Bible Journal five ways. WITHOUT covering the text! What to do if you want a creative way to interact with God’s Word, but you don’t want to cover it up with your artistic doodlings? I’ve got five ways that not only make that contemplative time special, but allow you to keep your “artistic renderings” under control. Ha!
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To cover or not to cover . . .
When I discovered Bible Journaling as a way to connect creatively with scripture, I approached with great caution. I was NOT okay with covering up the words on the pages. So, I worked in the side margins or doodled very small:) But as time went on, I realized how much I gained from the exercise of 1) studying the scripture passage, and 2) spending meditative time on the creative process.
It enhances my quiet time
Connecting in an “artsy” way with scripture is another way–it’s not in any way meant to replace in-depth study of scripture. Using all or part of a passage that you’ve studied and taking it one-step further supplements the process of spending more time chewing on and digesting what God wants you to learn. Step One is reflecting and learning by whatever means you are most comfortable. Word studies, book studies, prayer–there is no wrong way to dig in.
Step Two is the creative outlet that comes once you’re finished studying. What did you learn? What did you hear God telling you? What do you want to stick and not forget? That’s what you think about when you create on your page.
Slow and steady
It definitely slows me down so that I’m really chewing on a passage for a long while before moving on to the next. Maybe that’s because I’m pretty much a snail at figuring out what I’m going to put on paper. I guess I still approach Bible journaling with a little caution . . .
Dedicate a Bible to this creative endeavor 😉
Anywho, I thought I’d write a little post with more detail about how to enjoy this spiritual art while respecting the need to read what’s on the pages. I don’t always adhere to this concept. My ESV Journaling Bible is used exclusively for the purpose of this meditative time. My creativity flows freely by using napkins, tissue paper, paint and you name it to convey the beauty of the message. So, in this Bible I’m okay with covering the text. I have other Bibles for study and reading. . . That’s a post for another time.
Bible Journal Five Ways. Without Covering the Text!
Vellum Tip-ins are stunning!
- I really LOVE using a vellum tip-in because the texture is dense and smooth, it’s somewhat opaque, but it doesn’t cover the text. It is also removable if you should change your mind. This method allows you to use the spiritual art of “scripture writing” to meditate on a passage and write out what it really means to you. Write out what God is speaking to you in the moment. Or you could just put whatever you want on the vellum, cut it to size, attach with some washi tape and you’re done. I have a full post I wrote on the subject if you’d like to read more. In that post, I have a free download for the beautiful graphic shown above.
Scroll down for your free Bible Journaling template
Use a greeting card or cardstock
2) Do you have a beautiful card someone gave you? Or maybe something you want to draw on card stock and insert? I have this precious note that my mom gave me a few years ago before dementia stole her mind. She can’t really communicate with me much anymore and seeing her in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s brings me to tears more times each week than I’d care to admit. But, I have some precious things that she wrote to me. I treasure them big time, so I’ve got one of them tucked away in my Bible that I flip to often.
Keep it black and white
3) Using just a micron pen and maybe some light colored pencils makes it easy to read through the image even if it’s over the top of the text. It helps if you draw the design out lightly in pencil before using the pens. I like these micron pens because they don’t bleed through–especially if you have prepared your page with Gesso. This set also has a white gelly roll pen to write or draw over dark backgrounds. I use the clear Art Basics Gesso to prepare pages if I’m going to paint or apply napkins.
Use colored pencils–keep it light
4) I like to mask out shapes or portions of the text and then go over the page with colored pencils. This allows the ability to highlight a particular portion or create a beautiful graphic that is still transparent. The sky is the limit with this technique. I LOVE these Prisma Color watercolor colored pencils. I’ve had them for a couple years now and they do not disappoint! They sharpen well, and the color is very bright and vivid. I use these with water or without. Either way, the end result is wonderful.
Trace a template in the margin
5) I have templates you can use in the margins or you can find an image online and trace from your phone if you lay it underneath your page. Embellish with some washi tape. There are sooooo many different washi tapes available now in narrow to wide widths. You could end up with a drawer full like me:) I use these narrow solid colored tapes when I don’t want them to compete with the page. Or, I have a bunch of florals and polka dots. Washi tape is pretty fun!
Scroll down for your free Bible Journaling template
A little video
I made this little video to show just one way to journal in the margins of your Bible. It only takes a few minutes after you have studied a passage and helps to take the deep truth further into your heart. If you like this video, I have more on my site under “The Bible Minute”.
Jump in and give it a try. Even if you think of yourself as a “Non-Artist”, you can do it. I wrote another post that might help you here. Let me know if you give it a try, and don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest. I have some great ideas for you on my Bible Journaling Board!
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