Scrapbooking has joined the digital age.  We can now make complete scrapbooking pages on our computers. Even those of us who prefer traditional scrapbooking tend to use the computer for our journaling to print clean, neat captions and narratives on our layouts.

Handwriting on pages may not be as pretty as a computer font. Still, it is so much more personal and meaningful to our families.

Why don’t we use our own handwriting on our scrapbooking pages more often?  We all have different reasons.  You might be concerned with how messy your handwriting is or that others may not be able to read it.  Remember those recipes written by a grandparent or handwritten letters from a loved one?  Those are more meaningful to you now because they are personal and unique.  Your family will feel the same way about your handwriting in your scrapbooks.

Another reason people resist handwriting on page layouts is fear that they will make a mistake that can’t be erased.  There are many ways to correct a handwriting error.  First, use a paper journaling block to write on first. You can always use a second one if you make a mistake.  You can also correct a mistake by placing a new piece of paper over the error on the page, and write again on that piece.  Finally, stickers work wonders when it comes to covering up most kinds of scrapbooking mistakes.

The right pen makes a big difference when it comes to handwriting success. Look carefully at the paper you are using, and choose the best pen for that type of surface. Many pens will smear or run on certain types of papers. Choose a pen with the appropriate width as well. Trying to write in a small space with a wide tip will be a definite handwriting challenge.

Always practice your journaling before you glue it to your page.  Write a draft on a piece of scrap paper.  Slowly, read it aloud. This helps you spot errors in your grammar and spelling.  If you have someone available, ask them to proofread it for you.  Always remember to test the pen on the paper as well.  Practicing on a draft first also lets you see if you have enough room available for all of your journaling.

Are you one of those people that write uphill? If you find it difficult to write in a straight line, use lined journaling blocks. You can make them yourself, buy a stamp with lines designed for this purpose, or purchase pre-lined journaling papers.  Another tip is to use the natural lines in your layouts.  Write along stripes on patterned paper. Handwrite phrases around a frame. You can even print on the edges of your borders.

Handwriting is uniquely personal.  It’s also a form of validation, like our signature.  A page layout with handwritten journaling adds character to a scrapbook album. It’s a glimpse into who you are.  Your family will treasure your scrapbook pages even more, because it tells them about your personality and even reflects your mood.  A computer font can’t  add the depth and emotion to your words that your handwriting can.

Christine Perry is an avid scrapbooker and has more than 10 years of scrapbooking experience. Her favorite scrapbooking subjects are her reluctant teenagers. She invites you to her website, http://www.intoscrapbooking.com for more scrapbooking ideas and information on Mother’s Day cards for scrapbooking.