I mentioned a few weeks ago that I had tried out some Smashbook supplies for scrapbook journaling and was really enjoying them.

Actually, I’m kinda crazy about it. Since New Years I’ve already almost filled one journal.

I think it’s a case were I’m not completely sure if it’s the medium or just that I was in the right mindset. But I’ve been able to really throw off my normal expectations about scrapbook page design and that dreaded need for chronology and just do it.

It’s been a very personal form of crafting for me. I’ve been layering elements using washi tape and there’s a lot of journaling on the pages–usually buried under several elements. There’s also ways to stash little treasures from our nature walks or keepsakes from trips and outings.

I’ve used a couple of the Ladybug’s little snap barretts as page tabs. I’ve saved menus and receipts and notes from the school. Birthday invitations and clothing tags and leftover stickers from other projects. It’s been a great way to use up some of those beautiful supplies I just never found a use for!

And I’ve used a lot of pictures. A lot. My book is in a vaguely chronological order starting with our Christmas holiday this year and moving forward, but depending on what I feel like writing about, I’ll use any picture. Or if I suddenly come across a wonderful old picture, I’ll stick it in and write about it anyway. Just like you would pick it up and start talking about it.

I also find myself writing about things that I wouldn’t normally consider scrapbook-worthy because, again, it’s just as much a journal for me. I’ve written about work. I’ve written about family drama. I’ve written about temper-tantrums and discipline and tears–as well as documenting all our family time together.

I’ve also spent a lot of time looking at other journals and scrapbooks online (yes, Pinterest-addict here!) and realized that we don’t seem to have the same amount of…ephemera?…that I see in other smashbooks. Less ticket stubs. Fewer programs and playbills. Less receipts and brochures. And a lot more pictures.

I’m not sure if that’s because I haven’t always kept the little scraps (since I didn’t have any idea what to do with them) or because we don’t get out as much. But I find my smashbook just as filled with memories as if it was full of ticket stubs and travel brochures.

And there’s still plenty of space to add more journaling to the backs of the photos! (I think it might be a great place to get some input from other folks, like Mimi on pictures from Mimi’s house. Or Mr. Fix-it.)

What creative adventures have you been up to lately?

Other than my own crafty leftovers, here’s some of my favorite supplies…