I think journaling is one of the things that scares people the most about scrapbooking. I also believe it is as equally important to include our words on a page as it is to include a photo. Perhaps even more so. I have had so many people say to me "Oh, I couldn't do what you do" or "I'll never be a scrapbooker" or any number of similar phrases and excuses. I'm willing to admit that not everyone might enjoy it as much as I do, but I truly believe that scrapbooking is something that anyone can do if they want to. When you break down what scrapbooking really is, it can be reduced to a simple equation:
Photos + Journaling = a scrapbook page
Yes, it really is that simple. You can make it as complicated as you want - but the bottom line is it all comes down to this simple formula.
Journaling can also be simplified. When I don't know what to say on a page, I often think about who the page is about and simply tell them what is happening in the pictures. Or say why the photos were taken. In this case the subject is my daughter when she was opening presents and eating cake on her 3rd birthday.
I posted the opposing page in yesterday's post and I used most of the same supplies but I also added a template by Bree Clarkson (launchpad No. 46)
Here's the journaling I put on the page:
You got to celebrate your 3rd birthday with Grandpa & Grandma, and Scott & Amanda. They bought you a Teletubbies cake, a babydoll with a stroller, a new coat, and a new Tinkerbell dress.You looked like a sweet little princess in your new sparkly costume. You wore this dress all the time for the next year of your life, it was a well-loved gift!
There's nothing fancy about these words, but they feel more personal because I addressed them to my daughter. I could have just said "Riley's 3rd birthday. She got a new Tinkerbell dress, a new doll and stroller, and a new coat. Grandma bought her a Teletubbies cake.
Do you see the difference? Do you think my daughter does? That is really who the scrapbook page is for and anyone who reads this page will understand that as well. I challenge you to try this simple trick the next time you are staring at an unfinished scrapbook page.
