Supply List:
- Easter Blessings Specialty Faith Napkin Bundle
- Clear Gesso
- Detail Scissors
- Frixion Pen
- Simplicity Country Chic Paint or White Paint
- Watercolor Crayons
- Baby Wipes
- Heat Tool
- Faber Castell Black Fine-tip Pen
- White Uniball Gel Pen
- Stickles
I wanted to share a special Bible journaling entry with you – one that combines faith, creativity, and a few of my favorite tools: napkin art, watercolor crayons, and lots of prayerful reflection. Whether you’re brand new to Bible journaling or a long-time creative journaler, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how I created this meaningful entry using napkins from my Easter Blessings bundle.
Adding Napkin Art to Your Bible
I selected a pink floral cross and a lamb napkin from the Easter Blessings bundle. If your napkin has a background you don’t want, simply cut around the design using straight or “bubble” cuts – don’t worry about perfection!
Apply clear gesso to your Bible page using a brush. This creates a workable surface that protects the page and allows you to use water-based media like watercolor without bleed-through. Clear gesso is better than Mod Podge for Bible pages – it dries matte, isn’t sticky, and allows you to layer more media on top.
Peel off the extra napkin plies until you’re left with just the top printed layer. Lay the napkin into the wet gesso. Place a deli sheet or plastic wrap over it and gently smooth it down to avoid wrinkles. If two napkin elements will overlap (like my lamb over the floral cross), use a Frixion pen to lightly mark the area. Then paint over the bottom image with white paint to prevent see-through. Once dry, you can layer your top napkin piece cleanly.
After everything is dry, go over your napkin art with another thin layer of clear gesso. This seals it in and prepares the surface for additional pen or watercolor work.
Add Watercolor Background and Pen Work
I used Lyra watercolor crayons for a soft pastel effect. Apply the crayon, then blend it out with a baby wipe. Add layers slowly – starting with blue, then yellow to create a soft green. I’ll also add some color to the actual Bible Verse on the left side. It’s floaty, dreamy, and doesn’t cover the scriptures.
Pro Tip: Want to protect your pens from chalky watercolor residue? Buff your page lightly with a used dryer sheet after painting!
Next, use a black Pitt Pen to outline or double-trace flowers, the cross, or the lamb for a whimsical, sketchy look. I love doing a “double trace” where the lines intentionally don’t match up – it adds a fun, doodle vibe!
Add your thoughts, prayers, or praises in the margins or around your images. Use the white gel pen to add highlights or define areas of your artwork.
Finally, using Stickles glitter glue, I added shimmer to the lamb and flowers. Just be sure to leave your Bible open until it’s fully dry to prevent sticking.
Bible journaling isn’t just about making something beautiful – it’s about being with God. As I work, I often play praise music to stay focused and prayerful. If your mind tends to wander during prayer, this creative process can be such a gift. It’s a time to reflect, worship, and thank Jesus for the incredible sacrifice He made.
If you enjoyed this bible journaling tutorial, come join The Faith Journaling Experience! This is a membership group where you will explore the bible surrounded by soul-sisters while learning new creative journaling techniques.
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