I get lots of questions about the supplies I use in my Bible so I thought I’d share the details of my favorite resources to help you get started.
If you prefer to shop online then this might be the better option for you but, first things first…these are affiliate links to products that I use on a regular basis. They’re pretty much my favorites! If you’ve been to one of my Bible Journaling workshops you’ve probably used some of these supplies. I’m providing the links for your convenience. And, because these are affiliate links, when you shop here you’re actually supporting my teaching ministry. WIN! WIN!
But, as I always say, coupons and discounts always matter so you can use the free downloads on this page as a guide if you prefer to search your local craft stores or the bigger art stores.
If you have any questions email me: diana@dianadenis.org, I’m happy to help!
My Favorite Bibles.
If you want to journal in the margins of a Bible then a single column wide margin Bible may be the right bible for you.
If you prefer a full page of text with a separate blank page to journal and paint on then the interleaved bible might be the best option for you. Interleaved simply means there’s a full blank page between your scripture pages for you to journal, write your prayers and create to your hearts content! These are both in the ESV translation but you can choose the translation that’s better for you.
The last one is a really sweet journaling Bibles designed for the younger generation OR, for those of you who might like a little color on your cover. 🙂 I bought a few of these as Christmas gifts last year for some teenagers. THEY WERE SUPER CUTE!
Bible Journaling isn’t limited to Bibles!
You can journal anywhere. Journaling is a process. You can read more about the process here. Bible journaling can be documented in a dedicated Bible, a devotional book, a journal, or in a notebook if you prefer. There is no right or wrong way to journal. I have made Bible Journaling entries in travelers notebooks organized by themes (I have a notebook I made to study prayers in the Bible, trouble, and to document my gratitude, etc). I have even used this beauty…a book of The Psalms. I love to worship and pray difficult prayers along with King David, Moses and others through the Psalms. They kept it real with God as they confronted struggles and heartches, and they help me do the same. Our God doesn’t require neat, tidy prayers, we can bring all of our “stuff” to Him. I assure you, the Creator of the Universe can handle all of it.
Gesso
Gesso is used to prepare your pages for paint, sort of like makeup foundation or paint primer. That’s all Gesso is, a primer that let’s you use wild colors or stamps on your pages without bleeding through to the next page. I use the clear Gesso but you can also purchase it in white if you’re looking to fully cover words on your pages. You don’t always need Gesso, if you’re using crayons or colored pencils and stickers then you can skip this step altogether.
Pens
If you’re going to paint and write on your pages, then waterproof is the way to go if you’re mixing up your art materials. I use Micron pens and Illustrated Faith pens so I don’t get smeared ink across my pages. Sakura Micron pens are permanent and shouldn’t smear once the ink dries.
Paints
My go-to paints include heavy body acrylics and watercolors. I alternate between them. Liquitex is my favorite acrylic paint because sometimes I want dark, heavy paint on my pages. Prisma offers my favorite pastel colors while the Illustrated Faith watercolors paint tin makes my heart smile hard with soft primary colors! I’m not necessarily artistic so I usually stamp my favorite images then paint them.
Distress Inks
If you’ve seen any of my Bibles you probably know that the medium I love as much as watercolor is Distress Ink. You can buy individual colors or bundles of four. These are my favorite colors. No surprise there – I love pinks and blues!
Distress Ink Blending Tools – Pads – Container
My personal opinion: This is the best bundle for someone starting from scratch – add your mini ink pads and you have all you need. These tins keep my inks secure. Pus, I stick the blending pads for each color under the ink pad and keep it all safe inside the tin. It just helps me stay organized.
Stamps
This is your basic ink pad. It adheres to just about any surface so if you’re using distress ink and you want to stamp words or images on the page then this is safe; it won’t smear and make a mess. #WINNING!!!! I love stamping big flowers and painting them with my watercolors. StazOn makes that possible.
StazOn comes in bold colors too! And, they aren’t wet and messy. They’re harder pads so there’s less of a mess than traditional ink pads.
Tombow Tape Runner
These dispensers work like white out tape and they are refillable. This is the strongest tape I’ve found and it rolls out easily.
These are my go-to’s and must have’s.
HAPPY SHOPPING. But more importantly, HAPPY JOURNALING!
Remember, information isn’t what changes your life, it’s being in relationship with Jesus that changes everything!
[…] 2. If you don’t know what you need to start Bible Journaling I created a free downloadable PDF file that might give you some ideas. Click here for the pdf of -> My Favorite Things – Bible Journaling Supplies. Or, click on the image below for a picture of some of my favorites things. […]