Bible Journaling Ministries

Bible Journaling - Grow in the Word creatively!

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How to Add Washi Tape to Your Bible

Washi tape is a rice paper tape that originated in Japan.  It is both pretty and versatile. I used it often in my card making, but now frequently use it in my Bible journaling to add interest or as a way to reinforce the page. I have occasionally used it to fix my broken pencils or to decorate an envelope.

Where to Buy Washi Tape?

You can buy washi tape at any craft store, such as Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby. You may even be able to find it at the dollar store. Many shops sell it online as well. You can use our ministry affiliate link to support us with your purchase. Click here to take a peek at the wide variety available on Amazon.

Why Add Washi Tape to the Edges of Your Bible?

There are many reasons why you might want to add washi tape to the edges of your Bible.

  • Mark Your Progress: You can use washi tape to mark the progress of your reading. If you’re reading through the Bible chronologically, then you would mark Genesis first. You could mark Exodus after you finish reading Genesis. This helps you know exactly what chapter you are currently reading.
  • Create Interest: I’ve seen entire Bible journaling entries created with washi tape. They really are beautiful. I’ll usually add a little washi tape on the bottom or top of a page to add interest.
  • Bookmark a Page: Some people use washi tape as a bookmark, flag, or tag at the top of the page.

Anything you can do with a sticker, you can do with washi tape.

How to Apply Washi Tape to the Edge of Your Bible Page

Step 1: Measure your washi tape and mark the center. In the picture below, the center is 1 cm because the washi tape width is 2 cm.

WASHI TAPE

Step 2: Using a ruler, measure 1cm from the edge of your page. If your washi tape is a different size, use the measurement from step 1. Draw a line down the page using your ruler.

mark the half way point

Step 3: Place a craft mat or other slick surface under the page you are taping. Then place the washi tape next to your pencil line or slightly to the right of it. You’ll want to erase the pencil lines later especially if you have a light colored washi tape. 

Step 4: Run your washi tape completely off the page as shown in this picture.

Step 5: Turn the page over and move your craft mat to the other side. Fold your washi tape over the page starting in the center and moving out towards the edge.

Step 6: You can see the edge of my Bible page in this photo. That makes it easy to trim the washi tape to match the Bible perfectly. If you can’t see the edge of your Bible page, use the next page as a guide as you trim.

Here’s the result!

Applying washi tape to your Bible is a matter of preference. As I always say, there is no right way to Bible journal. The right way is your way! As long as you spend time in Word and with God, that’s all that matters! What do you use washi tape for?

If you are new to Bible journaling, you might be interested in our free beginner’s course.  This 10-day course will help you get started with exactly what you need (hint: you probably already have it) and provides simple tips and tricks to get started.

 

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What’s In My Bible Journaling Bag?

You can still journal in your Bible when you’re traveling over the summer or during the holidays. Bible journaling travel supplies vary based on your travel plans  it’s really hard to pack everything you “think” you might need. Don’t worry about it! Travel light and pack the necessities.

The first thing you should consider is how long you’re going to be away from home. For a short weekend trip, pack light. If I’m traveling super light, I’ll grab my Inspire Bible and either gel pens or colored pencils. To learn more about my favorite supplies, click here.

If I’m on the road for a week or more, I pack more supplies. In this video, I show you exactly what I take with me when me and the family head out for our annual vacation.

Tracie’s Bible Journaling Travel Supplies

  • Bible
  • Bible MatBible Journaling Travel Supplies
  • Ranger Craft Mat
  • Stickers
  • Gelatos
  • Gesso
  • Makeup Pad
  • Colored Pencils
  • Eraser
  • Pencil
  • Pencil Sharpener
  • Ink Pens
  • Pens
  • Stamp Ink
  • Stamp Cleaner
  • Clear Block
  • Stamps
  • Date Stamp
  • Paint Brush
  • Scraper or Old Gift Card
  • White Gel Pen

Bible Journaling When Traveling

I love reading Scripture in the morning and spending time reflecting on the Word. I’ll often grab a cup of coffee, my Bible, and start Bible journaling on the patio where we’re staying. I’m usually done way before the kids get up, but if for some reason I go longer, they’re often respectful of my journaling time. I don’t ask for much, but I do ask for my time with the Lord.

Bible journaling is fun and getting in the Word daily is a great way to connect with our Lord. But, don’t forget the main reason why you’re traveling. Look up, see the sights, and spend time with the ones you love. I always see the wonder in God’s amazing work of art that surrounds me every single day.

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Rise Up Kit Review

Rise Up is the latest kit by Illustrated Faith and you can purchase it here. You’ll support our ministry with your purchase as we will receive a small portion of the sale.Rise up kit contents This kit was created by Kristen Wolbach who explains that the past year has been one of the toughest seasons of growth for her. But during this time, God asked her to step out in faith with a heart of the warrior to truly learn who He is.

Rise Up Kit Contents

The Rise Up kit includes fussy cut shapes, and pieces, one stamp set with 15 stamps cling stamps, a devotional with applicable versus for 14 total days. It also includes washi tape that has the words speak life and be true, and it’s color coordinated with this theme of pink, yellow, orange and green. Also included are three bookmarks that are perfect to use as a tip-in or tip-out in your Bible. A magnetic bookmark is included as well as two cardstock sticker sheets; one that is alphabetic and another one that coordinates with the kit and includes tabs stickers and numbers.

Exploring the Rise Up Kit Devotional

rise up illustrated faith kit devotionalAs I began to play with the kit, I was encouraged to consider ways that God has ignited my spirit. There are so many! From the difficult birth of my son (long story but we almost lost him) that brought me to my knees, to today where I have the honor of sharing his Word through Bible journaling, I am in awe of how loving He is.

The Rise Up kit devotional goes beyond the celebration of accomplishments and into reflections of past desperation and bruised ego, and this is where it gets a little deeper than I had planned. I recalled times of darkness and hardship as I worked diligently to be liked by people whom I admired and was met by wall after wall.

Today, I still struggle with the desire to be “liked”. It’s easy in a world that has so many social media networks. But now I pray more often not to worry about being liked, but instead to love like Jesus. Sometimes that means that I am not a part of the crowd that I want to be with, and that’s quite possibly a good thing.

Rise Up Kit Review

rise up illustrated faith kit devotionalTo be fair, you can buy a Bible journaling stamp set just about anywhere these days. I have plenty that I love. The reason why I recommend the Illustrated Faith Rise Up devotional kit is because it goes beyond products and challenges me to reflect not only on the message, but also about how it applies in my life. This is exactly what Bible journaling is all about.

If you’d like to purchase the latest Illustrated Faith Kit, click here to support our ministry with your purchase. It doesn’t cost you any more and it sure helps us out. Thank you!

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How to Bible Journal with Gel Pens

If you’re looking to Bible journal with gel pens, there are a few things to consider before you get started. Depending on your choices as well as the thickness of your Bible journal page, you may get bleed through or ghosting on the other side of your page. To reduce this, make sure you either prep the page or buy a set of the pens we recommend below.

In this review, I demonstrate three gel pen brands that might work well for you. Here are the ministry affiliate links if you’d like to purchase them and support our ministry:

The Best Pens for Bible Journaling

The best pens for Bible journaling are thin nib pens or gel pens. Gel pens are made of pigment and water. There is more water in a gel pen than a standard ink pen which uses solvent instead of water. The downside is that gel pens don’t last as long. A standard ball point pen will last almost eight times longer. However, the gel pen is made of less hazardous material which makes it better for the environment.

How to Bible Journal with Gel Pens

Step One: Page Prep May Be Requiredbest gel pen

You may decide to prep your page before using the gel pens that you have. Feel free to test the pen on a blank page in your Bible or on a spot that you plan to cover with stickers. If they bleed through, you can apply two thin layers of gesso to eliminate it. Whatever you decide you’ll want to make sure the get pen is dry before you close your Bible page.

Step Two: Protect Your Bible Pages

Use a Bible mat or a thin hard surface under the page your drawing on. That way you’ll protect the other pages from bleed through as well as the indents you’ll make with the gel pen.

Step Three: Start Drawing

Once you’ve prepped your page, it’s time to Bible journal with your gel pens. Gel pens flow best with they’re held horizontally rather than at an angle. When I hold them like a pencil, they eventually skip. I have to hold them horizontally to get the flow started again.

Don’t press hard with your gel pen because you could accidentally add to much gel and rub it in with the nib until you puncture a hole in your Bible page. Lightly work the gel pen into the area you want using the least amount of gel as possible to reduce bleed through and ghosting.

Step Four: Have Fun

Gel Pens are fun to use in your Bible. I love using them in my Insprire and Beautiful Word Bible. They are an amazing medium to use to bring the line art in those Bibles to life. Plus with their fine nibs, I can get the gel into the smaller letters in the line art. Whatever brand you choose, have fun getting in the Word!

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How to Host a Bible Journaling Event

Have you been thinking about hosting a bible journaling event? Good for you! It’s fairly easy to pull together a successful Bible journaling event if you’re inspired and committed. There really isn’t a better way to bring your favorite Scriptures to life, surrounded by like-minded people. Together you’ll learn more about the process, all the while enjoying each another’s company.

How to Host a Bible Journaling Eventbible journal event

Here are a few ideas that will help you host a great bible journaling event. Before we begin, make sure that the people you understand what Bible journaling is about. You can take our Bible Journaling for Beginners class absolutely free. Creating, posting and sharing a few photos of bible journaling prior to the event will help.

Have a Partner

Hosting any kind of event is more fun and a lot easier if you have a friend you can partner with. Together you can divvy up tasks like responding to RSVPs, picking up snacks and drinks, supplies and more. Setting up an event without a partner isn’t impossible, but it’s is a lot easier if you can get help before, during and after the event.

What to Bring

First of all, let anyone you know who is new to bible journaling that, while they’re nice to have, it’s not necessary to have a Bible journal – even a standard notebook will work. That said, most eventually switch to a “journaling” Bible with wide margins or blank pages like the interleaved Bible. To learn which Bible is best for you, try out our Bible journal selection tool.

Next, have everyone bring a few things like watercolor pencils, colored pencils, stickers, stamps and stamp pads, glitter glue, Washi tape, etc. You can also have some extra supplies on hand and you can actually find a lot of great supplies at your local Dollar store. When it comes to supplies, the more the merrier. You could also charge a small fee per person, say $5 each, if you need help covering costs.

Choose a Scripture

It’s easier if you have Scripture available so the entire group can study the same thing. Consider using the main message from your church so that everyone is familiar with the lesson.

Have Samples Ready

If you have samples or know someone who Bible journals frequently, have a few examples available at your bible journaling event. Our Pinterest page has many samples sorted by the book of the Bible to help provide inspiration. Sharing your examples with your guests will help inspire them. It’s also a good idea to have supplies that you used to create the example available as well.

Location

You can host your bible journaling event just about anywhere including your home, your church, the library, local scrapbook store.  During nice weather, you can meet at a local park that has picnic tables and maybe a playground for the kids.

Important Tips

Here are a couple of things to share with your friends who plan on attending your Bible journaling evening. They don’t need to be an artist to Bible journal – just inspired. Can’t draw? No problem – just use stamps and stickers, trace designs or use Washi tape. You don’t need fancy supplies either. The fact is that the best Bible journaling isn’t forced. It comes from reading, and being inspired by, God’s Word and each other.

Using the tips mentioned here will help ensure that your bible journaling event is a success. By success we mean that you have a wonderful time with awesome people, sharing their love of God through collective, artistic inspiration.

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How to Doodle in Your Bible

There are many ways to doodle in your Bible. how to doodle in your bibleFrom simple shapes to elaborate works of art, the process always starts with a basic shape like a line, circle, square, triangle or oval. Despite what you may think, doodling in your Bible is a type of art, but you don’t need to get overwhelmed. It’s very simple to start.

If you’d like a little inspiration or a devotional to get started, scroll down for a link to our free Love Doodle challenge. Illustrated Faith also released a new kit this month all about Doodles! You can grab yours by clicking here and support our ministry with your purchase. Thank you.

How to Doodle In Your Bible

Step One

The first step is always to be in the Word. Read a passage in your Bible and reflect on it. You don’t have to read an entire book. You can start with a Chapter or even a small passage. Any time in the Word is good time in the Word!

Step Two

Once you’ve had a chance to read and reflect on the Word, it’s time to get your pencil or pen out and start doodling. I always start with pencil and then trace over with a pen. Make sure you’re using a thin micron pen or prepping your page with gesso when using supplies that bleed through.

Every doodle starts with a basic shape. Start by drawing a circle, square, triangle or a simple straight line. Then add to the shape. Perhaps you’ll pair a straight line with a curvey line and then add a few lines in between the two to make a gorgeous ribbon. The choice is yours!

In this Bible journaling entry I used water color pencils and then went back over it with doodles.doodleinyourbible I drew a horizontal line in the sky and added a curvy line to it. Then I drew little lines to fill in the curves. After that, I drew lines coming down from the “sky” I just doodled. Then I added stars. I think it made the page look much better!

Step Three

The purpose of step three is to continue to add to your doodle until you feel that it’s complete. Adding color, filling in shapes, journaling with words, or whatever inspires you. You’re reflecting in the Word at this time and adding to your doodle the things that most represent how you feel based on the scripture.

For example, in the image above I was reflecting on Proverbs 24:3 NIV – A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong by good sense. As I reflected on the verse I felt that the process of becoming wise and strong is a long one. It happens day and night. After pondering that thought, I added the stars. See how easy it is!

Continuing the Process of Doodling

As you continue to doodle in your Bible, you may find that you love this art form. Continue to explore it and practice. As you doodle more, you’ll get better! If you’d like to join the Doodle Love challenge, click here.

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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.

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DEAL ALERT! Bible Journaling Bibles 50% OFF

DEAL ALERT! MANY BIBLE JOURNALING BIBLES ARE 50% OFF AT AMAZON!!!!

I purchased the Thrive and NLT Reflections Bibles for 50% off today, and  I wanted to share the rest of the ones that I have found on sale. If you miss this deal – please sign up for our email list and you’ll be notified when I see great deals like this. There’s a form on the side of our site —->.

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Stamping Ink for Bible Journaling – A Definitive Guide

Finding the best stamping ink for Bible journaling can feel overwhelming. There are different types of ink for every project. The best stamping ink type for Bible journaling is one that does double duty, both as a watercolor and as a stamping medium.

Not all stamping inks are the same. Once you understand the differences, you’ll be able to choose the ink that best works in your Bible journaling or other special project. If you’re unsure of the type of ink you like to use, buy one pad and try it out before you invest in multiple colors. When you do invest in multiple colors, consider getting the small 2″ x 2″ pads so you can get more colors for your budget.

Stamping Ink Types

When it comes to ink, there are six different types that stampers use. Make sure that whatever ink you buy, that it’s non-toxic and acid-free. Most stamping inks are. The best stamping ink for Bible journaling depends on your preference, but here are my top three favorites and facts on the rest.

  • Pigment ink   – Pigment ink generally sits on top of the page and takes a few minutes to dry. You may see some bleedthrough or ghosting with it, but it can reduced if your page is prepped with gesso.
  • Chalk ink – Use a light application so that sits on top of your Bible page and generally won’t bleed through.
  • Dye-based ink – Distressed ink or waterproof ink can be used to stamp on your Bible or used as watercolor. Prep or your Bible page with gesso if you’re concerned about bleed through. I use an old ink pad and rarely have problems with bleed through. If your ink pad is “juicy” stamp off on a scrap piece of paper before applying the stamp to your Bible to reduce bleed through. what ink is best for bible journaling
  • Solvent ink – Used for stamping images and then coloring them with watercolor (but not alcohol pens). I almost always get bleed through with solvent ink.
  • Embossing Ink – Be careful when using this for Bible journaling because you can burn your pages with the heat gun if you’re not careful. It is generally used for embossing using embossing powders.

Pigment Inks

Pigment inks are water-based, yet have a much thicker consistency than dye inks, so they don’t dry as fast. The misty color particles are suspended inside the ink, as opposed to broken down into it like a dye ink. This moderate drying nature makes them ideal for embossing, as you have a longer “open” time to apply your embossing powders.

Pigment stamping  inks don’t seep into the paper like dye inks. They sit on the surface and are perfect for stamping on or applying directly to ordinary paper, tissue, wood, and other porous surfaces.

The thicker consistency of pigment inks implies that the color you see on the ink pad is like the color that it will display when stamped.  Color ink pads are made of spongy material, rather than the hard raised felt pad found with dye inks.

Pigment inks are generally pretty slow drying, giving you plenty of time to emboss and blend. These inks offer long lasting, luscious color from delicate pastels to deep, saturated hues.

Pigment ink is difficult to use in Bible journaling because it takes long to dry. You can attempt to dry it with a heat setting tool, but be careful as heat can damage Bible pages.

Pigment ink brands include: ColorBox Pigment Ink, Illustrated Faith, Brilliance Archival Ink Pads by Tsukineko, and Stampin up Craft Ink. You can buy pigment ink stamps here.

Dye-based ink

Dye-based ink is fast drying and magnificent for basic stamping. It’s the most common stamping ink on the market and comes in many colors. It’s perfect for those new to stamping. Dye-based ink is water-based and often manufactured on linen, felt, foam, and sponge type surfaces.

When you use dye-based ink, it can seep into the strands of the paper as opposed to sitting on top like a pigment ink. If you don’t want it to seep into the paper, you’ll need to get watercolor paper. Watercolor paper has a smooth surface, resists buckling and dries fast.

Some dye-based stamping inks tend to fade over time. To avoid this, search for ink pads with fade-resistant or archival on the label.

There are three different types of dye-based ink: water-proof, water-resistant, and distressed ink. After years of stamping, I believe that water-proof and water-resistant are used interchangeably with the manufacturers. However, I will attempt to break them down based on the manufacturer’s product descriptions.

Waterproof Dye Ink

Some dye-based stamping inks are waterproof when dry, but some aren’t. Waterproof means that it’s impervious to water, so once it’s dry, it’s dry.  They often dry quickly.

If you need to watercolor over your stamped pictures, you’ll have to utilize a stamping ink that’s marked as waterproof. You can use water-resistant as well, just make sure it’s dry.

Water-proof stamping ink brands include: Umbrella Crafts Premium Dye Ink, Hero Arts, and ColorBox Archival Dye Ink

Water-resistant Dye Ink

Water-resistant means that the ink resists the penetration of water to some degree. It’s not water-proof, rather it’s one degree removed.

Water-resistant stamping ink won’t bleed when using paint, watercolors, colored pencils, water-based inks,  markers or pearl pigments. It will also dry on glossy paper and is a great ink for stamping detailed images. These ink pads are often fade-resistant.

Water-resistant inks can serve dual purposes functioning both as a stamping ink and as a watercolor. Simply dab some ink onto a tile, or similar surface, and apply the color with a paintbrush.

Water-resistant ink brands include: Ranger Archival Ink, ColorBox Archival  Dye Ink Pads, Stampin up Archival Stampin Pad, and Tsukineko Momento Dye Ink. You can buy dye ink stamps here.

Distress Dye Inks

Distress inks are water-based, not-toxic, acid-free, fade-resistant dye inks. The stamping inks are wet and stay “open” longer than standard dye-inks allowing you to continue to blend and work with the ink.

Many crafters use distressed ink to get vintage effects. From rubbing, edging, and mixing the ink, the possibilities are endless. Plus the colors are cool.

Distressed inks are a favorite amongst Bible journaling enthusiasts. The applications and ability to get the stained, vintage and aged effects in your Bible are unmatched by the other brands. The line currently includes 61 different colors, including brightly colored peacock , raspberry, and berries.

Distressed ink brands include: Ranger Tim Holtz Line. You can buy distress ink stamps here.

Chalk Ink

Chalk ink pads are perfect for all styles of paper crafting. These stamping inks are permanent, and they dry fast. They work great on wood, leather, coated and uncoated papers.

Chalk Ink sits on top of the page and generally won’t bleed through.

Chalk ink brands include: Chalk Fluid Ink Pads from Prima Marketing,  Colorbox, Tsukineko Dew Drop,  VersaMagic Chalk Ink. You can buy them using our ministry affiliate link here: chalk ink stamps

Solvent-based Inks

Many Bible journaling fans love solvent-based inks because they often don’t bleed through and provide minimal ghosting. I don’t recommend them only because they’re so hard to clean off your stamps.

Solvent-based stamping inks are fast drying inks. They are not water-based inks. There are three elements in solvent ink: the carrier fluid, pigment and resin.

Solvent based inks require a special cleaner to get the ink off the stamps. The problem with the cleaner is that it can harm polymer stamps, so use it sparingly. Solvent-based stamping inks also have a unique “scent” to them.

Solvent-based inks work best on all non-porous and semi-porous surfaces, like glass, metal, transparencies, vellum, glass, glazed ceramic tile, metal, acrylic plastic. They dry in under five minutes and pretty much lasts forever.

You can use watercolors and watercolor pencils with solvent ink after it’s dry. Never use alcohol pens with solvent-based inks as they can damage your pens.

Solvent ink brands include: Stazon. You can buy stazon stamps here.

Embossing Inks

Embossing inks are clear pigment stamping inks allows you to experiment with a variety of techniques such as chalking, embossing, and resisting.

Embossing Ink brands include: Versamark

Ink Pad Style

Ink pads come in many different styles, including rectangle, square, small square, cats eye, and dew drop. The cats eye and dew drop style is perfect for getting in small tight spaces because they have a sharp point on at least one end. They are also great for inking the sides and edges of the paper. Larger pads work great for getting  a great even application on larger stamps.

Opposites Don’t Attract with Stamping Ink

Like mediums blend and mix together. You can use dye-based stamping ink with alcohol-based markers, but you wouldn’t want to use dye-based ink with watercolors and regular markers as they would blend together.

Never use alcohol ink pens with your solvent ink as your solvent ink will damage your very expensive pens.

We hope this guide to stamping ink in Bible journaling has helped illuminate the different choices you have. What inks do you use in your Bible journaling?

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What is the SOAP Method? And Other Methods for Bible Journaling

There are several methods to read and understand your Bible. What is the SOAP MethodThe SOAP method (S.O.A.P) is one of the common ways to read your bible, but there are other ones too which are discussed later in this article.

What is the SOAP Method?

The SOAP method or S.O.A.P for short is used for Bible reading to help you go beyond the words and instead apply scripture to your life. This method can be used with any daily Bible reading plan. Here’s how the SOAP method works.

S is for Scripture

You open your Bible to whatever reading you’re working on. Sometimes I simply open the Bible and randomly point to a section to study. Other times, I use a devotional or weekly sermon.

As you read scripture, take your time with the verses and allow God to speak to you. Once you’re done, you look for a verse that spoke to you or stood out amongst the others and write this Scripture in your journal.

O is for Observation

Consider the verse that caught your attention. Is there something that you feel or believe God wants you to notice. Ask the Holy Spirt to teach and reveal what it is that you should meditate on. Write or paraphrase this observation down in your journal.

You can observe anything. Perhaps it’s the actual story that you’re reading, and you’re intrigued about how the God is using that person for great things. Perhaps you feel that God wants to use you in a similar way, but you’re not ready to take that first step. Write all of these observations down. What are you feeling? Is there more that you want to read about and study? Have you encountered this in the past? What was your response then?

A is for Application

As you apply the Scripture and your observations, consider how you can apply it to your life. Personalize it by asking yourself how the passage applies to your life. Maybe it’s encouragement, instruction, correction for an area of your life or revelation of a new promise.

What will you do about what you’ve encountered today? Will you simply file it away until it gets too big to ignore or will you take one small step int he direction you feel he’s calling you to towards?

Sometimes it’s hard to take the first step. You may feel judged, insecure, or hopeless. But Isaiah 40:31 says that the Lord will give you strength. You will not grow weary because you have hope in the Lord. Create an action plan so that you can take that next step.

P is for Prayer

Pray and ask God to reveal his Word to you. God answers, maybe not the way you want him to, like how you’d answer your children or friends. He may also not answer you in the timeframe that you’ve set. But, he does answer, in his perfect timing.

As you pray, be aware of how you feel and focus on listening with your ears, but also with your heart and mind. Look around your environment as you go about the day. Continue to have a conversation as is if you were talking to someone you love. Because God truly does love you.

Other Ways to Study Your Bible

There are many ways to study your Bible. If the SOAP method doesn’t work for you, try another one. Here are Bible Journaling Ministries, we use the GOD method. Primarily because it’s easy to remember and is directly related to our ministry.

GOD Methodsoap method god method

G is for Grow
Approach the Word with the intention to learn something and ask God that he might grow you in his Word today.

O is for Observe
Similar to the SOAP method, consider what God wants you to see in the Word and how you might apply it to your life.

D is for Draw
Drawing, illustrating, and writing are methods that creative people use connect with the message in a meaningful way. You can draw pictures in your Bible, paint, illustrate a beautiful picture, or simply doodle. The options are endless.

There’s no need to try for perfection. The point of drawing is to help you connect with the Word. Often, the serenity that you feel when coloring or creating helps you meditate longer and spend more time with God than you have in the past. It truly is a beautiful thing.

You can view all of our non-perfectionist drawings on our Facebook Page. We share all of them! Perhaps it’s that drawing that isn’t perfect that brings one more person closer to God. Wouldn’t that be something?

The Five P Bible Study Method

Position – Let yourself hear from God by clearing out all distractions.
Pour – Go over the passage and paraphrase major points. Ask questions like what happened? How did it happen, when did it take place?
Pull – Take out what you learned from God in the passage.
Pose – Ask a question. Create a question that’s directed at you.
Plan – Pin down a date and plan obedience

The Speck Method

Sin – List sins in the passage that should be avoided
Promises – List the promises that are mentioned in the passage
Examples – Follow examples in the passage that would work in your life
Commands – Writ out commands that were in the passage and ask yourself in you’re following them
Knowledge – What did you learn about God in the passage?

You can download a printable Speck Method worksheet here.

The OPA Bible Study Method

Observations – Make observations that stand out in the passage
Principles – What principles can you draw from your observations?
Ask – Ask yourself how you can apply these principles to your life. What did you learn from the observations?

Paraphrase Method

When you read a passage, write this out in your own words. Think about what you’d say if you were relaying this passage to a friend that doesn’t know the Bible. The person you talk to should be able to understand what you wrote.

While the SOAP method might be the most popular way to study Scripture, there are so many alternatives. Find the study method that works best for you. You may need to try a few out to discover your favorite. Or if you’re like us, you’ll just make up your own.

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