When I want my journaling to be more meaningful, and to tell a better story, one trick I use is to make a connection.
I ask myself, “Does this photo remind me of something?”
Maybe your son looks just like your dad did at that age. Maybe you went to the same beach as a child. Maybe you have many happy memories of ski-dooing with your dad. If you can include a photo of the ‘memory’ that is great. If not, don’t worry, just TELL the story of the connection!
In this layout, Winter Wonderland, I tied together a photo of my kids ski-dooing with my dad and a photo of my brother and I ski-dooing with my dad. My journaling reflects how special it is to me when I see my boys enjoying this activity with my father.
The journaling:
Sledding, or ski-dooing, as we called it when I was a kid, was always a favourite thing to do in the winter, and around here we get a LOT of winter. Weโd all bundle up and head out into the brisk winter air. Soon the smell of ski-doo exhaust would be filling our noses as we joyously laughed and giggled over the bumps and hills in the back field.
My dad was the primary ski-doo driver. He spent hours with us kids, driving back and forth, and around and around until it was finally time to stop, for food, fuel, or to warm up frozen little fingers.
Watching my boys have the same experiences, and seeing the excitement shining in their eyes as they recount their own stories about ski-dooing with Grandpa is a beautiful thing.
The quotes from my kids:
โI like hanging out with Grandpa because we always have a really great time!โ – Joe
โSki-dooing with Grandpa is really fun! I like going up a hill and jumping at the top!โ – Ryan
I think it’s important to note that although the photos of my boys are from 2006, the quotes are from now. It doesn’t really matter. They are still relevant to the page, and they share a part of the story that I can’t tell on my own.
I love to see the details on pages, so here’s some details:
Snowflake cluster with different styles of snowflakes.
The diecut (and glittered) title overlaps the felt title.
Page Elements:
- Paper: My Mind’s Eye
- Vellum: Creative Memories
- Chipboard Snowflakes: Maya Road
- Felt Alphabet: Close to My Heart
- Glitter Snowflakes: Jesse James Beads
- Chipboard Word: Deja Views
- Cricut cartridge: (to cut ‘winter’) Opposites Attract
- Snowflake Stamp: (to stamp on vellum with pigment ink) Close to My Heart
- Ink and Glitter Gel: Close to My Heart
- Font: Big Caslon
What connections would you like to add to your pages? If you like this tip please share it with your friends!
Comments on this entry are closed.
I love the title! Wonderful layout.
Thanks Dawn!
I’m new to scrapbooking. Love to journal. I see you typed and printed yours, to keep it from fading did you use a specific paper or ink?
I always use scrapbook paper that is acid and lignin free. The ink was just regular ink from my printer. I know there are some considered archival, but I don’t have anything special. My layouts do go into an album where they are not exposed to light, so that should help to protect them too. Light is extremely damaging!
Alice, I have always disliked journaling, my handwriting goes in every direction. You just gave me an idea that will work with my pages. I like how you used the journaling paper to mat the photos. Your symmetry and idea will work for me. BIG THANK YOU!
Yay!! I LOVE reading this!
Your tips today are very helpful. I look forward to using them.
Thank you!
l sure learn a ot of good ideals from your sight love it
Thanks so much Bernice! That really means a lot to me!
Absolutely love your layout, reminds me of my husband and children โฅ
Thanks Anita! Sounds like you’ve found a topic to scrapbook!