There are so many art supplies to choose from! It can be quite overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. This is a list of the 10 best Bible Journaling supplies. I always keep them packed in a bag with my Bible so they are ready to go anywhere and anytime.
- Bible. You DO NOT need a special Bible. You can absolutely use the Bible you have now. {In future posts, I will show you great ways to add to your Bible and create space for journaling.} I have one Bible that I use for studying, devotions, reading, taking to church or conferences… and a second one that I use specifically for journaling. Initially, I chose to purchase a special Bible for journaling because I wanted the extra room, since then, I have found freedom in the blank pages (without my notes). I have discovered scripture that I hadn’t seen before.
- Pencil. Yep, any plain old pencil will do. I prefer to use a mechanical, because I don’t have to worry about sharpening. I can take it wherever I go and it is always ready. I also like a .05 because it is a smaller, thinner line and is less to erase 🙂
- Eraser. A white eraser will make all the difference! It is cleaner, quicker and won’t be so tough on the delicate Bible pages. I have this awesome retractable white eraser that I got in college, and I panic if I ever can’t find it.
- Black Pens. When I first started Bible Journaling, I used Sharpie Pens (not markers) and believe it or not, they don’t bleed through the pages. Once I started to build my supplies, I bought a set of Pitt Pens. They are wonderful! I bought the variety pack and love the versatility of lines. They don’t bleed through the pages and they are a really nice true black ink.
- Watercolor. I have a fabulous travel set of water colors that I often use in my Bible. The set came with many beautiful bright colors and a travel water-brush.
- Gelatos (not the ice-cream, but they are a treat!) I bought a set of Gelatos and don’t leave home without them! They are similar to a lipstick or chapstick consistency, the colors are bright and beautiful! They are fun and easy to use. They can be used many different ways… dry, wet, as a stamp, blended… so many possibilities! I highly recommend them and specifically the kit. It comes with many extras and directions on how to use the gelatos.
- Neo-Color Water-soluble Crayons. This is my current favorite medium to use in my Bible Journal. It gives you the look of watercolor with the simplicity of a crayon. You color with the crayon and then use a brush and water (I use the water-brush that came with my watercolor set) and they blend like a watercolor. Amazing!
- Water-brush. I decided to make this it’s own category, because I believe this is a must-have. It is inexpensive, and it makes life easy! This little tool enables you to journal in the car, at the coffee shop, on the couch, at the beach… you get the idea! It is a brush that opens up and you fill with water. You don’t need to carry a brush and a cup then worry about getting water and then worry about getting rid of the dirty paint-filled water and worry about spilling the cup at some point. I use this for my watercolors, Gelatos and Neo-colors. Trust me on this, you will love it!
- Colored Pencils. I will be honest, I don’t use colored pencils as much as the others, but I do like how simple and portable they are. You will need a sharpener (never use electric sharpeners on colored pencils) if you plan to use them, so they are always sharp and ready to go. This is one area I will encourage you to get a nice art quality set rather than student grade. I haven’t found a less expensive set that works like the good ones. There is a huge difference in the bright pigments and coverage you get from a nice high quality pencil.
- Markers. I purchased a handful of Pitt Pen markers in my favorite colors. I haven’t used them a ton yet, in my Bible, but they are really pretty, they add a little dimension to the pages and they don’t bleed through, unless you really make some heavy marks.
So, that is it. These are the items I regularly use in my journaling Bible. There are so many more possibilities and I have tried a few. I encourage you to start with this list and then venture out to find your own favorite supplies. If you are ready to shop, I created an Amazon store that includes all of my favorite supplies to get you started.
I love Bible Journaling! Here are my top 10 reasons why!
Hugs and abundant blessings,
Lynnette
What intrigues you about this list? Is there anything you love to use that I missed?
P.S. Update on May 30, 2018… I quit Bible Journaling, find out why