Incorporating Journaling on a Layout
One of the wonderful benefits of scrapbooking is the ability to record our thoughts, feelings and memories onto the page in a written format. As a writer, I find it hard not to include at least some journaling on every page. I want to include the details, even if it is just a few sentences. How do I incorporate journaling on the page? Here are several ideas for incorporating small or large journaling sections on a page.
Center of Attention
Don’t be afraid to let your journaling take up most of your layout! Sometimes an important story, detailed account or some special hand-journaling proves to be a meaningful component to your layouts. Don’t hide it, but highlight it. Go ahead and make it the focal point of your layout. You can place your journaling (computer or handwritten) in the center of the layout or off to the side, making it the major attraction of your layout. In “So Easy,” I told an important story about my daughter. Since the journaling was the starting point for the layout, I maintained it as the focal point by making it a major portion of the page.
 In a Box
A simple, clean and convenient way to include journaling is to place it in a box. The journaling is handwritten or computer generated in a conveniently sized space, often a square or rectangle. The box can be placed on your layout wherever it fits. It can even overlap photographs or other design elements. Often an entire layout can be designed and then the box added in the leftover space.
Tags
Similar to a journaling box, tags have the journaling written directly on a small square or rectangular area. With a tag, the journaling area is the surface of the tag. Tags have the flexibility of being added when and where you want. A tag for journaling can be even more visually pleasing with the addition of various embellishments to the tag.
A Thin Strip
An alternative to the box is to use a long strip of journaling either horizontally or vertically on your layout. The text is handwritten or printed out on a long strip of paper, then placed on the layout. The strip can be placed on the edge of the layout or even a few inches inside the layout’s edge. When creating a thin strip of horizontal journaling remember to set your word processing program to landscape mode before composing. After printing, cut off the thin strip and place it on the layout. In “Our Treat” I composed the journaling by setting the margins to 1.25 inches and printing on a trimmed piece of cardstock.
Around the Edges
Instead of adding a thin strip horizontally or vertically, why not do both? With hand journaling, stamps or rub-ons, write out your journaling text along the edges of all four sides of the layout.
Using Columns
Another option is to add more than one column of journaling to your layout page. Multiple columns add visual interest and variety to your journaling entries. With handwriting or by using the columns function in your word processing program, create your journaling in several columns, side by side. In “Dive” I included two columns – one column for each of my daughters’ reactions to their respective swim classes.
Hidden
When journaling private thoughts or when your journaling just will not fit, consider hidden journaling. Although the journaling may not be easily viewable, it is still included on the layout. The hidden journaling can be placed on a tag, then tucked away. It can also be placed in a pocket or mini file folder.
Take a new look at the various ways to arrange journaling on a page and try something new. Look at the layouts of others, especially those who inspire you. You’ll find lots of ideas for incorporating journaling on your layouts.
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