Stress-Free Scrapbook Journaling Ideas

Do you find it intimidating when you come to journal your scrapbook pages?

You are not alone! Many scrapbookers find it hard to get started when it comes to adding journaling to their scrapbooking layouts.

If you are one of those people who go blank at the thought of having to journal, don't worry. Here are some stress-free scrapbooking journaling ideas to help you write the right words whatever your page theme.

Make a list.

This is a fairly simple journaling technique that is suitable for use with any type of page theme, for example:

Doing a friendship page - list how you met, where you met, how long you have known each other, include what you like about your friend and why you are both pals.

Doing a recipe scrapbook page - then make a personal top 10 list of reasons why you like Grandma's chocolate cake so much.

Doing a baby layout - do a list of baby's favorite foods, you can even do one for the foods they don't like!

A variation of this technique is to use bullet points to mark each line on your list, giving you an opportunity to empathise each item of your journaling:

• Anguilla

• April 2004

• My first trip to the Caribbean

• This is the view from my hotel balcony overlooking the cove ? I can't wait to go swimming the sea looks so nice!

Make sure you have fun experimenting with all the different kinds of embellishments that you can use as your bullet points!

Another bonus with using the list technique is that you do not need to worry about the structure of your sentences or that your journaling makes sense because the list breaks down what you want to say into it's basic readable form.

Write a Letter.

This is one of those great scrapbook journaling ideas that's fairly simple to do and it's also a lovely, personal way to journal your layouts too.

All you have to do is pretend you're writing to a friend telling them what is happening in your photographs and including the "Dear ?." at the beginning of your writing will give your journaling an intimate feel.

Sent any emails lately? Like letters, emails are also a good source of journaling material that you can use for your layouts.

If you are unsure of your own journaling then doing it in a letter format could help your writing flow more easily, as you describe the people and the events taking place, letting you tell the story naturally and in your own words.

Ask a question.

If you are completely stuck and cannot think of anything to write this can be a good quick fix technique to use. Just ask some simple questions like, "What was your favorite part of..?" or "Did anything funny or embarrassing happen?".

This technique can be very effective when used for a special occasion layout, like a bridal shower, where you can ask each of the guests to tell you about their favorite memory of the bride-to-be.

Why not take it a stage further? Give each shower guest some suitable decorative paper and let them write down their own memories rather than journal all of them yourself.

For an extra special touch, you could get the guests to bring with them their favorite photo of the bride-to-be. Ask them to journal why they picked that particular picture and then do a separate layout for each individual photo.

This is an effective way to make a wonderful and unique scrapbook that is quick, simple and full of memorable pieces of journaling that add a very personal feel to the album.

If you are one of those people who find it difficult to begin the journaling process these fun scrapbook journaling ideas will provide you with some basic tips and techniques to help make it easier.

So go on, try out the scrapbook journaling ideas above for yourself and add some stress-free journaling to your pages... Once you've finished you'll see that it's been well worth the effort.

About The Author

Elaine Clay is the owner of Online-Scrapbooking-Guide.com :: your one-stop online scrapbooking resource. Find inspiration, increase your creativity and have fun with our helpful tips, ideas, articles and much more.

- Feel free to use the above article on your web site or ezine. Provided that it is published in it's entirety, including my resource box above and a "live" clickable link to: http://www.online-scrapbooking-guide.com

Building a perfect world - in miniature
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - 1 hour ago
... and crafts, eventually focusing on miniatures. "They encompass all the full-size hobbies - from sewing to woodworking to stained glass - into one tiny, ...

Gringoes.com
Brazil Through Foreign Eyes
Gringoes.com, Brazil - 4 hours ago
My hobbies are amateur radio, squash, cycling, reading and movies. I now live in Toronto, Canada. 2. When did you arrive in Brazil and what brought you here ...

Old-House Journal
Architectural Styles: Arts & Crafts
Old-House Journal - Aug 25, 2008
For many old-house observers, Arts & Crafts may be one of the most confusing architectural styles. The name sounds improbable—more like a Girl Scout merit ...

Disney Family.com Launches Social Networking Community for Parents
FOXBusiness - Aug 20, 2008
Some of the many stickers on the site include: crafts & hobbies, travel, toddlers, environment and specific holidays. Parents can also search for other ...

News & Observer
Crafty marketing
News & Observer, NC - Aug 22, 2008
Some Etsians aim to make a living from crafts; others are indulging hobbies. A wide spectrum are simply augmenting their income and exploring their craft. ...

Best of Topeka: Store caters to the creative side
Topeka Capital Journal, KS - Aug 9, 2008
By Rachel Whitten A person who enjoys crafts can find most everything one needs at Hobby Lobby. A person who enjoys decorating the house might also find ...

Blue ribbon dynasty
Chicago Tribune, United States - Aug 20, 2008
At 8:30 am, competitors began to gather outside the Hobbies, Arts & Crafts Building—a half-hour before it opened. That was before 9-year-old Elaine ...

MONDAY Q&A -- Area man a WW II re-enactor, craftsman
Indiana Gazette, PA - Aug 11, 2008
Question: Your crafts hobby, when did you start making crafts? Answer: I’ve always liked to work with wood. I built this house. My second-shift supervisor ...

Fifty Years of Serving the Fair
Kitsap Sun,  United States - Aug 20, 2008
(CAROLYN J. YASCHUR | KITSAP SUN) As fairgoers mingled among the crafts and hobbies display set up in Presidents' Hall on the Fairgrounds Wednesday, ...

Old-House Journal
How To: Create Patinas on Hardware
Old-House Journal - Aug 25, 2008
Much of the expertise and techniques of the Arts & Crafts era survive. And that's good news for restorers, because there's been a lot of metal polishing ...

Jar Lid and Jar Candle Decoration

Supplies Needed:Most items can be found around the house or in a craft store.Jar Candle with lid ? with removable plastic bottomCraft GluePaintScissorsDecorating Candle Jars and Lids... Read More

Robotic Vacuum Cleaners: Perfect for Cleaning Pool Tables

A friend of mine bought a robotic vaccum cleaner as a gag. It's actually pretty fun to watch it semi randomly roaming around the room. It seems... Read More

Amish Furniture for Kids Summer Projects

Summer is coming, and the kids will soon be out of school. Mom's and dad's everywhere will soon here "I am board; I don't have anything to... Read More

Finding The Best Display Case For Your Treasures

Maybe you have a bunch of collectibles sitting in your closet gathering dust. Or perhaps you've been storing your fine China in the kitchen cupboards instead of... Read More

Hollywood Gets Crafty - Knitting And Crocheting Not Just For Grandma Anymore

Sometimes it's hard to imagine that the stars who shine so brightly on cinematic screens are people just like the rest of us. We often think that... Read More

Choose From A Wide Variety Of Off Road RC Trucks To Play In The Dirt

Are you tired of driving your cars only on the road? Are you looking to get a little bit dirty? Or even a lot dirty? If you... Read More

Invitation Envelopes ? Make or Break Your Party

What will separate your party from all the other events of the season? Of all the planning that goes into your special occasion, there is no excuse... Read More

Floral Arranging as a Hobby

Flower arranging has become increasingly popular as a hobby, for people of all ages and backgrounds.Have you ever put flowers in a vase and they just don't... Read More

Beautify Your Stamped Cards with Creative Coloring

Stamping is one of the most versatile crafts around because there are so many different options that you can use to enhance even the most basic stamp.... Read More

A Playtime Project: The Memory Quilt

A friend recently suggested a use for my daughter's first wardrobe, which I've dutifully saved in the back of the closet, and lugged on two long distance... Read More

Embroidery Designs Testing for Machine Embroidery

We have found a "new" way to see how well the stabilizers and methods you are using are working with so that your designs look GREAT without... Read More

Create A Gift Basket For A Cat Lover!

The choice of what gift to give your family and friends can often be a difficult one. One of the best gifts that you can give is... Read More

Lighted Holiday Potpourri Jars

Lighted potpourri jars are a festive addition to any holiday decor. They are inexpensive, easy to make, and make great hostess gifts.SUPPLIES:1 package Christmas lights (20-bulb strand)... Read More

Rainy Day Fun - Crafts For Kids

Rainy days can be so boring for a child?and just as hard on moms. So we give some ideas to brighten your day and chase their rainy... Read More

Gemstone Collecting

Personally, I have become fascinated with gemstones (precious and semi-precious stones). I am amazed at the array of colors and properties of these little treasures found in... Read More

Scrapbook Photographs -- How A Picture Can Be Worth A Thousand Words

For many people, photos are at the heart of their scrapbooks -- and for a very good reason. We all treasure photgraphs of friends and loved ones,... Read More

Five Ways To Find New Markets for Your Dog and Cat Art

As you create your dog and cat art, you will find that you would like to find a market for your many non-commissioned pieces. When it comes... Read More

Green Thumb Not Required

Ah, the sweet smell of fresh flowers, herbs and fruit. But what if you don't have room for a flower garden or a fruit tree? What about... Read More

Step-By-Step Guide For Creating Collages and Other Unique Picture Frames

So you want to make a collage or perhaps you are interested in creating a unique shadow box to hold your valuable photographs and memorabilia. No problem!... Read More

Rubber Stamping: From Maya Indians to Scrapbooking

Who would have thought that your scrapbooking and card making had a connection to the Maya Indians? Rubber Stamping is certainly one of the fastest growing hobbies... Read More

Getting Started Selling Your Crafts

Until recently crafts were usually sold locally or, at best, regionally. Now you literally have the whole world at your fingertips! Some of you may... Read More

Creative Soap Crafts

Soap is a craft that is fun and easy to make. It's a great project to do with your kids.Simply follow the instructions below and you'll be... Read More

Build Your Own Bar Stool (In An Afternoon)

Bar stools are as important as the best wine in your bar. It is said that if you don't get a good stool to sit on, you... Read More

Woodworking Tools: Right Selection And Care Will Save You Money, Part 2

Woodworking: Tools Of The Trade, Part 2 - Tools For CuttingA civilization's maturity and intelligence is judged, in part, by the diversity and sophistication of its tools.... Read More

Making Hemp Jewelry Is Fun and Easy

Making our ideas come to life and creating them with our own hands is a great source of satisfaction for many of us. Handicrafts such as making... Read More

Working With Leather

This can be as simple & basic Or advanced & professional.There are many books, booklets, pamphlets, reprints, even articles describing how to assemble a simple article cut... Read More