Journaling is necessary to record your memories without them being lost over time. A scrapbook should be created with a stranger or future family generations in mind. We'd all like to think that our scrapbooks may just live on longer than us and journaling provides the viewer with a story when we're not there to tell it.

The first rule to remember when journaling is to imagine that you are a complete stranger looking at your page. You need to be able to see who and what the page is about.

• An old favourite is to answer who, what, where, when, why and how.
• Be plain, simple and truthful. Create a 'list' in point form.
• Use everyday comments and quotes that the subject within your photographs is known for.
• Splash about descriptive words that spring to mind when you think of your topic.
• Ask a question. Then answer it as much as you can/would like. eg, "Why Jack always ends up with more food on his clothes than in his mouth..." Keep it simple, it doesn't always need to describe a big event.
• Write about your thoughts and feelings.
• Use poems and famous quotes. It's also best to mention the author, or you can write and use your own poems.
• Use time. Note any songs, movies, words or anything of the like that were around at the time. Use newspaper clippings too.
• Record any traditions and activities or personal jokes.
• Define your topic. You can do this by picking a word and journaling the definition of it. This can be either the proper dictionary meaning or you can make your own up. There are also alot of preprinted embellishments that you can find with dictionary definitions including stamps, vellums and transparencies, stickers and rub ons.
• Use fun and games. Create a cross word with descriptive words. You can even use items such as scrabble tokens to embellish and journal your pages.

Formatting Journaling

The possibilities are endless when it comes to getting your journaling across. Think of all the other crafts that you can incorporate into scrapbooking - stamping, stitches, painting etc. Here are a few basics to get you started;

• Frame an object or create a shape using words.
• Use a computer to print your font onto acid free paper. There are also plenty of free fonts available online.
• Use large block letters to spell you main word then journal within the block letters.
• Use templates and die cuts to get legible lettering.
• Use tags, folds and envelopes to conceal private journaling. Ribbons, fibres and clips can be used to seal items.
• Layer your words. An example is to use stamps repeatedly over each other or other elements such as chipboard.
• With any left over sticker and rub on lettering create odd-bodd titles.
• Instead of adding lettering to your page, deduct. Use the main paper on your page to cut out lettering to show through a plain or patterned paper beneath.
• Don't forget to use your embellishments for journaling - ribbons, buttons, frames, tags, charms, discs etc
• Journal the background - you can even create your own paper by writing your words or a story over and over.
• Use items such as stickers, rub ons, stamps and alpha beads over the top of your photographs.
• Sewing - I love incorporating stitches whether it be to create a patchwork look or to actually stitch your lettering.
• Wire - you can buy ready made words or create your own from thin coloured wire. Add beads, fibres, charms etc to draw attention.

Some pen & marker types available are outlined below. When looking for a pen make sure it is acid free pigment based ink and waterproof.