How to End Scrapbooking Writer's Block

Updated on July 30, 2007

Non-scrapbookers or those not familiar with the craft may be asking themselves, "What does writer's block have to do with scrapbooking?" Scrapping isn't just about arranging photographs in chronological order and selecting pretty paper to match. It's about telling the story of a moment for generations to come. It's about giving your children's children a way to peek into the past and learn about who their ancestors were and what their grandparents were like when they were younger. It is an invaluable heirloom, and the fact that it is handcrafted renders it priceless. What some people don't realize is that the journaling portion of a scrapbook page is what gives it that added sentimental value and extra flair. The journaling box on a layout, especially if done in one's own handwriting, supplements the page by detailing that which cannot be seen in the photographs, like a funny incident that happened just before the camera clicked, or something sweet that was said on the way home from the park that day.

It's easy at first. When I began scrapbooking I had two shoeboxes full of photos that needed organizing and categorizing--birthdays, Christmases, anniversaries, weddings, etc. I had no trouble arranging these photos by year and scrawling a paragraph or two about the momentous occasions. Five years later, however, I started running out of ideas. I had scrapbooked every event I could think of, but that didn't mean the urge to crop just magically went away. I needed new, innovative ideas, but my well had run dry. Thank goodness for the internet! After a good deal of digging I was able to find a number of sources offering journaling ideas to cure what I call scrapper's block.

SCRAPPING PROMPTS

A Day in the Life Outline your routine from morning to night
The Relative I Wish I Had Known Include pictures of a relative you never met but wish you did
My Favorite Room in the House
What are you passionate about?
What is your favorite holiday?
What are your favorite quotes or sayings?
Who is your best friend? What do you love about her?
What are you afraid of?
What makes you laugh?
The Most Important Things in My Life
The Top 5 Important People in My Life
If I Had a Million Dollars...
My Favorite Games
My Most Valuable Posession
My Favorite Outfit
A Place I Would Like to Visit
My Greatest Achievement(s)
Favorite Bible Verses
Favorite Cooking Recipes
All About My Pets
My First Puppy
My Favorite Meal
My Favorite Decade
If I Could've Lived During Any Time Period, It Would Be...
What I Love About My Husband
Things That Make Me Smile
My Favorite Foods
My Zodiac Sign
How it Feels to be a Mother
What was your childhood like?