Bible Journaling: 7 Ways To Use Washi Tape

7 Ways To Use Washi Tape (Plus a FREE printable at the bottom of this post!)
I have recently discovered the joys of washi tape. Have you ever used it? I love the pretty colors and designs, but I was never quite sure what I was supposed to do with it...? I'm pleased to tell you, after much research, there are LOTS of things to do with washi tape. Here are just a few.

1. Make a banner
To make this washi tape banner, you'll need some baker's twine. Simply cut off a piece of tape, wrap it around the twine and connect it to itself. Then cut the bottom off in an upside down V shape as shown.

2. Mark a page edge
This is as easy at it sounds. Just use your favorite color washi tape on the edge of an important page. I used mine to quickly locate the New Testament, but you could mark pages by category (love, trust, etc.) or mark each book, whatever suits you best!

3. Make dangles
This was a fun project. I cut the washi tape into thinner strips (although you can buy skinny washi tape, too). I made each one a different length and then created "dangles" with stars on the ends. I have a printable that goes with this available for you at the bottom of the post.

4. Attach items to your Bible
I created a cute little door that opens and closes and used washi tape to attach it. Get creative with this! You can attach all kinds of cute little opening flaps into your Bible, using them to hide words and pictures that can only be seen when the flap is lifted. Cute! I have a printable for this at the bottom of the post, too.

5. Cover mistakes
If you've ever had bleed-thru or mistakes in your Bible J, cover them with washi tape! And create new art on top if you want. Read more about this here.

6. Corner bookmark
Have you seen all the cute corner bookmarks? Follow the diagram to make one. And once you do, cover it in washi tape!

7. Feathers
You'll need some thick crafting twine or cord to make these washi tape feathers. Cut cord to desired length, fold a piece of tape over the cord, attaching to itself. Then cut lines into the edges, going back at a slightly different angle to cut out a few pieces. Finally, cut into a feather shape.

What are YOU going to make with washi tape?

Free Printables
To download these free printables, click the image below to open. Then right click and save the file. Color & cut OR trace into your Bible. Enjoy!

Want MORE Bible J Ideas? 
Read my post on How to Draw Arrows.

How To Use Washi Tape to Cover Bleed-Thru

Bible Journaling: Washi Tape to Cover Bleed-Thru
As a little kid, I loved stickers. I was obsessed with them. There was no sticker that I wouldn't collect. And most of them ended up on my headboard. And half of those ended up in my hair. But I didn't care. Stickers are the bomb! And what is washi tape except one long, pretty sticker?

This is my first attempt at using washi tape, and you can expect more posts to come! This stuff is sticker-tastic fun. You'll find a free "washi tape" printable at the end of this post. Or you can find the washi tape I'm using here.

Today we'll take a look at how to cover bleed-thru with washi tape. If you've ever used markers or paints in your Bible only to flip the page over and find your art has leaked through, then this is the post for you!

Step 1: Locate the offending page and begin cutting strips of tape to fit over the bleed-thru. I wasn't worried about getting them all perfectly straight or exactly the same size. I kind of like the messy look. It's like a messy bun for your Bible.

Step 2: That's all. There is no step 2! You just cover it up! How easy was THAT? And it's cute and pretty and effortless. The end.

Okay not the end. I actually decided to add some words over my washi tape, cuz hey, I like words. And words in the Bible are pretty important. So, I printed out a few words from a pretty great verse and cut around them, gluing them over the washi tape.

All done!
And there you go! A beautiful, colorful, quick fix for bleed-thru in your Bible! I was hesitant to give washi tape a try, but I'm so glad I did! And I think you'll like it, too!

Free "Washi Tape" Printable
To download this free printable, click the image below to open. Then right click and save the file. You can print this on sticker paper or just print on regular paper and cut & paste it. Of course, it's not the same as actual washi tape, but you can use these fun patterns in your Bible journaling to make your own creations. Enjoy!

Want MORE Bible J Ideas?
Check out my post on How To Trace An Image Into Your Bible.

A Simple Banner You Can Draw Today

You're probably familiar with these words from Song of Solomon 2:4. Maybe you even have a song from Sunday School playing in your head right now. I do! :) Here is a cute little banner you can draw to go along with it!

Materials:
I'm using a Micron Pen and a Faber Castell PITT artist pen big brush, both in black. I'm also using Tanmit brush markers for coloring.

To learn more about these and other items, read my post about Bible Journaling Supplies.

1. Banner
First, we'll draw the banner. Using the big brush marker, draw dashed lines in a curve. Next add sides to begin forming your flags. Then draw an upside down V shape to connect the two sides of each flag. Draw a dot in each of the top corners of the flags. Then using the smaller Micron pen, connect each flag.

2. Flags
Decorate your flags by adding polka dots, stripes, chevrons, etc. I also added a heart to the center flag.

3. Color your flags.
Be careful not to get too close to the black outlines as they may smudge.

4. Shadow
Add a shadow to your banner. Use a light gray marker to draw a shadow beneath the "string" of your banner. Then draw a shadow to the right of each flag and below each flag as shown. I drew my shadow a little too far away, so I went back and connected it to the "string" of the banner. Then I outlined the heart with my PITT brush to make it stand out more.

5. Background Color
Color a background for your words. I tried to create a gradient using pink and peach. If you're coloring in your Bible, this would go in your margin.

6. Draw your words. 

Using the Micron pen, draw the word "His". Then go back and add round dots to the ends of each letter. Next, using your cursive handwriting draw the word "banner". Go back and add thicker lines to each downstroke. To learn more about Handwriting Tips & Tricks, read my post. Repeat this process for the rest of the words as shown. If you've never done this, you can practice on a separate piece of paper before writing in your Bible.

And there you have it! An easy banner to accent your next Bible Journaling project. Have you tried making a banner? Comment below or show off your doodles by connecting with Bible Journaling Ideas on Facebook.

Want more ideas? Check out my post to see what you can do with white crayon in your Bible.

Bible Journaling: 6 Simple Arrows You Can Draw Today

Bible Journaling: 6 Simple Arrows You Can Draw Today
Arrows are very versatile. You can use them as dividers when you're writing Bible verses, to draw attention to something or just as cute little accents to your art. Most people can probably draw a simple arrow. But if you're looking to add a little flair, here are six arrows you can draw today!

(And if you like these, check out my post on how to draw wreaths & laurels.)

FYI, I'm using a micron pen here. They are great for Bible journaling as they do not bleed through thin pages, and they give a thin, but strong outline. For more Bible-J supplies, check out my post.

Whimsical Arrow
To start this arrow, draw a straight line. Don't worry if it's a tad askew... just go back and forth over it a couple times. To add the point, draw a sideways "v" shape. Then connect the ends back to the shaft. Next, add a kind of slinky shape with a couple dangling pieces. This should look like a string wrapped around the shaft. Next add your fletching to the other end by drawing a few angled lines and then connecting each one with a half-circle shape. Add a couple more dangly strings to the end and three circles on the shaft.

Tribal Arrow
For this arrow, begin with your straight line with the v-shape tip. Then make a smaller v-shape to connect it back to the shaft, so you end up with a kind of paper airplane shaped tip. Add another v inside the tip as shown. Draw three circular dots just below the arrow head on the shaft. Next add the coil shape to the shaft. And add your fletching on the end by drawing two angled lines and connecting them with a kind of zig-zaggy line. Add another coil with a couple dangly strings.

Boho Arrow

For this arrow, begin with your line and tip just like you did above. I also filled in the center of my arrow tip to make it more interesting. Draw two spiky shapes just below the tip and then add a few circles and a diamond shape as shown. For the end, start with two curls, kind of like a sideways "m". Next add a couple of wavy lines, kind of like a sideways letter "s". Add another, longer one and accent it with a few dots. Fill in with more curly shapes as shown.

Curvy Arrow

This next little arrow is a fun, curvy one. Start with a frowny-face shape and add your tip as shown. Next add three dots just below the tip. To make your fletching, draw oval shapes, larger at the end and smaller as you go up the shaft. Add a coil just below the fletching on the shaft. Finally, draw two dangly strings on the end.

Simple Arrow

This simple arrow is pretty self-explanatory. Just follow the steps as shown below.

Traditional Arrow

To draw, begin with your line and add two angled lines for the tip. Next, add the shaft lines, three and three, larger at the end and smaller toward the front. Add two little vertical lines next to the fletching and a coil to the shaft. You can also add a vertical line to the tip and fill it in if you like. Then finish with three circles near the tip.

Great Job!

Have fun and don't be afraid to experiment a little. Mix and match the designs. For color, you can outline your arrows in crayon or colored pencil. They also look pretty with just a watercolor or gelato background. You can read about gelatos here.

And there you have it! Six simple arrows to accent your next Bible Journaling project. Which ones will you try? Comment on your favorites below. or show off your doodles by connecting with Bible Journaling Ideas on Facebook.

Want more ideas? Check out my post to see what you can do with white crayon in your Bible.

Bible Journaling Traceable: Psalm 23

Bible Journaling Traceable: Psalm 23
Hey Bible J-ers! Today I have a traceable inspired by Psalm 23. As you can see, I drew a similar design in my own journaling Bible. It's not quite the same, but close. ;) You will find the printable at the bottom of this post.

This psalm was my favorite as a kid. I memorized it, and it just created such a clear picture in my mind of green pastures and still waters. And I always pictured the "valley of the shadow of death" as a dark canyon.

This was one of my first Bible doodles. The traceable is based on this design.

The Lord Is My Shepherd

A Psalm of David.

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.[a]
3     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness[b]
    for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[c]
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely[d] goodness and mercy[e] shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell[f] in the house of the Lord
    forever.[g]

How To Use Traceables
To use this traceable design, print it out and follow the directions here for tracing into your Bible. Easy peasy! If you'd like to know more about Bible journaling supplies, check out my post.

Download Psalm 23 Traceable
To download this traceable, click the image below to open. Then right click and save the file. (In order to fit into a Bible, the image is designed to print on half the page.) 

More Bible J Ideas
Want MORE Bible J Ideas? Check out these traceable designs for Isaiah.

8 Wreaths & Laurels You Can Draw Today

Bible Journaling: 8 Wreaths & Laurels You Can Draw Today

You see them everywhere. Those cute little wreath doodles. They seem easy enough, right? But where do you start?

Here are 8 wreath and laurel doodles you can do, no sweat!

FYI, I'm using a Micron Pen for my doodles. If you've read Bible J Ideas before, you know that I love Microns for Bible journaling. They make nice, fine lines and don't generally bleed through--even thin Bible pages! A must-have for Bible J. Here are some more Bible J supplies I like to use.

Triple Heart Wreath
This first wreath is easy-peasy. Start with a circle. If you're like me, and you can't draw a proper circle to save your life, then cheat! Trace something round in the size you want. You'll find tons of good, round lids in your kitchen. I'm using a spice jar lid, but you could use a coin, measuring cup, candle, salsa jar, sippy cup, whatever. As you can see, I even messed up WITH something to trace. But it's okay, I covered up my boo-boo. Next, add a few little heart shapes to each side, starting large and getting smaller as you go up. See? That wasn't hard at all.

Round-n-Round Wreath

This next wreath doesn't even need to be a perfect circle. Just draw a circle and then go around and around a few more times. Add some tear-drop shaped leaves to your wreath, angled slightly. Make sure they are angled the same direction all around your wreath.

Double Floral Wreath

This next wreath is my favorite! Use your handy spice jar lid and trace just the top and bottom, leaving a space on either side, kind of like a frown and a smile. Fill the space with flower shapes. I used a little swirly rose and then some curly-ish flowers on either side, tucking in a few little leaves, and finally adding a couple stems with little pip berries on them. You can see more about how to draw this and other flowers here.

Willow-Leaf Wreath

This is a pretty laurel-style wreath. Again, trace your circle, leaving gaps, this time at the top and bottom, kind of like parenthesis. Add thin, willowy leaves, getting larger as you move down the stem. Tuck little round "berries" into the spaces between the leaves.

Classic Laurel Wreath

This next laurel wreath is classic. It starts the same way, tracing a half circle with space on the top and bottom. Ad a single leaf to the top of each stem. Then add twin leaves going down each side, getting large as they reach the bottom.

Single Laurel
To draw this single laurel, make a curvy line for the stem, then add pointed twin leaves all the way down.

Floral Divider
This floral design begins with a swirly "rose" flanked by two smaller swirls. Add a curvy line coming out of each end, kind of like a mustache shape. Add pointed twin leaves to the lines with a single leaf on each end.

Floral Divider With Branches

Another easy floral design, this one begins with three circles: one large and two smaller ones on either side. Fill the center with little dots and add curvy lines extending from either side. Next, add tiny branches with little round pips on the ends.

And there you go! You just learned to draw eight pretty floral designs to add to your Bible journaling.

Want more ideas? Learn how to enhance your natural handwriting with these Tips & Tricks.