Does your life spin out of control sometimes? Do you ever feel the need to get away and regroup for a little while? Do you feel the need to find inspiration in your busy life?
If so, that simply means you are part of the human race. The awesome thing is that inspiration comes in many forms and is different for each of us.
For me, quotes and inspirational thoughts are very motivating to me, so I have started a journal insert dedicated to that. But another thing that is a very integral part of my life is my faith. I’ve grown in many ways since becoming a Christian at the age of seven. Sunday School & church attendance were a regular part of my childhood, and then Bible studies & small group participation as an adult.
Faith Journaling
And then a few years ago, Bible journaling showed up on the internet and I thought I’d give it a try. Well, anyone who knows me knows that I can’t even draw a decent stick figure. So the idea of making art in a journal Bible was a challenge that I hesitantly accepted after much delay and consternation. At the time, I owned my brick & mortar scrapbook store and went to a trade show in Utah where I took a class with Shanna Noel of Illustrated Faith. I had so much fun using her products and working on the project in that class. I found inspiration to add to my already busy life.
So as any good retail store owner would do, I ordered several journaling Bibles so that I had them available for purchase at my store. I also set up a sample Bible with a different washi tape on the first page of each of the books of the Bible just to add some fun color to it. I mean – who doesn’t love washi tape, right?! And then I knew it was time to start on my own journaling Bible – partly for myself, but also so I’d have it as a sample to share with my customers.
First Attempt
Well, I did all the research and knew I should use gesso to prepare the page. The first mistake was a clear gesso that dried so terribly gritty that I couldn’t possibly have colored over it with any kind of nice image at all. Then when I finally found a good clear gesso (Prima has one and so does Dina Wakley made by Ranger) and tried my hand illustrating in my Bible, I hated the result. Who was I kidding? I am no artist! So months went by and my frustration grew. I so desperately wanted to combine my Bible study with my crafting, but it just wasn’t working for me.
Second Try
I came across Kari Denker who does Bible studies online and shows how to doodle as you take notes. She has some amazing Bible studies and I did several of them and learned a lot. I’d encourage you to check out her wonderful information and doodles at https://www.stonesoupforfive.com. Although I loved the studies, it still lacked the crafty aspect that I love after decades of scrapbooking.
And Then the Charm
And then one day looking at information from Cori Spieker, “The Reset Girl”, https://www.theresetgirl.com. I came across some of her YouTube videos on her faith journaling. I was smitten – talk about finding inspiration in the midst of a busy life! And the absolute best part is, that it is perfect for my Moleskine journal inserts. It was one of those moments when you think to yourself “now, why didn’t I think of that?” So my faith and crafting are now combined in my faith journal insert.
So my inspiration may be different from your inspiration for your busy life. If yours is poems, or songs, or quotes – whatever it is, the process could be very similar to what mine is. This is a brief description of my process.
Sometimes my studies are on a specific book in the Bible, sometimes a topic or theme – whatever is currently on my mind. I read through the verses that I’m focusing on that day. I think through them, study and reflect on what I can apply to my life or what verses made an impact on me. When I have some thoughts together, then the crafting begins.
My Process
With those ideas in mind of the verse(s) or notes I want to write down, I choose:
~ Washi tape – to put on a few edges of the 2-page spread
~ Tombow markers – to do faux calligraphy or color in letters or words
~ Diecuts – to decorate the pages
1) First, I apply the washi tapes to partially frame the 2-page spread.
2) Then I choose 3-5 diecuts to add to the page next.
~ Keep in mind how much space you’ll need for your verse or notes. It’s easy to go overboard with the diecuts and not leave room for your important thoughts for the day. My favorites that I use are from KaiserCraft and they are available in packets called “Collectables”. I keep a variety of packets in my supply basket (Longaberger, of course) so that I can quickly flip through my options and choose a pack that works with my theme.
3) Then I write in notes, quotes, or verses – whatever I learned from that day’s study.
4) Next, I go back with the Tombow markers and add color wherever I want emphasis, to highlight something or just to add some nice color.
Options Are Good
Another YouTube video on faith journaling in a bullet journal is by Elyssa Nalani from 2018 (Bible Study Bullet Journal Set Up). Hers is more of a continuing study and she uses pictures that she prints from Pinterest. This is another style, and one that I plan to try soon.
So yes, originally, my goal was to create in a journaling Bible, but I ended up not feeling comfortable with that plan. But that was far from a fail in my viewpoint. I’m so grateful I found these other options and am having so much fun learning and creating in my Moleskine journal!
What about you? Is there something that inspires you to give it a try? If at first you don’t succeed, try a different idea. What will you decide to add to your anthology of traveler notebooks – quotes, Bible thoughts, inspirational themes? Think through what inspires you and choose something to find inspiration in your busy life. I hope you can get started on a new creative adventure this week!
If you’re looking for another idea, be sure to read this post:
https://yourlifeinjournals.com/create-your-own-junk-journal