We have all read many times that it is so important to include our own handwriting in our scrapbooks. Yet is seems that so many people still rely on typing out their journaling.
Today I would like to share a great book that helps you really want to actually include your handwriting in your book. It is Love Your Handwriting by Heidi Swapp and Creating Keepsakes.
This is not only a book. In addition to a 96-page instruction book, you also get a 64-page workbook, a ruler, pencil and journaling pen. This retails for $29.99.
Heidi’s style of writing is so friendly, it feels like she is sitting right next to you encouraging you to play with and improve your handwriting. She shares many of her cards and layouts. One of my favorite parts of the book is when she shows the same layout two times, once with a typed font and once with her handwriting. The layout with the handwriting was more visually appealing and I have taken that into consideration when creating my own layouts.
There are directions on how to use each of the tools included with this kit. The zero-centered ruler has become one of my favorite tools that I now use on every layout. It’s great because it is clear, has a zero in the center and then counting in both directions. It is nice for centering handwriting and just about anything else that needs to be placed on the layout. The eraser has become an essential tool also because it doesn’t leave any marks or smudges behind like other erasers sometime do.
Throughout the instruction book, Heidi gives assignments that you can do in your workbook to work on the skill or topic she was just discussing. The assignments are each given a number and the two books work together perfectly.
Although I haven’t quite made it through all of the assignments yet, I am already seeing an improvement in my handwriting. I am also now much more likely to do handwritten journaling rather than type it out. I’ve found that I save a lot of time just writing my journaling.
This is a great book for anyone interesting in becoming more aware of their handwriting and who wants to add a more personal touch to the layouts and other paper projects.