C a t S c r a p F e v e r

Tips for Better Journaling

One of the most important components to your scrapbooks is the journaling. Without journaling your scrapbooks are really just fancy photo albums. Make sure that journaling is included on each page so that future generations can not only see the photos but know the stories behind the photos. Here are some tips to help make journaling your pages a breeze.

Record Your Photos as You Take Them

The best time to start your journaling is when you are taking the photos. You never know how long it will take you to develop your film or little moments or quotes you might forget when you actually sit down to scrapbook your pages. By keeping a mini notebook with your camera or in your purse you can jot down interesting tidbits to make your journaling a snap. Be sure to record who, what, when, where and when but also record feelings and anything you might pick up using your five senses. If there is a key item you might forget later like the smell of popcorn at the circus, be sure and jot this down. When you get your photos back, go to your notebook and put your notes in the developing envelope for use when scrapbooking.

Describe With Your Words

Don't just tell people what they can already see in the photo, describe interesting items they might not know. If for example your daughter is holding a doll that was hand made by her Aunt, make sure you mention that and some details about the item that might be interesting to others viewing your photo.

Identify Important Information that Might Be Overlooked

If there is something significant in the photo make sure you note it. If for example the family photo contains 4 generations of people note this and their relationship. If your son's first car is a Cadillac and it is the same car his grandfather owned, note that. Remember future generations will find these details interesting and they are worth noting.

Place All Your Information in Full Context

Include historical, cultural or geographical information to help establish the time and place. When important historical events happen make sure you include a newspaper clipping or magazine article and record your thoughts, feelings and where you were when this historical event took place. Did you survive a major earthquake? Take pictures of your damage, include newspaper clippings and describe exactly what it felt like to actually survive this event. Do you have a favorite film or song that was popular? Tell about it and what makes it so special to you.

Get Others Input On Important Events and Include in Your Scrapbooking

This is especially good for events like anniversaries, holidays or other major events. Let other family members contribute their thoughts and feelings about the event. This is especially good if you have only a few good photos or forgot your camera all together. You can plan ahead and "interview" people at the event or contact them soon after the event to get their feedback.

Reflect Real Speech and Inflections In Your Journaling

Everyone has their own way of saying things. Maybe you and your family have words and phrases that are unique. Maybe someone in your family is from another country and uses a different language altogether. Make sure you include these works and foreign languages in your journaling. If your called your Grandfather "Gramps" be sure to use this nickname in your pages. Make sure that your journaling reflects real wording and phrases familiar to your everyday life.

Make Sure Your Tone Reflects the Mood of Your Page

If it was a formal event your tone should be formal. More casual events should reflect a more casual tone. Make sure your tone and speech reflect the images and typestyles you use.

Journal In Your Own Handwriting

I have heard so many scrapbookers say they do all their journaling on the computer because they hate their own handwriting. By doing this they are depriving future generations of seeing something very personal only they can create, their handwriting. Your handwriting gives your scrapbooks the personal touch they really need. To improve your handwriting practice what you want to say before you put it on your page. You can continue to journal by computer for some things but your handwriting has a personal charm and style that just can't be duplicated by a computer!

Make Sure What You Write is What You Mean

Make sure you think out what you want to say and proofread it before you put it into your scrapbooks. Sometimes "free form" journaling can contain spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. Make sure that what you have written makes sense, you may even want to have someone proofread it before you put it on the page. Remember your scrapbooks are going to be around for generations, make sure that your future readers are able to understand clearly what you meant to say.

Don't Overdo Punctuation and Capitalization as An Emphasis

Use exclamation points sparingly and no more than one at a time. Too many exclamation points can be distracting to a reader just as ALL CAPS can be distracting. Make sure your punctuation and capitalization are used only as key emphasis points not throughout your journaling.

If you have other great journaling tips you would like us to include in this list please send an email to catscrapfever@aol.com

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