12 Ways Scrapbookers Can Add Journaling to Mosaic Moments Layouts

As a scrapbooker, do you constantly look for different ways to add journaling to your pages?

I am in the same boat, and after doing a search on the internet, I still did not find many ideas! So, this year I made a new layout every month with a different way to journal each time. By doing this, I learned the pros and cons of each method, and got creative with how I added my journaling to Mosaic Moments® layouts in particular.

Keep scrolling to see all 12 journaling ideas and learn about each one!

1. Make Strips of Journaling

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"January 2021" by Paije Potter - Patterns #602 & #331


Keep your journaling short and sweet with little paper strips.

The strips can be hand written or typed on the computer. All of mine are a quarter of an inch thick, but you could cut them wider if needed.

Pros: The strips don't take up a lot of space on your page, especially if you stick them over your photos. This method is great if you just need short descriptions.

Cons: You will need to hand-cut all of the little strips, which may take more time than usual. The layout can also look very busy if you place a strip on every photo.

This Layout Features: 12x12 Plum Grid Paper from Fresh N Fruity Collection, the Layering Die Bundle, and the Basic Die Bundle

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2. Fit All of Your Journaling in One Spot

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"February 2021" by Paije Potter - Patterns #540 (adjusted) & #476


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One of the most common ways I add journaling is by filling up an entire design spot with it!

Generally, I like to type my journaling when I use this method for a crisp, clean look. Use a program, such as Microsoft® Word and set up a text box sized the same as the die you will use for your journaling space.

Pros: The layout doesn't feel as busy when you fill your journaling in one design spot. It's also great if you want to write in a longer form, and want to give an overall summary of the story shown on your page.

Cons: Depending on your design spot size, you may not be able to fit as much of the specific details as you would like.

This Layout Features: 12x12 Right as Rain Grid Paper from In the Garden Collection, the Layering Die Bundle, and the Basic Die Bundle.  Patterned paper from One Canoe Two™.  

3. Shorten Your Photos to Fit Journaling In!

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"March 2021" by Paije Potter - Patterns #444 & #356 (adjusted)


This is one of my favorite methods for journaling since it doesn't take up extra space on your page!

I crop each photo with my layering dies, and then cut them 1/8th or 1/4 in. shorter with my cutting mat and craft knife. It's also quick and easy to handwrite with a pen!

Pros: This method doesn't take up extra space on your page and doesn't feel too busy. I was able to write larger than with the strips.

Cons: It will take you extra time to cut your photos shorter. Writing also has to be brief and to the point since there is not a lot of room.

This Layout Features: 12x12 Kindness Grid Paper from Happiness Collection, and the Basic Die Bundle.

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4. Bullet Point Journaling

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"April 2021" by Paije Potter - Patterns #583 (adjusted) & #175


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Have you ever tried bullet point journaling on your scrapbook pages?

It's so simple! You can draw your bullet point with your pen or use dot stickers. I hand wrote my journaling, but you could also type it.

Pros: Very easy to write your journaling since it's short and to the point. It also doesn't have to take up a lot of room on your layout.

Cons: It took extra time to line up each bullet point section evenly, and to figure how many would fit in each space.

This Layout Features: 12x12 Pineapple Crush Grid Paper from Cool Drinks Collection, the Layering Die Bundle, and the Basic Die Bundle.  Pattern paper from Heidi Swapp™. 

5. Create Hidden Journaling Spots

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"May 2021" by Paije Potter - Patterns #602 & #537


At the first glance, this page doesn't appear to have any journaling, but open the flaps and there it is!

The flaps are so easy to make! I just cut little 1" squares with a punch and folded them in half with a scoring tool. Then you stick one side on the back of your photo and the other side on your mat.

Pros: This method allowed me to add the most journaling. Every single photo has a flap with a paragraph description, so I could give more details.

Cons: These pages need to be in page protectors that are easy to take the layouts out. It's not obvious there are journaling spots.

This Layout Features: 12x12 Rain Grid Paper from Lazy Days Collection, the Layering Die Bundle, and the Basic Die Bundle.  Pattern Paper from One Canoe Two™. 

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6. Write Your Journaling on Fun Shapes!

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"June 2021" by Paije Potter - Patterns #291 & #495 (adjusted)


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This is the funnest way to add your journaling!

If you love to add embellishments and play with die cuts - this is a great method! I cut out little banners and arrows to write my journaling on.

Pros: Adds a lot of interest to your layouts, and it's super easy to handwrite on each one.

Cons: You need to make sure you have enough space for each embellishment or die cut on your layout.

This Layout Features: 12x12 Daytime Grid Paper from Ombré Collection, the Arrow die, Mini Banner die, the Layering Die Bundle, and the Basic Die Bundle.  Pattern paper from BasicGrey™. 

7. Type Your Journaling Right on the Photo

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"July 2021" by Paije Potter - Patterns #635 & #192


Type your journaling right on your photos to save on space!

I love this method because it doesn't look too busy and typing your journaling always looks more clean than handwriting. I used the Photos app provided on Mac computers to add my journaling.

Pros: You can just add journaling to your photos and print - no extra cutting or glueing!

Cons: Takes up space on your photos and may seem distracting for some. You need a photo program that has this feature.

This Layout Features: 12x12 Robin's Egg Grid Paper from Dockside Collection, Bloom Die Set, the Layering Die Bundle, and the Basic Die Bundle. Pattern paper from Jen Hadfield™. 

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8. Create Titles with Alphabet Dies or Stickers

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"August 2021" by Paije Potter


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Create larger journaling and titles on your pages with Alphabet dies or stickers.

I placed the titles on strips of paper throughout the whole page. I recommend using lowercase letters to fit in tighter spaces. If you need more information, you can add it with a pen.

Pros: Alphabet dies and stickers make great embellishments for your layout and add interest.

Cons: The letters may take up more space than other journaling methods. You will need to find page designs with spots large enough for your titles.

This Layout Features: 12x12 Twine Grid Paper from Nantucket Collection, Alphabet 3 upper and lowercase die sets, Craftsman die set, and the Basic Die Bundle

9. Write on Washi Tape

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"September 2021" by Paije Potter


If you are a washi tape fan, this is a fun way to journal!

After making my layout, I got out some matching Washi tape and wrote the journaling on it! If the strips are too long, you can break up the sentences into multiple strips.

Pros: Creates a fun and colorful embellishment on your layout. It's easy to write the journaling on the tape.

Cons: Washi tape is usually transparent - you need to make sure your washi tape will show over your photos. You need to use a marker with a fine tip that will show on the tape.

This Layout Features: 12x12 Cayenne Pepper Grid Paper, Layering Die Bundle, and the Basic Die Bundle.  Patterned paper from Heidi Swapp™. 

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10. Create a Journaling Calendar

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"October 2021" by Paije Potter


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Place all of your journaling inside a calendar!

This calendar is a free download you can get on snapncrop.com here. Just print it on the color you would like, and add the month with the alphabet dies. I wrote my journaling with a black pen.

Pros: Your Journaling is more organized, plus it's all in one spot, so it won't take up too much room on your layout.

Cons: You will need to write very small to fit in the dates and information.

This Layout Features: 12x12 Walking Path Grid Paper from Renaissance Revival Collection, Layering Die Bundle, and the Basic Die Bundle. Patterned paper from Heidi Swapp™. 

11. Journal on Paper Blocks

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"November 2021" by Paije Potter


Type or handwrite your journaling on multiple paper blocks through out your layout!

This is one of my favorite methods because I was able to fit in more details about every photo on my layout. Plus, family members love to see your handwriting. I recommend using a pencil first, and then write over it with a pen to carefully finalize your writing.

Pros: You can fit in a lot more journaling than other methods.

Cons: You need to find a page design that allows enough room for all of your journaling. The Journaling takes up a lot of space and may mean using less photos.

This Layout Features: 12x12 Eggplant grid paper from Harvest Collection, Fleur De Lis die, Layering Die Bundle, and the Basic Die Bundle

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12. Create a Journaling Timeline

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"December 2021" by Paije Potter


For something a little different, you can write a timeline of events throughout a year or month.

Timelines can be so fun and colorful or you can keep them basic. If you enjoy creating your own embellishments and scrapbook elements, this may be a great project for you! I also love seeing all the events in order. I like being able to see when things took place in one spot on the page.

Pros: There is a lot more room to add little embellishments and use fun pen colors! You can write a lot of events.

Cons: You will need to handcut the timeline size (2.125x11.125 in.) and take the time to write out each day or event. Plus, the journaling will be small.