If it weren’t for journaling blocks how could you explain why the scrapbook layout featuring your daughter’s first birthday includes a huge lopsided cake with no candles?
Ah, the power of journaling.
You can have the most elaborate paper, stickers, stamps and die cuts, but if you don’t include some type of context to your layouts, then all the hard work you put into preserving memories for future generations will be for naught.
On the most basic level, journaling blocks provide information, such as names, dates and a bit of background. For example, if you are featuring a shot of your infant daughter crying while sitting on Santa’s lap for the first time, a journaling block can explain that her tears didn’t start to fall until he let out a hearty “HO! HO! HO!”
Journaling blocks also provide a chance to share personal feelings about photos or special occasions. For example, a graduation layout could include details on the anxiety and excitement of commencement day. Or it could be used to share insights on the journey that led up to your son finally receiving his diploma and the relationships between him and the individuals that are documented in the photos featured on the scrapbook page.
Of course, journaling doesn’t have to be all about spilling your guts in a profoundly emotional way. Rather, there are many other ways you can add context to a layout without writing huge chunks of text. Personally, I am a big fan of lists. You can express yourself in a more informal way by adding a list or two to a layout. For example, my sister-in-law created an adorable page design for my nephew Matthew on his 10th birthday that included a Top 10 list of his favorite hobbies. You could create a similar list for an anniversary layout; only consider highlighting the Top 10 things you love about your spouse.
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