Journaling Styles

Scrapbooking expert Maria Nerius walks you through 8 different methods of journaling. Use her quick and easy ideas for your next scrapbook.

Journaling Styles

• Listing & Lists. Lists are easy! Make them fun or serious. Make them silly or sentimental. Lists can bring so much to the page. Try some of these: 12 Reasons I Love You, Top Ten Birthday Wishes, or 7 Ways to Bath The Dog. Make lists of the words you use to describe your mom, dad, sister, brother, wife, husband, kids, or even yourself! Record your list of favorite songs, books, colors, flowers, heirlooms or vacations. List all the guests at a party or gifts received at a shower.
   
• Hiding The Journaling. File folder-like embellishments that flip open, pockets, envelops, and flaps that lift up or open are a great way to hide journaling if you don’t like your handwriting. It’s also is a way to have more space within a page. It’s like a secret message waiting to be found.
   
• ABC’s or Define The Word. Write out the alphabet and write a phrase of word for each. For school layout, A for apple, B for books, C for new clothes, etc. Or write out SCHOOL vertically and write out S for Study, C for Class, H for Homework, etc.
   
• Invite Style. If there is a page where you want to report the facts but do not have much additional journaling to contribute, try this easy idea: Write out the information like you would a party or celebration invitation. Simply state: Who, What, When, and Where
   
• Recipe Your Thoughts. Everyone enjoys a good recipe so why not journal your photos using this easy to understand style. Recipe for a Grand Wedding. Take two happy lovebirds and combine with a beautiful dress and tuxedo. Add family, friends, gifts, music, and good wishes. Stir in some toasts and shift in some good food. Store in the caring embrace of community and enjoy for the rest of your life.
   
• 1, 2, 3, Step by Step. Take a look at your photos and see if there is a progression happening in the photographs. Write the steps of this process. This is fun for baking a cake or cupcakes for a school or church party. How about the step by steps of decorating the Christmas tree or building a snowman? Dress your child for an adventure or show the before and after of prom night.
   
• Calendar. Scrapbooks often record long term events in our lives like pregnancy, engagement to wedding, 4 seasons of a garden, building a home, planning a 50th Wedding Anniversary, or other major milestone. Use a calendar to record moments, memories, and other day-to-day activities you want to remember. You can also draw in a calendar or generate a calendar on a computer. This style keeps journaling brief, but can pack in a ton of facts.
   
• Postcard. Draw out a rectangle and put in a few lines. Write out the journaling as if you were sending it as a postcard to a friend. Be brief, concise, but get a happy message across. Don’t forget the postmark so you’ll remember the date and place!

Maria Nerius is the author of Creating Your Family Heritage Scrapbook: From Ancestors to Grandchildren, Your Complete Resource and Idea Book for Creating a Treasured Heirloom