Supply List

• Decorative Napkins 
• Clear Gesso
• Pitt Pens
• Watercolor Sets: Basic and Metallic

Bible journaling is one of my passions and is a way for me to connect my creativity and my faith. It’s a great way to glorify God, document my prayers and praises, connect with the scripture, and more! I’m going to show you how to create an entry today using napkin art. If you’re just getting started in faith journaling, this is a great little tutorial to show you what it’s all about!

I’m going to be using a beautiful cross napkin. I’m going to be journaling today in John, but there are lots of passages that depict the story of the cross. First, I am going to cut out the artwork on my napkin. Separate the plys of your napkin until you just have that top layer of artwork.

Next, I’m going to put a piece of parchment paper behind the page I’m working on just to protect those fanned-out pages. I’m going to be using a basic watercolor set and adding some light blue paint around the edges of my page. Let dry or dry with a heat gun.

Applying Napkin Art to Your Bible Journal

Grab some clear gesso and squeeze some out onto your page. Then, spread it around with a paintbrush, concentrating on the middle. Take your cross napkin art and place it onto your bible page, then place plastic wrap on top and use your hands to smooth it down. Dry it with your heat gun, and then add a top coat of clear gesso. Dry it one more time.

I also have a metallic watercolor set, and I’m going to take some yellow paint and add some to my cross. I’ll also take some of the metallic green and paint some on a few of the leaves. I’m adding some metallic purple to my page edges as well to add a little bit more shimmer. Dry with a heat gun.

Next, I’m going to grab my Pitt Pen and just draw a little box around the passages on the opposite page. I’ll also outline the verses with some light blue watercolor paint to make those verses stand out. Then, I’ll fill that in with the metallic yellow paint. Dry with a heat gun.

I’m going to add some pen work details now – just outlining my cross. I also have a pre-cut butterfly from a napkin that I thought would look so pretty in the center of my cross. I’ll apply the clear gesso and add the butterfly on top, and smooth it out with some plastic wrap and my hands. Then, add that coat of clear gesso on top. I love butterflies because they symbolize transformation. Dry with a heat gun and outline your butterfly with your pen and draw on some antennas. 

When I am bible journaling, I will sometimes journal on my pages and reference other verses. I’ll just write the date at the top and then write another verse at the bottom.

This is not about creating the perfect art, this is about connecting with God. This time is for you to be creative, focus on the scripture, and pray! I absolutely love the way this turned out.

If you loved this and are ready to get started with bible journaling, come join me in the Faith Journaling Experience! This is a special Christian membership group that revolves around bible journaling and connecting with the scriptures in a fresh, new way! Our NEW May mini-series is called “Paint & Praise!”.  We will celebrate our faith, reflect on devotions and scriptures, and enjoy fellowship with friends, all while learning more about Jesus and what the power of praise can do in our lives! 

I go LIVE on my Facebook page every Friday at 11 am CST for a fun and easy Craft-n-Chat Session. Come learn something new while creating something beautiful!