
assorted stamps {7gypsies, autumn leaves, jenni bowlin, narratives, stampin’ up!}
assorted punches (creative memories, stampin’ up!, mcgill)
don’t forget to write!