There are many different reasons to scrapbook. Tell the story behind the photograph and you can enjoy it over and over again through the years. It's called scrapbook journaling; a bit like writing a diary - but the combination of photos, elegant design, and journaling into a coherent story is what makes a scrapbook so much more satisfying than just a photo album.

But what should I write? Two ideas to get you going are:

* Imagine talking to a friend - telling them about the photo

* Keep a notebook handy - write things down as they come to mind. You can work out the flow you want when it's time to do your scrapbook page.

Tip: Get the story down before it gets fuzzy and clouded by time!

Lists are one of the simplest ways to journal:

* What do you love about the person or subject in the photo?

* List the reasons for what happened

* Tell the things you did, or love to do with the person in the photo, or where the photo was taken

* Give answers to questions you ask the person, or the questions you would have asked if you could

* Who, what, where, when and why?

Just as we've done here, bullets are great with lists. You can use brads, jewels or eyelets as the bullet points on your scrapbook page design.

Record conversations you had, write up an actual or imaginary interview, use a silly story or funny incident from the day or in the photo.

Writing to the person in the photograph is another good idea. It can be beautiful copperplate handwriting on handmade paper, notes scribbled on scrap pads, a page torn out of an old school exercise book, or 'emails'.

You can also use quotes, poems, songs or a proverb to delight or advise.

If your writing is very personal and you don't want just anyone seeing it, you can hide it somewhere on your layout; perhaps behind the photo, in a mini book or a small envelope.

Or how about writing a secret note to future generations?

Typewritten, handwritten, or alphabet stickers?

Whatever you may think of it, your handwriting is still the best way to journal. That combined with your words will make the pictures come to life for future generations.

Do you find it difficult deciding which journaling method to use?

Write a different style on, say ten pieces of paper and fold each up small. Store in a jar and when it's time to choose, pick one out of the bottle and use it.

For more great scrapbook journaling tips, and other 'reasons to scrapbook', visit http://www.scrapbookinggems.com now.