A Thousand Words

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In scrapbooking, as well as other situations, this is often true. Usually, the pictures are the focal points of our layouts and the journaling is used to provide supporting information. However, sometimes the picture doesn't tell the whole story. Sometimes we don't even have a picture, or we just have a lot to say. In these cases, one may choose to have journaling be the focal point of the layout with the photos (if there are any) in a supporting role.

When the journaling is the focal point of the layout, the tone and language is more important than usual. In these layouts, I usually type the journaling on my computer rather than hand journal. This gives me the opportunity to edit the text until it is just right. Depending on the topic, I may have one or more family members proofread to make sure my text is correct and includes all the important information.

Here is an example of a layout about my oldest son when he was turning six. Six is such a complicated age ; I could go on all day about him. I started the journaling with the phrase "Soccer is Life" because that was the phrase that described him best. I continued in a slightly playful tone, appropriate for his age. After I composed a first draft, I read it with my son and we edited it together. When I was happy with the content, I used Word to size the journaling and printed in onto cardstock. Since the journaling covers many topics, I chose photos that I hadn't used before and that showed his happy smile. I put them in small supporting places on the layout.

When my other son turned four, I had just as much to say, but I chose a different technique. I created a layout with lots of small white spaces to journal in. In the style of my silly four year old, I wrote one fact about him in each space. I used several different pens and handwriting styles to add interest to the journaling.

In both of these layouts, the reader is drawn the journaling rather than the photos and will hopefully feel compelled to read it. The photos are merely supportive, almost like an embellishment.

Another technique that I use when I have a lot to say is to make a two-page layout, putting the journaling on one side and the photos on the other. This works especially well for my vacation album, which is sized 8 ½" x 8 ½". The great thing about this size is that I can put the whole layout right through the printer, so the journaling comes out on the background. (Note: add the photos and embellishments after it comes out of the printer.) I used this technique in this layout from our vacation in Curacao:

Whether you put the whole layout through the printer or print it on a large journaling block, here are some tips to keep in mind for a large amount of computer journaling:

• Use the formatting options in a program like Word or PowerPoint to make the journaling in the right size, shape, and position on the page.
• Use a readable font - if you're not sure, print it out on a piece of scrap paper first.
• Adjust the font size to make the journaling fit into the space you have on the page.
• Have a friend or family member proofread for you. Whether you want them to evaluate content, grammar, or font, a second pair of eyes can be a big help.
• Use your spell checker.

Another possibility for long journaling is to hide it. In this case, you don't need to worry as much about grammar and font and whether or not to use a computer. Rather than hiding your journaling behind a clever flap or pull-out, consider putting it in the back. Attach it to the back of the layout, or slide it into the page protector between the layouts. Just make a note on the front so the reader knows that it's there.

Next time your photos don't tell the whole story, don't be afraid to journal. Use the techniques here to include your thousand words.