Bible Journaling Ministries

Bible Journaling - Grow in the Word creatively!

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How to Scrapbook in Your Bible

Scrapbooking in your Bible is the perfect way to connect God’s Word with the real-world. When you scrapbook in your Bible, you take scripture and apply it to special moments like graduation, celebrations, and even fun things like dancing. There are seven simple steps to scrapbook in your Bible. In this post we’ll go deeper into scripture, the focal point, and backgrounds.

How to Find Scripture to Scrapbook

There are two ways to scrapbook in your Bible. The first way is to use pictures and ephemera like tickets and programs that you already have and find Scripture that’s relevant to it. For example. In the video below, I use my son’s Peter Pan program and photographs of him playing one of the Lost Boys. Since he was a “lost boy,” I thought the Parable of the Lost Son from Luke 15:11-32 was fitting.

For those of you who are not familiar with the Bible. Don’t worry! It’s easy to find Scripture. The easiest way is to search for topics for just about any scenario. Google “What does the Bible say about (insert your topic)” or you can use a source like OpenBible to give you a list of verses. Then open your Bible to the verses and read them prior to selecting the one you want to use. Some Bibles have a Topic index that you can use as well.

The second way to scrapbook in your Bible is to study Scripture first and then go on a hunt for pictures that are relevant. For example. You might read Ecclesiastes 3:4 and then decide to find pictures of your family having fun or dancing. Alternatively, you may have a picture of family member or pet that passed away. Any picture related to that would be perfect for reflecting on “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…”

Select a Focal Point

You should select one focal point for your scrapbooking page. That can be a picture, scripture, a program, or even an embellishment. The choice is yours. The key is to draw the observer’s eye to the focal point. You can do this by placing the focal point in a prime location, like the center or top of the page. You can also use color, scraps of paper, stickers and more to enhance the layout and draw the eye to the focal point.

Creating a Background

When it comes to scrapbooking in your Bible, it’s important to keep your pictures and embellishments thin. That is of course unless you want a chunky Bible that doesn’t close. On a side note, I have seen some beautiful chunky Bibles. This may be exactly your style!Proverbs

I’m very cognitive of what I add to my Bible because I like to keep my Bible closed. I often will use paint, Gelatos, or pencils to create the background color. Occasionally I will use scrap pieces of scrapbook paper cut to fit my margins. That paper is always so gorgeous!

Scrapbook in Your Bible

Once your background is ready, it’s time to add your pictures and other fun things. You can journal as well. Feel free to be free. There really are no rules in Bible journaling.

Here are a few supplies you might need. Your purchase through these affiliate links helps support our ministry. Thank you!

If you’d like to learn how to scrapbook in your Bible at a deeper level, let us know. We have an interest list here and we will create the class if there is interest.

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Bible Journal Scrapbooking in Seven Simple Steps

Bible journal scrapbooking is a new technique that helps to further your growth in the Word. By adding pictures of your life to your Bible alongside scripture that reflects your life, you can see the relevance and practical application of the Word.

Bible journal scrapbooking can be done anywhere and at any time. Typically, Bible journal scrapbooking is done in a Bible, but you can also use a journal, notepad, devotional, scrapbook, and you can even do it digitally through programs like Adobe Photoshop.

We’re currently evaluating developing a Bible journal Scrapbooking course. We have other courses, free technique videos, and books on the list to develop, but we wouldn’t release this post without the option to let us know if  you want something  more. If you’re interested in learning more about scrapbooking in your Bible click here to sign up for the interest list. If there is enough interest, we may move this course to the top. Who knows? It’s really up to you.

What is Bible Journal Scrapbooking?

There’s nothing formal about Bible journal scrapbooking. There are no rules. There are no guidelines. There are no perfect pages. Instead, Bible journal scrapbooking is about responding to the Word creatively and seeing how the verses can and do apply to your daily life.

There are many different techniques and styles to use in Bible journal scrapbooking. The key is to keep embellishments thin if you want to close your Bible. My favorite way to do this is by painting or drawing my own backgrounds instead of using cardstock and using thin paper embellishments and stickers instead of bulky ones.

Photo Paper for Bible Journal Scrapbooking

You can use ANY photos in your Bible, so be encouraged and use what you have. We have found that the best photos for Bible journal scrapbooking are created on 2”x3” ZINK sticky-back printer paper using an instant camera or portable printer like the HP Sprocket Zink printer. This type of paper is thin (thin is so important when Bible journaling) and made for pictures, so you’re getting a picture that’s designed to last. The photo paper is thinner than the average photo, and the adhesive backing makes it easy to add pictures to your Bible when the moment strikes you. As an added bonus, the 2″ width is perfect for the margin of your Bible journal.

Other options for thin photos in your Bible include printing photos on vellum, sticker paper, photo paper, as well as acid-free copy paper. These work just fine as well!

Portable Printer

The best printer for Bible journal scrapbooking is the portable HP Sprocket Zink printer because it’s instant and has the BEST app on the market.  No need to wait for the film to come back from the printer shop! Just use the app on your phone, edit the picture, add words, frames, and graphics directly onto the picture and print them out. The best part is that unlike the instant cameras that use the same film, you don’t have to print every photo you take.

Simple Steps to Bible Journal Scrapbooking

Bible journal scrapbooking is simple. The most important part of your Bible journal scrapbooking time is the time spent in the Word. Find scripture topics in the front of your Bible or by searching online. If you’re scrapbooking pages of your children, search for topics related to children.

Alternatively, you can use a Bible study or devotional to find scripture that you like and then take a photo during the day. Later, add it to your page.

Step 1: Determine Your Focal PointBible journaling scrapbook focal point

Determine what your focal point will be. This will create the flow of your Bible journal scrapbooking page. Often it’s a picture that eyes are directed to, but you can choose Scripture or ephemera as the focal point.

Step 2: Choose Your Photos

Choose 1-4 pictures for one page depending on the type of Bible you’re using, the size of your pictures, and your personal taste. Lay out the photos want to display on one page at a time. Look at the photos for different colors that pop and elements that add definition to the photo.

Decide if you’re using a matte behind the picture or if you’re using the photo by itself. Many Apps today can create beautiful photos that look like they’ve already been matted or have embellishments on them.

Step 3: Create a Background

Next determine if you’re using cardstock or if you’re creating the background with paint, gelatos, pencils, pens, or watercolor. If you’re using cardstock, you’ll be adding bulk to your page, but will also have many beautiful paper options to choose from. Simply match the photo with the color or pattern of cardstock you’d like to use. If you are not certain about the color, you should use you can always come back to it later.

Step 4:Add Your Photos

Add the photos to your page based on the layout that you determined in step 2.

Step 5:Add Embellishments

Add embellishments or other ephemera, like a page out of your church bulletin, tickets, notes, and cards. The thinner the better unless you want a chunky Bible journal scrapbook. That’s totally acceptable by the way.

Step 6:JournalBible journaling scrapbook layout

Add a special note, thought, or prayer in your own handwriting if you wish. You’ll be surprised at how often personalized writing is the one thing others love to read later down the line.

Step 7:Finish Your First Page

Finally, add the photos and finish the page with beautiful embellishments. Remember to keep it simple and easy!

Bible journal scrapbooking is a new technique in Bible journaling that ties life events to scripture and emphasizes application of the Word in your life. Scrapbooking the Word helps me connect my daily life with Scripture. I can often see the tie between application of scripture in my life by simply adding a photo of the day’s events next to a verse that I’m reflecting on. It’s another way I grow in the Word and closer to God every single day.

If you’re interested in learning more about scrapbooking in your Bible click here to sign up for the interest list.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”