Journaling is an important part of scrapbooking – it is the story behind the pictures. A picture can tell a thousand words, but journaling can add an extra personal touch and perspective to your scrapbook pages.

There are many forms of journaling you can use:

• Handwritten Journaling – don’t be afraid to show off your own handwriting, even if you think it is messy! Your handwriting is part of who you are. If you are prone to making mistakes, write up your journaling on a piece of card stock (not your background page) and if you make a mistake, you can start with a fresh piece of cardstock and you haven’t ruined your background!
• Typed Journaling – for longer pieces of journaling or if you like the look of typed journaling, use your computer for your journaling. You can print direct onto Stampin’ Up! card stock, cut it out and presto – you have journaling!
• Hidden Journaling – if you have a story to tell, but would like to keep it a little private, use interactive features to house your journaling such as pockets to put your journaling in or flaps to lift up with journaling behind – that way your story is still told and documented, but can be kept private.

If you are stuck for what to write about, here are some ideas:

• Start with the basics – what, when, how and why
• Tell the emotions behind the pictures as they can’t always be seen – such as how excited everyone was on the plane on the way to your holiday destination!
• Lists are great for journaling. List the events that happened the day the picture was taken, or the events that happened on a holiday. You can list your favourite things or the things you don’t like. List the items you used for a project.
• Use a recipe in your journaling – on a Christmas page include your family Christmas Pudding recipe.

Stampin’ Write Markers are perfect for journaling and scrapbooking. They are a dual tipped marker – the brush tip can be used for inking rubber stamps or writing titles and the fine tip can be used for journaling (2 markers in one!). They are available in 48 different colours plus a black marker designed specifically for journaling.

Journaling is very personal and makes your scrapbook pages very special, so make sure you share your story with friends and family through journaling.

Until next time, Happy Flutterby Creating!

Amanda