Three Things : Lines (and a Designer Digitals giveaway)

My tip is to write them down when it happens, so that whenever you finally get around to making your project, it is already there, waiting for you.

I have been making notes as I see or hear things I want to record. The notes may be all I keep, or I may add them to a photo on a page. I have decided having the notes is most important, so I even keep a file on the computer which I journal in. It really helps. I also send myself lots of emails!!!
Lindsey

I'm really working at telling more stories instead of just name and date. I start off writing in point form on scrap paper, then figure out how to make it all flow together. When it all clicks together, just the right way, it moves me when I read it and will bring a tear to my eye. Hopefully it moves someone else when they read it too.

I love all the little journaling itsy bitsies...it really simplifies the writing it down part. I try to capture the who, what, where and when. Occasionally, I just write and it just happens. That's the best and most magical when you don't really have to think about it. It just is.

Journaling is the HARDEST for me! I have seven years of scrap pages - MANY with missing journaling - I have a tendency to clam up.
I can "journal" in my head all day long....driving in the car, etc... But when I sit down to actually scrap, the thought is either gone or I have too many thoughts in my head to concentrate!
My BEST tool is my own email! Whenever I have a thought I quickly compose an email to myself and send it. It sounds crazy, but it works for me! I have a folder saved with all of my emails to myself...The subject line helps me find exactly what I am looking for when I need!
As always, thanks for the inspiration! I am looking SOOOO forward to seeing you at Designer Digitals!
Tracey

I ask someone for help, usually my husband. Or I start with one word, a describing word and build from there. Sort of like an outline.

I like to get the facts down, then tell the story. I try to do it when I create the layout that way it's done, cause many times I won't go back and do it later.
So excited about your digi line!
-priscilla

Journaling is the HARDEST for me! I have seven years of scrap pages - MANY with missing journaling - I have a tendency to clam up.
I can "journal" in my head all day long....driving in the car, etc... But when I sit down to actually scrap, the thought is either gone or I have too many thoughts in my head to concentrate!
My BEST tool is my own email! Whenever I have a thought I quickly compose an email to myself and send it. It sounds crazy, but it works for me! I have a folder saved with all of my emails to myself...The subject line helps me find exactly what I am looking for when I need!
As always, thanks for the inspiration! I am looking SOOOO forward to seeing you at Designer Digitals!
Tracey

I made my own calendar (with a fun cover and everything) and included a box called Memories. So each week I right down something funny each of my boys do or say. That way I have their "real" words and my actual feelings to use in my journaling.

I have gotten over my fear of using my handwriting on things. I usually fllow the lines that I have made on my layout with the other elements and just write right on the page.

I am too wordy so I ask our son for his thoughts and it is short and to the point-if I get one.

I like the 7 gypsies circle stamp with journaling lines. Cool mug!

Met you last wk - you are a new fave! Love you personality and 'heart'...Anywhoo...on the subject of journaling...I FINALLY started just writing like i speak..just blurting it out there instead of overthinking the grammar and heaven help the penmanship!!! That way my kids/friends/fam can 'hear' me when they read it...hmmm...hope that's a good thing! Happy Journaling to all and to all a good night! Deb

I just write: on the page, a tag, on the picture, on a journal tag tucked behind the lo, whenever, wherever. Sometimes it's too wordy, sometimes a single word...

I like to take notes in a small notebook and then keep quotes and stories handy for when I do a lo. Makes it easy to 'finish' the page when I know exactly what I want to write before I start.

The single biggest thing that's helped me to get the words down: digi scrapping. I can get my words out and sit with them a bit on my layout before committing. And really, printing my layout isn't a total commit either--- I can always go back to the original file and edit.
Having said that, I RARELY go back and edit! I find that getting the words out and telling the story is the important part. I like looking back and seeing how the story affected me at the time.
Thanks Ali, for always encouraging us to tell our stories- that's what its all about!

Love your style Ali. Am bummed that your Windy City class is sold out. Not a unique tip but I include hidden journaling on almost every page so I don't worry about being poetic or embarassed about my handwriting.

Most of my first scrapbook pages had titles, and little, if any, journaling. Now I write the story first and then work on design.

oops. somehow my commented got posted to Jenni???? Must admit this is my first time

I really dislike the feel/sound of forced journaling so as I am looking at the photos, I speak out loud as if I am recounting the story they tell to my desired audience. I find it makes my word choices more natural, more me. Additionally when I go back & revisit, or share it with a friend I'm not embarrassed by a hokey unnatural tone