Bible Journaling Ministries

Bible Journaling - Grow in the Word creatively!

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This is Love Bible Journaling Kit Canvas and Card Tutorials

The This is Love Bible journaling kit is fantastic, and I had so much fun playing with all of the pieces to make things both in and outside my Bible. Click here if you’d like to read my review and see a demo of the kit. In this post, I share two tutorials for making cards and a pretty canvas wall hanging. The This is Love kit was provided by DaySpring. It’s so fun being a member of their launch team. Thanks, DaySpring! Here’s the ministry affiliate link for those who want to support us while purchasing the kit. Thank you!

Click here to purchase and support our ministry.

This is Love Bible Journaling Kit Card Tutorial

This is Love Bible journaling kit is great for making Valentine’s Day cards. Here are a few cards that I put together in less than 7 minutes each including all of the cutting and folding.

 

Supplies:

V-Day Love Cards

V-Day Love Cards

This is Love Cards

This is Love Cards

Instructions

  1. Cut dark cardstock in half at 5.5″.
  2. Cut light cardstock at 5.25″ and 4″.
  3. Fold dark cardstock in half.
  4. Choose your kit ephemera, washi, and stamps.
  5. Stamp random patterns.
  6. Add the washi tape.
  7. Glue or tape on ephemera.

This is Love Bible Journaling Canvas Tutorial

To remind myself and my family members that we are chosen, I created a canvas to display in my living room. I hope you enjoy this tutorial!

Supplies:

This is Love Bible Journaling Kit Canvas

This is Love Bible Journaling Kit Canvas

  • You Are Loved Bible Journaling Kit
  • You Are Loved Cardstock Stickers
  • You Are Loved 35-Piece Paper Pieces
  • You Are Loved Tip-Ins
  • You Are Loved Clear Stamps
  • You can purchase You Are Loved collection here.
  • Canvas 5×7
  • Gesso
  • Liquitex Matte Gel Medium
  • Liquitex Modeling Paste (texture paste)
  • Paintbrush for painting and dry brushing
  • Pallete Knife
  • Acrylic paints

Instructions

  1. Prep the canvas with a coat of gesso and let dry.
  2. Choose your ephemera and picture (see the tutorial on how to print tiny pictures).
  3. Paint the background and let dry.
  4. Glue the large cardstock image on the background with gel medium or other adhesive.
  5. Add any ephemera that you desire using gel medium.
  6. Add texture using modeling paste.
  7. Dry brush the texture and sides of the canvas.
  8. Finalize the piece.

I hope that these tutorials inspire you to try something new with your Bible journaling kits! I’d love to hear what you create in the comments below!

 

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How to Make a Gratitude Journal

A gratitude journal is a powerful tool that you can use to grow your faith. It helps you see and reflect on the good things in your life – both small and large, and is a perfect way to express your thankfulness and gratitude to our Lord. Scripture says that we should be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), a gratitude journal can help.

Gratitude Journal Printable

This month we’re giving away our Gratitude Journal printable. This printable is only available to our email subscribers, so please scroll down to the bottom of this post if you’d like to join our list. If you’re here after November 30, 2017 – please find it available to purchase in our store under Traveler’s Notebooks. You will also get this journal if you take our free Beginner’s course this month.

gratitude journal

Our gratitude journal features a cute hedgehog in a bottle, giving thanks for the water that is dripping down. The cover is best printed on cardstock, but you can use any type of paper you like. The writing prompts include:

  • Date – put today’s date here.
  • Morning Gratitude: Today I’m Thankful For – In the morning, write down at least one thing you’re thankful for. Examples include a new day, your job, family, birds chirping, breath, health, the ability to get out of bed, God’s provision, and more.
  • Verse – Write down today’s verse to ground your thoughts, and think about it throughout your day.
  • Challenges That Occurred Today Helped Me Learn – In the afternoon, think through the challenges that occurred. Try to see them as an opportunity to learn and grow. Be thankful for them too.
  • Afternoon Gratitude: The One Thing That Was Awesome About Today Was – In the afternoon, write down one thing that happened that was awesome in your life. It could be that you earned an income, cleaned the house, picked up your kids on time, called a friend, took a break for lunch, journaled in your Bible, etc. There are so many moments in the day were blessings happen. This is the section in your journal to say thank you for them.

How to Make a Gratitude Journal

Here’s a video that shows you how to assemble your gratitude journal. If you don’t have our printable, you can use anything like scrapbook paper or copy paper.

Supplies Needed

  • Gratitude printable (sign up on our email list before November 30, 2017 to get this one)
  • Paper
  • Staples
  • Stapler – here’s the ministry affiliate link for the long arm stapler I used in the video (http://amzn.to/2AeA6jj)

Honoring God with Gratitude

When I take things for granted and dismiss his gifts as small, I don’t honor him. Truth be told, there isn’t anything in life that is small. The air I breathe, the ability to love, the chance for friendships, and salvation are big things! I must recognize those gifts and honor God with my heart. Colossians 3:17 and many other Bible verses, remind us to give thanks to our Lord. It is so important to honor God with gratitude.

As you wrap up November, don’t stop your gratitude journal. You can use the insert every day! I recommend keeping your completed Gratitude journal in a photo box for prosperity. It’s neat to go back and review them year after year to see the positive transformation that has happened throughout your journey. They’re also great to pass down to family members as a way of showing just how awesome our God is.

Do you use a gratitude journal every day? I’d love to hear your tips for keeping this amazing practice of faith in the comments below.

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Halloween Bible Journaling – How to Create Starry Night with Gelatos

Halloween is just a few days away! Will you be participating in it this year? There are many reasons why you shouldn’t. But, maybe there is one reason why you should. Here are a few thoughts, as well as my tutorial how to recreate Starry Nights below.

Is it Wrong to Participate in Halloween?

October 31st is just another day. It’s not a day that I set aside for the devil and I don’t honor the devil or his minions on any day. I see Halloween as a day to love on my community.

At my church, we’ll host a fall festival and have the community over with their costumes on as they go car to car,  trick or treating, in the parking lot. We call this event Trunk-or-Treat. It’s really fun and a great way to meet the neighbors and become acquainted.

Over the years I’ve had many friends who were not supportive of my choice to participate in Halloween. That’s totally ok!  I’ve had many friends come over for Halloween parties and fellowship, including pastors and their children. We’ve always had a great time in fellowship, and I always overbuy on Candy to give away.

If you’re struggling over whether or not to participate in Halloween, I encourage you to develop your own approach to Halloween based on how the Holy Spirit convicts you. As an adult, you should make your own decision and as a parent, you get to decide what’s best for your children. You do not have to take a traditional approach. You don’t have to conform (Romans 12:2).

Take a cue from Jesus in Mark 2:15-17. Instead of isolating yourselves from the night’s activities, you could offer a safe place for others to fellowship or print out a Bible coloring page and pass it out with crayons or candy.You could fellowship with someone and show them, through your kindness and actions, just how awesome our God truly is and how he works in your life. Halloween is a perfect opportunity to spread the Word.

Halloween Bible Journaling

In this tutorial, I demonstrate how to recreate Starry Night with gelatos. Forward to about 12 minutes in if you want to jump directly to the tutorial.

Supplies you’ll need include:

Do you participate in Halloween? If so, what do you do? I’d love to hear what you do for Halloween in the comments below!

Free Bible Journaling Templates Every Month!

As a member of our VIP list you'll receive freebies at least every month. You'll also receive the latest Bible journaling news, updates, and tutorials!

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Yes, I want emails from Bible Journaling Ministries.

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How to Use the Tim Holtz Stamping Platform for Bible Journaling

In this tutorial, I share how to use the Tim Holtz stamping platform for Bible journaling along with the latest Spellbinders Bible journaling stamp line designed by Joanne Fink. If you’d like to support our ministry with your purchase, please use the links below.

How to Use the Tim Holtz Stamping Platform for Bible Journaling

To use the Tim Holtz Stamping Platform you’ll need these supplies:

What is the Tim Holtz Stamping Platform?

The Tim Holtz Stamping Platform improved the original and patented design by Misti. Introduced in 2017, of course with some legal battles on patent infringement, the platform finally made it into the hands of eager consumers late this summer.

The purpose of the stamping platform is to ensure a perfect crisp stamped image every time you use it. It keeps the paper positioned perfectly so that you can restamp the image without moving the paper or changing the position of the stamp. It’s perfect for those of us who don’t do the best job of stamping (like me).

How to Use the Tim Holtz Stamping Platform in Your Bible

  1. Place the page of your Bible on the stamping base. You’ll need a Bible that moves freely like the one in our video above. To find the perfect Bible for you, take our short quiz.
  2. You will only be able to do the margin of your Bible, so be sure that the platform lid closes before you go to the next step.
  3. Place the strong magnets on the page that is on the stamping base.
  4. Choose the side of the stamping platform lid that matches your stamp. If you’re using a rubber stamp, the word “Rubber” should be visible on the stamping lid. Otherwise, turn it over.
  5. Position your stamps on the Bible journaling page.
  6. Close the lid to pick up the stamps with the lid.
  7. Ink the stamps. Learn what ink works best in your Bible here.
  8. Close the lid.
  9. Carefully lift the lid making sure you don’t move your Bible or the platform.
  10. Your image is done! If you have gaps or areas that need more ink, you can place the lid back down on the page to stamp a second time. I’ve done it three or four times on occasion.

Do you like the Tim Holtz stamping platform? I’d love to know if you’ll use it in your Bible too in the comments below!

 

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How to Use Digital Stamps

It’s launch day! I’m so excited to launch our brand new digital stamp line. Digital stamps are fun, versatile, and so easy to use.

What are Digital Stamps?

A digital stamp is an image usually created in one of two formats PNG and JPEG. If a digital stamp has a file format of PNG, that means that the background is transparent and you can print it out on colored paper. Digital stamps are higher quality to give you sharper outlines and to allow you to resize without a loss in resolution or print quality.
Digital stamps may also be called digi stamps or digis. Once you’ve purchased your digital stamp, you can simply print it off, cut, and color it as you would with any traditionally stamped image. You don’t need ink or a stamping platform, and it’s very difficult to make a bad impression.

New Digital Stamps In Our Store

Today we’re introducing two new biblical digital stamps: I will seek you and Esther. Both digital stamps come in PNG form so they’re transparent and can be resized. They each also come with a Bible journaling kit in PDF form.  They’re perfect for tip-ins, tracing, card making, and so much more. To purchase them, just click on the image.

I Will Seek You Digital Stamp and Bible Journaling Kit
ProductImage-IwillseekYou

Esther Digital Stamp and Bible Journaling KitProductImage-DigtialStampEsther

How to Use Digital Stamps in Bible Journaling

In this video, I share how to use digital stamps in Bible journaling. You’ll learn how to import images into Word, resize and duplicate them. You’ll also get ideas on how you can use them for gifts!

Supplies include:
Bible Journaling Digital Stamps – Esther Stamp and Bible Journaling Kit 

How to Use Ink and Vellum in Your Bible

In this video I show you how to use the I Will Seek You digital stamp on vellum. I’m using Jane Davenport’s Mermaid ink markers.

Ministry affiliate links for supplies include:
I Will Seek You Digital Stamp & Kit
Jane Davenport Ink Mermaid Markers: http://amzn.to/2xWaaLu
Vellum: http://amzn.to/2xV8gLd

What Can You Do With Digital Stamps?

I love printing multiple images and creating cards. In the image below I have two card fronts ready to color. I also printed a digital stamp on vellum and colored it in with ink prior to placing it in my Bible.

I will seek you digital stamps

In the image below I traced the Esther image from the Bible journaling kit into my Bible after I applied watercolor to the page.
Esther-digital-stamp

There are so many things you can do with digital stamps. You’re only limited by your imagination. I’d love to hear what you do with digital stamps in the comments below.

Free Bible Journaling Templates Every Month!

As a member of our VIP list you'll receive freebies at least every month. You'll also receive the latest Bible journaling news, updates, and tutorials!

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Yes, I want emails from Bible Journaling Ministries.

Thank you! You're on the list! Please check your email to confirm your subscription. 

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Spellbinders Bible Journaling Stamps and Bonus Bookmark Tutorial

In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to make one of these really cute bookmarks using Spellbinders latest release in the faith-based series. This series was designed by Joanne Fink who is the author of the Complete Guide to Bible Journaling.

About Spellbinders Bible Journaling Stamps

I was really excited to these stamps in the mail the other day (Spellbinders, so thanks so much for sending them along). Each of these sets retails anywhere from $9.99 to $24.99 for the stamps with dies.spellbinders faith based stamps

The stamps are red rubber stamps, so they’ll make a great impression every time you use them. Just mount them on a block. They stick really well! I’m sure you can have a lot of fun Bible Journaling with these stamps, but they’ll also make great bookmarks, Christian faith-based cards, and more!

On the back of every stamp set is an example design. Use it to inspire you!

Spellbinders Bible Journaling Stamps Release Product List

In this video, I share the latest Spellbinders Bible journaling stamp line designed by Joanne Fink. These stamps were sent to me by Spellbinders for this review. If you’d like to support our ministry with your purchase, please use the links below.

Spellbinders SDS-083 Love Stamp & Die Set Bible Journaling Stamp & Die Set – http://amzn.to/2wtbO2f
Spellbinders SBS-140 Singing Bird Bible Journaling Stamp Set – http://amzn.to/2fgg4yW
Spellbinders SBS-143 Sing Unto God Bible Journaling Stamp Set – http://amzn.to/2ubxSBY
Spellbinders SBS-139 Birdhouse Bible Journaling Stamp Set – http://amzn.to/2vq6tMC
Spellbinders SBS-141 Butterfly Bible Journaling Stamp Set – http://amzn.to/2v5hO3x
Spellbinders SBS-147 This is The Day Bible Journaling Stamp Set – http://amzn.to/2fgmi1P
Spellbinders SBS-142 Inspiring Others Bible Journaling Stamp Set – http://amzn.to/2v5vOud
Spellbinders Choose Life Stamp Set, Multi-Colour – http://amzn.to/2hvL0w1
Spellbinders SBS-144 Lord is My Strength Bible Journaling Stamp Set – http://amzn.to/2vq0w1U
Spellbinders SBS-146 Take Delight Bible Journaling Stamp Set – http://amzn.to/2vpJ79I
Tim Holtz Stamping Platform – http://amzn.to/2v5kZbt
Gelatos – http://amzn.to/2v5qmHS
Memento ink – http://amzn.to/2v4ZZBH
Ranger craft mat – http://amzn.to/2v4Ad0i

You may also purchase these stamps at Spellbinders.com.
You can find the review of the Complete Guide to Bible Journaling here: https://youtu.be/oXKzNhDizF0

Spellbinders Faith-Based Stamps and Bookmark Tutorial

Step 1 – Use the Spellbinders Bible Journaling Bookmark Die

I have to say Spellbinders makes awesome dies. They always cut well, and they’re really well-made. As I was testing these dies out, I wanted to know how many I could cut in one pass. I’m a busy gal, and I don’t want to lose an arm cutting a hundred of these. I found that the maximum amount of bookmarks you can get with one pass of the machine is three. This assumes you’re using 65-pound cardstock.

Obviously, the idea is that you’re only creating one book mark per run through your die cut machine. So don’t call me or email me if you break it!!!! Triple cut at your own risk!

Step 2: Protect Your Work Surface

The first thing I do is put my Ranger craft mat down to protect my work surface.

Step 3: Color the Bookmark with Gelatos

I’m using three different colors of gelato because I love gelatos and they’re so fun to play with! I use lemon, ice pear, and cotton candy colors in the video tutorial. Start by laying down some color.

Then add a spray of water and begin blending the gelatos on to the bookmark. I use my finger, but you can use a paper towel if you want. I just play, it’s fun for me. I like making a mess and having fun with different mediums.

Once you like how it looks, let it dry or use a heat tool to dry it before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Stamp the Bookmark

The new Tim Holtz Tonic Stamping Platform is amazing! It’s just now hitting stores and is available on Amazon. The purpose of the stamping platform is to ensure you get a perfect impression every time. If you don’t get the right impression the first time, you can try again!

There is another brand called the Misti, which was the original creator of the stamping platform idea. What a brilliant person to create it and bring it to market!

Tim’s stamping platform is quite a bit different than the original Misti. For one, it’s two sided. There’s one side for red stamps and the other side for clear stamps. Just pull off the clear plastic top and use the side that you need.

Step 5: Stamp the Image

In the video tutorial, I use the heart and the “A friend loves at all times” stamp. I also use Memento dye ink. I usually use Memento ink when I’m not stamping in my Bible and when I’m using an alcohol marker. This is because the ink doesn’t smear when I use an alcohol marker.

To stamp the image, place the clean stamps on the bookmark to create the design that you want. Using the clear platform top, press it down on the stamps to pick them up.

Ink the stamps, then place the platform down on the bookmark. Life up to see the image. If you’re not happy, re-ink the stamp and try again.

Step 6: Add Stickles

Stickles are like glitter glue, and they dry flat. Just dab a little bit of it on the small details. A little goes a long way! Let it dry, add a ribbon, and you’re finished!

One of the greatest things I love about Joanne’s stamp set is the intricate design set she creates. If I had to do each of these dangles and hearts by hand, which I have, it would just take a lot longer than stamping an image. I  also don’t have really good handwriting. I’m always learning and working on my handwriting and art. But, it’s great when I can just take what’s provided on the package and run with it. No stress what so ever.

I am so excited that I had the opportunity to share these beautiful stamps with you. Do you like the new Spellbinders Bible journaling stamps? I’d love to know what your thoughts are in the comments below!

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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 (now called “force”)= 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 (now called “force”) = 4
    • Do not double cut the sticker paper. Make sure double cut is not selected.

Cutting Square Alphas

1. Select trace area
2. Trace Preview = solid fill
3. Threshold = 68 (that’s what I set the the blue one too, but it may be different for the other colors.
4. All other settings at zero
5. Trace Outer Edge

 

If you don’t like your traced lines you can try again or double click the image and select simplfy. I usually hit that button 3 or 4 times. Press undo if you do it too many times.

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.

How to Change a PDF to PNG for the Cricut

Go to  Pdf2png.com and upload the document
Pdf to PNG step 1 and 2
 
 
Wait for it to upload…
Pdf to PNG step 3
 
 
Click download and unzip the file by double-clicking it:
 
Pdf to PNG step 4
 
Go to your downloads folder and find your pngs 🙂
Pdf to PNG step 5
 

 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.

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!

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.”