Three Things : Lines (and a Designer Digitals giveaway)

I never leave the journaling for later. Gotta do it right when I do the layout. Usually I just think about what I was thinking/feeling when the picture was taken. That usually gets the ball rolling for what I want to include in my journalling! :)

Get others to journal! I keep a sheet of funny / interesting conversations I've overheard with my littlies, funny things they've said, interviews with them, etc. If you're scrapbooking about moments and people, then it's good to get their perspective on things as well!

I prefer for most layouts to keep the writing simple. If I can't think of too much to say, a date, location, event title, ages, etc. is all I do. If it's not obvious WHY I used the photos I did, then I include simple journaling to tell the story behind the photos. That is usually why I was inspired to write, so it flows. As a general rule, I don't care for having to look under things or turn books around in circles to read it. It IS artsy, but annoying to the reader later when you have to figure it out.

I like to keep an online journal of things happening around here and what the kids are up to. When its time to scrapbook, I open the file and cut and paste my thoughts right into my layout...easy.

Hi
i use conscious stream of thought and just get on paper - in a diary - all the main feelings - funny stories or quotes from my day or kids or husband. Then i look back for motivation for a page and am inspired to enlarge on what i have written but often the initial recordings are more authentic and not driven by making a page.

I love to journal on photos to make it look different. I always love to use different angles or use notepad paper.. OR have a quote/poem and use different angles for every sentence.. that always gives a great look! love your blog!

I love to journal on photos to make it look different. I always love to use different angles or use notepad paper.. OR have a quote/poem and use different angles for every sentence.. that always gives a great look! love your blog!

Something that has really helped me stay on top of journaling is keeping a pad of paper next to my bed, in my purse, in my desk, basically everywhere. Write those things down as they come to you and eventually you can piece them together or maybe only have to add a little bit to get all the journaling you need. Occasionally, I will even use the sheet of paper I just made my notes on AS the journaling by just adding that sheet to the page!

I have been using several different "journal block" stamps (thanks for the inspiration)- I might not journal alot but it gets something down.

I have a small notebook to write down important moments and/or quotes that I want to remember.

I like to copy things I've written on my blog and make journaling strips, which I attach to my layouts.

To help me get the story down, I try to keep my projects at a scale that doesn't overwhelm me. Either it's just a page with a specific story or its a small album telling a story. Thanks!

I like to journal on tags tucked into pockets or behind other page elements, that way if the journaling is not quite right I can change it later on without redoing (is that a word?) the page. Also, if I'm not inspired to write the story at that time no one knows because the empty card is tucked away and I can come back and finish it up when the inspiration strikes.
P.S. I'm loving Life Artist as much as all your other books. Can't wait for the one on Mini Books to arrive! Hope I win the digital brushes. You are a constant source of info and inspiration.

would love to win....my favorite way to get words down is to think in lists. This simplistic approach makes me think of descriptive and interesting words so that it conveys exactly what I want it to. Thank you for the giveway and daily doses of inspiration!

I study Professional Writing at University and one of the best tips I've ever heard is - Just Write! Pour out whatever comes to mind and don't worry about form or structure just as long as you get it down. You can always do the editing and structuring afterwards but you can't edit a blank page!

Hi Ali! I usually try to write down my thoughts in my journal that sits next to my computer...right after I download my pictures. I also have a blog now that I reference, if needed! Love this whole new world I have discovered! Thanks for the chance to win this great giveaway!

Hi, Ali. I do either of two things: (1) i write down my thoughts and ideas in a journal along with my sketches for layouts, or (2) i use a post-it or acid-free pen to write at the back of a photograph. I love using the Maya Road sheers and my AC slick writer for journaling spots. Their quirky and fun shapes add pizzazz to any layout.

Like you Ali I just LOVE journaling directly onto my photo's or use simple handwriting around the block - whether that is photo's or paper. Again, LOve the giveaway - great kit.

All I can say is to get it down right away. Don't leave it for later because you will never do it. I love any handy little tag, journaling spot that makes it fast and easy. Thanks for the give away Ali!

I love the mug!! I like to use stamps that have journaling lines on them. I have a couple of the Cafe Press stamps that I love to use to jot a few words. I tend to use them more in my mini-albums where I don't write as much.