7 Beginner Friendly Bible Journaling Ideas That Will Help You Get Started
For many people journaling during your quiet time with the Lord is nothing new anymore. You have been doing it for years, to record your conversations with God. And it has become an important part of your Bible Study.
But does it always have to be in the form of words? What if you could capture some of the pictures the holy spirit inspires you with during your study?
That’s where bible art journaling comes into place.
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What is Bible Journaling?
Bible Journaling is a creative way to meditate and reflect on God’s word. I, personally, like to describe it as a form of worship. Just like dance and song, bible journaling can be used to express how God’s word inspires you.
You can use bible journaling to reflect on the bible verses you just read or simply as an act of worship. It’s your time with God captured in words, pictures, and illustrations.
Every page is a documentation of your walk with God and the growth you experienced as a result. It doesn’t matter if you draw a full-on picture or if you just doodle throughout the pages. The colors and fonts you use become a reflection of the feelings you developed throughout your bible study.
It is also not an activity that only the creatively gifted should pursue, but something we all can get involved in. Because it’s not about the perfect art or perfect words, but about the posture of your heart towards God.
Because contrarily to what I used to think you don’t need to be an award-winning artist to get started with bible journaling. All you need is some inspiration, the right bible journaling supplies or bible journaling kit and patience.
How to get started with Bible journaling?
Just like in your regular Bible Study, Bible Journaling is about being led by the holy spirit. So before starting, you should pray and ask God what he wants you to learn today. That way you open yourself up to his teaching and inspiration.
If you are struggling to choose the right passage to get started, consider listening to a worship song or a sermon. Those oftentimes use pictures to describe their praise and will help you to come up with beautiful illustrations.
For example, we all know that Oceans by Hillsong United talks about trusting God even if we can’t see. Now think of a story in the bible where the person had to trust Jesus in order to walk on water? Exactly, that’s pretty much what happened to Peter in Matthew 14:29-32.
On that page, for example, you could draw waves, water or the howling wind. Whatever revelation you receive from the holy spirit.
Bible journaling for beginners – step by step guide
The easiest way to get started with Bible Journaling is by using a Bible Study method that works for you.
While a lot of people like to use the S.O.A.P. (Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer) or W.O.R.D. (Write, Observe, Relevant and Declare) method I like to follow my own little structure.
Pray: Ask God to open your eyes to see the meaning of his words and to soften your heart to accept his words
Observe: Write down what is happening in the passage/ verse
- Who wrote it, who was it written for
- Where did it take place
- When did it take place
- What was the purpose of the book (Author’s intend)
Interpretation: Find out what the meaning of the words, stories are by researching their meaning
- What did that mean to the people that listened to it (relevancy during that time)
Application: Ask God how the teaching of this passage/ verse affects your life on earth now
- How can I apply it in my own life
- How can I be encouraged through the words
- How can I change because of his words
It’s really up to you to choose a Bible study method or structure that works for you. All you need is a good journaling Bible.
There are different techniques used in Bible art journaling. From hand-lettering to water coloring or drawing. Of course, it’s totally up to you what technique you would like to use.
While some people prefer to stick to the preset margins others don’t mind drawing over the text. Most important is that you capture your God-inspired pictures, rather than worry about the design.
Here are 7 fun and easy Bible journaling ideas that will help you to get started.
1. Basic Hand Lettering
Probably one of the most popular journaling trends at the moment, hand lettering is used to create hand-made cards, wall prints or of course beautiful bible journals. The enchanting fonts can be achieved with either a regular black sharpie, a precision pen or a brush pen.
Tip: Visit amylattacreations.com who teaches you how to succeed at basic hand lettering.
Related Post: 5 Hand Lettering Techniques That Will Upgrade Your Bible Journaling Game
2. Drawing Pictures
For less artistic people like me, this alternative of Bible journaling might just be the right one. Instead of drawing pictures from scratch you can start by using a Coloring Bible. This Bible has many pictures already printed in that are easy to color, but also a number of free pages that you can decorate as you wish.
To create beautiful scriptural artwork you can use these Metallic Markers or these water-based Pastel Markers.
Tip: Check out likeabubblingbrook.com, who has been using that Coloring Bible for years for some inspiration.
3. Washi Tape
A very straightforward and colorful technique to journal is by using washi tape. Anyone can do this and the only supply needed is a selection of washi tapes, such as these Multicolor Washi Tapes or Black & White Washi Tapes. It’s easy, affordable and pretty.
Tip: Rebekahrjones has a great youtube tutorial on how to implement washi tape bible journaling ideas.
4. Watercoloring
A more advanced way of Bible art journaling is by using watercolors. Even though it’s a little more demanding than coloring in Kindergarten it is still just as much fun. You can get a comprehensive watercolor set on Amazon and most of the other supplies in your local dollar store.
Tip: Head over to biblejournalingministries.com for a step-by-step guide on how to make watercolor flowers in your bible.
5. The Crayon Method
My personal favorite Bible journaling method is working with crayons. They are rich in color and super creamy which gives them a metallic look. You can use them to create a beautiful background for hand-lettered words or create full-on pictures.
Even though I used to use basic Crayola crayons, in the beginning, I quickly learned that the consistency isn’t the best. I now use the Faber-Castell Gelatos, which are perfect for art projects.
Tip: On thesoutherncouture.com you can find a great tutorial on how to use the Faber Castell Gelatos for bible journaling.
6. Flowers
I love love love flowers. So, naturally, I had to add this bible journaling idea to the list.
On rockthis.org, Neely Beattie shows us how to upgrade your bible art journaling skills with some simple flowers.
15 different types that you can use individually or together to create captivating pictures and excite you every time you open your journaling Bible.
Worried you can’t get it done? Just head over to her page and watch her bible journaling video for a step-by-step guide.
7. Micro Bible Journaling
So when I first started out Bible Journaling I did not own a journaling Bible. That since changed and I now use the NIV journaling Bible, my favorite.
However, for the ones of you that are new to Bible journaling and don’t want to invest a lot of money into getting a new Bible yet, there is an alternative.
Micro Bible Journaling.
In Micro Bible Journaling you use the margins of your existing Bible to draw, journal and paint. All in a much smaller space. That’s why it’s called micro journaling.
While it might seem daunting to capture all that on a much smaller scale, Lil over at embracingthelovely.com shows us that it’s very much doable. And looks great too.
These 7 beginner-friendly bible journaling ideas will help you get started with your new hobby.
Bible Journaling Supplies
To get started, however, you need the right supplies. Luckily for us, we can find a variety of bible journaling supplies that fit any budget on Amazon.
Journaling Bibles
Obviously, the most important resource you need to get started with Bible journaling is a Bible. And one thing you should know, is there are different types of journaling bibles you can choose from.
Some have margins that you can journal on right next to the text and others have full pages for you to create beautiful illustrations.
I, personally prefer using journaling bibles with a wide margin, as these allow me to color or journal right next to the bible verse that I am referring to.
However, if you are planning to use bible journaling supplies, such as bible journaling stencils, or anything glitter than you might consider getting a bible that has empty pages in between.
In addition, depending on the translation you prefer you might even be able to order a personalized journaling bible, which is pretty cool.
Wide Margin Bible
Coloring Bible
Bible Journaling Pens/Pencils
Must have number two are bible journaling pens and pencils. No matter if you would like to create beautiful hand-lettering designs or draw a flower, you will find a pen, pencil or crayon for every type of journaling technique.
As a bible journaling beginner, I would strongly recommend getting one of the smaller bible journaling kits when it comes to pens and pencils.
Whenever I fill out a coloring page I like to use my Crayola Colored Pencils. And when I’m in the mood for hand-lettering or full-page illustrations, I like using the Crayola Brush Markers, because it has a dual tip with a fine liner on one side and a marker on the other.
Hand Lettering
Coloring
Bible Journaling Essentials
The following tools make the whole process of bible journaling easy and enjoyable. These products can be used for a variety of different bible journaling techniques and should be part of every bible journaling kit.
Watercoloring
Watercoloring is a fun and colorful way to beautify your bible. However, it is important to use the right watercolor, in order to prevent your bible pages from soaking in too much water and breaking.
You want to use a watercolor set, such as the Kuretake Watercolor Set, which includes a variety of colors but is still budget-friendly.
Bible Journaling with Washi Tape
Ha! One of my favorite bible journaling supplies is washi tapes. They are easy to use and make you look creative despite the minimum effort.
Moreover, do you get a variety of different designs and styles for little money and can use them for a very long time.
Bible Journaling Stencils, Stamps & Stickers
Last but not least, stamps, stencils, and stickers. Often used to make writing words easy, stencils and stamps allow you to trace words and pictures, while stickers are simply glued on the right page.
Best is to buy stamps, stencils, and stickers that are faith-themed. That way you know that you will use up the whole pack (nothing worse than only needing 3 stickers out of a pack of 20 etc.).
As you can see the list of bible journaling supplies can get quite extensive, however as a beginner you should stick to the basics and find out which supplies you enjoy using most, before stocking up on them.
And if you don’t want to purchase each item separately, then one of the following Bible journaling kits might be perfect for you.
Bible Journaling Kits
Instead of getting your bible journaling supplies individually and from a number of different vendors, bible journaling kits include everything you need in one basket. You don’t just save shipping costs, but also a lot of unnecessary stress.
And what better way to simplify bible journaling for beginners, than by using everybody’s favorite online retailer – Amazon.
Of course, you can find beautiful, affordable bible journaling kits on Amazon.
1. Beginner-friendly Bible Journaling Kit
The Foundations Bible Journaling Kit includes different writing tools, such as colored pencils, gel rollers and more. My personal favorite is the tracing paper pad! Because believe me or not, there is nothing worse than messing up a drawing inside your bible.
With the Foundations Bible journaling Kit, you can also create beautiful beginner-friendly hand lettering styles that will upgrade your bible journaling game.
As well as experimenting with watercolor for the first time, without bleeding through the pages of your precious journaling bible.
Take a look at the Foundations Bible Journaling Kit here.
2. Faber Castell
Okay, I had to throw this into the mix because it’s the brand that I use the most.
The Faber Castell Bible Journaling Kit set focuses on crayon colors, which give you a much richer color pigment. However, they don’t wrinkle or bleed through the page and instead, these premium quality pens glide over the thin pages of your bible smoothly.
The set comes with all the essentials you need to doodle, draw or journal. From Artist pens to different bible journaling stencils. While most of the items inside this set can still be considered bible journaling supplies for beginners, I truly think the Faber Castell Bible Journaling Kit takes it up a notch.
Check out the Faber Castell Bible Journaling Kit here.
3. Illustrated Faith
It’s no secret that Dayspring and Illustrated Faith are the suppliers of everything bible journaling, prayer journaling, and bullet journaling. And they probably give you the best foundation to fall in love with God’s word.
Therefore, the Illustrated Faith Bible Journaling Kit can not be missing in an article about 5 high-quality Bible journaling kits. And of course, even this brand is available on Amazon for your convenience.
This bible journaling set provides nothing but quality items, such as ink and pens that don’t bleed through your pages, but also a colorful roll of wash tape and some bible journaling stickers. With so many different items in one kit, you truly get a lot for the price.
Buy the Illustrated Faith Bible Journaling Kit here.
4. Advanced Bible Journaling Set
Okayyy, while I cannot call myself a pro bible journaling artist yet, I knew I had to include an advanced set for those of you that are truly gifted.
The Deluxe Bible journaling kit includes a gel roll pen set, an alphabet and number wooden stamp set, a tracing artist pack, and the famous Gesso page primer. And that’s just the highlights because of there many more items in this kit.
Because of all these different products you are able to cover a lot of different areas for all your creations and even save some money compared to purchasing it separately. And in case this is not in your budget right now, great news – Christmas is around the corner.
Adore the Deluxe Bible Journaling Kit here.
5. Bible Journaling Tool Kit
Last but certainly not least I’m including the Dayspring Bible Journaling Tool Kit. Why? Because this 9-piece tool kit includes must-have tools for the more creative bible journaling prompts.
Each of these tools facilitates beautiful designs and easy to create inspirations.
Explore the Dayspring Bible Journaling Tool Kit here.
This is it. My 5 high-quality Bible journaling kits that you can easily order on Amazon and save money on shipping, but also on the price itself as each of these sets are priced higher on the manufacturer’s site.
And regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey of Bible journaling, I am so excited that you decided to get started and am convinced that these bible journaling ideas will help you get started.