Journaling Written By Hand

by Nicole Humphrey | More from this Blogger

20 Sep 2006 12:25 PM

One of the most prized and protected possessions I have is the original handwritten letter from my biological mother after I had been contacted by her. I cherish it, and love looking at her beautiful handwriting.

Another favorite item, cherished, is a card from when I was a little girl from my great grandmother. She wrote the sweetest card to a 6 year old little girl in her shaky handwriting, but it makes me smile each time I read it.

The sight of a special someone's familiar handwriting can warm the heart. But most of us really don't like our own handwriting, and I recognize that. Because of that, I have some tips and ideas to help you improve your handwriting and learn to love it a little bit more.

You've heard it from me before in an article I wrote several months back, Five Simple Ways To Improve Your Journaling. In that article I stressed the importance of using your handwriting on layouts even if you don't love it. I also gave you some other fun advice on journaling, including using fun fonts. Although the fonts available today are fun and funky, your own handwriting is important to include.

Start with Pencil

No matter what you are writing, drawing or journaling, use a pencil first. This allows for mistakes and erasing until you get it the way you want it.

Go Slow

Another great piece of advice is to go slowly. Take your time and form each letter as you were taught in school.

Practice

Spend time occasionally practicing your handwriting. Grab a pencil and some paper and just practice writing titles and names. Remember, they say practice makes perfect, and anything you do in life typically does require some practice. It's like learning to ride a bike, you just don't need a helmet too. Or you could compare your eraser to a helmet - it's there to protect the mistakes.

Follow Up With Pen

Once you have journaled what you want to say, have it the size and on the paper you want it, go over it with a journaling pen. Take your time. You will feel inclined to rush since it's the last step, but don't. Take the time to slowly go over each letter, because if you speed up, mistakes will be made.

Erase the Rest

Allow the journaling to dry. I recommend letting it sit at least a half hour to completely dry on the paper. Then grab a white eraser and erase the pencil marks that were there from the draft. Voila - you now have a beautiful journaling done in your own handwriting!

So do you like your own handwriting?

Nicole Humphrey writes articles for the Scrapbooking Blog and for the Frugal Blog. She also guest blogs on a variety of topics. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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8 Quick Tips to Keep Your Scrapbook Area Organized

Biggest Scrapbooking Mistakes - Horrible Handwriting

Five Simple Ways To Improve Your Journaling

Using YOUR Handwriting in your Scrapbooks

Learn more about Nicole Humphrey

Nicole Humphrey is a freelance writer, consultant for CTMH and a Sr. Blogger for families.com. She resides in St. Charles, Missouri with Mike and their five children and two furbabies.

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Megan Bayliss (3586) 20 Sep 2006 07:44 PM

I do rather like my hand writing - when I have time to write!!!! My scibbled work notes are always hard to read because I'm in such a rush but my hand written love notes and cards always look great. I handwrite on every single page I make - even if it's just to sign my name and date it. Like you, I value the personality in hand writing.

Nicole Humphrey (15757) 20 Sep 2006 08:34 PM

I like mine too. There are times when I get annoyed with how it looks, but overall I'm happy with it. And knowing the emotions and feelings it can evoke, keeps me doing it anyway, no matter how I feel. Plus I can see that the more I do it the better it looks anyway. Thanks for your thoughts Megan. I cannot believe how much we have in common :)