Journalling in Scrapbooking is the name given to the words you put on your page. It can include titles, descriptions, poems, stories, labels, etc. Journalling is important because Scrapbooking allows you to tell the story… something ordinary albums can’t do. They can provide a description of an event, a place, a person, your feelings – in as much or little detail as you like. Remember Scrapbooks last a lifetime, so imagine looking back on photos in 30 years time. What will you forget about the little things? What do you want to remember?
At lessons we work on the decorative side of your page, but because journalling is a personal thing, it will be something you can do at home. You will need to gather some supplies to help you achieve this. Here are some products you can use for Titles/Journalling:
ALPHABET STICKERS - For instance, the Alphamega and Alphamidi stickers on page 55 of your Kaszazz catalogue. When buying stickers, make sure the background is transparent, or you will have ugly white edges around your letters! Also, ensure there are plenty of the more popular letters, eg. aeiounstr. Once these letters have been used, you can almost throw the rest of the pack away. Letter stickers are available from just about everywhere. It’s a good idea to have a range of colours and sizes in your stash.
CHIPBOARD POPOUTS or DIECUTS - These are great because you can paint or ink them, or cover them with patterned paper to match your page. Ideal for titles. Kaszazz have some in different sizes on page 54.
PRINTED ON COMPUTER - If you have a computer and printer, particularly a colour printer, you can type up your own journalling at home. Simply print onto paper, cardstock or vellum, cut it out and stick it to your page. There is a huge range of specialty fonts you can download free from the internet and use in Microsoft Word. Scan reports, certificates, letters, kids artwork, newspaper clippings, etc into your computer, then print them out – the printed copy is acid free.
VELLUM - Kaszazz sell clear vellum in packs of 10 A4 size, on page 50, that can be used in your printer. Vellum is transparent, so your background will show through behind your writing. There are also 30x30cm sheets of pre-printed vellum on page 40. I have a folder full of these if you want to have a look or purchase some at student discount. These are handy because you can cut out the words you want to use. Use special Vellum tape so your tape won’t show.
SHAPE CUTTERS - There are a number of Diecut machines on the market that allow you to cut your own letters from paper or card. You may have heard of the Sizzix and the Cricut machines. They come in various prices according to what they do, anything from $100 to $1000. A cheaper alternative is the Fiskars cutter, available at some craft outlets and places like K-Mart. You need to purchase a tool, cutting mat and alphabet stencils, but this should be no more than $50.
PENS - Handwritten journalling adds a personal touch to your pages. Be sure to use only good quality, acid free pens so your writing doesn’t affect your photos. Kaszazz sell some excellent gel pens and a highly recommended Black Permaball marker on page 61 of the catalogue.
STAMPS -The good thing about stamps is you can use them over and over again in any colour you choose. It’s a good idea to purchase a couple of alphabet sets in different styles and sizes. Refer to the Stamps section of the Kaszazz catalogue.
RUB-ONS - These are pre-printed words and phrases on a plastic sheet. Use an ice-cream stick (sometimes provided) to rub over the words so they transfer to your page. Some people love them, some curse them as they don’t always transfer well. So, buy good quality brands if you can. Kaszazz have good quality alphabet Rub-Ons on page 56.
LETTER BEADS - These look gorgeous threaded on a string or wire, or glued down onto paper and ribbon.
TIP: Made a Mistake? Simply re-do your journalling on a piece of paper or card and stick over the top.
