Computer Journalling ?

[caseylouandtyler2]

O.K., I've been looking at some pLO to get ideas, and I've noticed many people seem to be using computers to do their journalling. I have always just hand written mine. But my writting basically is very sloppy so I'd like to try printing from my computer. My ?'s are:

Do you need a special acid free ink cartridge? If so, where do you get one? If not, do you need to do anything to it to make it safe for your scrapbooks? And last, Is this difficult to do? I'm not very computer savvy.


TIA,

 

[nicurn]

hi, when I journal on the computer, I just open a word document (microsoft word) and pick a font that I like and then I'll print it off on a plain piece of paper to make sure that it's the right size (don't want to waste any card stock or vellum ). After I know it's the right size then I put the cardstock or vellum in the printer and hit print. When using vellum, be careful how you pick it up because it will smudge, takes a little while to dry. I just use our regular ink jet printer, no idea if it's acid free but figure it's not touching my pictures.... maggie

 

[mrp4352]

I do the same as Maggie. I like using my computer because my handwriting is not as pretty as I would like in my scrapbooks and there are a million fonts out there to use to personalize pages. I don't have the patience to cut out letters, or even to use a stencil (although I have wished that I did at times). I use the ink that's in my printer - nothing special.

I've also found that it works best for me to journal as I go on trips. I buy a postcard everyday and at the end of the evening, I write my journal for the day on it (on a cruise I use a notepad rather than a postcard). Then I make my family listen to what I put down and remind me of what I left out. I transcribe that into Word when I get back into town, then cut and paste the portion I want for a particular scrapbook page into my Disney Artist software - I think it's easier to arrange the pages in that software than in word and I get all the cool Disney clip art and backgrounds (if I don't have special paper for that particular layout).


Michelle

 

[pjlla]

THere are also some fun journaling software things out there. I picked up something called "Journaling Genie" at Michael's a few months ago. There are several different shapes and lines that you put your words on or in. Swirls, zigzags.... just type in what you want, click on "apply" and it will put the words on the design (imagine a swirl with the words following the shape of the swirl.... hard to describe!) Fun for titles................P

 

[ToDisney]

Computer journaling is the only way I journal. Not necessarily because I don't like my handwriting, but I "talk" so much in my LOs that I need the computer, otherwise, I'd never be able to say all I want to say... LOL!! I also love how many different fonts are out there to play with!!

For printing on vellum, the best I've found (and I won't use anything else) is CTMH (Close To My Heart), I've NEVER had a problem with smudging and it's dry within minutes!!

 

[safetymom]

Epson inks are acid free. Not sure about others. There is also a product called the perfect pouch. It is for printing on vellum. You tap the pouch on the page and then print. Your ink is dry when it comes out. Does a nice job.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

I've done some computer journalling and some hand - although I have to say most is probably by hand.

People have told me I have pretty good handwriting and I'm able to change to "font" I guess you'd say - anyway the look of my handwriting to match the theme or feel of the page. Also my computer is in the office upstairs and my work room is on the main floor - so it isn't as convenient as just turning around.

I also tend to do a combination of caption under photo journalling and then the longer descriptions. The first generally being by hand.

Guess what I'm getting at is it is ok to mix and match! One thing that I always think about when I get tempted to go stronger on the computer thing is that part of what I'm capturing is memories for the future. And I'd like to think that my handwriting will be one of the things my kids would like to remember in the future.

I know that my mom's handwriting was something that wove throughout my childhood and growing up - notes to school, birthday cards, etc. She has developed severe arthritis in recent years and her handwriting is no longer "hers" if you understand what I am trying to say. I have two albums (the magnetic page type) that she put together surrounding my wedding - everything from the photo she snapped of me unwrapping my engagement ring on Christmas Eve through the final pack up and move from my bedroom at their home to our home. These are not the sort of albums that we'd consider as being scrapped and every time I look at the shelves holding my photo albums I remind myself that those need to have something done to preserve them. Throughout these two books are small bits of journalling in her handwriting. Since she can't rewrite them any more what I will do is mount these on card stock cut in the same shape as the original pieces of paper - I think this should prevent any further acid leach.

Anyway - just my rambling thoughts, perhaps the results of not enough coffee into my system yet.

Deb

 

[crazyforpooh]

I to do not like my handwriting or printing for the matter.

I just recently for the first time did a vacation album with all my journaling on the computer. I must say I like the look of my pages so much better with the computer journaling. You can also fit so much more of your thoughts in a smaller space with computer journaling.

When I do use my own handwriting I must use either lined paper or I make the lines with my disappearing ink so they aren't there after 24 hours. My handwriting seems to slant one way or another if I don't use some lines.

Well that's my 2 cents.

Laura
A scrapaholic

 

[Mickey's old friend]

Safetymom, where did you get the perfect pouch? Is it a white pouch filled with a powdery substance? I need to get one of those! Thanks for the info.


Linda

 

[safetymom]

Perfect Printing Pouch

Scrap Perfect
www.scraperfect.com
866-644-4435


The pouches are in different colors.

Directions say before printing, lightly tap the pouch all over the vellum or slick paper and gently wipe paper surface with the pouch. Gently shake paper or blow to remove excess powder. Send paper through printer. Let Dry.

Acid free, non toxic, non-irritating, talc free

 

[Mickey's old friend]

I need the perfect printing pouch. I'm going to check my LSS.
If not I will order it direct.

Linda

 

[GrammieMame]

I used to have problems printing on cardstock or vellum. Then I found that in word (where I do my journaling) under Page Setup, Paper Source, there are choices of the kind of paper you are printing on. Since then, my vellum comes out bone dry and cardstock printing is fine.