Journaling

I do the same thing Chrissy.... forget I need a spot for journaling or don't leave a big enough spot for it. I think it is something we need to start getting in the habit of doing first and considering it a picture and making sure it has a spot. What I've done in the past is using a pen to match the page written at least the important info like name and date around the edge of each photo. I don't think it takes away from the LO and at least the important stuff is there to read.

Good point to bring up.

Lynne

I sometimes just do a decorated tag with minimal journaling on it. You can also create journaling on something to slide under a photo, or a photo on a flap you can lift up with hidden journaling underneath. HTH Linda

I like the idea of being able to lift a photo and have the journaling underneath. This way if you forget to place the journaling on the page, you can still add it afterwards without changing your page and it makes for a cute surprise when showing everyone your pages. For your pages, if you don't want to add a small journaling on the front it would be okay to add to the back. You could leave the backs open so you don't have to keep pulling the pages out every time but if you hide your journaling you will still have to pull out the pages, so in the end, it doesn't really matter.

~Crystal

I'm a natural journaler when it comes to scrapbooking. I tend to think about the journaling when I'm looking at the pics and laying things out on the LO, so the journaling is always in my mind and where it's going to go. As for what I've done for journaling, I've used...

decorated tags plain tags handwritten or computer printed text blocks printed journaling text on vellum (works great on dark colored backgrounds) pocket folders (looks like the library card holders in library books) with journaling tucked in it journaling tucked into the vellum envelopes

HTH!

Hi Chrissy,

I've done all of the below - but here are a couple of other tricks.

1) Write or print onto Transparency and insert that into a pocket on top of your page protector or as a complete overlay over a photo or something else or the entire page (under the page protector).

2) Creating a ribbon style add on (where the hight is no higher than 1

- 1.5 centimeters - and the length spans the page) - made entirely of paper (matted is best) with your words spanning across. *Yes this leaves room for no more than 2 lines of text and can be quite limited but with most pages an extra ribbon works just fine - therefore your ribbon journaling will to. *You could even do this with a label maker.

3) If you are doing your layout digitally, why not revise the background slightly and place your journaling onto it (as part of the background).

4) Bind a Fold Over onto the page. (Ie: From the left or the right, overlap and adhere an appropriate width of paper to your page. Then journal and scrap that to match the original page. Now it is a fold over - but does not take away from your page. PLUS you can use the bottom for more journaling, more photo's or even a title that you may have forgotten.

5) Create a half circle (or oval) or any other appropriate shape - that comes to only 1/2 - 1 " high - and mount it over a less important space on your main photo. Then journal that. *HINT: If your photo is black and white or very bright - use a dark color with white pen - the effect is much better.

Hope that helps.

I've thought about your Buddy layout, and I think there is room for journaling-have you thought about writing around the edge of the paper, around all 4 sides? Kathy

Thank you everyone for the helpful ideas. I have printed them out for future refrenece. I have to get in the habit on journaling. Next layout that I post with no journaling regardless of my excuse someone MUST scold me. LOL! I am serious I need tough love with this issue!

Chrissy

Chrissy,

I have recently seen someone create a pocket on the back of their layout for the same reason as you.

Create a decorated tag or letter and an envelope large enough to accomodate. Attached the envelope to the back of the layout, high enough that a hand can easily reach a corner or ribbon to remove and return your journalling. I suggest the top of your layout as most page protectors I have seen are top loading - change the orientation as needed. Now it doesn't matter if your journalling is longer than expected and your can retrofit journalling to your existing pages.

A great variation on this is cutting a semi circle from the top to make the envelope/pocket more visible and more a feature of the page or placing the pocket behind the mat for your main photo.

Hope this helps and inspires,

Catherine

Catherine, that is a fantastic idea!! I'm going to try this.