Bible Journaling Supplies Worth the Splurge

Do you love new Bible journaling supplies? Here are some journaling supplies that are worth the splurge.

Advanced Bible Journaling

I love trying new materials and techniques.

I hate when I feel like something was a waste of money. You probably hate that too. With stores full of art supplies out there, how do we know what works best for Bible journaling?

Keep reading for Bible journaling supplies worth the splurge. These are products I have tested and know are worth the money.

Check out these articles that are also helpful when it comes to supplies:

Bible Journaling: How to Get Started – Check out this guide on how to start Bible journaling for beginners. Get Bible Journaling ideas, tips, and printables to teach you how to get started Bible journaling.

Bible Journaling Hacks: Supplies You Have at Home – New years often come with new habits. If Bible journaling is something you are adding this year, congratulations! Bible journaling is a fun and creative way to spend time in God’s Word. But let’s face it – Bible journaling materials can also be expensive. You don’t have to spend a lot of money in order to Bible journal. Did you know you can use the supplies you already have? Check out our useful ideas of Bible journaling hacks for supplies you have at home.

What Supplies Do I Need For Bible Journaling?

No two people whose Bible journal will have the same idea about the best supplies to begin and you will develop your own sense of style and discover which supplies work best for you personally.

Still, it’s helpful to have a guide to point you in the right direction. We are here to help. Check out this list of Bible Journaling supplies for beginners.

Bible Journaling Supplies Worth the Splurge

As a mom of five I have to be super frugal with everything, but especially with Bible journaling supplies. Why? Because if my kids can’t eat them, read them or wear them then I probably don’t need them. I want them, but I don’t need them. Add to that our family goal of debt-free living and you can imagine I do quite a bit of research before I put down my dollars.

Bible

I recommend a journaling Bible as your first splurge because an artist with no canvas is like a fisherman with no net.

I personally use this Inspire Bible.

I like the translation, pre-printed coloring, the space for journaling, and the large print. Your preferences might be different.

Check out this article if you do not yet have a Bible.
Which Journaling Bible is Best for You?

Bible Tabs

I love my Bible tabs. They make the pages look so happy and are a real time saver too. I found these cute Bible tabs on Amazon. There are several kinds to choose from.

What are Bible Tabs? They are sometimes called Bible Indexing Tabs because they show you where to find each Book. They are literally tabs that mark something. In this case, it’s the beginning page of each Book of the Bible. They are sometimes lovely and often practical. And there is absolutely no shame in needing them or wanting them.

Bible Tabs are not just handy for the occasional Bible Speed Drill you may find yourself competing in (another throw-back, am I right?). In fact, I doubt any of you are in a race with other believers to find Jonah.

However, when you are able to locate things more easily in the Word of God, you gain confidence and it speeds your learning. It can be challenging to find references quickly when studying the Word of God, listening to a sermon or in a Bible Study. Having tabs that mark each Book really helps.

You can make your own – check out this how-to by Grace In Color.

Bible Journaling Supplies: Color

My favorite Bible pages have lots of colors. There are unlimited ways to make this happen.

Colored Pencils For Bible Journaling

My #1 Bible journaling supply worth the splurge is good colored pencils.  Colored pencils are the workhorse of Bible journaling because they are tidy, portable, easy to use, and don’t bleed through the pages. Thin Bible pages are the kryptonite of Bible journalers everywhere. Do yourself a favor and get a good set of colored pencils.

I love this set because of the quality, color and size. I do not like (only full disclosure from me) that there is no grey. This however is a simple fix as prismacolor sells their pencils individually. If I am missing a color or when one runs out I can easily replace just that pencil without having to buy a whole new set.

These blenders make a dramatic difference in your finished pages.

Gelatos For Bible Journaling

If you are not familiar with Fiber Castell’s Gelatos product you are missing out. These colorful sticks are so multifunctional that they are a must-have Bible journaling splurge. Use them wet or dry with stamps or stencils. I am still learning new ways to use Gelatos… but they are a splurge. In fact, I only have one.

They are half the price and so far seem to do everything that Gelatos claims. Unfortunately, the colors are very limited.

Watercolor Pencils For Bible Journaling

Watercolor pencils work just like colored pencils, but they are water-soluble. This means with a little water your colors bloom into the paint for an easy to use paint option. Also like colored pencils, a higher quality set makes a big difference. Inktense is one watercolor pencil set that is worth the splurge. 

If you want to get technical, Inktense are not watercolor, but that is why I love them. Once the ink dries it is permanent. This allows for layers of color to be added without everything becoming a brown mess.

Bible Journaling Supplies: Gear

We all know you really only need a Bible and a pen, but who are we kidding? This gear will help your Bible journaling time be more efficient and enjoyable.

Craft Mat For Bible Journaling

I am privileged to sit down at my grandmother’s antique desk for my Bible journaling time. Creative I am, neat I am not. A craft mat was a must splurge for me. There are a lot of these out there. They all look the same, but the price fluctuates wildly. This frugal mom bought the cheapest one. With careful measurements, I cut it into 3 pieces. One I use under the page, one protects the opposite page and one goes down on my work surface. I have been using the same one for almost a year!

Paper Cutter For Bible Journaling

You already know I have five kids. So you already know I’m busy. My Bible journaling time is precious. Too precious to spend time with a ruler, pencil, and scissors cutting paper. A paper cutter is a Bible journaling splurge that pays for itself in time saved. 

I like the Fiskars brand because the blades last a long time. Whatever brand you choose look for one with a replaceable blade and 12″ cutting capacity.

Tracing Paper For Bible Journaling

Tracing paper is another time saver for me. Ironically I don’t often use it for tracing. With so many functions a pad of tracing paper is a valuable Bible journaling splurge. Vellum is a common product used in Bible journaling. I will admit that a fancy piece of vellum can’t be beaten, but the plain stuff seems way too expensive. I find tracing paper does just as much as vellum with a much lower price tag. Here are some options tracing paper offers.

Bible Journaling Supplies: Page Prep Magic

By now I hope you have fallen in love with Bible journaling. You’ve gained some confidence and are ready for something new. You’ve probably been warned to prep your page to prevent that bleed through.

Gesso For Bible Journaling

Made famous by Bob Ross, gesso is a goop that you smear on your canvas (Bible page) before you begin. Since peace of mind is priceless I consider gesso a Bible journaling splurge.

One jar seems to go a long way, and I will buy the same kind without hesitation.

Applicator

I tried my finger. I tried a foam brush. I tried a gift card. These all worked.  Because an applicator worked so much better I claim it a Bible journaling splurge.

 *Frugal tip: I wash out my pads and reuse them. I have also cut my own from felt.

What Are The Best Pens For Bible Journaling?

Sakura Micron Pens are well known in the artist community for their quality, durability, and variety. They are waterproof and do not bleed. The ink is archival ink so you know your lettering will stay safe in your Bible for years to come.

I can’t begin to tell you how much I love Fude Ball pens! I’ve been using them for years. They have a roller ballpoint and a gel-type ink which just glides on your paper. They are water-resistant and give a smooth, black line when using.

PaperMate Ink Joy is a good choice for gel pens. They write nice but don’t have the depth of color that the others may have.

Do Sharpie Pens Bleed Through Bible Pages?

No, the Sharpie Art Pens don’t usually bleed through, but other sharpie pens may. Sharpie Art Pens produce ink vibrant enough to become an effective highlighter, yet it’s hard to view previous colored areas on the next page so as the book is kept clean all the time.

With trying any new pens and markers – test, test, and test again before using on your journaling Bible!

Make your Bible journaling budget count.

Choose these Bible journaling supplies worth the splurge for supplies that are a blessing, not a burden. Have questions about Bible journaling supplies? Ask in the comments.

What is your favorite Bible journaling splurge? Share with us in the comments below.

More Bible Journaling Supplies Posts You Will Love

Bible Journaling Hacks: Supplies You Have at Home –Bible journaling is a fun and creative way to spend time in God’s Word. But let’s face it – Bible journaling materials can also be expensive. You don’t have to spend a lot of money in order to Bible journal. Did you know you can use the supplies you already have? Check out our useful ideas of Bible journaling hacks for supplies you have at home.

Top Colored Pencils, Pens, and Markers for Bible Journaling and Adult Coloring –If you Bible journal or express yourself with adult coloring books, very soon you will pursue the best colored pencils, pens, and markers for your creative endeavors. Here is a helpful list of the top colored pencils, pens, and markers for Bible journaling and adult coloring.

Bible Journaling: More Creative Ideas –Bible journaling is a practice of writing in your Bible or notebook to focus on God’s word, studying the scriptures, and providing a lasting legacy of faith. Once you have an understanding of the basics of how to Bible journal, you might be ready to try your hand at some more creative ideas. That’s what this post is all about.