Scripture Art Journaling for Beginners

So you want to use art in your scripture journal but don't know where to start?

This time last year, I was exactly there. I didn't feel like I had any art skills, but I loved seeing the beauty and time spent on each journal page. I set out on a mission: learn enough to start my own art journal in the scriptures so I could spend time with the Word in a new way.

Title page of my art Bible:
ready to color

Some of the things I discovered that helped:


Use a Bible intended for art journaling. It had wide margins and good paper, but even better, it had sketches and word line art so that I could color without the pressure of knowing much about artwork.









Practice art techniques on coloring pages. I spent a lot of time learning how to color with different media on coloring pages because I wanted to improve my skill. I also experimented with how things would look on a coloring page and what kinds of prep each page would need before I used it in my Bible.

Watch videos of coloring and art techniques. This is where I learned most of what I know! 

Use this download as a 
bookmark or tracing template 
to start creating art in your Bible!

Choose just a few supplies or media to start with. A decent set of coloring pencils or watercolor pencils will go a long way.  As you get confident with your supplies, then try adding in new ones.

Don't worry about 'messing up.' This is about spending time with God and His word, not about perfection. I decided to start at the beginning, in Genesis, and work my way through page by page. By the end, I fully expect that my art and journaling will look completely different. 

Try tracing or sketching work you like. There are plenty of templates available for bookmarks and margin art for the New Testament. I am working on more for all of the standard works. Try this free download for a margin artwork or bookmark to use with John 16:33. 

*Hint: when you print it, make sure 'fit to page' is off.*

Share your work. I love seeing others' work, and sharing my own is not as daunting as it used to be. It is a great way to share a meaningful verse with someone and give them the opportunity to have a positive influence from God's word.

Just start. Whether it's like my decision to start on page 1 and just keep going or you choose a place that is meaningful to you, get going.

Join us here and share your work. We would love to see your ideas and talents.