Creative Computer Journaling

One of the best tools in my scrapbook studio is my good old PC.  I can plan layouts, research my own genealogy, look for inspiration, print out accents, and do the most creative and fun journaling!

Here are a few things to keep in mind when journaling on the computer. 

• Experiment with different fonts, colors, and text sizes.
• Make sure your ink is color-fast, archival, and acid-free.
• You can download free fonts or low-cost fonts from several websites.
• Play around with the placement of your journal block on your layout.
• Try using design software to journal in a shape around a photo.
• Don't be afraid to mix computer and hand written journaling together.

Here are a couple layouts I've created that feature computer journaling. I love the look of my own handwriting, but it's fun to mix it up and use fun or thematic fonts once in a while too

Grow

This layout features printed journaling on a thick sheet of transparency.  Remember that you don't just have to print your journaling onto cardstock.  Try patterned papers, vellum, specialty papers, ribbon, and even fabric.

Supplies

• computer font - P22 Garamouche
• cardstock - Bazzill
• patterned paper - Die Cuts With a View
• transparency - 3M
• metal letters - Making Memories
• tiny safety pin - Making Memories
• metal rim tag - Making Memories
• large eyelets -  American Tag
• ribbon - Stampin' Up

Orange Boggles

This layout features journaling inside a circle.  Using my design software I printed an orange outline around the journaling and then cut it out with my circle-cutting tool.  You can do this in several shapes, or even place individual words inside shapes for a creative title treatment.

Supplies

• computer font - Arial, Microsoft
• cardstock - Bazzill
• patterned paper - Die Cuts With a View, Creative Imaginations, and Paper Loft
• circle punches - Marvy Uchida, Fiskars, and EK Success
• square punch - Marvy Uchida
• sticker letters - unknown
• white chipboard letters - Provo Craft
• circle-cutting tool - We R Memory Keepers
• label maker - Dymo

Girl Under Construction

This layout features a handwritten-style font.  I chose one that looks very similar to my own handwriting.  You can find fonts like this all over, and they look great!

Supplies

• computer font - Wendy's Hand
• cardstock - Stampin' Up
• patterned paper - misc. scraps, unknown
• small brads - Making Memories
• black ABC letters - Hot Off The Press
• sticker letters - Making Memories, Ransom
• acrylic paint - Ranger Paint Dauber, Denim
• heart stick pin - Heidi Grace
• label maker - Dymo