Defining Words

Everyone uses a dictionary and is familiar with its content. The dictionary is helpful for understanding words, pronunciation and giving different meanings to a word. The dictionary can also be a journaling tool in scrapbooking. By using a definition on a scrapbook page, you can add more meaning and good composition to your layout.

Types of Definitions. There are several ways you can use definitions. They can be the straight dictionary definition, but they can also be the essence of the definition. Instead of the straight definition, you could use a synonym for a word. Another idea is use a simple phrase that isn’t the technical definition but is related to the word. In my layout “The Wii is Here,” I used a digital stamp that used the word “presents” then defined it loosely as “to furnish or endow with a gift r the like.”

Definition Placement. The definition can be placed anywhere on a layout. The main criterion is to make it visible. One method that works well is placing it on a strip of paper. In my layout “One Scaredy Dog,” I placed the definition on a strip of orange paper under the two main photographs.

For a unique look consider using the definition as a part of the background paper. It could also be put on a photograph either digitally before printing or after printing. A nice spot for a definition is under the main title, creating a nice sub-title. Another placement option is to use it in a blocked design. The definition can be part of one of the blocks. In my layout “Do Your Best,” I used a digital stamp of the definition “learn” to fill in one of the blocks.

While it is best to have the definition visible, there might be a time when you only want it partially visible. My layout “A Real Challenge” features an overlapping of objects. I placed the definition for “create” as a part of the overlapping design. It is still visible and a part of the overall design.

Definition Style. Definitions can appear different depending on the font and type size used. Find a font or design that works well with the emotion you’re trying to convey in your layout. The choices are endless from a messy style to a floral design.

Find embellishments featuring definitions or create some of your own and add some meaningful journaling and titling details to your layout.

Digital products from DesignerDigitals:

• Katie Pertiet: Date Tags No. 02, Drop Shadow Styles Collection, Buttoned Up, Mon Petit Ballon Bleu Solids Paper Pack, Worth Repeating Brushes and Stamps No. 04, Defined Clippings MegaPack No. 01 Brushes and Stamps, Stuffed Edge Frames and Journalers, Digital Date Stamps Vol. 01, Roughed Up Alphabet: Flourished Red, Going Away Collection Staples, Scrap Pack Layered Templates No. 02, Classic Cardstock: Winter Park, Home and Garden Kit, Lil Bit Tags, Little Packages Layered Templates and PNGs, All You Need Overlays No. 06, Word Strip Labels No. 04, Basic Paper Alphabet: Chocolate
• Ali Edwards: The Story Word Art + Hand Drawn Brushes, Remember This 2 Page Layered Template
• Cathy Zielske: By The Numbers Layered Template Set No. 01
• Michelle Martin: Emery Solids Paper Pack, Manchester Solids Paper Pack, Just Linens Paper Pack No. 04, Luisa Solids Paper Pack
• Art Warehouse: Dog Rub Ons, Vibe Alphabet Brushes and Stamps
• Lynn Grieveson: Scribble Primary Paper Pack, Just a Hint Paper Pack, Worn Page Edges, Natures Best Flowers, Worn Strips No. 05
• Anna Aspnes: OuterSpace PageSet Brad, His Valentine MiniKit Staple, Stitched AlphaSet Clipping Masks No. 1B, Learn WordART No. 01, LoopDaLoop ArtStrokes No. 01 BrushSet
• Jesse Edwards: Harvested Supplement Paper Pack