I've been fortunate enough to team with Jennifer Wilson at Simple Scrapper for a number of projects: Capture the Season, guest posts, and several giveaways. I think the content she provides at Simple Scrapper is so invaluable; while scrapbooking is a hobby that I love dearly, I know that it's also something that can be a huge time- and money-sink for me if I'm not careful. Jennifer's tips on simplifying and managing the process have truly helped me to think seriously about what I do and why I'm doing things the way I do them. Plus, Jennifer has what I think of as a teacher's eye -- she can spot a teachable moment immediately, and I learn something new from her every.single.day.
Storytelling shouldn't feel like a chore. It's OK for the documentation process to tug at your heartstrings (and even your nerves), but the feeling of "I hate writing" isn't a necessity. Journaling on your scrapbook layouts can be easy and fun if you keep a positive mindset. These tips will help you feel more love for this part of scrapping. (Audrey's note: All images are linked to their respective galleries, so please stop by and share your praise with these scrappers!)
Lists are easy
When you think "but I don't know what to write", just start with a list. It can even be a list you already have, like your bucket list or even a grocery list.
Sometimes a title is enough
With every story you tell, consider what kind of words and how many are truly necessary. Think quality over quantity.
It's OK to be selfish
Our scrapbook pages are one place where its OK to be totally self-centered and self-indulgent. Write in the first person and make it all about you. Be thrilled that you're the center of attention!
Do you remember snail mail?
Remember when you wrote 6 pages in one fell swoop to your best friend? Recapture the lost art of letter writing on your next layout.
Begin with real words
In digital, we can get so wrapped up in our online lives that it can become harder to cherish each moment in the IRL world. Focus on the little things important people say and use those as launch points for your writing.
Cheaper than therapy
The root of journaling is journal, as in diary. If you're comfortable, your next layout can be the perfect vehicle for a gush, rant, whine or letting go of the past. Catharsis is possible via scrapping.
Play pretend
Are you a poet who didn't know it? With clever placement, your words can be poetry. Explore the more creative side of your writing with no judgment.
Re-gifting is cool
Scrap a page celebrating a few important people in your life and gush in black and white about what they mean to you. Print multiple copies and you've got gifts at the ready.
Just do it
Not every page needs to be though-provoking or touchy-feeling. Documentation in its purest form is still journaling. Don't beat yourself up when you only have a little to say.
We all get stuck at times, languishing in that feeling of writer's block. Jump out of it free and clear by just writing. One. word. at. a. time. Don't forget about delete and undo -- isn't that why we all love digital anyway?
Jennifer S. Wilson writes daily at simplescrapper.com where she provides tips to make scrapbooking easier and more fun for busy people.
Jennifer's post is a great way to get your journaling mojo jumpstarted, but it's really just the tip of the iceberg. I'd love for you to add your ideas to hers -- and as extra incentive, I'll give one reader all my new releases tomorrow (that's a minimum of 8 products). Here's how you can win:
- Leave a comment with your favorite way to jumpstart your journaling.
- Retweet this post (make sure you let me know you retweeted) for a second chance to win.
- Blog about this post and contest for a third chance to win (leave a link to your blog post in the comments!)
