Whether you are just starting out or have been bible journaling for years, it can be fun to learn about what that other journalers use in their bibles. So, I have put together a list of my top 5 favorite bible journaling supplies and my favorite ways to use them.
Journaling Bible
This may seem obvious, but the particular bible you choose will have a significant impact on what you are able to do in it. I started out using the ESV Illuminated Bible. It was perfect for a beginner. It already had many of the verses written out in the margins which allowed me to start out by just adding color and a few design elements to the page. Starting out bible journaling can be challenging and even overwhelming. This bible made it so much easier to get started. After a while of using the Illuminated Bible, I started to notice that my vision for a page did not always match what was already on the page. The artwork in the bible is beautiful, but sometimes I would want to go in a different direction.
The second bible I use is the Illustrating Bible by Dayspring. There are so many good things about this bible. I love that it is spiral-bound. It has very large margins which is great for larger elements and fun cut outs. I also love that the pages are white instead of cream, and they are also thicker than most journaling bibles. There are a few drawbacks to the Illustrating Bible. The pages do not do as well with watercolor or Neocolor II. Also, it is a huge bible and hard to carry with you if you journal on the go. Lastly, the font is pretty small.
The third bible I have used is an ESV Journaling Bible. This bible has a leather-like cover with leaves embossed on it. It is much smaller than the other two bibles and has a smaller journaling space. The margins are lined, and the pages are a creamy color. In this bible, it is harder to use bigger elements on the page without covering up the text. The pages are thinner, so ink will often bleed through if you do not prep the pages.
After using all three bibles, I have not found a bible that meets all of my needs. I use both the Illustrating Bible and the ESV Journaling Bible at the same time. When I get started on a page, I pull them both out with the elements I want to use and decide which bible they will work best in. For most of my Faith Heirlooms printables, I like using the Illustrating Bible, but if I have a lot of writing I want to do, I use the ESV Journaling Bible.
When it comes to bibles, there are many different translations, shapes, and sizes. The most important thing is to choose the right bible for you and your style.
Printables
I love using printables for bible journaling. Printables are images and design elements that you can print off at home or at your local printer. Faith Heirlooms printables are some of my favorites to use. You can print them as many times as you want and use them in many different ways. I have used printables in bible journaling, weekly planners, and travelers notebooks. They are easy to use and very versatile. Normally, I just print them on white card stock, but I have also printed them out on vellum and sticker paper.
Washi Tape
Washi tape is one of my all-time favorite bible journaling supplies. Before bible journaling, I had never heard of washi tape and had no idea how to use it. Now, I have it in a variety of colors that resembles a rainbow. I use washi to add color and detail. I often layer it with other elements on the page. When I use a clip or tab on the page, I like to use washi to hold it in place. Another thing I love about washi tape is that if you don’t like where you place it at first, you can remove it without tearing the page.
Neocolor II
Neocolor II are water-soluble wax pastels that look similar to a crayon. There are so many different ways to use them. They can be used to paint with (like watercolor) or colored right on the page. I use them often to create a paint splatter for the background of the page. They also work well with a stencil. There are many videos on YouTube showing how to use them if you are interested in learning more about Neocolor II.
Alpha Stickers and Alpha Printables
When creating an entry, I always start with a title. What does this verse say to me? What is the main idea? I like to incorporate the title into the design. Alpha stickers and alpha printables are prefect for doing this. They can add texture, color, and meaning to the page.
Thank you for following along! I hope you were inspired to try something new in your bible. You can follow me on Instagram for more inspiration.
