Three Things : Lines (and a Designer Digitals giveaway)

I always keep an index card file with all my photos. They are stored by date & event. I always jot down the main things that happened on the front index card for the group of photos/photo I'll use in a layout. Things such as: where we were, who were there, the date, feelings, etc. I never leave a page un-journaled, it's not complete in my eyes without the journaling. To me, that completes the whole page.

I totally suck at journaling. I find my main inspiration to be your blog.In the fall I will be getting my very own creative room and I plan to set up a jounaling station to keep me on track.Thanks for all your sharing.

My trick? I tend to do the journaling before everything else...although I do keep a private blog, I also keep a small journal and pen in my bag, and I jot down notes while waiting at the doctor's office, before bed, or when I get an idea. Sometimes, I make lists of page "themes" or titles of pages I would like to scrap. That way, if time is limited and if ever I need a little inspiration to get me started, I can simply refer to the list.

Ali,
Thanks for your site and all the wonderful things you inspire me to try! I'd love to see your new digital collection... so cool!

For me, its more about the story than the photos or product, so I start with what I want to say and build the rest of the LO around the journaling. That way, too, I know I always have enough room for everything I want to say!

the thing that's worked for me is to get down the journaling even before the design is made for the page.
I go through a small stack of photos and write the stories, then begin designing my layout.
love these products!

I tend to do the journaling last and forget to leave room for it, so I end up writing notes on the background paper itself. I like to write around the edges of embellishments and pictures, but I need to do a better job of planning a journaling spot.

My favorite tip on getting the words down is to add the basic necessities to journal writing: month, year, title, emotions,memorable thoughts, and what was the inspiration on take those pictures that day. I use this list helpme gather my thoughts when I am writing the bare necessities of journaling.

I was excited to see the Fish's Eddy mug on your blog! My husband and I love that store and now that I live in PA, I've had them ship things to me and they always do a great job. Everything is always packed nicely and it ships so quickly.
They have such great stuff there!

I like to write my journaling right along the edge of photo or elements. I also love journaling stamps. If I have a really important story I will often write it first and then scrap with it. This way if it takes a while to scrap the page I don't lose the story I wanted to tell.

Hi Ali!!
My favorite tip?
Well it's one I learned from you. It's that lovely white Sharpie for use on posters. I love it. It works on everything and everytime!! Thanks

I keep a very detailed calendar, so I just refer back to what I wrote about that day to get all the details for any particular layout.

I to use my daytimer to keep more detailed notes, quotes, funny things my kids say, or things we do to use later in my journaling.
I think the journaling is just as important as the pictures!

I have several different notebooks where I journal things I want to remember & stories that I want to tell. Then... when I sit down to scrap, I pick one story & photos to match & voila!

Since I blog everyday as my journal, I can simply cut and paste and do a little editing if need be. It's a great blessing to have it on hand and ready.

Hi Ali! My favorite journaling trick is to carry a notebook around for the sole purpose of recording stories, random little thoughts, and other inspiring or interesting words. When it comes time to work on a mini-book, or another project, I've got a supply of stories to jump-start the creative process :)

I usually jot things down on a calendar and then when I am ready to journal I get started from those prompts and WRITE IT DOWN. The act of writing gets me going and I can then get into the groove. Journaling is not easy for some of us and I have loved reading these posts. Thanks, this is a great resource.

A notebook I keep by my side. Always! Even when I am at work I write things down! Or in the train to/from work. It's only 15 minutes, but it 15 minutes well spend with words because of the time frame I am in (on the train). I love to read the words back and use the on a layout.

Just write it. Seriously. Pretend you work for Nike and Just Do It! If I don't journal right away, I forget to do it later, so I always journal the page when I make it.

Ali, my little trick that has helped me journal and I now have a love for journalling. Write from your heart ~ whatever your heart says to you when you look at that photo or that page, write it down. Those albums are your personality and when your heart speaks the pages become alive and filled with emotion.