Bible Journaling Ministries

Bible Journaling - Grow in the Word creatively!




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How to Make a Travelers Notebook for Bible Journaling

Traveler’s notebooks are a great alternative to using a Bible to journal your time in the Word. Especially if you’re concerned about potentially ruining your Bible.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create a traveler’s notebook using our The Truth Will Set You Free printable available in our store. I’ve printed out the cover, and I’ve printed out the insert prompts.The prompts include the date, today’s verse, reflection, prayer, thankful for, and doodle and drawings.

Here’s what you need:

You don’t need to use these tools. If you have something that’s similar, you can use what you have on hand. If you have a long-arm stapler, you don’t need the piercing mat.

Video

Step 1 – Print the Traveler’s Notebook Cover

Print the Traveler’s Notebook cover. You can even use paper or cardstock. Maybe you have some awesome scrapbooking paper in your house.

Step 2 – Print Insert Paper Double-Sided

Print the lined insert paper double sided. Alternatively, use blank paper.

Step 3 – Measure Your Cut Lines

You want to make sure that your traveler’s notebook is 11 centimeters wide by 21 centimeters tall. Eleven centimeters is 4.33 inches, and 21 centimeters is 8.25 inches.

Step 4 – Line Up Your Papers

Make sure the inserts all match up. This is the hardest part of creating these. If you get it wrong, the paper will be a little off center. If you have any problems, try using blank paper for the inside. It’s easier.

Step 5 – Trim the Paper

Trim the paper. I like to do the inserts first because they’re on different paper. The cover is cardstock, and the inserts are on copy paper. You may choose to fold the paper in half before you cut it or trim and then fold it. The choice is yours.

I use markers on my paper trimmer so that I know where I’m supposed to cut. You want to make sure that your traveler’s notebook is 11 centimeters or 4.33 inches wide by 21 centimeters or 8.25 inches tall.

When you trim the cover, you may want to make it slightly bigger just in case the inserts are too bulky. You could also do this in reverse and trim the cover first and inserts slightly smaller than the cover. It’s always easier to trim because once it’s gone, you can’t add it back.

Step Six – Staple the Traveler’s Notebook

If you have a long-arm stapler, staple the middle, and one on each side. I don’t have a long-arm stapler, so I have to use a paper piercer. Alternatively, you can use a push pin, a needle, or anything that has a sharp point edge.

To use a piercing tool, first, line up the staples to where you want to punch holes. Use the piercing tool to punch the holes. Peel off a few of the staples using your finger nail, pen, or pointy object.

Then put your staples in the holes, and flip over the paper so you can fold the staples inward. If you have problems getting your staples in the holes, consider doing one staple at a time.

Step Seven – Finalize the Design

If you have a traveler’s notebook, then your newly created insert will just slip right inside of that. I don’t have one of those yet, so I just carry these around by themselves. I put a little elastic rubber band around it to keep it closed. If you have eyelets, you could punch them through the cover or use brads with a little piece of string to keep the notebook closed if you want to.

Step Eight – Decorate

There are many ways that you could decorate this and create something that’s beautiful and fun that you will be proud of. Add some paint, embellishments, and have a blast. You’ll be ready to carry this around with you wherever you go.

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How to Make Watercolor Flowers in your Bible

Creating watercolor flowers in your Bible with Q-tips is a fun and easy way to express Scripture in a meaningful way. You can use any type of watercolor palette that you have on hand, just be sure to gesso the page if you’ll be using a lot of water or a medium that bleeds through. Supplies are below as well as our ministry affiliate links if you’d like to support us with your purchase.

The supplies you need include:

To learn more about the supplies we recommend for Bible journaling, click here.

Step One – Apply the Gesso

The first thing that you’ll want to do is apply two thin coats of gesso across the Bible journaling page that you will be water coloring. Apply the first coat of gesso and let it dry. You can also use a heat tool to speed up the process. Once the first coat of gesso is dry, apply the second coat and let it dry too.

Step Two: Prepare the Q-tip Brushes

To make the Q-tip brushes, grab about five q-tips in your hand. Tie a rubber band around both ends of the Q-tips. That gives you one Q-tip brush with two ends. You may want to make a total three Q-tips brushes so that you can use multiple colors without mixing the paint and making mud.

Step 3: Activate Your Watercolors

To activate your water colors, you’ll need to get the watercolor cake palette slightly wet. I often use my Q-tips to do this. Place the Q-tip brush in clean water and brush it lightly across the watercolor to activate it.

Step 4: Create Watercolor Flowers

Using your Q-tips, load the brush with water color by placing them in the watercolor cake pallet. Make sure that you don’t have to much water on your Q-tips. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a blob instead of a bunch of little dots. Tap your Q-tips onto your Bible page and create the design of your choosing. In this example, I’m creating flowers by starting in the middle or at the bottom of the flower and moving the dots outward to create the flower.

Step 4: Add Details

Once you have the basic shape of your watercolor flowers, you’ll want to add details like shading, pedals, stems, and leaves. To add shading, choose a slightly darker color than the one you started with. Place dots onto the page to create depth in your flower or other images. Use one Q-tip to make a stem as well as the leaves.

You may even want to add petals that are falling to the ground and you can do this by placing dots from the flower towards the grass.

To make the grass, use one Q-tip starting from the base of your grass and lift the Q-tip up as you move the watercolor up the page.

Continue the process until you’re satisfied with your design. When you watercolor flowers with Q-tips you can create a nice Monet-like design without Monet-like prices! I’d love to see what you make when you watercolor with Q-tips. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

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How to Use Gelatos to Create a Camping Scene in Your Bible Margin

In this tutorial, I show you how to create a gelatos background camping scene. To learn how to print stickers from a PDF file, read this blog post. Remember…you can always fussy cut your stickers as I demonstrated in the Beginners course.

How to Create a Gelatos Background

Here are the supplies that you need:

  • Digital Kit – Psalm 119 Happy Camper digital kit available in our store.
  • Sticker Paper – You can find the sticker paper that we used on Amazon using our affiliate link here: http://amzn.to/2ufbAP7
  • Gelatos – Green Tea, Pistachio, Silver, Snow Cone, Blue Moon, Blueberry, and Gray.You can find an assortment of gelatos on Amazon or at most craft stores. Here’s our affiliate link: http://amzn.to/2tmTGpN
  • Paper Towel
  • Paint Brush
  • Water

How to Use Gelatos

Gelatos are easy to use and don’t require page prep. You CAN use gesso if you want to, but I rarely do. There are many techniques that you can employ when using gelatos. But for this tutorial, we’re going simple! To begin:

  1. Always read your Bible first to get a feel for the message. Then decide what you want to do to help the message become more clear in your mind.
  2. Add color to the page by swiping your gelatos where you want them to lay down.
  3. Take a slightly damp paper towel and move the gelatos where you want them to go.
  4. Blend the colors together, but be careful not to make mud.
  5. I cut my paper towels into little squares and put them in a glass container.
  6. You may add more gelatos if the color is too faint, but make sure your page is dry before adding more. Otherwise, you may soak your page with water causing it to rip.
  7. Once dry, you can add details like shadows, grass, and trees if you’d like to.
  8.  Embellish the page to your heart’s content.

Gelatos are one of my favorite mediums to use in my Bible. Do you like them? If not, what’s your favorite medium to use in your Bible?

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How to Make Stickers from PDF Files Using Silhouette and Cricut Machines

In this tutorial, I will show you how to make stickers from a PDF file using the Silhouette Cameo or Portrait cutting machine as well as the Circuit Explorer and Brother Scan and Cut cutting machines.

Supplies Needed

Hopefully, you already have a cutting machine. If not, I HIGHLY recommend the Silhouette machine. cut stickers from pdfBut, if you want something that doesn’t require a computer, consider the Brother Scan and Cut. If you’d like to support our ministry with your purchase, here are are our affiliate links:

Make Stickers from a PDF File Using the Silhouette Cutting Machine

The Silhouette Cameo or Portrait is an electronic cutting machine that can cut many different materials including paper, vinyl, cardstock, and fabric. The software is included, but it is the standard Silhouette Studio edition. The version that I use is the Silhouette Cameo Edition. I purchased this machine quite a few years ago. And it still works today. I have not had to upgrade it, which is a wonderful thing considering how much technology changes from year to year.
The best part about this technique is that the cut doesn’t go all the way through the sticker paper! That means you can peel them off when you want to use them and you don’t have to fuss with trying to get the sticker off the backing. That saves both time and frustration! Yay!

Video Demonstration Using Silhouette to Cut PDF Stickers

Written Instructions

Step 1: Open the File in the Silhouette Software

To cut a PDF file from the silhouette, first open the file in the Designer Edition of the software. f you don’t have Designer Edition, you’ll need to convert your .pdf file to a .png file. Here’s a link to a converter: http://pdf2png.com/ although I haven’t needed to use it myself.

Step 2: Import the File

I import my files as a Vector, but some people import them as an image. Either works fine! Click group and 300 dpi, which is the resolution that I save the files in. Then click Import.

Step 3: Add Registration Marks

Click open the registrations mark icon. Select your machine from the style menu.

Step 4: Trace the PDF File

Click the Trace icon.
  • Click Select Trace Area until you see the cross hairs on your digital mat.
  • Then drag the crosshairs until you get everything in the box.
  • De-select high pass filter.
  • Click low pass filter.
  • Adjust your threshold to approximately 91% until the area you want to cut is highlighted in yellow.
  • Click Trace Outer Edge

Step 5: Print the File

Select the printer icon to print the file.

Step 6: Cut the File

  • Click the Silhouette icon.
  • Click Adjust settings:
  • For White Sticker Paper:
    • Select the White Paper Sticker setting and adjust it as follows:
    • Rachet = 2 (IMPORTANT: Make sure change the blade in your machine too!)
    • Speed = 5
    • Thickness = 5
    • Do not double cut the sticker paper. Make sure double cut is not selected.
  • For Clear Sticker Paper:
    • Select the White Paper Sticker setting and adjust it as follows:
    • Rachet = 2 (IMPORTANT: Make sure change the blade in your machine too!)
    • Speed = 3
    • Thickness = 4
    • Do not double cut the sticker paper. Make sure double cut is not selected.

Making Stickers from a PDF File Using the Circuit Cutting Machine

As far as I know, you can’t print and cut using anything except the latest Circuit Explorer models. That’s because print and cut functionality only exists in Cricut Design Space, which can only be used with newer models. Unfortunately, I only have a Cricut Expression (sad face) and Cricut Craft Room does not have a print and cut function. I doubt they will add it the functionality because they probably want everyone to upgrade. I can’t justify upgrading my Cricut since I have the Silhouette and this functionality has been around for years with that brand.
Because I don’t have a Cricut Explorer, I’ve decided to share a video from someone else. She did an excellent job sharing how to print and cut from a pdf using the Cricut machine.

Video Demonstration Using Cricut to Cut PDF Stickers

This video is not by me. It’s by Moe! You can find her YouTube channel here.

Video Demonstration Using Brother to Cut PDF Stickers

While we’re at it…here’s a video for those of you who have the Brother Scan and Cut. It didn’t feel right leaving them out. This video is from Alanda. You can view her YouTube channel here.

As always. You can always fussy cut your stickers. You don’t need a machine to do it for you. I just happen to like the clean lines that I get with mine.

Which do you prefer? Fussy cut? Cricut? Silhouette? Brother? I’d really love to know!

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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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How to Make Paper Napkin Art in Your Bible – A Printable Alternative

I’m in LOVE with the paper napkin art I’m seeing in Bibles these days. I saw a lovely video by Miss Tracy (video below – not me – I’m TRACIE) and was inspired to try it in my Bible. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find her napkin!!! Apparently, it’s a seasonal Easter napkin.

When I can’t find what I’m looking for, I’ll often fiddle around in Adobe software to try to come up with an alternative. Obviously, copying is a no-no, so I make my alternative version different using alternative fonts, colors, words, and images. Often, I’ll discover that I like my version better than the store bought. I feel the same way about my mom’s food too by the way. Much better than store bought! Sadly, I no longer live under her roof, so I always ask her to make me something special for my birthday.

To learn how you can get this digital paper design, visit our website store here. Your purchase in our store using our ministry affiliate links in this post helps support our ministry. Thank you!

How Much Does Paper Napkin Art Cost?

Paper napkin art can be expensive or cheap depending on how you look at it and where you’re looking to buy it. You can buy paper napkins at the Dollar store in packs of 10-24 count depending on size. I’ve seen them as high as $4.29 for a pack of 16. To apply it, you’ll need gesso and a makeup sponge or paint brush. Assuming you get them at the dollar store and use one napkin per project you can create a beautiful piece for as little as 5 cents. Amazing! Now you need to find someone to swap napkins with or use those napkins at your next luncheon. It’s a great excuse to have some friends over!

Paper Napkin Art Alternative

The problem that I have with paper napkin art isn’t the cost. It’s the availability of designs and having to buy 10-24 of the same napkin for one project. When it comes to availability of dpaper napkin artesigns, there aren’t many Christian stores left here in Phoenix so I stalk the Dollar Tree because they often have Faith-based napkins during Easter and Christmas. Sometimes they have them during the year as well.

Once I buy napkins, I usually only use the design once. Instead of costing me 5 cents per project, it ends up costing me $1-$4.29! I’ve joined napkin swap groups – a great alternative, but I still have to ship the napkins. Sigh.

In search of an alternative, I saw that others were using gift wrapping tissue paper in lieu of napkins so I experimented with many techniques until I found one that worked best for me. I purchased a pack of tissue paper from the dollar store and purchased a few images that I liked off the internet. By the way, you can find free images on sites like pixabay so don’t pull random images off the Internet without checking to see if they are indeed free. Use a site that’s reputable and put some food on the artist’s table if it’s not free.

Classic white tissue paper comes in 35 sheets at the Dollar Tree and you can cut each sheet to make a little over three 8 1/2 x 11 sheets. According to my calculations, that’s less than .01 per print. Of course, you have to print out the sheet, so I use a scrap piece of copy paper and my pages cost  3 cents per print using the HP Instant Ink service. Add in the cost of repositional herma dots and each paper napkin alternative cost me about 5 cents. Not bad at all! Plus I don’t have all these extra napkins.

I just have to say it…I love the HP Instant Ink service because my printer tells them when to ship the ink and I never have to worry about reordering. I always have it when I need it! Pages roll over so if I don’t use them all, I can use them the next month. I didn’t think I’d use the service as much as I do, but alas, I’m now spoiled and love it.

How to Print on Tissue Paper

To print on tissue paper, you’ll need a printer. I use an HP Envy Wireless printer. You’ll also need the tissue paper and either washi tape or repositional tape. Here’s the video that shows you exactly how to do it.

How to Apply Tissue Paper to Your Bible

Once your print is complete you’re ready to go! I use Dina Wakely clear gesso and Liquitex Matte Medium. I explain why I use both in the video. To apply:

  1. Cut the tissue paper so you have the design you’d like to place in your Bible.
  2. Make sure you put down at least one coat of clear gesso. I usually do two coats just in case.
  3. Let the gesso dry between coats.
  4. Once your base layers are done, apply one more coat of clear gesso and lay the tissue paper on top of it while it’s still wet.
  5. Let the layer dry or carefully use a heat tool to dry it.
  6. Then apply a coat of matte medium over the design. I use matte medium because it’s less gritty than the gesso and dries with a nice smooth finish.
  7. You can draw on the design once it’s dry, but make sure you clean the tip of your pen afterward. That way you remove any gesso or medium that’s attached itself to your pen. I swipe my pen on a paper towel after every stroke to ensure I don’t pick up any medium. Both mediums will dry out your precision pens so use them with caution. Gel pens are a great alternative!

Here’s the video that shows my technique:

How to Apply Paper Napkins to Your Bible

Miss Tracy (not me) created this video that the gals over at our Beginners Facebook Group love. It wouldn’t be right to create this post without sharing the technique that’s inspired so many. Our techniques are different, but they work just fine!

Have you tried paper napkin art in your Bible? What do you like best or least about this technique? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

 

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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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Bible Journaling with the Gel Press

The Gel Press is a pretty neat tool that’s used in mixed media. gel press bible journalingI hadn’t given it much thought until I saw Keri Salle Bible journaling with the Gel Press at a booth I passed by during a recent conference. I loved what she was doing and decided to give it a try myself. I purchased a few sizes and gave it a whirl.

What is the Gel Press?

you might be wondering what is a Gel Press and how you can use in your Bible. A Gel Press is basically a piece of gel that’s used for mono printing. Mono printing is when you print an image once. You can never get the same print again. It’s one image and every image is different.

The Gel Press is really flexible and flimsy. It cleans up pretty good with just a little bit of water. They come in multiple sizes. In the tutorial below I use a 5”x7” piece.

Supplies Used and Ministry Affiliate Links

Gel Press 5×7 plate: http://amzn.to/2oQ5bY4
Yellow acrylic paint: http://shrsl.com/?hdaw
Magenta acrylic paint:http://shrsl.com/?hdax
Vellum paper: http://amzn.to/2oQkiRy
Spray glue: http://amzn.to/2nYEKLW

How to Use the Gel Press in Bible Journaling

To use the Gel Press, just add a little bit of acrylic paint to the surface and go over the paint with your brayer to spread it out. Just start to mix the paint here and there and blend it if you want to.

You don’t need to clean the Gel Press before you start using it. A lot of people like to use it without it being super clean. It’s entirely up to you.

Once you’re happy with the paint mixture, place your stencil down and roll over it again with your brayer. Of course everything is optional. You don’t have to run the brayer over. If you don’t, you’ll get a different look. Once you’re done, lift the stencil up.

Alternatively, you could place the stencil on the Gel Press without the paint. Then put the acrylic paint on the stencil. It’s totally up to you. And that’s the fun of the Gel Press! You can put different colors and different designs on it and you’ll get a different print every time.

Protect your Bible by placing a craft mat under the page. Then place the Gel Press on your Bible journaling page. Press down. When you’re ready pull the Gel Press away from the page. Be careful because you don’t want to rip your Bible page. This is the fun part this is the fun part because you never know what you’re going to get!

No Prep Needed

I don’t gesso the page whenever I’m working with acrylics just because I never have problems with it seeping through to the other side.  If you’re concerned about it Bible journaling with the Gel Press, feel free to prep your page.

Bible journaling with the Gel Press is lots of fun and is a simple way to create beautiful art in your Bible. Because it’s so easy to use,  you may find yourself with more time to spend in the Word. Give it a try!

 

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How to Use Stickers in Your Bible

Using Stickers in Your Bible

Stickers are easy to use and very affordable. But is there really a technique to using stickers in your bible? Absolutely! From selection to creation to placement, this could be the easiest technique you learn in your Bible journaling journey.

Selection

If you already have a stash of stickers, that’s awesome! Use what you have, but first, make sure that the stickers are acid-free before you place them in your Bible. If you’re purchasing stickers, look for designs that you love, ones that complement your study, and try to get them on sale! Many craft stores often offer discounts, sometimes up to 80% off!

Making Your Own Stickers

Sticker Paper

To make your own stickers, you’ll need sticker paper. When selecting sticker paper, you’ll need to determine if you want a white or clear background. Choose a clear background if you’re placing stickers on top of Scripture and want to be able to see the words after the sticker is placed. Otherwise, choose the white sticker paper for a bright sticker image. Always use acid-free sticker paper when you’re Bible journaling. Here’s our ministry affiliate link to our favorites:

Avery Clear Stickers 8 ½” x 11” for Inkjet Printers – 25 pack –  http://amzn.to/2kHkWdj.

Avery White Stickers 8 ½” x 11” for Inkjet Printers – 15 pack – http://amzn.to/2kJLsmr

stickers in your bible

Notice how you can see the words behind the clear sticker in the image above. You can’t see the words behind the white sticker, but it’s much brighter and crisper than the clear sticker.

Copy Paper

You can also make your own stickers using plain copy paper that’s acid-free and a sticker maker, glue, or tape. The sticker makers we use include:

Xyron 1.5” Sticker Maker: http://amzn.to/2kH7CWI

Xyron Create a Sticker Machine: http://amzn.to/2l320ZZ

Labels

Some people use labels that are acid-free. They’re fine to use, but they are sometimes hard to peel away from the backing.

Software

Using a simple software tool like Word, you can open a new document, insert pictures or images, create words in many different fonts, add colors, and draw lines and shapes. You can also make stickers out of your family photos. Just add as many as you can to the page and print them out on the sticker paper. Make sure you use the best printer settings so you get nice crisp images.

Once your stickers are printed, you can use scissors or punches to cut around them. Some people are super crafty and use a tool like the Cricut or Silhouette that allows you to print and cut at the same time! What a time saver!

Printing Sticker from Files

There are a number of designers that provide stickers and margin elements specifically for Bible journaling. Some of the designers even provide them for free. You can find a comprehensive list of freebies on our website.

Sticker Usage

Many instructors will tell you that there are certain rules to follow to avoid sticker clutter, but there are no rules in Bible journaling. There are no mistakes when it comes to using stickers in your Bible. You can use as many as you want, wherever you want. Here are a few ways that you can use stickers in your Bible journaling:

  1. Story Telling – Use stickers to tell the story of the Scripture or how a particular Scripture impacted your life and those around you.
  2. Main Focal Point – Use stickers to emphasize the important parts of the Scripture that you’re studying. Make them the main focal point of your design.
  3. Border – group stickers along the margin of your Bible as a border between the Scripture and your journaling, doodling, or other art.
  4. Accents – Use stickers to accent a main focal point, like a particular Scripture, your journaling art, a picture or other ephemera. You can use them on the corners, on the sides, or in a design that directs the eyes to the focal point.
  5. Clusters – Use a few stickers as a grouping rather than randomly placing the stickers. Group a few flowers or other similar objects together.
  6. Designs – Use stickers in a design like a swirl, arrow, or a word to create interest.
  7. Path – Use stickers in a path to direct the reader’s eye to something you want them to see.
  8. Framed – Place the sticker on cardstock that’s cut bigger than the sticker. This creates a framed effect. Then adhere the cardstock to your Bible.
  9. Randomly – Use stickers randomly; however you feel called. Remember, there are no rules to Bible journaling.

Sticker Placement

Always make sure your stickers are where you want them before you peel off the back. Once you place them on your page, they are almost impossible to get off.

Once you are satisfied with your layout, peel the backing off the sticker and carefully stick it in your Bible. It’s ok to change your mind before you adhere your stickers. You can also journal around stickers, add doodles, or paint the background as well.

stickers in my bible

 

Your Turn

Now it’s your turn to try out this this technique. Remember to share your work in our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BibleJournalingforBeginners/

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How to Make PaperClip Bookmarks for Easter

Making paperclip bookmarks for Easter Bible journaling entries is simple with these fun Easter Stickers. In the tutorial below I show three different ways that you can create beautiful bookmarks to celebrate this day.

How to Make PaperClip Bookmarks for Easter

You can download the Easter stickers this month for free!

Click here to download our latest freebie.

If you missed this printable while it was free, you can still purchase it using the link below.

easter stickers product image

Purchase Easter Stickers

Supplies Needed to Make Paperclip Bookmarks

Instructions for Paperclip Bookmarks

To make the paperclip bookmarks for Easter, follow these steps:

  1. Download the printable Easter stickers.
  2. Print them out in color on your printer using cardstock.
  3. Place the sticky side of the laminating pouches or tape on the front of the image.
  4. Using the 1″ circle punch, punch the images out.
  5. Using the hot glue gun, place a small dab on the back of one of the stickers.
  6. Place the paperclip on the glue and press down.
  7. Adjust the paperclip so that it’s in the position you’d like it to be in.
  8. Glue another sticker on top of the paperclip so that it’s a double-sided bookmark. You can use the Xyron sticker machine to give it a nice seal.

If your using these stickers as stickers, follow the instructions above minus the paper clip. You’ll have a nice glossy sticker to place in your Bible. Place the stickers on cards, in your planner, or decorate a gift bag. The possibilities are endless.

You can make these paperclip bookmarks for Easter for yourself or for a friend. They make perfect gifts! Who will you gift them too?

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.”